Betsy's Crow Pillow Assembly

Here the finished pillow rests in it's present place on honor, in the living room where I can see it when I hook or watch TV. 

In a previous post I told you about the money saving idea Betsy shared with us in class.  The regular Walmart pillow at the top cost me $2.37; it is a standard bed pillow.  The craft store pillow below that cost $5.49 at least 10 years ago and yes..... I've kept it all that time sure that I'd make a pillow.  I'm sure it would cost more today. Problem was both crow designs were larger than the Mountain Mist pillow form.

With the hooked front and wool fabric back sewn together right sides together, then turned right side out it is time to stuff the pillow.  I cut a hole in the side of the bed pillow to remove some of the stuffing. 

Next is like trying to stuff an elephant in a gunny sack. I do this gently working on one side and then the other and sliding my hands to guide the pillow to the bottom and corners.

 Some of that pulled out stuffing is directed to those far bottom corners.



I have some great stuffing tools which I used when making dolls and they come in handy now to do this job.  Hemostats are magnificent tools and they come in all sizes; this one is large and has a curved point which is really nice to direct the stuffing in the corners.



 

With the elephant stuffed in it is time to close the pillow.  A little of stuffing had to be removed from the pillow again and think some of that went right back in the corners.



Then using large safety pins to contain the beast within I am able to whip stitch the closure by grabbing a section of wool back and thru the hooked row and thru the linen backing.  I'm using my thighs to help contain the beast.  Remember, I've already done the machine stitching all round the linen close to the last hooked row so it is secure.

After the pillow is sewn shut it is time to do the wonderful primitive binding which was shared by Betsy Reed in her class.  I have used this technique on a previous pillow as well as the Chicken Challenge rug. 

In a previous post I showed you how to make this cotton binding and if you are just checking out my blog or if you forgot google it in my blogger search, top left of page.

 

I started whip stitching the 2 1/2" cotton binding at the bottom edge using vintage crochet threat which I'd soaked in tea to make it aged.  The bottom seemed the logical place to start in case the pillow ever needed to be opened for some reason both the closure of the pillow and the ends of the cotton binding are at the bottom.

Should you choose to do this technique it is wise to do an outside edge row of hooking using undesirable wool or not your favorite colors which blend because you will be whipping through and under that last row of hooking as well as into the wool back. 

Now, go back to the top and check out that pretty pillow.  Mama's happy with it and will let the Magdalena crow piece rest until I can decide what I want to do with it.

Having more snow here and sleet...when is this #!&*$%! going to end??  Hopefully my new but newly repaired furnace will continue to provide me heat thru these frigid temps.  Hope you are all safe and warm.

Now to go find something to hook and keep me entertained.

Saundra