Patio Furniture Cushions – Soften The Look Of Your Outdoor Decor

You have created the environment you want inside your house, now you want to also create the perfect backyard environment. One of the main things that is going to make or break your backyard entertaining area is the patio furniture you choose. Let’s break down the patio furniture options:

Plastic – Plastic is low priced and easy to find in almost any color scheme, but the low price also comes with a cost. Plastic isn’t as strong as many other materials, and can be weakened by the sun’s rays.

Wicker – Wicker has a great homey feel about it. It looks handmade and is what many people picture when they think of sitting under a tree sipping lemonade. The down side is that wicker can be harder to clean over time, because dirt can get in between all the little pieces. The reed making up the design can also start to crack and break.

Aluminum – If you like lightweight metal, aluminum is what you are looking for. Aluminum furniture is easy to move around, and looks great. The down side is because it is a lighter metal it can be broken more easily than a heaver metal piece of furniture.

Wood – Solid wood pieces are going to put up with a good workout, and a lot of abuse. Depending on the wood type, you do have to worry about maintenance and make sure the wood is sealed.

Iron – Iron furniture is always beautiful, and very sturdy. There is not much that is going to hurt a piece of wrought iron furniture, except sea air. If you are near the ocean, the salt air can have a rusting effect on your iron furniture.

Once you have selected the material you want your furniture to be made out of, you need to consider how you are going to make them a comfortable place to sit and spend the day. This is where patio furniture cushions come into play.

While you may think one set of patio furniture cushions is like the next, the patio furniture cushions you need are going to depend on what you expect them to put up with in their day to day use as a part of your backyard environment.

If you are planning on having your furniture poolside, you need to make sure the constant moisture and chlorine from the pool are not going to harm your patio furniture cushions. It will happen that someone who has just come out of the water will plop down for a seat.

Direct sunlight can also have an effect on your patio furniture cushions and can bleach them out if they sit outside too long, so you may want to choose a color where it will not be obvious if it grows lighter.

On the other hand, if you are just planning on having these furniture pieces on a covered patio for some outside dining and grilling, you have much more flexibility in what they can be made out of, since the elements are not as much of a threat.

Related Patio Seat Cushions Articles

Sewing 101: zippered throw pillows

I’m going to show you how to make a zippered pillow cover, which is easier than it sounds, I promise. It looks super-professional AND has the added bonus of being easily changeable—I love the idea of making tons of different pillow covers and just swapping them out whenever you want a little change in a room.

Throw pillows are another fantastic way to incorporate cute textiles and DIY flair into your home without a great investment of time or money. If you’ve ever gone into a fabric store and wanted to buy everything because it’s just all so gorgeous, then pillows are a great way to put those fabrics to work in your decor. Bold or loud prints that would be too much used in large scale (like in curtains) can be just right for a little pillow pop on a sofa or bed.

The best part? You can make the pillow shown here in less than an hour!

A Word on Zippers

Ok, I know you’re not going to believe me when I say this, but installing a zipper is REALLY EASY. (There are many ways to install a zipper —some more refined than others—the method I’m sharing here is basic and very simple!)
BUT, if installing a zipper feels like it’s just too much, don’t give up. I’ll give alternate instructions at the end for how to make a pillow without a zipper. Everybody happy now? Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need

? yard fabric (if your pillow is larger than 16″, you’ll need more fabric)

1 pillow form (buy this at a craft store or upholstery shop)

1 all-purpose zipper about 4″ shorter than the edge of your pillow

Thread to match your fabric

Seam ripper

Sharp scissors

Straight pins

Tape Measure

Sewing machine

Zipper foot attachment for your sewing machine

Selecting and Preparing Fabric

Almost any type of fabric can be used for a throw pillow, but for beginners I recommend starting with medium-weight fabrics that are smooth in texture, like cottons or cotton-linen blends.

I’m using a Japanese print from the fantastic Etsuko Furuya for Echino line.

If your fabric is machine-washable, wash and dry it before sewing. This will pre-shrink the fabric, which is necessary to prevent the seams from puckering during future washings.

Finally, thoroughly iron the fabric before beginning.

Cutting

Cut two pieces of fabric that are the size of your pillow form plus 1″ in length and 1″ in width. So, if your pillow form is 12×16″, you’ll need two pieces of fabric that are 13×17″. This allows for ?” seam allowance on all seams.

Installing the Zipper

Place both pieces of fabric together with the right sides of the fabric facing each other and all corners aligned. (Be sure to situate both pieces so that the print pattern is facing in the same direction.)

Center the zipper along what will be the bottom edge of the pillow, since you’ll want the zipper to be on the bottom edge of the finished pillow. (Here, my fabric is flipped with the bottom edge facing up, just to make it easier to work with).
Place a pin near each end of the zipper, just INSIDE the metal stops at each end.

With a ?” seam allowance, sew the two segments on the outside of each pin. (This should be a short space of just a couple inches between the pins and the corners of the fabric.) Reinforce these seams by back-stitching at the beginning and end of each seam.

Next, change the stitch length on your machine to the longest length, which will allow you to baste the next seam. (Basting is sewing a long stitch which will later be removed; the long, loose quality of a basted stitch makes them easier to remove than regular stitches) With the stitch length set to long, simply sew the space in between the two short seams you just made. (Do not back-stitch to reinforce basted seams.)

Iron this seam open.

With the wrong side of the fabric facing up, place the zipper right-side down, aligning the zipper teeth directly over the seam. Pin it in place.

Change your machine’s presser foot to the zipper foot. Consult your manual for help with this if necessary; usually the feet snap off and on rather easily.

A zipper foot (shown here on the right) can be different for every sewing machine model, but it often looks like half of a standard presser foot (shown on the left). It allows you to sew right along the edge of the zipper teeth neatly and easily.
The zipper foot has a little sliding part that changes it to a right or left position, so just slide it accordingly depending on whether you are sewing the right or left side of the zipper. (That means you have to pop off the zipper foot after sewing the right-side seam, slide the zipper foot thingie over to the left position, then pop the foot back on the machine. All this only takes a second once you get the hang of it!)

Note: Be sure your stitch length is back to normal length for the remainder of the sewing.
Starting at the bottom of the zipper on the right side, with the zipper foot in the right-side position, sew down the side of the zipper. When you get near the end, stop the machine. Leave the needle in the work, but raise the foot, and gently move the zipper pull back behind the needle. Then lower the foot again and sew to the end of the zipper. Backstitch at the end of this seam.

Next, change the zipper foot to the left position, and repeat this process on the left.

And your zipper is installed! (That wasn’t so bad, right?) The seam is still basted closed, so from the right side, use the seam ripper to gently remove the basted stitches. (They’ll pop out really easily; just pick out any remaining thread pieces that are left dangling.)

Change back to the standard presser foot. Fold the two pillow halves so that they are aligned with right sides facing each other and all corners and edges meeting. Pin in place. Sew around all three sides with a ?” seam allowance. (The fourth side, of course, is the side with the zipper installed.)

Here’s how to sew around the corners: when you reach each corner, leave the needle in the fabric and raise the presser foot, then pivot the fabric 90 degrees, lower the presser foot again, and continue sewing.

Clip the fabric at the corners. (Removing the excess fabric here helps give you a nice, sharp corner once you turn the pillow inside out.)

Turn the pillow cover inside out, ironing the seams flat.

Insert the pillow form, and you’re done!

NOW FOR THE NO-ZIPPER PART

If you’d rather skip the zipper, just use your sewing machine to sew the two pieces of fabric together around three edges, plus about 2″ on each side of the fourth edge. Clip the corners and turn right-side out, iron the seam flat, then insert the pillow form. Using a needle and thread, hand-sew the opening closed. Of course, this pillow cover won’t be removable, but it will still be lovely!

Related Pillow Forms Articles

Supportive Pillows For Neck Pain – Best Supportive Pillows For Pain!

Greetings!  I’m Brett Rodgers, LMBT.  I would like to introduce you to the best supportive pillows for neck pain.  Yes, please click on the blue links within this article to see my product!  Millet hull pillows are an all natural, soft and comfortable, therapeutic and wonderful pillow for good healing. 

The best supportive pillows for neck pain need to be able to sit up and support your body while you are sleeping on your side OR while you’re sleeping on your back.  Millet hull pillows can do just that because the all natural millet hulls are firm and also conform to your head, neck and shoulders.  My millet pillows can sit up on their sides up to 10 inches high to keep your spine aligned and straight and they don’t get squishy like foam.  They can also lay down and allow you to have your head almost flat with the bed, supporting only under the neck and around the sides. 

Millet hull pillows are for sure the best supportive pillows for neck pain because they conform perfectly and naturally to your head, neck and shoulders. Millet hulls create a mold that does not “push back” like foam does.  You see natural millet hulls do not compress.  They create a mold and support naturally.  When you are looking for the best supportive pillows for neck pain you want to look for natural.  Think natural…not synthetic! 

My millet hull pillows are definitely the best supportive pillows for neck pain also because they are completely natural and do not outgas toxic chemicals like foam or memory foam.  Nobody ever slept on “foam” before 60 years ago!  Foam is a chemical, synthetic, plastic, petroleum product!  Yuk!  Human beings have been evolving for millions of years on natural, organic ingredients.  In our modern society many people have lost their connection with the earth and natural things.  My pillows are totally safe and natural. 

Please click on the blue links above and try one of my best supportive pillows for neck pain today! 

Ironic that the 10th video in my High Speed series features myself, ten is a lucky number for me. Either way, enjoy me tossing my favorite squishy green pillow at 210FPS. Comment, Rate, & Subscribe. Thanks!
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Luxurious Look and Romantic Feel Manhattan Pillow

Modern Manhattan silk pillow is very important that you get a good night’s sleep and a comfortable pillow can help make that happen. The cheap Manhattan silk Pillow measures are 12″ x 12″. The fabric is made of 60% cotton and 40% polyester, exclusive of decoration. The filling is 100% silk. There are many different types of pillows and you can find one that will be just right for you.

 

Get a one-of-a-kind look with this gorgeous comforter set! With an overfilled and oversized construction for an extremely luxurious look and feel. And a matching design on the pillow shams. Three different pillows and dark brown Euro shams add stylish touches. Plus, coordinating window treatments brighten up the view. Bed accessories of Manhattan silk pillows are limited quantities of exclusive designs, hand silk-screened and hand sewn. With such a wide array of pattern and color, you are sure to find just the right special pillow to brighten up your home. Modern design Manhattan pillows take inspiration from a step back into the past.

 

Made from Katie a soft feel will add great accents to any room. Instantly update your home decor with these soft 18-inch pillows, Romantic pillows feature comfortable silk pillow, Throw pillows feature bold color to enhance any room, Starlight throw pillow is a stylish addition to your home décor.

 

A bed Manhattan silk pillow is much more important than that. You should only feel the luxurious pillow but also lie down on it to see if it will be comfortable when you are in your bed. Decorative Manhattan silk pillow is a contemporary look with this silk pillow that will match any color scheme. Please purchase online http://www.katiewongnyc.com in NewYork city.

Great Outdoors With Outdoor Chair Cushions

Outdoor chair cushions are cushions that are used for chairs placed outside houses or building, like the pool, sidewalk, patio or even the veranda. These cushions serve the purpose to soften the chair for extra comfort and relaxation.

Outdoor chair cushions are usually plain, quilted, stitched or channeled and can either have square or rounded corners. They are made to fit chairs like Adirondack chairs, benches, high-backed club chairs, low-backed club chairs, bar stools, armchairs and many others. There are cushions for almost any kind of chair out there. There are those shaped like throw pillows and there are those with seats and back supports, just like regular chairs. Outdoor chair cushions can also have different colors or prints so they are good as decorative accessories.

The advantage of using outdoor chair cushions lie in the material they are made of. Due to the fact that these chairs need to be constantly under the mercy of natural elements like the sun and rain, it is essential that the materials is very durable. So, these cushions are often made from olefin, acrylic, Sunbrella, Outdura or polyester. These materials boast strength but are still lightweight, making them perfect to reduce stress on your back. These cushions are not only flexible but also always wrinkle free and in shape. Also, their resistance to mold and mildew, stains and fading add more durability, making cushions usable for long periods of time.

Here are some examples of outdoor chair cushions:

* Seat Cushion – Red Global

This cushion is 3 inch thick and is tied to the chair. It is 18″ long and 20″ wide, even made from polyester. It also features machine washable and is fade resistant. This is a simple cushion which will only cost you about .

* Wicker Seat Cushion – Tropical

Going up the line, this cushion is 4″ thick. It is also not only fade resistant and machine washable. You can purchase 2 of these seat cushions for .

* Reversible Chair Cushions

This is the top of the line in comfort and design.This cushion is awesome because they are 6″ thick and they come with back support. These cushions are only about and features machine wash ability and even fade resistance.

Outdoor chair cushions are available in various shapes and designs which makes them perfect for decoration. There are cushions for almost any kind of chairs-benches, stools, club chairs, Adirondacks, etc. They can have different colors to match the material of the chair and the kind of outdoor environment they are placed in. Besides, there are companies that offer custom outdoor chair cushions. This allows owners to design their own sets of cushions to suit their tastes.

Related Round Chair Cushions Articles

Types of Pillows

Pillows are made with the aim of making one comfortable either when seated or when lying down. To enjoy the comfort that they are meant to provide, it is important for one to understand that pillows come in many types, all intended to meet different needs. It is good to have some knowledge on the different makes that exist, so that you can know which ones are best suited to meet your sleeping or relaxation needs.

There are orthopaedic pillows that are specifically created to help your body stay in good shape as you sleep. They align your neck to your spine, ensuring that you do not develop spine problems later on for adopting the wrong sleeping posture. Many traveling pillows are also classified into this category. They have a U-shape and they give support to your neck and head when you are sitting. However, they sometimes tend to make the neck stiff.

Lumbar pillows are also classified under the orthopaedic category because they are also supposed to support the spine around the lower back. They are recommendable for people who sit for long hours, especially students who study the whole day long. The purpose of the pillows is to bridge the space between the chair and your back such that you do not strain the back.

One more type of pillow that falls under the orthopaedic category is the donut pillow, designed for people with colon and hemorrhoids problems. People who suffer pain around the tail bone should also take advantage of this type of pillow as it is designed to offer support around the tailbone area. However, when buying the orthopaedic pillows, be really sure where the emphasis lies on the part of your body that you need to give the most support.

Visit www.clarkrubber.com.au Clark Care products have been produced with the best in mind for you. Every product is made from enhanced memory foam for extra comfort and support. Our foam contains Ultra-Fresh’, a unique treatment that controls odour causing bacteria and ensures lasting hygienic freshness – all adding to the long life of your Clark Care product. Our Clark Care range is endorsed by the Chiropractors Association of Australia and is supported as a National Asthma Council Sensitive Choice’ product, for its low irritant and low allergy features. Visit www.ClarkRubber.com.au for more information
Video Rating: 5 / 5

More Tailbone Pillow Articles

Why You Need Dog Pillows

“Every man needs his bed and every dog needs his pillow” could be an urban saying nowadays. As you don’t like sleeping on the floor, the same goes for your dog and you can not leave your companion to sleep on something so uncomfortable and cold! Sure, sometimes you would like him to sleep in your bed because of his loving energy, but he, like you, needs a place of his own.

When I got my companion Puffy, I wanted to keep him by my side all the time and spent some nights with him because he was crying. I felt that he needed me and I should protect him and so it became a custom to let him sleep at my foot side. I saw him feel protected so I thought this is the best way to care for him and raise him. But he started to grow – he is a golden retriever – and our habit became uncomfortable more for me than for him. He didn’t realize his size and was just glad to sleep on my bed.

I had to do something so that I could sleep and also make Puffy comfortable in another sleeping arrangement. As usual the main way to find a solution was the Internet and the faithful pet owners’ forum. People there made me understand that it is not good for Puffy to sleep with me because he will become too attached to me and will suffer a lot when I will leave for more than a day for some reason. He should have a sleeping place of his own just like where he eats and plays.

All sorts of on-line stores sites bombarded me when I Googled “dog pillows” and I found shopping world I haven’t yet known (amazing). You can choose from hundreds of colors and shapes to best fit your pooch. And if you’re stuck between two, you can take more than one to replace the old ones – believe me they get ripped very quickly! There was one very cute that I couldn’t resist: a slipper shaped pillow that Puffy found as much fun as I did. He can cuddle in it and also play with the dog pillow, dragging it all over the house, where he finds the best place to take a nap.

I know it’s hard to let go a little from your “baby” but always try to think about his wellbeing more than your feelings! This means that you really need to buy him a dog pillow and get him used to it.

Get a good night’s sleep with a super-soft pillow!

Most people don’t realize it but the kind of bedding they buy impact the quality of their sleep and even the quality of their life. If you think about it for a moment, the reasons are obvious. You spend about 6-8 hours or more in bed. It is only natural that an activity that takes up so much of your time has a direct effect on your health and well being.

The right pillow can give your neck just the right kind of support it wants. According to experts, a number of neck and spine related problems are the direct result of using the wrong kind of head and neck support while sleeping. Therefore, choosing the right pillow is important – and not just for a good night’s rest.

There are a few important factors to consider:

Size: The size of the pillow you buy is directly dependent on the size of your bed. A twin bed requires two standard pillows. For King and Queen sized beds, corresponding sizes are available in pillow sizes too. In case you enjoy using a smaller pillow, you could always have a standard pillow on a King sized bed. In luxury hotels, it is common to see 4 king sized pillows on a Queen sized bed. So, really, there is no right choice. Your comfort is the deciding factor.

Sleep mode: We all desire a soft pillow beneath our heads. But, before you buy a particular pillow, it is important to know how you sleep. If you sleep on your back, a flat standard pillow is most suited for your back. If you sleep on your side, you are better off with thicker but soft pillows. If you sleep on your stomach, a soft and slim pillow is the best. In each case, choose a pillow that keeps your neck at the same level as the rest of the body. If the neck is higher or lower than the rest of the body, you’ll soon develop a pain in the neck!

Firm or squishy: Some people like their pillows firm, while others like it squishy. Again, there is no right choice here and your personal preference is the best guide. Generally, people who sleep on their stomach are better off using a soft pillow, while those who sleep on their back may find it more comfortable to have a firm pillow underneath their head. Supersoft pillows are filled with a revolutionary material and they allow your head to simply sink into the pillow.

Pillow cover: The pillow cover is as important as the pillow you choose. A soft pillow encased in a ghastly looking cover can kill the look of the entire bedroom. Since pillow covers tend to get dirty rather fast, it is important to choose a material that can be washed and dried easily.

So, the next time you find yourself tossing and turning in bed, consider whether your pillow is the culprit. If it is, remember these tips when you get ready to buy new pillows!

Find More Pillow Squishy Articles