On the Make: Grain Sack Cushions

Earlier this month I picked up a gorgeous vintage grain sack from a vendor at the Alameda Flea Market for $40. I wasn't sure what to make with it, but as anyone knows, these grain sacks are pretty hot right now in the home trends. Cushions run upwards of $100 each, even for the smaller sizes! But with the raw material in my own hands, I knew I could do something cool and different...and under budget.

I have three West Elm Overlapping Squares Chairs in beet red - one arm chair and two side chairs. One of the side chairs I use as my desk chair. I've had the same matching red velvet cushions on the chairs since I bought them, so I thought these could use a re-dux. Even with the large size of the grain sack I knew I'd be cutting it close with the yardage to re-do all three. So, I mixed in some of the fantastic "circus stripe" cotton fabric I purchased at the flea market last year. I bought a huge piece of this fabric after falling in love with its vibrant stripes of yellow, pink and red. It's vintage French and in a very soft, rich cotton. I loved its smooth texture against the nubby feeling of the grain sack, and I thought the play of stripes was a lot of fun.

I took apart the original West Elm cushion covers so I could trace them off and create patterns. Since they were pretty worn, I knew I wouldn't be keeping them so the destruction was final. (Sorry West Elm!) I used the bulk of the grain sack to re-cover two cushions - one for the arm chair, and one for one of the side chairs. For the thinner edges I used the circus stripe fabric which I think makes a successful dash of color. For the final side chair, I reversed the order by using the circus stripe on the large panels, and the grain sack on the edges.

I did still have some grain sack left (just not enough for another cushion,) so I made a toss pillow with it - a 14" x 28" one, to maximize on the fabric and the cool stripe. This pillow likewise reverses to the circus stripe so everything coordinates.

So, for $40 plus some fabric and zippers I already had on-hand, I made three seat cushions and a toss pillow. The room has been brightened up and refreshed. The colors are bright and crisp, and even though it's just a few pieces, everything feels "new"... What do you think?

Comments

[Catie]

I really enjoy when you share with us your handmade decor. Taking something and repurposing it (jewelry tree anyone?) is so inspiring and you have such a great eye (and brain) for it.

[Ms. P&C]

Thanks Catie! Sometimes I just need to make stuff... ;-)

[@marycray]

I've been tempted in the past month to pursue the creation of jam (for making jam) and ice sacks (for crushing ice -- created shaved-ice quality). Not sure if grain sacks (like money sacks) fit the bill. Thanks for sharing!

[jill]

Cute! If you had a sewing class, i'd sign up. You have a great eye.

[stylewylde]

Love the vivid colors, well done!