Fabric Flair

Tutorial Tuesday ~ Circle Tabletop Project

This is such a cute and creative idea for decorating the top of a round table.  Tablecloths are often too fussy or too easy for little ones to pull off (along with anything that might be on the table).  A clean, contemporary alternative, this project from Ty Pennington at Home posted on the Woman's Day website is an easy way to add a splash of color and style to your table.

 

Glass top suggestion ~ Pier 1 used to have round glass tops in a variety of standard table sizes.  They were a much more affordable option than having a piece of glass cut specifically for your table.  Of course, though, if your table is an odd size then a custom cut glass may be the only option.

My Project Monday ~ Better than plain pillows

When I began making my great room pillows, I had intended just to make a few with printed fabric but no other embellishment, nothing fancy, just plain pillow covers.  I quickly decided that would be boring and the ideas starting flying through my head like a ball in a racketball court.  Here's one idea I came up with.

I love this Alexander Henry fabric and I didn't want to add anything to distract or take away from at least one pillow cover made from it.  So instead, I decided to use a little more of the fabric to add some texture. 

• I cut a 16.5" square of my fabric for the front of the pillow (the pillow form is 16", plus 1/2 inch for the seam allowance).

• Then I cut long strips of fabric the same length as my pillow.  I didn't plan ahead how thick I wanted the strips to be, so I would imagine making them thicker or thinner is just a personal preference.  I decided to do 3 because I wanted to add just a touch of texture to the middle.  More would have been nice, but I got tired of fraying!

• I carefully frayed the edges by pulling individual threads on both sides of the strips.  Again, how frayed you want the edges to be is up to you.  Pull more threads for a more tattered look, or less for a cleaner look.

• Pin the strips in place. 

• First I stitched down the strips, close to the edges.  Then I stitched down 2 more times, weaving back and forth over the strip.  I liked the random look of the stitching, rather than trying to tediously keep the rows straight.

• Then I proceeded with the construction of the pillow cover (see tutorial here).

As you can see, from a distance the embellishment is not strong, and actually may not be very noticeable.  However, it gives just enough interest and texture close up to stray from the plain, flat pillow cover.

Tutorial Tuesday ~ Stenciled Envelope Pillow

Okay, so if you've figured it out by now, this past week I've decided to become alliterative with my blog posts.  I'm not sure if the titles will stick, but they're cutesy enough for now!

Since I gave you a peek at some pillows I've been working on yesterday, I decided to go in search of a simple envelope pillow cover tutorial.  Envelope pillow covers are really the simplest, most-cost effective and storage-effective pillows you can make.  Easy to change when the mood strikes, pillow covers fold neatly in a linen closet rather than wasting space with full size pillows.

A quick search turned up this tutorial from the DIY Dish, where twin sisters Kim and Kris share their creative inspiration in short video tutorials for all kinds of great projects.  If you've never made an envelope-style pillow cover, this video will show you just how easy it is!

 

My Project Monday ~ a plethora of pillows

In effort to make a few changes in my great room, that is, trying to make it feel a little more youthful,  creative, and contemporary, I recently began remaking all of my pillows.  I would say that I wanted to add a handmade touch, but actually all of my previous pillows were made by me.  There just wasn't much creativity involved.  The fabrics were heavy and predictable french/italian country style, with yellow and gold damasks, stripes, and brocades as the dominant theme.  I wanted something more quirky, maybe even a bit whimsical.

I decided upon a few Alexander Henry fabrics and then just simply set to work.  None of the pillows were planned out.  I just sort of made up the rules as I went.  The unique combination and crafty style has created one of those "I think my husband is humoring me" moments, as I'm having trouble discerning if he really likes them or not!  But I told him not to worry, I still have all the boring, traditional style pillow covers, so I can always throw them back on if need be!

I'll share how I made a few of them on a later post, I just wanted to give you a peek at my latest sewing frenzy and whim!

My favorite one to make was the pillow with the chrysanthemum petals.  I'm not sure if my applique process is going to hold, but the unexpected mix of prints and the desparately random layout made it an intruguing puzzle.  Especially for the perfectionist in me!

 

Oh, and I apologize because my greatroom lighting is horrific, very dark as shadowy as it is positioned in the middle of our house and does not have any natural light of its own.  If only I could move the sofa next to a window to take photos!

Window Shopping ~ Spring Bedroom

I'm longing to go shopping and redecorate something.  Anything.  I miss the days B.C. (before Conner) that even if I wasn't going to buy anything, I could spend all afternoon going from store to store, gathering ideas and putting rooms together in my mind.  But seeing as those days seem long past...well...I guess until he goes to kindergarten in a couple years...I decided to window shop my favorite home decor store.

Potterybarn.  Does that make me a sell out?

I remember an episode of Friends when Phoebe was giving Rachel a hard time because she felt buying any mass produced furniture or decor from a box store lacked creativity and individuality, and that everything needed to have a "story" behind it.  But I guess by the end of the episode even she had been won over, lol!

So here's my fresh bedroom makeover.  These things would actually look great with my bedroom furniture.  I love the warm browns with the light airy creams and yellows.  I've always been a sucker for textures and rustic, worn, found-looking items.  Here's hoping this satisfies my craving!

Tuscan Urns and Cachepot

Adeline Baskets

Florian Palampore Organic Duvet

Rustic Arched Mirror

Kingsley Lantern

 

High marks for High Society

Having a background in decorating, I truly appreciate when a fabric collection like High Society comes along. This sophisticated ensemble by Khristian A. Howell for Anthology Fabrics displays refined design that makes this fabric perfect for home decorating projects.  From pillows and throws, to accessories and wall decor, High Society offers unlimited decorating inspiration.

With 3 color palettes, there's sure to be something to please everyone. Safari offers an earthy autumn palette in warm oranges, browns, gold, and even gray.

 

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The Victoria color palette offers regal purples and striking greens for a cool and modern look.

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And new to the shop this week is the Hannah color palette, which includes oh-so-sweet pink, coral, and aqua blue.

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Anthology Fabrics may be new on the scene with quilting weight cotton fabrics, but they are making quite an impression!  I've already had to reorder a few prints!

Do you have holiday bedding?

Of course most people who live somewhere in which the seasons change probably have some sort of seasonal bedding.  But what about holiday bedding?  I must admit, I've never been one to bother with decorating bedrooms nor bathrooms for the season.  Okay, well maybe I put a cranberry candle in the guest bathroom once but that hardly counts.

I'm not sure if I'd ever feel that holiday bedding sets are something I must own.  I saw these in my recent Pottery Barn email and I must admit, I think they're gorgeous.

 

 

However, not one of these would suit my bedroom decor.  I currently have a European country style room with sundrenched golden yellow walls, golden yellow bedding, and red and gold damask stripe window treatments.  I apologize that this photo is just a little blurry, I shouldn't have taken it with the lamps on. 

 

I suppose I'd be able to decorate my bedroom for autumn more easily than Christmas!

Perhaps it is the perfectionist in me that thinks that somehow Christmas decorations must suit the style of your home.  What I wouldn't give to switch all my tree ornaments out to icy blues and silvers!  But I just can't imagine anything but formal red and shiny gold on my tree.  I don't like when holiday decor looks too contrived and unnatural, or at least like it doesn't belong or mesh with the normal style of the room.

And, if I may ask, do you change your artwork as well?  I found the following St. Nicholas giclee print for $1500 at Ballard Designs!

 

It's lovely, but I'll stick to my homemade wreath that all told, I put about $30 into supplies when Michael's had their half off Christmas decor sale.

Okay, now that I probably sound as jolly about decorating for Christmas as I am about going to the dentist, I ask, how far do you go when you decorate?  Does every room have seasonal decor or just the main living areas?

Quilted Autumn Decor

So I may be a little behind on the fall decor, but perhaps someone out there is a last minute person like me!  Or maybe you can file these away for next autumn.  Looking for a project to exercise or practice your quilting skills without making a full sized quilt?  Why not make a small quilt to spice up your home decor?  These might also make great gifts!

Click the photos to find downloadable patterns and full instructions (most are free)!

Shabby Pumpkins from Sandi Henderson

  Autumn Vines from Free-Quilting.com

Amy Shimler Autumn Storybook from allpeoplequilt.com

 

Folk Art Pumpkins from bhg.com

 

Halloween Table Mat from allpeoplequilt.com

 

Tumbling Leaves Wall Hanging from allpeoplequilt.com

 

Pumpkin Patch Placemat from Free-Quilting.com

Bulletin Board Bliss

I think my next project is going to have to be a memo/bulletin board.  I am experiencing a shifting trend in my life right now that is going to perhaps require me to be a little more organized.  A larger inventory is demanding more focus, a growing toddler is requiring more routine and a tighter schedule, and a disorganized house is calling for order.  It just may be time for me to at least own a calendar (which is quite a stretch for fly by the seat of your pants individual like myself)!

I am looking for inspiration.  I think in order for organization to be truly effective, it has to be personal.  The sections and design that is perfect for one person may be missing elements for the next.  So I'm on the hunt for the elements that will best suit my family's and my shop's needs.  If you have any great resources, please share them!

 

 

 

I'll probably use these inspirations and make my own, but if I must admit the truth, I want the daily system from Pottery Barn!  Including the HDTV at the top.  This would tax deductible, wouldn't it?

Decorating style quiz

I love taking decorating and color style quizzes.  Sometimes they seem to have me pegged exactly and other times they make me raise a questioning eyebrow.  This one from BHG doesn't seem to be quite as comprehensive as it could be, but fun nonetheless!

Go take it and then come back and share your results!

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Quiz: What's Your Decorating Personality?

Not sure if your decorating personality is formal, vintage, or French Country? If you waffle between some of these decorating styles, perhaps it's time to focus on the finishing touches of a room.

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My results were based more on a "wish I were" than what is actually reflected in my home right now.  Has that ever happened to you?  Have you ever changed your style at some point in time in your life?  Hope it's not just me!

I am 10% formal, 20% French Country, and 70% vintage.  My home is probably more like 45% formal, 45% French Country, and 10% vintage.  Oh how I wish I could have a decorating redo!