Introduction: Vacation Memory Pillow

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Making pine needle keepsake pillows is a great way to to pass time and create memories during camping vacations.

Step 1: Supplies

  • Enough fabric to make the pillow
  • Scissors
  • Needles
  • Thread
  • Pine needles (we are using Balsam Fir for these pillows)

In order to make these pillows during our trip, we brought the needles, thread and fabric from home.

Pack everything but the pine needles. Those will be collected on the trip.

Step 2: Collect Needles for the Filling

Collect enough needles to fill the pillow.

The more helpers you have, the faster the work goes.

Step 3: Cut the Fabric

Cut a piece of fabric so that when folded it is slightly bigger that twice the size of the pillow you plan on making.

Fold the fabric in half with the inside surface facing out.

The first two sides of the pillow will be sewn so that the seams are on the inside.

Step 4: Sewing Side 1

Fold the fabric on one of the cut sides to create a 1/2 inch border. Sew along this edge using any simple stitch.

Step 5: Sewing Side 2

Fold the next edge over and continue sewing along this side.

Step 6: Turn Pillow Right-side Out

With one side left to sew, turn the pillow fabric right-side out so that the pattern is on the outside.

Step 7: Fill the Pillow

Add the needles collected in step 2.

Step 8: Sew the Third (last) Side

Before sewing the last side closed, fold the fabric edge into the pillow. Pinch closed the now-folded edge and sew using a closely-spaced stitch. A hemming stitch was used in this example to securely close the pillow opening.

Step 9: Admire Your Handy-work

Enjoy! The pine fragrance will bring back memories for years to come.