I was doing a little fall cleanup around the apartment yesterday, swapping out warm weather clothes for cold and digging through bins of old books, when I came across a few back issues of House Beautiful, an old stomping ground of mine back in the day. As busy as I was, I couldn't help but take a little trip down memory lane, flipping through pages and remembering how much fun I used to have doing the column Weekend Shopper with my friend, photographer Brendan Paul. Now I've loved antiques for years, ever since I was a caterer doing parties in people's homes, filled with beautiful, old silver, china, glass and linens. It was a lifestyle I’d always wanted for myself but couldn't afford, especially as a high schooler with a side gig arranging crudité. So I turned to flea markets, thrift stores and junk shops, educating myself on the job about what was good, then going out and finding it on the cheap. Over time, I learned what to look for when I shopped or, rather, what to look past. For me, that’s what Weekend Shopper was all about—how to take something dusty and dated and turn it into something totally fresh and unexpected. So from time to time, I hope you don’t mind if I revisit some of my old favorites from those years. Weekend Shopper might be a thing of the past, but like any change of season, its inspiration lives on!
Braswell Galleries up in Norwalk, Connecticut I’ve loved for years. There’s such a great assortment of antique furniture and tabletop, together with vintage fashion any Sex and the City girl would gag over. Take these old silk scarves I found in a colorful mess way in the back. Now if you’ve ever been to Ralph Lauren where you live or even ABC Carpet here in the city, you may have seen pillows made from silk scarves that sell for hundreds of dollars. So I thought, why not take some of the ones I found at Braswell’s that go for about five bucks a pop and turn them into fun, fashionable pillows?
The first thing I did was pick up a few inexpensive coordinating silk solids from a remnant shop here in town. To sew them, I suggest following these simple steps. Mine had welting and a zipper, just to give them a more finished look.
Once the pillow cases are done, all you have to do is stuff them with inexpensive inserts from Michael's or Jo-Ann Fabrics.
Check out the final results! How cool and colorful are they? And if you can't get to Braswell's anytime soon, ebay's full of great vintage scarves from Vera and Liberty of London.
One question I get a lot from people is what are some fast, inexpensive ways to spruce up a place, and pillows are just the thing! How great would these be for adding a little vintage charm to a worn out sofa? Toss them on the floor for a casual perch come party time. And for a truly Bohemian-chic bedroom, mix patterns and colors together for a look that’s fun, flirty and oh-so-Domino!
Speaking of, have you sneaked a peak at the new November issue? There’s a little spread of our apartment that’s full of great ideas for holiday entertaining. Come back tomorrow for the full story!
Such a lovely project! Sewing is akin to thrift shopping in that you can create something new and unexpected by adding a little here and there to a found item to invent the perfect "new" accessory. I invite your friends who wish to visit the world of home dec sewing on a regular basis to look us up at Nouveau Stitch Home Dec Sewing Forum (http://nouveaustitch.lefora.com). Love you Eddie!
Posted by: Ellen | October 23, 2008 at 02:11 PM
Oh Eddie! I had no idea you were THAT Eddie Ross. I have been getting HB for longer than I can remember and Weekend Shopper was one of my fav features! I miss it so. I loved the issue in which you turned those beautiful blanc de chin parrots into fabulous lamps.
Love everything you do. You are über talented!
Posted by: nkp | October 23, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Oh Eddie, that was you! Of course I remember Weekend Shopper and I miss it so. I have been getting HB for longer than I can remember and that was one of my fav features! I didn't realize you were THAT Eddie Ross. I remember a pair of lamps you made from a pair of blanc de chin parrots. So beautiful! Love all your projects, you are an amazing inspiration!
Posted by: nkp | October 23, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Simple elegance! The piping is understated and gives the pillows great detail...but I gotta tell you; I love the last shot of your feet propped up on the pillows on your settee! Well done, again.
Posted by: Garrison | October 23, 2008 at 09:58 AM
You've got more talent in your pinky than I have in my entire body.
I can't wait to learn how to sew so I can try this out!
Posted by: JuliaL | October 23, 2008 at 08:05 AM
IMMUNITY!Eddie you rocks!
Posted by: Oliver Huang | October 22, 2008 at 10:10 PM
Long time reader, first time commenter {doesn't that remind you of some cheesy radio show phone-in caller?}
I really love the pillows. You've made it look so simple and easy to sew up a quick cover out of great finds.
Also, keep all the flea market finds coming! I'm a sucker for a flea market/garage sale/thrift store. If I see a sign, I have to stop, even if I don't need anything. I might be missing out on a treasure, after all!
Posted by: Chelsea | October 22, 2008 at 09:59 PM
I'm loving your blog and the pillows are gorge! I am an expert in soft furnishings and I just finished a new book on bedding which includes over 500 different varieties of pillows. I'll send you a sneak peak of my illustrations. Keep up the good work your are beautifying the world - one pillow at a time!
Jackie
Posted by: Jackie Von Tobel | October 22, 2008 at 09:52 PM
OMG! I totally remember that article and I think I have it saved somewhere. I had no idea that was you! So cute! We missed you at Domino tonight but can't wait to see you Saturday!!!
Posted by: Habitually Chic | October 22, 2008 at 09:12 PM
Eddie,
Again you have come up with a fantastic idea. I love sewing my own pillows and do it every season for a change. You need to write a book a or get your own show. I am looking forward to reading your next idea. gina
Posted by: gina | October 22, 2008 at 07:02 PM
Now I know what to do with some beautiful silk scarves my husband brought back from China!
Posted by: hayseed | October 22, 2008 at 07:01 PM
Love! Honestly, Eddie, you seriously need your own design show or magazine, TRULY!
Posted by: DecorPad | October 22, 2008 at 05:44 PM
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your scarf pillows. I swear - every day I learns something new from you and your genius mind. What a talent!
Posted by: Kara | October 22, 2008 at 04:07 PM
I love them !! Such a pity I don't have a sewing machine...(well, I am not sure I'd have the skills to use it!). Anyway, your cushions look great !
Posted by: flipperdelph | October 22, 2008 at 02:58 PM
Eddie, I'd like to make a recommendation for a regular feature. How about if a person sends in a picture of an item and you tell them how you'd improve it (a la your SA finds)? I have an oak china cabinet that I need to freshen up but don't know where to start. I'm sure other people have the same problems or could get inspiration from real life siutations.
Posted by: FloridaBird | October 22, 2008 at 02:39 PM
Hats off and scarves too. You've convensed me that I need to learn...I've got dozens of left over fabric rolls in my attic...
Posted by: J.Covington*Design | October 22, 2008 at 02:38 PM
i mean seriously eddie, what can't you do?? i'll just add sewing to the long list of things you have already perfected....
Posted by: Pink Wallpaper | October 22, 2008 at 01:47 PM
May I just say how glad I am to have found you! I've started tuning in this week and am so impressed with your talents as displayed in your posts. Such creative ideas and suggestions!
I've always loved flea markets and antiquing and now I feel like I have some guidance as to what to look for, so thank you. Now it's time to go make me some pillows...
Posted by: Tabitha (From Single to Married) | October 22, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Well, add me to the long list of your fans. Can't remember how I was lucky enough to find you, but oh so happy I did. Your post on the SA the other day and that china cabinet...painted french gray (sigh), I have my old one in the garage and have been trying to GIVE it away. Now I have to find room for it in my house. You are amazing! (I guess Martha has a wonderful gray in her paint line...will have to check)!
Posted by: Debe | October 22, 2008 at 12:58 PM
love that!! I can't wait for my domino to arrive so I can check out the article...good for you, congrats!!
Posted by: hanako66 | October 22, 2008 at 12:40 PM
What a great idea! Now only if I knew how to sew. Great post as always! I have a new weekend project.
Posted by: Chazzy | October 22, 2008 at 12:13 PM
they're totes cute. I may have to go search for some liberty scarves today.
Posted by: KnitXcorE | October 22, 2008 at 12:04 PM
great post, your sewing abilities are impressive!
Posted by: beachbungalow8 | October 22, 2008 at 11:27 AM
You know, I've seen this project before but your pillows look sooo classy! You have a real talent for taking old projects and thrifted objects and making them look fresh, classy and new!
Posted by: Melanie O. | October 22, 2008 at 11:08 AM
You have so many fans, Eddie! Thank you for your creative and always generous approach.
A blog entry on flowers inspired by your videos:
http://dearlittledesigns.blogspot.com/2008/10/floral-ode-to-eddie-ross_22.html
Posted by: Hallie | October 22, 2008 at 10:16 AM
I've loved thrifting for years now and thought I had it all covered, but you have given me so much inspiration!! Wow, what a creative mind!!!! I'm so hitting the SA today looking for scarves! Love your apartment- it's so beautiful and the old silver you have found!!! Question; where do you store all of your tablewear??
Posted by: Christy | October 22, 2008 at 10:16 AM
What a fabulous idea, Eddie!!! You are amazing!
Posted by: Mimilee | October 22, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Of course you can sew. Of course you can. Darn. I need to learn. The pillows are wonderful - and what a great resource. Can't wait to see the new domino as all my blogging bffs seem to be in it!
Posted by: Mrs. Blandings | October 22, 2008 at 09:40 AM
Eddie, you are too much. Please move to Kansas City! You could charge$ for your "classes on decor"
Posted by: Karena | October 22, 2008 at 09:31 AM
Those look beautiful! What store did you go to the remnants?
Posted by: EB | October 22, 2008 at 09:30 AM
And you can SEW too! I can't even manage to sew on a button without blood and tears -- much to my Scottish mum's chagrin! The design for the pillows is a truly GREEN project -- recycle, reuse and re-decorate! Well done indeed!
Jan at Rosemary Cottage
Posted by: | October 22, 2008 at 09:06 AM
I love this idea!! I make pillows out of scraps of fabric, or real expensive fabric (it’s much less expensive to just buy half a yard and back it with something else) all the time. I love switching them out to change the mood of my room.
Scarves are a fantastic idea, thanks for posting this! I can’t wait to read more of your AMAZING ideas down the road.
Posted by: LindsB | October 22, 2008 at 09:02 AM
LOVE the pillows!!! I am currently looking for pillows for my sofa - now I'll be looking for silk scarves instead!!
I can't wait to see Domino!
Thanks for today's inspiration Eddie!! I'll be thrifting this weekend!!
Posted by: Mona from Toronto | October 22, 2008 at 08:51 AM
I just have to say Mr Ross, I am so smitten!! It seems that with every post, you are giving me wonderfully creative inspiration with such tasteful and timely projects. You have sophisticated taste while remaining down-to-earth (one of my favorite combinations!) and these are ideas that I can definitely bring into my home.
p.s. i love how you explain how to get there and not just tease us with the exquisite end-results!!
Posted by: carolina p | October 22, 2008 at 08:37 AM
Eddie, That must have been a fun job, doing that column.. What a great idea for the pillows! Can't wait til the Nov. Domino comes! Great post! :)
Posted by: Ivy Lane | October 22, 2008 at 08:33 AM
You never cease to amaze!
Posted by: pigtown*design | October 22, 2008 at 08:15 AM
In addition to not sleeping, he sews too! Nice pillows. ♥Rosemary
Posted by: Content in a Cottage | October 22, 2008 at 07:53 AM
You were made to be on a stage, Eddie. How did Martha find you? I don't think she's ever going to let you go. Lol! Thanks for making every post a fun narrative - even the shorter ones like this are really satisfying. Looking forward to tomorrow's TD. Please tell me it's not you who leaving. I'm guessing it's Mrs. Schroeder.
Posted by: Marie | October 22, 2008 at 03:07 AM
Your blog is SO inspiring! I'd love to have your sense of direction in a flea market. Where would you recommend a novice begin her education in antiques?
Posted by: Shana | October 22, 2008 at 02:21 AM
I've only recently discovered your blog and can't wait to have some time to go back and read your older posts. I've also been cheering you on on Top Design.
Posted by: sandra/tx | October 22, 2008 at 02:12 AM
I've recently discovered your blog and just love it! I've been watching you on Top Design each week. Whether or not you win, your blog is definitely a winner.
Posted by: sandra/tx | October 22, 2008 at 02:11 AM
I just found your blog and am in LOVE! So many wonderful ideas and inspirations. And I love you on Top Design...if you don't win I'm seriously going to boycott the show next season!
Posted by: Jackie | October 22, 2008 at 12:40 AM
Eddie, you never dissappoint. I love this post. Thanks for sharing a bit of your past. Like a classic hermes scarf, these ideas are forever chic.
Posted by: Seleta | October 22, 2008 at 12:27 AM
i've been collecting scarves at thrift stores and recently bought a sewing machine for this very reason! such a cost effective, budget friendly thing to do to. the november issue is STILL not on stands here yet but i continue to check every day...can't wait to see it!
Posted by: kay* | October 21, 2008 at 11:54 PM