I hope you've all had a good day today! It was a busy one around here...at one point I had 3 projects going and felt like a juggler! I love projects and today was one of those days to work on some very needed projects around here.
For Tips and Tricks Thursday today, I thought I'd just share a few ideas for decorating that have helped me over the years. Nothing big or earth shattering, just easy fixes and money savers that I use on a regular basis.
Here goes. I started making my own window treatments many years ago. As a new homeowner who was working full-time, I had to find ways to save time and money. If you like to sew, you can save a lot of money and time by using top sheets as lining for your draperies. The sheets are already finished on one end so you don't have to hem them and most window lengths are at least as long as a standard sheet. There is plenty of width in a twin sheet for 1 panel and if you are making multiple width panels using decorator fabric using a full, queen or king sized sheet will allow a seamless back side to your window panels which would look nice facing the outside of your windows. I try to buy a decent quality sheet in white or off white (go with the color of your window trim as a general rule - no colors please) and I turn the finished "top" of the sheet to the inside so that the back of the panel just looks like a nice finished hemline.
If you are making window valences or dust ruffles - sheets work just as well for lining and you won't need to buy a lot of extra fabric -- 1 twin sized sheet will make several 18" long valences and for a dust ruffle, just divide the width of the sheet by the drop of your dust ruffle (top of the box springs to the floor) and add 3" for your seam and hem allowance.
Another quick decorating project is a dust ruffle - my way. I don't use the platform for attaching the dust ruffle but rather make mine in 3 pieces and attach directly to the box springs using hook/loop tape. This makes for easy attachment and removal and is far less time consuming to make. You can make a variety of styles using this method, just adjust your measurements accordingly and let your imagination run wild!
If you use decorator fabrics -- NEVER wash them!! They are scotch guarded and are manufactured to repel dust and grime so usually just putting them in the dryer (air only) or vacuuming them will remove any dust, spider webs. Dry cleaning can fade, weaken or remove the sizing and scotch guarding - so it's not recommended at all.
If you use ready made panels, but find them to be lacking fullness or too short. Buy a contrast panel and cut and add this fabric to your primary panels. Or you can alternate the panels -- buy 2 of one style and 4 of another and alternate them on your rod -- 1-2-1 on one side -- and 1-2-1 on the other side. Easy way to add fullness and interest to an otherwise standard boring look. This is especially pretty with solid color silk panels. Try putting a solid in between 2 patterned panels -- pretty! These are fast and easy ways to add personalization to your window treatments without a lot of sewing expertise!
Duvet covers make wonderful masses of fabric that can be used for other purposes. Cut apart it can be made into a dust ruffle, drapery panels, or decorative throw or throw pillows. There's a lot of fabric in a duvet -- many times high quality too and much less expensive than buying decorator fabric by the yard.
So, these are just a few decorating tips for today. Please feel free to add comments and ideas and tell your friends -- it's all about helping each other and I know that some of you are much more creative than I am....so share away friends!! :)
Verse of the day: "She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."
For Tips and Tricks Thursday today, I thought I'd just share a few ideas for decorating that have helped me over the years. Nothing big or earth shattering, just easy fixes and money savers that I use on a regular basis.
Here goes. I started making my own window treatments many years ago. As a new homeowner who was working full-time, I had to find ways to save time and money. If you like to sew, you can save a lot of money and time by using top sheets as lining for your draperies. The sheets are already finished on one end so you don't have to hem them and most window lengths are at least as long as a standard sheet. There is plenty of width in a twin sheet for 1 panel and if you are making multiple width panels using decorator fabric using a full, queen or king sized sheet will allow a seamless back side to your window panels which would look nice facing the outside of your windows. I try to buy a decent quality sheet in white or off white (go with the color of your window trim as a general rule - no colors please) and I turn the finished "top" of the sheet to the inside so that the back of the panel just looks like a nice finished hemline.
If you are making window valences or dust ruffles - sheets work just as well for lining and you won't need to buy a lot of extra fabric -- 1 twin sized sheet will make several 18" long valences and for a dust ruffle, just divide the width of the sheet by the drop of your dust ruffle (top of the box springs to the floor) and add 3" for your seam and hem allowance.
Another quick decorating project is a dust ruffle - my way. I don't use the platform for attaching the dust ruffle but rather make mine in 3 pieces and attach directly to the box springs using hook/loop tape. This makes for easy attachment and removal and is far less time consuming to make. You can make a variety of styles using this method, just adjust your measurements accordingly and let your imagination run wild!
If you use decorator fabrics -- NEVER wash them!! They are scotch guarded and are manufactured to repel dust and grime so usually just putting them in the dryer (air only) or vacuuming them will remove any dust, spider webs. Dry cleaning can fade, weaken or remove the sizing and scotch guarding - so it's not recommended at all.
If you use ready made panels, but find them to be lacking fullness or too short. Buy a contrast panel and cut and add this fabric to your primary panels. Or you can alternate the panels -- buy 2 of one style and 4 of another and alternate them on your rod -- 1-2-1 on one side -- and 1-2-1 on the other side. Easy way to add fullness and interest to an otherwise standard boring look. This is especially pretty with solid color silk panels. Try putting a solid in between 2 patterned panels -- pretty! These are fast and easy ways to add personalization to your window treatments without a lot of sewing expertise!
Duvet covers make wonderful masses of fabric that can be used for other purposes. Cut apart it can be made into a dust ruffle, drapery panels, or decorative throw or throw pillows. There's a lot of fabric in a duvet -- many times high quality too and much less expensive than buying decorator fabric by the yard.
So, these are just a few decorating tips for today. Please feel free to add comments and ideas and tell your friends -- it's all about helping each other and I know that some of you are much more creative than I am....so share away friends!! :)
Verse of the day: "She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."
Proverbs 31:22, 24-26
Until tomorrow -- be blessed...not stressed! Amy
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