Nancy Hartness: February 2008 Archives

It's Raining Gum Drop Pillows!

Amy Butler’s Gum Drop pillows that is! Every once in a while we come across a pattern that sparks creative fires here at Fabric.com. This pattern is a fine example of that phenomenon. I decided to make this pattern as a unique way to display fabrics at a tradeshow. When I brought it into the office it garnered quite a share of attention. It seemed everyone had unique ideas and creative thoughts regarding this little gem of a pillow pattern. What is a Gum Drop pillow you ask? Well to start with it is not a typical square pillow, it is an ottoman. The pattern has two sizes, an 18” wide x 9” high and 24” wide x 12” high. The body consists of eight equal panels and one top panel. It is a pillow you interact with-Sit on it, rest your back on it, prop your feet on it or just admire it! Amy’s new home décor line Nigella is perfect for this pattern. Nigella is medium weight twill with a very soft hand. The designs are an exotic blend of Neo Victorian florals and motifs that are sure to refresh any interior. Easy to make yet dramatic in style, this pattern begs you to coordinate and customize!

While Nigella is an excellent fabric selection this pattern adapts to many different fabrics and personalities. Take a few cues from our staff and create your special pillow for family and friends. Laurie paired novelty cotton prints with denim and heavyweight twill to create darling youth gum drop pillows for her two toddler sons. No fighting over these pillows as each has their name embroidered on the top panel. Laurie reports that this is their special seating for nighttime stories.

Moniqa used denim and Moda Funky Monkey to create gum drop pillows as a house-warming gift for her niece and nephew. Clever and creative, she added side pockets for convenience and storage!

I used poly cotton twill and an Alexander Henry print to create extra seating around the table in my family room. Surely I can't be the only person who eats at the coffee table!

I also paired dupioni silk and Amy Butler wood fern to create a large elegant ottoman perfect for the boudoir.

I could not resist the retro and mod home decor fabrics for my best friend’s two “tweener” girls. They love their special “cozy up” and watch “High School Musical” pillows!

I have been very busy making the gum drop pillow but I haven’t had the time to make the one version I am most excited about….Alfresco. I can just see what a hit these pillows will be on my deck in the spring and summer. Fabric.com always gets a beautiful shipment of outdoor fabrics and I can't wait to create extra outdoor seating for my “Do-Drop-In” friends.