Mr. and Mrs. Ho Ho Ho pillows

Meet my Mr. and Mrs. Ho Ho Ho pillows!

I think they're really fun and cute, which is good, because I've got some history with these pillows. First, I tried the freezer paper stencil version which took 2.5 hours and the paint bled where it wasn't allowed to go. I used a linen blend and I think that was the big culprit. I threw an adult temper tantrum. It was ridiculous.

I had already bought the pillow inserts from Ikea, which was an adventure in and of itself, so I was fairly determined to make these pillow covers, and make 'em right. For round 2, I decided to stick to the medium I know best - sewing - and I ordered some quilting cotton and white felt and waited for arrival. Then it took quite a bit more time to carefully cut the felt out and then to carefully sew it onto the pillows with precision.

And then I thought I would like a white pom-pom trim on the pillows, however, once I sewed the trim onto one of them, I had second thoughts.

So I sewed the second one up without the trim and in the end I decided I liked it better without.

And I figured out why too. The white trim was too much of a contrast to the red fabric and it looked too cutesy to me. I wanted to finish them off right and really like them even if it took a little extra work because I had already put so much work (and $$$) into them. They're done now and happily sitting on my couch bringing a little extra Christmas cheer to our living room. If I were to make them again (as gifts), I would use heat bond and make them applique-style. I think that would be the easiest method (although still fussy) and I think it would look good too. 

The pattern and template for these great pillows can be found in A Hip Handmade Holiday.