But now, with a new modem in place, I hope to be back in the swing of things by the first of the week.
In the meantime, I want to give you a quick tip on using and choosing feather pillows for decorative use.
Whenever I can, I prefer using feather pillows. I feel like they hold up better over time, can be plumped & fluffed to make them look full again and can be reused when you're ready for another look.
Generally feather pillows will cost more that poly-fil pillows but if you use your pillows (and they're not just for looks) feather is often a better choice. I find poly-fil pillows usually don't have as long a life span.
So, that's why I love feather pillows! Except when this happens.
For some reason this photo makes me think of the Dr. Suess story, Horton Hears a Who. Go figure.
These little guys are great when they stay with their family but when they start venturing out on they're own...they're a nuisance!
To help confine these strays, I will often make a slipcover for feather pillows prior to making the decorative cover. I usually use lining I have on hand but you could use just about any type of fabric. Flannel, cotton, old sheets, etc. A slightly thicker fabric usually works best.
I make a simple pillow case for the pillow and machine sew it closed. It really makes a difference in keeping the feathers contained.
In this photo the left pillow has a cover while the right one is still bare. The far left fabric is a cover.
I also use this same idea with my bed pillows. Often the original pillow cover is not enough to contain the stray feathers. You can use an old pillow case, sew it closed and you're good to go! Of course, if you'd rather not go to the trouble of sewing one, you can always buy a pillow protector. But with a just a bit of time, this option is free!
If you or a family member have allergies to feather pillows, try looking for the down alternatives. They are a great...well...alternative!
I am so glad to see you are back! This post is so true, but I am allergic (like hives) to feather so I do use the alternative. I even have my "feather" clients insert their own pillows!
ReplyDeleteI have a feather pillow that was made from my grandmothers bolster pillows. I also wrote a blog awhile back about "feather crowns" that are sometimes found in pillows when they are taken apart to have new covers made. If you are interested in reading about the "old wives tale" you can find it here:
ReplyDeletehttp://campagnemaison-jacque.blogspot.com/2009/05/feather-crowns.html
Thanks for all your informative posts. I am excited about your upcoming wedding and can't wait to see all the pics as the plans come together! Best wishes to the happy couple!
Have a great productive weekend!
So true that poly pillows flatten over use and time...love the feather inserts and this is a good tip. Good luck with the wedding...I posted on mine today!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear from you again...thanks about the tip for using feather pillows.
ReplyDeleteI love feather pillows! Often times, I'm faced with reusing a client's poly pillows :(, so I run with it.
ReplyDeleteGreat information! I have a large chair that has feathers in the cushions & pillows. Love it but cannot use feathers as bed pillows.
ReplyDeleteHope you're taking some breaks for YOU in all this busyness. :-)
xo
Pat
I have some feather pillows that have some little feathers poking out! Thank you, for the tip on making a slipcover first before inserting them in to the fabric covers.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the upcoming wedding.
have a great day~ LC
Great feather pillow tips you got. As feather pillows are a luxury, you seem to know how to be taking care of it.
ReplyDelete