The inserts usually aren't that expensive and you can buy the most beautiful material and make some .. If you can't sew do you have a friend who would do it for you? There are lots of people on this site who make their own so perhaps you could do a search for that.. I'm fairly new on here so sorry I can't help you out more. But like you I find that pillows can be way too expensive.. I love shopping at TJ Maxx and can find some there once in awhile.

I have 5 big fat down pillows I bought for $20 each at TJ maxx...the covers can be made of anything I like. There are a couple that need new covers....gotta get busy!
Linda C

I frequently find beautiful pillows at HomeGoods. But I do love love love the pillows with zip covers so you can change out the cover. And I have to say, that, even though I look at pillows everywhere, all the time, I really do think the Pottery Barn pillows are very nice.

Red

I have looked for pillows for many years at TJ maxx and Home goods to find PB replicas and finally just bought some this year at PB. Sometimes you get what you pay for.
The crewel work is lovely and the patterns unique.
I have some very nice needlepoint pillows that were high dollar from Michelian Home (not frou frou cabbage flower type either) that I have NEVER seen at the discount stores.

I looked for a solid year on ebay under needlepoint pillows and never saw ones there either. At least not at a price cheaper than Michelian Home.