Picking out buttons for decoration is fun! But let's be frank ... sewing on those buttons is not fun. It's kind of the "cleaning toilets" of the sewing world – a dirty job, but one that is very worth it in the end. The up-side of button sewing is that it's relatively quick and easy, and there's no sponge involved. Our button sewing tutorial explains the basics.
A new duvet is a single-project solution that can create a big change in your bedroom decor. One side of our duvet is a solid color, which complements the pretty print on the other side. With a quick flip of the bedding, you have two completely different looks. Find out how easy it is to sew your own duvet cover, then head to the fabric store to play with some complementary colors and prints. I found my fabric while shopping in the Garment District in New York City. The fabric isn't traditional home dec fabric - it has a slight stretch as well as a sateen finish. I thought it looked quite luxurious for bedding, and it's wonderfully soft. The lesson learned from that trip is this: Don't limit your shopping to the home decor section - sometimes the greatest ideas strike you while browsing in the 'wrong' place!
Criss-cross-applesauce. That's how you sit on the floor. Unless you have one of these cool Box Floor Cushions, then you sit in style – perhaps holding a small ceramic bowl of applesauce. Make more than one and scatter them about for extra seating at a party. Coordinate them with your rugs or carpet, or make them in bright accent colors and patterns so they really stand out. Or ... would that be "sit" out?
We don't guarantee inner peace with our Ruched Asian Meditation Pillow, but we do promise style! The circular design adds a unique shape to your pillow mix, and the feel of the pillow can be altered by using different colored fabrics.
Learn to make these simple pillow coverings, and you can change the look of any décor in a few fast and easy steps. This construction has no pesky buttons, zippers or Velcro to deal with – just a basic 'envelope' closure on the back, which also means you can pull out your pillow and wash the cover when Uncle Mort spills BBQ sauce on it.
One trim you'll use a lot of in home dec sewing is bias tape. But how did it get that name? When I hear the word "bias," I tend to think of Olympic figure skating judges. If you go look it up in dictionary, you'll see that the first definition is "an oblique or diagonal line." (Figure skating is never mentioned.) It makes sense then that bias tape is a strip of fabric that's been cut at a 45˚ angle to the weave or grain. This gives it just a little stretchiness, making it possible for bias tape to go around corners without bunching up. It's easy to make and easy to attach--as you'll soon see.
We know Sew4Home is all about home dec sewing, but every once in a while, we like to branch out. Besides, we were a little afraid our cool Patio Party linens were stealing all the glory. I hate it when the placemats look better than me! Aprons are all the rage right now because they are so fun and easy to make. Try this cute little number, and show off your own party style.
You've heard the joke: 'what is an occasional table the rest of the time?' Well, while you're laughing, that poor table is sitting there naked. It's time to make those small occasional tables attractive and important members of your patio party. It's one of the simplest sewing projects you can do.
The best parties begin with a theme, and if you can stay within your theme using decorative accents, food and music, you're on your way to creating a magically memorable event. It just takes a little planning and thinking ahead.
Did you know the paper napkin made its debut in 1887? While that's quite historical, we still prefer the cloth napkin. And, making your own festive fabric napkins for a party – or just for everyday - is a fun and easy way to spruce up a place setting.
