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BUY or DIY – poufs

Moving into my second year of blogging, I want to start including a few weekly or bi-weekly series. If you’ve been following for a little bit, you probably know that I DIY a lot, though there are also times where buying is better.

So here’s my take on BUYing or DIYing. I’ll be looking at cost of material, time invested and the probability of pulling your hair out.

First up, the pouf. Poufs are a staple in so many homes because they are incredibly versatile (perfect for a foot rest, extra setting, a step up when needed, etc.), affordable, and often the perfect accessory to finish a room.

the Moroccan pouf:

via

Buy – available from serena and lily, overstock, ebay among others ($110 – $450)

via

or DIY, tutorial via Better Homes and Gardens 

The tutorial is very clear and easy to follow; however, it does require a good bit of more complicated sewing (like more complicated than sewing in a straight line :). I don’t have a lot of patience with sewing, so while I think that it is completely doable, it’s probably not for me. Maybe when I move closer to my mom (aka sewing genius!)

Also depends if you would like leather or fabric, leather can be pricey and more difficult to sew.

So for the Moroccan pouf, I would say BUY (unless you rock at sewing!) In fact, I just bought one from here 

Square Dhurri Pouf:

Buy – West Elm Ansalusia Dhurri Pouf $249 (currently on sale for $199)

or DIY – tutorial via retropolitan. Easy to follow instructions and $9 for rugs from Ikea (and filling of your choice) will get you a large square pouf. If you can sew in a semi straight line this should be fairly easy to try. The only thing that concerns me is that my lower end sewing machine can’t handle the thickness of the rug…  I would want to test a thicker material first.

So for a Square Dhurri style pouf, DIY, but maybe with a lighter material! Although, the West Elm ones are gorgeous … it may be worth it if you are in love with the pattern and can’t find a good substitute!

What’s your take, would you like to try either of these DIYs or would you rather buy?

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Comments

  1. Julia Konya says

    February 26, 2013 at 12:13 pm

    Oh, I pinned the same tutorial. I'd love to see you do the DIY tutorial 😉
    But I think I would buy one.

    Reply
  2. April Hoff says

    February 26, 2013 at 1:27 pm

    I'm with you on this one, buy it for sure! I love the idea for this series…I'm always trying to figure out what I should try to tackle myself, and what to DIY. Great idea! Love your blog, by the way, I've been stopping by regularly since I found you via Pinterest a few months ago! 🙂 – April Hoff housebyhoff.blogspot.com

    Reply
  3. Cocalores says

    February 26, 2013 at 1:34 pm

    I agree that the thickness of the material might be a problem for the sewing machines – it would be a verrrry expensive pouf if it ruined the machine! 😉 Cute choices!

    Reply
  4. Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says

    February 26, 2013 at 2:11 pm

    I was soo close to DIY'ing a pouf, but chickened out. Etsy to the rescue. 🙂

    Reply
  5. tracy says

    February 26, 2013 at 2:37 pm

    Love your blog! I was drooling over the West Elm poufs last year and went through the same though process…DIY or buy? I ended up making one with a coffee sack that I had purchased! http://creativehomebody.com/how-to-make-a-floor-pouf/

    Reply
  6. Genevieve Chambliss says

    February 27, 2013 at 5:30 pm

    I think I'd buy also. I'd be afraid that if someone actually sat on one I'd sewn, that it would split or something. Love the new look of the blog also!

    Reply
  7. Jennifer Bridgman says

    February 27, 2013 at 7:14 pm

    I'm so torn on this…been thinking of making one or two for my girls' playroom but just can't decide if I think it's worth the effort!

    Reply

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