custom pillow sham DIY

My family and I are getting ready to embark on an exciting new chapter in our lives. After much thought and prayer, we've decided it's the right time to host foster kids.
We began our certification classes about 6 months ago and completed the 30 required hours in December 2010. After the classes, we finished our home study, which included a three hour interview with a representative from the agency. She came into our home and asked us anything and everything, nothing off limits. They wanted to find out as much as possible about our family so they'll be able make a great match.

Our 15 year old son is most excited, asking all the time, "When are the Ninos coming?" So that's what we call them now....the Ninos. We're pretty much ready to go, except for the bedroom and I've been working on it non stop for the past two weeks. I dusted off my sewing machine and decided I would tackle the bedding and window treatments myself. I really love to sew, just don't always have the time.
I decided to do the room myself for two reasons. 1. so every detail was thought through and made with extra love and 2. to save some cash. I've thought about the Ninos a lot while I've been working on their room and even though I don't know them, I already love them.

One of the first jobs I tackled was these pillow shams. I documented the whole thing so you can make them too. With a little sewing knowledge, they're really simple to make.
Two of this size is comfy on a twin bed.

1. Cut out a 24" square for the front of the pillow



2. Cut out two 18 x 24" pieces for the back of the pillow and serge or zig zag the leading edge of the pieces.



3. Turn the ends under and sew a 1" seam



4. Overlap the pieces for the back and baste the top and bottom pieces together.



5. Cut out eight 2.5" x 31" pieces of coordinating fabric for the flange


6. Pin right sides of the main fabric and flange together and sew, stopping 1 inch from all ends.



7. Iron the corners together at a 45% angle. Turn right sides together, pin, and sew down the ironed line.



8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 on the pillow back
9. Sew the front and back of the pillow together, right sides facing each other. Clip the corners and turn right side out.



10. Pin the flange together so the front and back match up exactly. (you can add interfacing to make it stand up if you're working with a flimsy fabric)



11. Put the zipper foot on your sewing machine and sew the flange shut, making sure your stitch is as close to the edge of the flange as possible.



12. Stuff the pillow form throught the envelope opening in back with a 26" down insert. I like to use a larger pillow insert then pillow form for extra fluff. You're done!



I couldn't resist throwing the flower pillow in for a pic, but I think I'll remove it as soon as the boys arrive.