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Review & giveaway: Pretty Little Pillows

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Pretty Little Pillows from Lark Books is a pretty little book that explores the creative possibilities that the pillow offers.  The underlying structure of a pillow is pretty basic: two pieces of fabric with some stuffing in between.  And yet it’s that simple structure that allows freedom to experiment with surface design, shape, and scale.

The book starts by explaining the basic construction of a pillow, along with some common finishing techniques and hand stitches to embellish.

Then, it gives step-by-step instructions (along with color photos of the more complex steps) to create 29 different kinds of pillows.  Each of these beautiful projects focuses on a different technique or material or use.  Projects like Afternoon Tea or Tropical Blossom give the pillow an interesting shape, while Twist-n-Tie or Smock It use techniques to alter the surface of the pillow and give it texture.

My personal favorites in the book include the Ribbon Rounds pillow, which is actually four long pillows tied together with pretty ribbons.  They’re functional together as a group, or you can untie the ribbon and use them separately as smaller pillows.  The Quick Change pillow, with two triangular flaps that can be buttoned to either side of the pillow, allows multiple looks with from one pillow.  Another favorite is the Cuddle Drops pillow, little dew-drop pillows with cuddly-sweet appliqued faces.

So that’s the review part of this post.  Now for the giveaway.

I’m giving away my review copy of Pretty Little Pillows to one lucky Craft Gossip reader.  To enter, leave a comment on this post telling me how badly you want this book.  I’ll choose the winner at random.  Deadline for entry is Friday, May 21, 20101 at midnight CST.  Good luck!

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Comments

  1. Oooh, how pretty! I need this book really, really bad, because I am living in Germany and we don’t have “pretty things”, here it’s all about being serious and doing your “Handwerk” right instead of pretty!

    Sonja

  2. How bad do I want this book … well let’s see…

    I want it so bad that I would run around my neighborhood screaming it.

    I want it so bad I would wear a sandwich board to the mall declaring it.

    I want it so bad I would trade one of my kids for it.

    … well maybe not that last one but I REALLY do want it.

  4. Haha, how badly do I want this book? Very badly! It looks adorable, full of amazing projects for kids and for the home, I’d really love to win it! Thanks for the chance!

  5. I would LOVE to have this book! I’m still new to sewing and love to make things for other people. This books is a perfect fit!

  8. I would love a copy of this book!! I’ve been thinking of making new pillows for our living room, but more than that I have a little girl who’s getting just big enough to start cuddling everything! The Cuddle Drops are screaming her name!!

  9. I would love, love, love this book! I am re-doing my living room on a strict budget…going to spice up our current furniture w/ some funky pillowes…this would so help in doing that!

  11. I woudl love to have this book!! Badly. I see so many cute ideas that my daughter (another pillow lover) would love to have.

  12. I definite would love this book, I love making pillows and I’m always planning on making some more and … it would be very hard to get that book here in Chile! So I really really want it badly!
    Thanks anyway just for the chance!

  13. Oh my… this would be an awesome inspiration for me! I alsways have the habbit to make something for friends of my girls and buy something when they go to a b’day [arty! I am desparately looking for something new! I managed to come by with handmad bags for the girls… But I am round. All theri friends have a little handmade bag! some of the girls are on for something new! This book would be great for my next move: PILLOWS ON THEIR ROOMS!!!!

    love Miranda

  14. I would love to win this book! I love pillows, in our home there are pillows everywhere but they all are regular pillows. I need fun pillows!! I need this book to made them! 🙂

  16. I am a pillow addict (I think I sleep with four on the average night). I could always use more fuel for my addiction.

  17. I absolutely love the innovative pillow designs in the book inspired to make a person not only think outside of the box but sew in the same fashion as well.

  18. Wow, what timing!!! I’m in the process of designing and creating a few pillows for a tremendously talented friend who has been knitting a few things for me… she decided that rather than payment for her incredible knitting skills, she wanted a few unusual pillows designed and made by me, since I have the sewing skills!! I can sew just about anything, but the creativity genes skipped me and went directly to some other part of my family… so I can use all the help I can get!!! Oh, to be so lucky as to win!!

  19. I want this bad!! Ok I am new to sewing and have never made a pillow. Oh wait I take that back, I made one in 6th grade by hand as a class project. But I need inspiration and I think this will be a perfect one!

  20. I want this so badly! I signed up to win it on another site and lost…if I lose again I may have to make a little trip to the book store.

  21. I love pillows! They are the best and easiest way to change your room decor! I also love how they are a simple project for the beginning sewer. The book looks as though it will have very cute pillows in it! Thanks for the competition!

  22. i want this badly becues making pillows are in my “to do list”
    i neeeed this to inspire me
    and above all
    i want this book!
    thanks!

  23. Oh, I just saw this book on Aimee Ray’s blog and I would LOVE to have it as I am getting the sewing/embroidery fever right now!!! 😀 Thanks for the chance!

  25. these are lovely!! I would love this because here in venezuela, we don’t even have nice fabrics anymore! We have to make our own beautifull items!

  26. I need this book, my house decor needs a overhaul except I have no money. I can sew, and new pillows are a great new decor to add.

  28. I had found this book on a list from my book club and it’s on my list of favorites. It has some clever designs. I’d love to win this giveaway!

  29. I want it bad enough to trade my kids for it, but since I want it so that we can make pillows for a beginning sewing project for them it creates quite a conundrum! So maybe I can just win the book and keep the kids?

  30. I’ve got to have this book! Here’s how much I want it: Well, I want it more than that, but I could’ve gone on forever. I love making pillows!
    Amy

  31. I woudl love to have this book!! Badly. I see so many cute ideas that my sisters(another pillow lover) would love to have.

  32. Looks like a great book filled with lots of inspiration! Might as well enter for a chance to win it. : )

  33. I have such grungy looking pillows on my couch now. It would be great to spruce it up with colorful HANDMADE pillows!!

  35. I’m from Israel and I’m addicted to those books series!! I’m just learning to sew and those books are teaching me so much. I desperately want this book!!!

  36. Oh! I seriously want this book! I have a bit of an obsession with pillows. That quick change pillow is fabulous! I am sure the projects are just full of awesome. WANT!

  37. I want this book so bad that I will make sure your name is praised into perpetuity!

  38. We are moving into our new house soon and this book would be perfect! Thank you for the giveaway!!!

  39. I’ve lost 40 pounds since the beginning of the year and I would love to get the book to make some pillows to rest my weary newly skinny body on! 😉 (Skinny is relative … compared to whales … right? LOL)

    I have the rest of the Pretty Little books and will be getting this one as well – they’re just too cute and fun to pass up! Thank you for a very creative giveaway – I’m having a great laugh at the posts, lol!

  40. It would be fun to have this book as it would help me to use up a bunch of fabrics I have stashed under my work table. My daughter would probably love a few more cute pillows for her bed. Thanks!

  41. lol, wanting and badly needing this! So need to make pillows, been on the to do list but… need inspiration! Hmmm, need this badly enough to give up chocolate for a month!

  42. Oh, they ARE so pretty! I badly need to cute-ify the pillows on my couch – they are plain ikea pillows without any covers! Argh!

  46. Oh, this is such a usefull little book. I would like it because I volunteer at our local hospital and we sew things for the gift shop and for the patients in hospital. This would be a very nice thing for our patients so have some “pretty” little pillows for Physical therapy or just to have for comfort. And how nice for the hospital to be able to cheer them up with a pretty little pillow to keep.

  47. WOW this is one I would love to help teach my daughter to sew with it looks fun and easy!!!

  48. I could really use this book. I can sew most anything with or without a pattern but pillows for some reason escape me. Of all the pillows I have sewn for our house I have yet to have one turn out exactly as I envisioned it. I am in need of pillow help.

  50. Oh I badly want this book. I know I shouldn’t- my mum always said that we should focus on our needs and not our wants… maybe I should be writing I NEED THIS BOOK. Its coming into winter here- perfect timing for snuggly crafts, couch makeovers, and cuddly pillows and cushions for the kids beds. Want/Need, I would treasure this book!!!

  51. I would love this book – I’m teaching my 7 year old son how to sew and pillows make great projects. This would be a terrific resource for us.

  52. I would like to own this book… cause I ve lost a job so I think about starting with some crafts. I believe that the book is full of beautiful projects.

  54. I would love love love to win this book. I have been obsessed with making pillows for my house lately but I seem to be stuck in a rut of only making square ones. I’m a little uncertain about how to go about the others but I am sure that this book would calm my fears.

  55. I want it so I don’t go stir crazy in the house… My crafty gene is turning into overdrive and I have no idea what to make with all of the fabric, vinyl and yarn sitting around my house right now!

  56. I love pillows and this book would just make me unstoppable in making more of them :)))

  57. I want this book SOOOOOOOOO badly! I was just about to buy it on Amazon when I saw this giveaway!

  58. I’m new to sewing and just love it. I would really love to have the book soI can make some nice pillows for my home. please!

  59. I need this book cause all of my friends are having babies and I need to make them cute pillows for their backs and then to make cute things for the babies too!!

    I would trade my kids for it but trust me you don’t want them! so I’ll offer my roommate, he at least does the dishes!!

  60. You have no idea how much i would love to have this book!!! See, i have a project. do a “julie/julia project” kind of blog, all about craft, doing a lot of tutorial, telling how was for me, with pictures n stuff. I wanna do this with a lot of books. But, i live in Brazil and here, we dont have books about crafting, well.. not really good ones, so i’m trying to get good books, and this one would be great!! I hope i win!!!

  61. I need this book because I am a craft book-aholic. That’s pretty much it. It looks fabulous and that is enough for me!

  64. I want this book. Badly. Like really badly. I will have the cutest pillows in all of Fairbanks, Alaska if I got this book. No kidding.

  65. I could really use this book with my students, they tend to think a pillow is square and in plain colours. The book might give them some other ideas.

  66. This book looks great! Very creative and pretty – I would love love love to have it! I will be requesting this as a present for my birthday at the end of this year – unless I am lucky enough to win it here!!

  67. I would LOVE to have this book! I had a baby boy in December, and while I think the crib set that my husband bought is cute, I want to make some more personalized items for baby’s room, and our room

  69. I love making little pillows! You can never have too many floating around. =0) I would love to have this book.

  70. Oh dear, I need this fantastic little book, because here in Germany we don’t habe such cute books, which inspire the fantasy. And it ssems to be wonderful to use the fabrics that are sleeping in my wardrobe….

    Kind regards from Germany
    Claudia alias [email protected]

  71. BADLY!!! I LOVE pillows and am just getting back into sewing after being away from it for years. I need my creative juices flowing and just LOOKING at this book is giving me ideas already! I CAN’T WAIT to see what’s inside!!! Thanks for the chance! ~Renee’

Have you read?

15 Charity Sewing Projects That Let You Sew Something Useful For A Good Cause

Let’s be honest, most of us have fabric sitting in the cupboard that was bought with very good intentions.

Some of it was going to become a quilt. Some of it was definitely going to become a bag. Some of it was purchased because it was pretty, on sale, and apparently I have no self-control around cute cotton prints.

But sometimes those fabrics are just waiting for the right project.

Charity sewing is one of those lovely corners of the craft world where useful meets meaningful. You do not need to sew an heirloom quilt or spend weeks on one complicated project. Many of the most needed items are simple, repeatable projects: pillowcases, small bags, blankets, drawstring totes, reusable pads, comfort pillows, and practical accessories.

The key is to always check the charity’s current guidelines before you sew. Fabric type, size, closures, washing requirements, and shipping instructions can vary, and nothing breaks a maker’s heart faster than sewing a beautiful pile of items that cannot be accepted.

Here are some thoughtful charity sewing projects and donation ideas to inspire your next stash-busting session.

Sew Powerful Purse Project

The Sew Powerful Purse Project is one of those projects that really shows how a small handmade item can carry a much bigger purpose. Volunteers sew crossbody purses that are used as part of a program supporting girls in Zambia with menstrual hygiene management supplies.

This is a lovely project for confident beginners or intermediate sewists who enjoy making bags. The finished purses are colourful, practical, and personal, especially when makers include an encouragement card inside. If you have bright cottons, cheerful prints, or sturdy fabric sitting in your stash, this is a beautiful way to use them.

Pillowcases For Children In Hospital

A handmade pillowcase is a wonderfully simple charity sewing project because it is quick, useful, and easy to batch sew. The Ryan’s Case for Smiles pillowcase instructions are designed for cheerful pillowcases that can bring colour and comfort to children facing serious illness.

This is a great project for sewing groups because the cutting and sewing can be done production-line style. Novelty prints, bright colours, and kid-friendly designs are perfect here. It is also a good first charity sewing project for beginners who want to help but do not want anything too fiddly.

Handmade Blankets For Project Linus

If quilting is more your thing, Project Linus blanket patterns are a wonderful place to start. They accept handmade blankets for children who are seriously ill, traumatised, or otherwise in need, and they offer pattern ideas for quilts, fleece blankets, and afghans.

A simple patchwork quilt, no-sew fleece blanket, or soft flannel blanket can all be useful, depending on your local chapter’s current needs. This is a great project for using larger cuts of fabric, orphan blocks, soft flannel, or those quilt tops you started with grand plans and then abandoned. We have all been there.

Pillowcase Dresses

The Little Dresses for Africa printable pattern directions show how a pillowcase or simple fabric yardage can be turned into a dress. It is a classic charity sewing idea because the design is simple, practical, and easy to sew in batches.

Use lightweight cottons, cheerful prints, and sturdy seams. This is a lovely project for sewing bees because one person can cut, another can press, and another can sew. Add pockets if the guidelines allow, because pockets are always exciting, no matter where in the world you live.

Dresses For Girls

If you prefer sewing from a more structured pattern, the Dress A Girl Around the World patterns and tutorials include several dress styles. These projects are a little more involved than a basic pillowcase dress, but they are still very achievable for most confident beginners.

This is a great option if you enjoy garment sewing but want a project that is not overly fitted or fussy. Choose durable fabrics that wash well, and keep decorations practical. Pretty is lovely, but sturdy is what makes the dress wearable.

Reusable Menstrual Health Kits

The Days for Girls volunteer program supports volunteers who sew menstrual health kits using their approved patterns and guidance. This is an important reminder that charity sewing is not just about making something cute. Sometimes the most powerful sewing projects are the practical ones that help someone stay in school, work, and community life.

Because these kits have very specific requirements, this is one project where you absolutely need to work through an official team or chapter. It is not a “wing it from Pinterest” kind of project. Fabric type, absorbency, construction, and cleanliness all matter.

Tote Bags For Foster Care

A simple tote bag can make a big difference for children entering foster care, especially when belongings need to be moved quickly. Fabric bags feel more personal and dignified than plastic bags, and they can be filled with toiletries, pyjamas, books, or comfort items depending on the organisation’s needs.

Use strong cotton, canvas, denim, or upholstery-weight scraps for these bags. Reinforced handles are worth the extra few minutes at the machine. If you are sewing for a local foster care organisation, ask whether they prefer certain sizes before you start.

Drawstring Bags For Hygiene Kits

Drawstring bags are one of the most useful things you can sew for donation. They can hold toiletries, period products, school supplies, small toys, or emergency care items. They are also brilliant for using fat quarters and larger fabric scraps.

Keep the design simple, washable, and sturdy. French seams or overlocked edges help the bags last longer. This is a great beginner project because it uses straight seams and very little fabric.

Zipper Pouches For Toiletries

Small zipper pouches are handy for charities that assemble care kits, hospital packs, shelter kits, or emergency bags. They can be used for toiletries, period supplies, medications, stationery, or small personal items.

If zippers make you nervous, this is actually a good project to practise on because the pieces are small and forgiving. Choose washable cottons, add interfacing for structure, and keep the size practical rather than tiny. A pouch that fits a toothbrush, soap, and a few personal items is far more useful than one that only fits a lip balm and good intentions.

Adult Dignity Bibs

Adult dignity bibs are thoughtful sewing projects for aged care, disability support, hospitals, and home carers. Unlike baby-style bibs, dignity bibs are designed to look more like clothing protectors, scarves, or aprons so the wearer feels respected.

You can find a simple Special Needs Bib Pattern on CraftBits. Use absorbent backing, soft fabric, and closures that are easy for carers to manage. This is one of those practical projects that may not look glamorous on Pinterest, but it is genuinely useful.

Walker And Wheelchair Bags

Walker bags, wheelchair bags, and mobility caddies are incredibly practical items to sew for older adults or people using mobility aids. They can hold glasses, tissues, phones, books, medication, water bottles, or small personal items.

The key here is function. Use strong fabric, secure straps, and pockets that are easy to reach. Before sewing in bulk, check with a local aged care home, hospital auxiliary, community centre, or disability support group to see what sizes and attachment styles are most helpful.

Breast Cancer Comfort Pillows

Small comfort pillows can be useful after breast surgery, especially under the arm or between the body and seatbelt. These are often made by sewing groups for hospitals or cancer support organisations.

Soft cotton fabric, gentle stuffing, and smooth seams are important. Avoid scratchy trims, buttons, or anything that could irritate sensitive skin. These are quick to sew, but they carry a lot of kindness.

Chemo Caps And Soft Headwear

Soft hats, scarves, and head coverings can be donated to cancer centres and support groups, but fabric choice matters. Soft knits, bamboo blends, stretch cotton, and smooth seams are usually preferred because sensitive scalps need comfort, not scratchy seams.

Keep the colours varied. Some people love bright and bold, while others prefer quiet neutrals. This is also a thoughtful way to use soft knit fabric remnants from T-shirt sewing projects.

Handmade Dolls And Soft Toys

Handmade dolls and soft toys can be donated to some children’s charities, emergency responders, shelters, and crisis support groups. They can become comfort items during difficult transitions.

Before sewing, check safety rules carefully. Avoid loose buttons, hard embellishments, long ribbons, or anything that could be a choking risk. Simple embroidered faces are often safer than plastic eyes, especially for younger children.

Pet Shelter Blankets

If you have fleece, flannel, old towels, denim, or sturdy cotton scraps, pet shelter blankets are a practical way to sew for animals. Many shelters use soft mats, crate liners, and small blankets for cats and dogs waiting for homes.

Check your local rescue group before sewing, because some shelters have strict washing and size requirements. Keep the blankets simple and durable. Fancy binding is lovely, but the dogs will not care, and the washing machine definitely will.

Fidget Quilts And Sensory Mats

Fidget quilts and sensory mats can be helpful for some people living with dementia, autism, anxiety, or sensory processing needs. These projects use different textures, safe closures, ribbons, zippers, soft fabrics, and tactile details.

This is a good project for experienced sewists because safety matters. Everything must be firmly attached, washable where needed, and suitable for the organisation receiving it. If you have a basket of odd trims, textured fabric, denim pockets, ribbons, and buttons, this project can put them to meaningful use.

Fabric Baskets For Care Packs

Fabric baskets are useful for shelters, hospitals, fundraising stalls, raffles, care packs, and community gift drives. They can hold toiletries, baby supplies, craft kits, snacks, or personal care items.

The Trendy Fabric Basket on CraftBits is a good example of a practical fabric container that looks lovely but still has a purpose. Use interfacing or batting to give the basket shape, and choose fabrics that suit the group you are donating to.

Tips Before You Start Sewing For Charity

Before you cut into your favourite fabric, contact the charity or local organisation first. Ask what they currently need, what sizes they accept, whether items must be pre-washed, and whether there are fabric restrictions.

Stick to washable fabrics unless the organisation says otherwise. Avoid strong scents, pet hair, glitter, fragile embellishments, and anything difficult to clean. I know glitter fabric looks fun, but no hospital laundry department has ever asked for extra sparkle in their day.

It also helps to sew in small batches. Make one sample first, check that it meets the requirements, then sew more. That way you are not left with twelve beautiful but unusable items and a slightly cranky relationship with your sewing machine.

Supplies Worth Keeping On Hand For Charity Sewing

Charity sewing is much easier when you keep a small donation project box ready to go. Cotton fabric, flannel, fleece, canvas, interfacing, zippers, elastic, bias tape, thread, drawstring cord, and batting scraps are all useful supplies.

Fat quarters are perfect for smaller projects like pouches, drawstring bags, pillowcase cuffs, fabric baskets, and little comfort items. Larger fabric pieces can become pillowcases, dresses, blankets, tote bags, and mobility bags.

 

If you want more small sewing projects that could be adapted for donations, try these next:

Scrap Fabric Bookmarks are lovely for literacy packs, school drives, library fundraisers, or little handmade extras inside care packages.

The Potholder Sewing Pattern is a practical kitchen project that could work for shelter welcome packs, community raffles, church stalls, or handmade gift drives.

The Trendy Fabric Basket is handy for organising care package items, baby supplies, toiletries, or small handmade gifts.

This roundup of Free Sewing Patterns for Tote Bags is a good next stop if you want more bag ideas that could be adapted for community projects.