I think you're right--if you have a need for something specific, and you keep trying to buy something that will work and coming up w/ "almost right," you can spend much more $ in the long run. AND time.

I think you're also right that many of us don't develop the contacts for something like that.

And, we don't know what they cost to have them made, and sometimes this means we don't even try to find out.

i went w/ custom bookcases w/ doors in my LR, and spent $1,500, which is more perhaps than cobbled-together cabinets, etc., would cost, but the look was great, they fit exactly.

This is one reason why I often think first of stuff like "make your own cleaning cart out of wood," bcs the ready-made solutions are sometimes just so frustrating, which can translate into costly.

Frankie, I think that's a great idea -- BUT you do have to be careful.

I do sew -- and actually, I found lined curtains for my laundry room -- ordered at a cutesy decorating shop -- far cheaper than I could have made them. Fabric can be incredibly cheap -- and incredibly costly.

I recently made a shower curtain for my bath. I wanted a floral print -- something different. I could buy a shower curtain at TJ Maxx -- Marshalls -- Tuesday Morning for $20.

The fabric that I made the shower curtain out of -- cost me a $120. AFTER a 40% discount and another 20% discount. I love it -- its beautiful and after a very economical remodel (thanks to ebay and ReStore) -- it was fine. But it wasn't cheap.

Just go in with your eyes open -- and get yourself on the preferred customer lists. That will save you a lot.

Cathy

I would try putting an ad on Craigslist for someone to sew simple things. Check with your senior center. Put a note up at the fabric shop. Sewers definately hang out at the fabric shop. Check the Home Ec (now usually call consumer science) teacher at the local high school. He/she may know of some kids who do nice work and would like the money. Your local upholstery shops will make items like this, but they would be expensive.

Pillows are simple if they are just squares turned inside out and and a pillow form put inside. They are much trickier if you are wanting a box shape, a zipper and cording on the edges.

There are several books on no-sew decorating you might want to check out. If you have a good library, they probably have some of them already. Or the fabric shop probably carries some.

Gloria

Here is a link that might be useful: no sew decorating books at Amazon

Joann's carried zippered pillow covers about 2 years ago. Don't know if they still have them.
My DD mailed me some fabric and zippers and I made her 6 simple pillow covers. Took me all of three hours to measure, cut, place zippers and sew around. Very simple. Others I have made for her we more complicated, needed cording.
If you have a friend who sews, maybe trade something for the labor. I sure would like someone to weed around here!
Kathy G in MI

I've been sewing pillow covers for a few years for myself and friends. The nice thing is being able to take it off to clean. Also, I make them with an overlapping flap in the back & make the flap at an end instead of the middle. Then I can store the extra covers inside the cover being used.

Pillow cases are really easy to make and there are a lot of no-sew varieties you could try that either use fabric glue or wrap and tie.