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Bolster Cushions for bedding – saves space and adds comfort!
an idea from Janet & David Crouch
We have our own type of ‘duvalays’ for sleeping which then store in cushion covers to use as bolster cushions during the day. We have to credit Heather Gould for the duvalay idea and Mary Coleman for the bolster cushion idea – thank you both!
Take a king size duvet cover and a single duvet – we use 7.5 tog. Measure the length of the single duvet and cut some of the length from the top of the duvet cover (approx 20cm); it’s best to turn inside out, sew a new seam across the top and trim, this doesn’t mean unnecessary alterations to the fastenings at the bottom edge. With duvet cover right side out, sew a long seam down the length, to create a pocket to take the single duvet – approx two thirds/one third. See image. Insert the duvet and there you have it. It is open on one side and the bottom edge so no ‘trapped’ feeling like a sleeping bag – it will work either side as it is reversible.
Bolster cushions. I found a You Tube on how to make these, bought some chenille type fabric from Pound Fabrics www.poundfabrics.co.uk – lots of choice of fabrics and colours and quick service plus zips and piping cord.
Ensure you make these large enough to easily pack the ‘duvalays’ into them. I think more by luck than judgement mine work well, but they are by no means perfect, the piping is fiddly. Fold the duvet in its cover in half length ways and then in half again lengthways, roll up and insert into cushion cover, one end at a time and squashing to fit them in, zip up and all done. We use two up against the back of drivers seat (tipped slightly forward) as a good back rest for reclining – or at the other end of our Morocco bench seat.
Advantages:
a) this frees up space under the bench seat for other items or extra bedding in colder weather.
b) we use the bedding rolls if visiting relatives or friends, much easier all round.
