Please Heart Me Pillow

Valentines day is tomorrow, this is another project to whip up if  you can use a sewing machine.They are perfect for your littlest valentines. I made the boys these when we had to go to the hospital overnight to have Shiloh, both boys told me several times that they read and re-read the note and when I looked at it I could tell it was very worn. I made them just as much for me as for them though, it made me feel better knowing if they were sad these pillows and notes would bring them some comfort. Sometimes a little comfort from home is crucial, especially during a difficult season. I told the boys they should make me one too, they don't seem to think they can use the sewing machine though, which is true.

These heart me pillows don't take long at all. You should have plenty of time by tomorrow, but these make great gits for your kiddos anytime- they work great for sleepovers, hospital stays, when they are sick, or anytime when they aren't staying at home. The idea comes from Amanda Blake Soule's book Handmade Home, she calls it The Family Heart. I call it the Heart Me Pillow.

The extra special feature is that it has a little pocket and now that both boys can read well they love it when we write notes to them. They beg The Husband to leave them notes when he goes to work.

What you need:
It is super quick, all you need is fabric, for whatever size heart you want (doubled so you have both sides) and then a square or rectangle of another fabric for the pocket, again it can be whatever shape or size works for you. You will need stuffing, and you can add lavender, rosemary or another herb to your pillow to give it a scent. I left that out. And a sewing machine, or the time and patience to do it by hand.

What to do:
Gather all your materials. Then cut your fabric, (for mine I used two pieces of fabric, about 8" by 8") making sure the 'right sides' are facing each other, cut out your heart. For your fabric, choose something your kiddos will recognize, not new stuff if you can help it. I used some of The Husband's old shirts and for the pocket pieces of an old linen dress I wore a lot. Remember that you will need space for a seam as you sew the sides together so take that into consideration. I cut out fabric with about 1/4" extra for the seam.

Before you sew the heart front and back together take the front of your heart and attach the pocket, using a zigzag stitch around three sides, while leaving the top open. You will need to first hem the top if you are not using a felted material, or you can let if fray if you choose.

After pocket is attached to the front, place both hearts (front and back) facing each other and sew all the way around leaving just a small hole, about 2" so you can add the stuffing. Trim points and rounds with scissors, allowing for less bumpiness, trim fabric close to the stitching with caution. Cut notches around the curves, carefully avoiding getting to close to the stitching.

Turn right side out, push out the curves and points. You can iron, I never do, but I am lazy. Stuff with your stuffing. Sew up your 2" opening by hand using a backstitch.

For more of the craft ideas I've posted: Knitting, Sewing and other Craftiness

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