Pillow Critique?

[Former_Member]

I posted this in a critique team but no one is responding, and I'd really like some constructive criticism!

I designed a new pillow I think I'm going to start selling in my shop. I'd like to get some fresh eyes and an honest opinion on the pillow -- even if you don't like it! Since I don't have it in my shop yet, I am linking to the blog post I wrote about it: http://www.sewlodesigns.com/1/post/2011/02/made-by-you-mondays-birdie-tree-pillow.html

Thank you!

[Former_Member]

I love pillows! Yes, I agree with you the trunk is too wide, it takes away from the pretty leaves. Your bird my seem off because he is a little on the plump side and maybe a brighter fabric for the bird,seems he is key to the design. Very cute pillow.

[Former_Member]

Thank you so much!

[Former_Member]

It's adorable! I agree that the trunk should be wider, and you're right that something seems off about the bird... I can't quite put my finger on it.

Maybe you could try moving the tree a bit more to the right of the pillow and the birdie a bit more to the left so the overall composition feels more balanced rather than left-side heavy?

[FunkyGlam]

I think it is so gorgeous, for me I would probably prefer to not have the bird because it pulls my eye away from the beauty of the tree, but it is impossible to cater to everyones taste or decor. I love the chunky trunk. You are very talented

[Former_Member]

Thanks so much, everyone! I'm planning on trying another one tonight. I will do some more experimenting with the bird -- maybe tilting its face up, changing the color, etc. I did think about selling 2 kinds of pillows -- one just the tree and one the tree and the bird. I'll keep working at it with different placements.

You have been a lot of help to me!

[Former_Member]

Adorable pillow sewlodesigns! I love the little bird. I agree with latherandlotion He looks a little heavy sitting next to the tree trunk in the same dark fabric. You could try a lighter fabric (like the leaves) for the body and have his little wing be the same as the tree trunk.

Really cute design!

[Former_Member]

Or move the bird into the leaves? A hidden gem within the leaves. :)

[AChewsy1]

try it with a different background in addition to the trunk not being so wide.

The white background doesn help any...I would try a light blue or mint green color to make the pillow POP...even an eggshell or yellow/beige color?

I think the bird will be fine once you thin out the trunk of the tree...I say keep the bird...its unique.

-Annie

[WildPlumTree]

I love it! pretty much my thoughts have already been said ahead of me, so I won't repeat, but I 2nd the idea of moving the bird into the leaves - kinda slightly hidden - Great ideas!
Debi

[Former_Member]

I love it!! I do think the trunk could be less wide so it doesn't draw so much attention. Maybe a lighter brown color for the trunk. I love the bird as is..just maybe a brighter color. :)

Can't wait to see the finished product. It's so cute already!

[Former_Member]

Thanks!!! I love creative minds. I also love the idea of a different colored background -- what a simple idea, but I can see how it would make it so much better! I'm pretty sure I have some cream fabric and possibly some blue.

I'll make a couple different covers to see what looks best. You all are great!!

[RobinsArtAndDesign]

I love the idea of your pillow. I agree that the trunk is too thick and dark and takes away from the beautiful patterned leaves. I like the bird, maybe a little smaller and lighter in color. Otherswise, very pretty pillow.

[WhimzyThyme]

Your pillow is so cute. I agree moving the the bird in the leaves is a good idea. Great Job!

[Former_Member]

A very cute design. Maybe make the trunk thinner and use a light brown fabric so that there isnt such a stark contrast.

[AChewsy1]

sewlodesigns

please be sure to show us the revised pillows. I would love to see the results of our suggestions as a collective all put together! haha ;)

[Former_Member]

I like the bird where it is and think the thinning of the trunk will help. The bottom right now seems heavy or doesn't go with the top.
Love the idea and the leaves.

[Former_Member]

I will definitely show you the revised versions. I finished one tonight, but want to incorporate ideas into 1 or 2 more, so I'll post when I'm all done. The one I finished tonight already looks so much better by just changing the main fabric color and the bird color, as well as thinning the trunk. :)

[MelissaMarieRussell]

I love it! Of course I am partial to birds as you can tell :) I love the design but yes a slimmer trunk would look better. Can't wait to see the finished product! :)

[Former_Member]

Hello, friends! I've posted new pictures on my blog. I am really happy with the way these new covers turned out! As you can tell, I haven't sewn up backs to them (or put in pillow inserts) but the fronts are the most important part.

Let me know what you think! I'm partial to the 2 bird one, but I like both. I didn't put the bird in the trees, but did end up slimming down the trunk and changing the fabric colors of the back and the bird.

Thanks so much for your great ideas! Here are the new versions: http://www.sewlodesigns.com/1/post/2011/03/updated-pillow-designs.html

[Former_Member]

Bumping this for those who helped me! :)