Beach Huts

I'm still liking Beach Huts; those little cabanas that you see on the beach are so cute! I found this image for an inspiration shot:

 

First it inspired some pillows and here's an example:

Then I went on to make some little beach cabana appliques and attempt to mimic the beach. I ended up with a small table top runner, 14" x 24". The center is deep blue representing the water. The edges are natural burlap representing the sandy beach. And, I've placed the beach cabanas near the 'shore'.

It was fun to make and I think it turned out pretty cute! I'm trying to make smaller sized table top because I've received feedback that some of the table runners are too large for some furniture. While longer ones work well for dining room tables, many want to have just a little something for a coffee or end table, or even for a kitchen counter.

This item is going to be posted on Etsy for sale. Visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/Floatinteriors to check it out.

 



Nautical Shabby Chic Runner

I just finished this runner and really like how it turned out. It's made of natural burlap, woven with jute and appliqued with  gauze-like linen waves. I wanted the look to be very raw and all natural looking.

Here's how it was made:

I started by measuring and cutting my piece of  burlap. Then I created a paper template of waves, pinned it to my gauze, which I had backed with a fusible fabric stabilizer, and cut it out.

I then pulled out a couple strands and wove in a piece of jute the full length of the runner on each end. Taking a large embroidery needle, I wove in a couple strands of an off-white burlap for some contrast.

Next step was to pin the applique waves in place. And, with my machine set at a very small, tight zig zag, I sewed the applique to the runner. This was a bit tricky with all the twists and turns.





Last, all the edges were zig zagged to lock the weave in place so it will not unravel. I then apply a light starch with a hot iron to flatten and add body to the material. The look is just what I was after -- shabby chic, beachy, nautical and natural! Hope you like it. It's for sale in my Etsy Shop, www.etsy.com/shop/Floatinteriors.

Couch Potato Table Cover

This table cover was made to create an end table in our family room. It is made from Tommy Bahama fabric; one nautical, one striped, along with a slightly stretchy denim. I'm calling this the Couch Potato Table Cover because in the patterned fabric there is a statement Tropic of Couch Potato. This is a variation of the Simplicity pattern I had mentioned in a previous post. I'm also pleased to report that my serger and I are getting along today, which allowed me to finish off my seams just as I had hoped. I love how it turned out. It has just enough 'nautical touch' to it. Now all I have to do is make another one EXACTLY the same!

Simplicity 4096 Issue

I came across something that I wanted to share. I'm having an issue with Simplicity Pattern 4096 Table coverings. On the pattern envelope please notice the striped table topper. You'll also see an image of the actual pattern piece designated with a 3. If your fabric has a vertical stripe in it, I'd argue you can not use that pattern piece because your stripe will become diagonal as you wrap your table. In the image with the longer table topper, I used a straight rectangle and notice the lines in my print remain vertical. In the shorter table topper image I cut the fabric using pattern piece 3 as instructed. Notice those same print lines now run diagonally. So, my suggestion would be to cut a straight rectangle whenever using fabric with a vertical print of any kind. That's it for now.