One of my favorite hemp fabrics is the versatile 11 or 12 oz. semi-bleached canvas. It’s the ideal weight and texture for so many home décor applications: pillows, cushion covers, upholstery and shades. Hemp canvas is durable; wear and tear softens the hand over time but the fiber remains strong. The milky natural color has a subtle yellow cast, like pale butter. It's one of those goes-with-everything neutrals. No dyes are used to achieve it, just hydrogen peroxide. And, here’s a tidbit that might surprise you: the color deepens slowly with age and sunlight exposure resembling a tea stain. Get it at Hemp Traders.
Pillows
Oct 13, 2011
Aug 17, 2011
DIY Natural Fiber Pillows
Have you ever bought a pillow and discovered after only one or two nights it’s not comfortable at all? Or, perhaps you liked the support but realized the fiberfill or fabric was irritating your skin or lungs? I’ve experienced the same frustration many times, which is why I now make my own natural fiber pillows. By using loose fiber, such as organic wool bolus or kapok, I can customize the level of support and not worry about off-gassing irritants. My healthy bed pillows are comfy, adjustable and more affordable than ready-made versions. Check out my easy-sew instructions and material resources for making your own. Sleep well!
Sep 11, 2010
Quick Hemp Pillow
Hemp canvas and a 1950's linen towel combine beautifully to make a stylish, sustainable pillow cover. Easy-to-make and no need to cut up your vintage treasure. Stuff with an organic fiberfill such as wool bolus, kapok or cotton or reuse one of your existing pillow forms. Here's how to make it:
1. Cut 2 pieces of hemp fabric the same size as your square pillow form plus 1/2" seam allowance on all sides.
2. Center towel on right side of one of the hemp squares making sure to line up top end of the towel with top edge of the hemp. Pin and edgestitch towel to hemp on all 4 edges. Do not cut off excess towel at bottom.
3. With right sides together stitch front and back hemp squares together along top and sides using 1/2" seam allowance. Leave bottom edge open.
4. Turn pillow cover right side out. Press 1/2" seam allowance and excess towel at bottom towards inside. Insert pillow form or stuff with fill. Pin front and back folded edges together. Hand stitch closed.
This pillow cover can be easily deconstructed when no longer needed. The vintage towel will be in tack ready for another use and the hemp fabric can be re-purposed or composted.
Mar 30, 2010
New Uses for Old Decorative Linens
I went to a neighborhood estate sale last weekend and came home with a bag of happiness. It’s hard to resist charming embroidered linens from the 1950’s, and earlier. The cheery floral designs and colorful stitching are definitely mood enhancers!
Originally designed as table runners, dresser scarves and arm rest covers these decorative pieces inspire many new uses like a bolster wrap. Read on for pics and how-to.
