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.

Family Room Treatment

Hello! Wow, I can't believe it's been months since I've posted anything. Between the holidays and work travels time got away from me. This post shows a simple window treatment for 12 feet of windows in a family room. My 'client' instructed me to not create anything frilly. The cornice is built of plywood, padded and upholstered. Nothing fancy. But the most fun thing about this treatment are the gauze-like drapery columns. I needed 24 yards of fabric to create these, which at first seemed dauntingly expensive. But here's proof that if you just keep your eyes open and your ideas flexible, you can cover windows for a decent price. I found this material at a clearance at my local fabric store. I bought 24 yards (the entire bolt) for $20!! The panels are hung on 1/2" dowel rods which are clipped in to hooks screwed into the bottom of the dust board of the cornice. I ripped some tiebacks and hot glued some driftwood to them to complete the look. Ofcourse once the room is complete with blinds and carpet, you'll get a better idea, but I had to show that I've been working on SOMETHING all this time.

Blue and Red Nautical Pillows

Sewing room is painted and put back together - yeah! Here are a couple recent adds to my nautical pillow collection. I wanted something classic and not too over the top nautical. They are 100% cotton blue and white ticking which is one of my favorite fabrics. I found these great embroidered appliques to embelish them.

Nautical Pillow Collection

The first of many -- the new Nautical Pillow Collection. I put my husband to work on these. He had to put in the grommets and cut the line with a hot knife, so he's now officially my assistant. I'll post individual shots with all the fabric and size information in the future when I can get back in to my sewing room. It's currently being painted and a real mess!

Starfish and Envelope Pillows

I've added a couple pillows created in Robert Allen Indoor/Outdoor fabrics to my collection. The starfish pillow is 14x18 with the Bongo Marine on the reverse and boxed corners. The envelope pillow measures 12x16 and is backed with the Beachfront Marine fabric. All fabrics are 100% poly which are stain, water and fade resistant. This has been a fun collection to create!

Indoor/Outdoor Pillows

Hello! Here are a couple pillows created in Robert Allen Indoor/Outdoor fabrics. The stripe is Beachfront Marine and the shell pattern is Bongo Marine. These are 18" pillows with a zipper back. They are piped in the contrasting fabric. The striped pillow is made with 4 10x10 squares quarter turned. This pillow is backed with a Rhino Outdoor fabric that is waterproof. All fabrics are 100% poly which are stain, water and fade resistant. They'll be great for boat or patio.

Button Flower Pillows

I had just enough material to make two front pillow pieces for 16" square pillows. I purchased a solid fab for the back of the pillows. The piping is actually made from the dining room gold and red fabric. I thought it worked nicely to set them off. As a finishing touch, and because you just have to do something with scraps, I cut 6" circles, basted the edge and gathered to the middle to create these cute flowers. I then secured each with a 4-hole button and sewed them onto the pillows.