Pouf-y DIY

Is anyone else obsessed with poufs?

I've been seeing them all over home blogs, as well as in fancy-schmancy designers' homes. I've wanted one for a while, but as I've mentioned before - I have an aversion to spending money on anything I don't need. Actually, I always turn to Eric if I'm trying to justify a purchase. He can convince me to buy a cute dress every once in a while, and he reminds me that sometimes it's OK to spend money (check out the story of the blender). Anyway, I asked Eric if we should get a pouf because I really wanted one. He said, "um, no. What would we even do with it?"

Honestly, he's right. It's kind of silly. But I just think they are sooooo pretty. I really want this one:

But, um, it's $450. So. Anyway.

I decided to make one! Want to see it?

Ok, so it's definitely not as awesome as the leather one above, but I am so pleased with it! And it was really easy to sew. Even for a novice like me. I used this tutorial:

BHG Pouf Tutorial

There is obviously no need for me to re-write the tutorial, so if you're interested check out the simple step-by-step instructions. I do have a couple of comments if you decide to give it a try:

• The thing that actually takes the longest is cutting out the patterns. Don't give up! It gets easier!
• I used a very sturdy home decor fabric so I left out the lining. I think it was probably a lot easier to just deal with one layer of fabric instead of two.
• I didn't do the decorative stitching or add the top octagon shaped end-piece. I like the way those look, but with the fabric I chose, I wanted it as simple as possible.
• As the tutorial says, you can use anything to stuff the pouf. I used old foam, ripped up pillows and a lot of old t-shirts.

If you're wondering what I use it for, well, it comes in handy all the time. I use it to sit on, I sleep on it, I eat on it, I read on it, I pray on it, I put stuff on it. Juuuuust kidding. I've literally put my feet on it once. But hey, I like the way it looks.

Pouf.