Friday, December 6, 2013

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
 

20 comments:

Unknown said...

You did a fabulous job, and the price is amazing!! Looks so pretty with your throw!

My Garden Diaries said...

I am tearing up right now...I know that sounds nuts but that pillow is GORGEOUS!!!! To think that you made that out of a drop cloth and second hand sweaters just blows me away!!!! You have completely inspired me friend! I am telling you right now that it looks better than the Pottery Barn one! You are amazing and I am pinning this! Your space is just perfect by the way...love those candy canes! AWESOME!

Unknown said...

I just love your pillow. I only wish it was in your etsy shop, and I had seen it first.

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

Wow, I am impressed! Such a beautiful pillow and much more special than a store bought (overpriced) one!

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Debra at HOMESPUN: http://www.thehomespun.com said...

It is gorgeous and the work involved in something like this requires patience and talent..and clearly you have both.

What a great idea to mimic it yourself...not only is it as pretty as the catalog one, it is now a family treasure :)

Lori @ Dining Delight said...

I thought your "link" pic was going to be the actual PB pillow! Yours looks fabulous- even better than theirs and I can't believe you made it basically from scratch. I was sure it was going to be out of a placemat that already had the design on it. You are one talented lady...and patient to wait till you had it finished!

DD

Christine @ Rustic-Refined said...

Wow, love it. It looks better then the PB one, Yours is handmade and will last for years!

XO,
Christine

Anonymous said...

Cindy, I absolutely LoVe your pillow!
It's beautiful, thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Wow, I feel so untalented. lol. This turned out fabulous! And makes me which I was more crafty! :)

All The Pretty Dishes said...

You did a great job with the pillow. I wish I had that talent.
Thanks also for stopping by my blog and leaving your nice comment.
Randee

Suzanne said...

What a beautiful pillow! And so much more special than anything mass produced! I love your reuse of old, felted sweaters. What a clever way to add a unique texture. Thank you for sharing such a creative idea!
Suzanne

Linda P said...

A beautiful design and I'm full of admiration at your creativity and talent.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh I love this, what a gorgeous pillow. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

Judy Hartman said...

I just saw this post, Cindy. I'm floored by your pillow! You did a beautiful job and I can see how much work you put into it! Absolutely lovely!!

Leslie Harris said...

this is so beautiful. And I'm so impressed! Someday I'd love to have the talent to make such a special pillow. I love the plaid one you made out of napkin too!

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

as a lover of PB pillows, I can honestly say your pillow is lovely and looks just like theirs. makes me want to get out my old craft stuff and make one for next December. Thanks for showing your pillow.

Anonymous said...

What's not to love when the knockoff is better than the original! I noticed you had piped yours, always a high end detail. I would love to make this but I have never felted wool. Do you just boil it up on the stove?( That is the way I preshrink cheap cotton, LOL.) You did a great job. It's just beautiful.

Brandi said...

Your pillow turned out so nice! I just love it! I did a knock-off version of PB's pillow too.

Katherine said...

Came over from Knock Off Decor. Your pillow is AMAZING!! I can't imagine embroidering all those tiny stitches by hand. Beautiful job1

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