Pottery Barn Knock-off Pillow

  I love Pottery Barn pillows.  But ~ I can't always afford or justify spending  what they cost ~ even at the outlet prices. So, I decided to create my own knock-off of their "Holly Branch Embroidered Cover" and because I used a lot of what I already had around the house,  it cost me under $5 to make. ~ I found this photo from last year's Pottery Barn Christmas catalog and copied it as closely as I could, not having actually seen the pillow in person.  

  For the pillow fabric, I used a prewashed painter's drop cloth.  It was a little stiff for doing embroidery, but the thickness gives it lots of body and durability.   I started by tracing faint pencil lines for the main branches.  Then I made paper patterns for the holly leaves and pine cones, which were made from wool Goodwill sweaters that I had felted a few years ago.  I guess there are  advantages to never throwing things away after all.

 

   The rest is hours and hours of hand embroidery.  I worked on it mainly while  watching TV in the evenings and through one very close and tense  college football game last Saturday.   

  It's been years since I've done any embroidery work, so the stitching isn't the best,  but I had fun and it works for me.

I finished up the pillow with self-cording to dress it up  a little and a zipper for easy removal.  

  It has found a nice home on the club chair with my newly purchased Pottery Barn chenille throw.  They make a cozy and comfy pair.

  So now, my favorite living room chair is ready for some Christmas chilling.  

 

  Linking with ~ The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays ~ Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday ~ Mod Vintage Life for Mod Mix Monday ~ The Everyday Home for The Scoop ~ A Stroll Thru Life for Inspire Me Tuesday ~ Common Ground for Be Inspired