Star pillows, Grandma, and my oldest son
August 2003
I’ve been thinking about my grandmother a lot lately. I always do when I sew. My grandmother was an amazing seamstress, talented and with an eye for style. She sewed because she loved it. Well taken care of by my grandfather, she took in work as a seamstress for the pure pleasure of doing a job she loved. She sewed clothing for herself and her children because it made her happy and gave her satisfaction. Grandma passed away September 2005, less than a week shy of her 90th birthday. I inherited her sewing machine and table, which proudly sit in my front room. It’s a daily reminder and memorial to me of my grandmother and her many talents.
Throughout my grandmother’s home were star pillows. On every sofa, bed, and chair you would find at least one. Made from various fabrics and in various styles, they were everywhere. And she’d made them all. So I decided to try my hand at making some. My attempts are much more pointy than hers, but still, I am really happy with what I came up with. They make me think of my grandmother, her feisty personality (4’10” and 90 lbs, grown men didn’t mess with my grandma!), and her love of beautifying the world around her.
So, in honor of my grandma, I’m sharing how to make a star pillow, four different ways. I’ve included my pattern, and if I can ever get things a bit more full like hers were, I’ll update and edit with that as well.
| Basic | Piped | Pieced  | Fat |
All four styles are based on my memory of pillows in my grandmother’s home, with my own take. They’re kind of like chose your own adventure pillows! Just click on the pictures and they’ll take you to the corresponding tutorial.
And like my grandma, I just seem to keep making more. 
In fact, not only did I make 6 pillows this weekend, that basic star pattern kept creeping it’s way into other craft ideas, too. Throughout the week I’ll share those, as well, all using the same star pattern foundation.
Thank you for your inspiration, Grandma. I miss you and I love you. 
Me, my oldest son, Grandma
August 2003
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14 comments:
Beautiful memories...beautiful stars.
Cute cute CUTE! I love them all and I'm excited to look through the tutorials! Thank you Sabra! How fun! And just in time to get some fun pillows made for the 4th of July!
I think I would have enjoyed your grandma....
These are so great and what a lovely memory!
{REBEKAH}
What a wonderful way to remember your grandma. I love the pieced pillows. I think I need to carry on the tradition and add some to my couch, and I think Ms. Hope could use a fuzzy pink one for her new room, LOL!
- Kimberlee @ www.TheSpunkyDiva.blogspot.com
What a beautiful memory! I love crafts with a story behind them. Your grandma would be so proud of your lovely stars!
Thank you for sharing your memories.
Very heart warming...family is so important.
And thank you for sharing your star pillow! Perfect timing for me. Going to make one for my grandson. He just finished kindergarten and we think he is a star!
Love the star quilt, and the memories you shared of your Grandma! Thanks for linking @Creative Itch's "Sew Cute Tuesday"!
That photo of your Grandmother with K is priceless.
Thank you for sharing such a special memories about your grandma. Sounds like she was a wonderful lady.
She's so beautiful. I bet you miss her so much. God Bless!
That first picture is priceless. The pillows are great. I love all of the different ways you made them. Lisa~
OMGosh, I love those star pillows. They would match the barn stars I have in my house :o)
I came her via Made By You blog hop. Drop by and see me sometimes over at Pittypat Paperie.
How wonderful that you remember your Grandma with such sweet thoughts. She really must have been special. I, too, inherited my Mother's 201-2 but mine is from about 1953, but it looks the same except it doesn't have the embossed plate on the end of the machine - mine has straight striations, but it sews just as well as your grandmothers, I'm sure.
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