My Summer Den Decor For Under $2

My Summer Den Decor For Under $2 added an especially nice look to our Patriotic den this year.

I’ve paired up with a group of talented ladies to bring you a monthly Thrift Store Decor Upcycle Challenge. Each month we create a new home decor piece from an item(s) we’ve found at a thrift store, yard sale, resale shop etc. There is no budget or specific theme so we are free to let our creativity run wild!

Meet our talented crew of bloggers

Amanda | The Kolb Corner     Chelc | Inside the Fox Den     Erlene | My Pinterventures

Kim | Made in a Day     Sara | Twelve on Main     Debra | Shoppe No. 5

Shirley | Intelligent Domestications     Marie | DIY Adulation     Lindsay | Crazy Organized

Michelle | Our Crafty Mom     Julie | Live From Julie’s House     Colleen | Life on Kaydeross Creek

Maureen | Red Cottage Chronicles     Pili | Sweet Things     Sherry | Savvy Apron

Ann | Duct Tape and Denim     Dru | Polka Dot Poplars

Megan | C’mon Get Crafty     Jennifer | Hydrangea Hippo

You can also follow our board on Pinterest for more upcycled decor inspiration!

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This month I’m sharing my new Patriotic Envelope Pillow Covers I made using thrifted  fabric. It was a steal at only $1.50!

I lucked up at one of my favorite thrift stores when I found these red, white and blue fabric pieces. They were precut into big squares which just happened to be the perfect size to cover my sofa pillows. I don’t know if they were meant to be for quilting, probably so but I used them to make Envelope Pillow Covers for a little summer decor. 

Of course one of the least expensive ways to change den decor is changing out your pillows. Go here to see the envelope pillow covers I made last fall using men’s plaid shirts.

Pocket or Envelop Pillow Covers are not hard to make.

First, get your measurements. I just lay my pillow down onto my work surface and measure across adding about an inch to each side for seam allowances.

The back fabric will be cut into TWO PIECES to allow for the overlap pocket. Measure one side of the two pieces  about 5 inches larger than the other piece to allow for that overlap.  See bottom right photo.

Trim any excess.

Prior to pinning and sewing the front and back pieces together, you will fold over, iron and stitch the hem of the envelope pieces where you will insert the pillow. For a more finished look, you may like to fold it down twice. Be sure to press it flat with the iron prior to sewing.

Now, pin the right sides together. To make it easier, I like to line up both of the back pocket pieces nice and neat and then pin them down smoothing constantly as I go to avoid wrinkles when sewing.

Sew right sides together leaving at least 1/4″ seam.

I always have a companion when I’m sewing. He keeps a watchful eye on the outdoors but occasionally likes to stretch out and touch whatever I’m working on.

After sewing all of the right sides together, press the fabric again and turn right side out.

You may want to press the seams down one more time.

Insert your pillow and you are done!

Our sofa pillows before their new envelope pocket covers.

For under $2, I was able to create a whole new look for our summer den decor by making a pair of Patriotic Envelope Pillow Covers.  I enjoyed using red, white and blue for summer decor this year. You can visit our God and Country themed Simple Summer Mantle post here. My Patriotic Tablescape was really fun this summer and that post is here.

My Grandma crocheted the afghan many years ago. I don’t usually take it out but thought it would be perfect for our Patriotic den decor this summer.

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Be sure to check out all of the other creative upcycle projects my fellow bloggers have come up with!

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