How To Make Coasters, Pillow and Table Runner

Improvise instructions based on the types of bridesmaid dresses in your closet. "Some fabrics are trickier to work with than others," Maxwell says. "But keep in mind that even the lining, lace and trim can be used."

COASTERS

• 2 yards sheer fabric from long skirt

• 2 yards satin lining from long skirt Scissors

• Straight pins

• Sewing needle

• Thread

• Fabric marker

1. Cut 20 5-inch-square pieces of sheer fabric and 20 of satin lining (2 yards of fabric will make about 20 finished coasters).

2. Pin together one sheer and one satin square with right sides of fabric facing each other, leaving a 1-inch gap.

3. Sew, half inch from cut edges, around entire square, leaving a 1-inch opening.

4. Turn sewn fabric through 1-inch gap, and hand-sew closed. Iron flat.

DECORATIVE PILLOW

• 1 12-inch pillow form

• ¾ yard 20-inch-wide fabric, cut from skirt of dress

• 54 inches of thin cording or fringe

• 1 8-inch invisible zipper

• Scissors

• Straight pins

• Sewing needle

• Thread

• Fabric marker

1. Cut two 13-inch-square pieces of fabric for front and back of pillow.

2. Pin squares together with right sides of fabric facing each other. Sew in zipper 1 inch from raw edge; with cording pinned 1 inch from raw edges between the two pieces of fabric. Sew remaining three sides 1 inch from the edge.

3. Turn sewn fabric, iron if necessary, and insert pillow form.

TABLE RUNNER

• 2½ yards of sheer fabric (in this case, cut from wrap)

• 2½ yards of wool fabric (purchased separately)

• 2 decorative tassels

• Scissors

• Straight pins

• Sewing needle

• Thread

• Fabric marker

1. Cut two 19-by-73-inch pieces of fabric (one from sheer wrap and one from wool).

2. On each side, at each end of runner, bring ends in to form a point; pin together with tassel inside.

3. Pin together the two pieces of fabric with right sides of fabric facing each other, leaving a 3-inch gap.

4. Sew around the entire edge, 1 inch away from cut edge.

5. Turn sewn fabric through the 3-inch gap, and hand-sew closed.

Iron if necessary.