Personalized Pillows

As I have mentioned before, The Graphics Fairy is my favorite place to go for vintage graphics -- from pillows, to furniture, to crafts -- The Graphics Fairy shares the most beautiful and creative designs.  I don't know her, but I think she's wonderful!

I've also just, "Googled" and found designs to transfer onto pillows. 
Hang on...here comes my best try at telling you how to transfer images via Citrasolv.  I am lucky in that I have a Jerry's Artarama nearby which carries this stuff.   It's actually a degreaser (I think), but not available everywhere.  Google to find where you can buy it near you.  It's not that expensive.

1.  Obtain image to transfer.  When you get it the size you want, change it to MIRROR IMAGE or your words will come out backwards.  (You won't be happy if that happens.)  Print out your image on a LASER PRINTER.  (Has to be laser...no inkjet.)

2.  Cut your fabric to size.  One tip I learned (somewhere) is, drop cloths at Big Lots are silly cheap, and create the best looking fabric to transfer vintage images.  I think they run between $6 and $8, depending on the size.  They are durable, soft (when washed) and the perfect "canvas" for your masterpiece, you can make a Gozillion pillows from one drop cloth.  Decide on the size of pillow you want.  A lot of that will depend on the shape of your graphic and how much space you want on all sides, then give yourself an extra inch all around for sewing.

3. Time to transfer!  Take your laser printed image, center on fabric and tape across the top of the paper to the fabric.  You will not want to disturb the "transfer process" by lifting up, but it will secure it and allow you to check your transfer at the end.  Now for the fun!  Get a small amount of the Citrasolv on a cotton ball, and rub lightly over a small area to transfer.  Then, take the back of a metal spoon and press down and rub FIRMLY, in small circles to transfer your image.  Follow this method throughout the whole transfer.  When you think you have FIRMLY pressed every inch, gently lift up the paper.  If there are any areas which you have missed, lay the paper back down; go over again with the cotton ball and press EXTRA hard.  Repeat until you're satisfied.

(Most people screw up a lot when first trying to master this!  Keep trying!)

4. SEW!  Pin together with the other side of the pillow, and sew inside out.  Find a trusted friend or youtube video of how to sew a straight stitch.  Trust me, if I can do it, you can do it!  Then...stuff it, and seam up the hole! 

5.  Enjoy your Masterpiece!!