Throw Pillows

Update the traditional ticking-encased pillow by making an ultra-comfy throw pillow. This red and blue patchwork pillow is easy to make: Using sewing shears, cut eight ticking remnants into 8 1⁄2" squares. Machine stitch four squares together to make one 16" square. Repeat to make another 16" square and iron both flat. Place squares together, right sides facing, and join by machine stitching on three sides. Reverse the cover, stuff with an all-purpose polyester form, and hand stitch the fourth side closed.




Cover a Lampshade

Measure the diameter of the lampshade bottom and top, and add 1 1/2" to each. Measure the shade's height and add 3 3/4". Cut a length of fabric to size with sewing shears. For the bottom hem, fold the fabric 3/4", iron flat, and machine stitch. Cut a piece of string 1" longer than the fabric's length, fold the top 1 1/2" of the fabric over the string, and iron flat. Machine stitch two straight lines (1/2" below the fold and 1/2" above the fabric's edge) to create a drawstring seam. Fit fabric over lampshade, draw the string tightly over top of shade, and tie. Evenly distribute folds and stitch seam closed.




Trim a Shelf

Embellish a shelf with ribbon ruffle: Measure the shelf's length and add 5". Cut a length of wire-edged craft ribbon to size. Apply a length of double-sided tape to shelf's edge. Attach the ribbon to tape and fold it back as you go to create a pretty flounce.