Fabric Friday

I’m working on something whimsical today…..

Kitty Toile meets Laura Ashley.

This Scalamandre fabric is “Killkenny Cats”, they are having a tea party and frolicking in the garden.

I’m still a fan of toile prints in small doses. Back in the day (I’m officially old enough to say that) this is how we did toile bedrooms, everything from the walls, windows and bedding was in toile.

                                                 Source: traditionalhome.com via Alison on Pinterest

 

This is the perfect amount for me now……… I’m not sure who did this room but I love it and the relaxed romans make the space.

                                                                         Source: google.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

                                                Source: alixofbohemia.blogspot.com via lilitan on Pinterest

 

Ha, I found these on Pinterest and I actually own a pair, might have to wear them today !

Are you a fan ?

Custom window treatments can be the single most important element in pulling together your decorating scheme. 
Contact me to provide you with up to date window treatments that you are excited about.

Before and After

Today I’m sharing a before and after of my client’s guest room, with the most frequent guest being her granddaughter.  This was before the bedding and drapery but after we installed the plantation shutters.

The custom fitted, outline quilted coverlet is fun without being too juvenile. It’s a pattern that will grow with her. The striped dust ruffle is gathered and attached to the wood rails with velcro.

It’s much warmer now and flows with the rest of the home.

My favorite part is the twisted iron rod and triple scroll finials from Helser Brothers, Inc.

What’s your favorite part ?

Custom window treatments can be the single most important element in pulling together your decorating scheme. 
Contact me to provide you with up to date window treatments that you are excited about.

Guest Post: Luxury Bedding

                                                                     
                                                                     
                                             
People spend almost one-third of their lives sleeping, so it should be done 

in pure opulence! Egyptian cotton sheets, cozy down duvets and piles of 

pillows are just a few of the must-have ingredients for an incredible bed 

set-up. Paired with beautiful details like table decorations and 

light fixtures, a bedroom immediately becomes an idyllic oasis.

Looking for some inspiration? Then turn to these amazing luxury linen lines.

Yves Delorme



Fig Linens (via)

Since 1845 the Yves Delorme name has been synonymous with classic elegance -

with florals and stripes, this luxury linen line is pure beauty.
Missoni


 this next (via)
This Italian-born brand puts emphasis on bold woven, knitted, printed, and 

embroidered fabrics - a contemporary ceiling light in a similar pattern is 

added for a finishing touch.

Lacoste



The Home Decorating Company (via)
No longer just a brand for high-end casual wear, Lacoste's bedding line 

is just as streamlined, with a variety of colours and patterns.

Diane Von Furstenberg



tres Chic now (via)
Want something girly, flirty and fun? Then look to the luxury linen lines 

from Belgian-American fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg.

Vera Wang



Bedding Style (via)
First it was wedding dresses, then other clothing items and now it's 

luxury linen lines - Vera Wang's home collection is infused with Wang's 

keen sense of style.

Frette



Luxist (via)
One of the best-known luxury linen lines from Italy, Frette offers a

wide range of bedding options and styles - find a great matching floor lamp 

to complete the look.

Ralph Lauren Home



The Home Decorating Company (via)
 
The Polo line has gone beyond the runways and is adorning beds everywhere - 

patriotic colours lend a traditional feel while a simple brass table lamp 

is a charming accent.

Peacock Alley



The Home Decorating Company (via)

Soft and sweet like this turquoise luxury linen line, Peacock Alley's

bedding collections are lovely for all bedrooms.

Content provided by Arcadian Lighting, a site that specializes in top

quality

lighting fixtures at extremely affordable prices. Come visit us today!

Headboard Smorgasbord

Say that 3 times really fast !

I just finished my first diamond tufted headboard. My #1 tip: Don’t drill your thumb nail ! I’ve sewn it with the machine, stapled it to a cornice and now drilled it, hazards of the job I suppose.

This one also had a 2” shirred band all the way around the outside.

Traditionally, the diamonds are taller than they are wide, I used 7/8” buttons on this one.

Beth, at The Stories of A to Z is looking for ideas so here are a few more of my headboards………..

With a double row of nail heads:

Funky shape and fat cord:

Smooth border:

Beth has some great ones posted if you are looking for ideas go to her blog.

Creative Camp Day 2

My box arrived yesterday with all my samples from Creative Camp. I already told you about Day One, so now onto day two. No, that’s not a box of candy (although there was plenty of candy at every class) those are made of ribbons !

My first class was on ribbon trims and was taught by Candace Kling, she is a fabulous ribbon artist that has studied embellishments of textile collections for 30 years. It was such a learning experience to hear her talk and see her manipulating the ribbon like playing an instrument. We all got to make our own sample boards with five different techniques. This is mine with looped diamonds, boxes, double boxes, diamond boxes and chevron.

I used colorful embroidery thread to make the center and now they look like flowers.

You get such different looks depending on the type and color of ribbon you use, these are my friend Ronica’s pretty pink ones.

After lunch, I took a class about headrails and lift systems by Peggy Morgans of Parkway Window Works.  We discussed the new standards and viewed all the different lift systems in person.

Here’s an example of all the approved devices in lieu of cords.

I really liked the look and operation of this one by kwik affix because of the fast raise option.

Next, I took Ann Johnson’s class on workroom techniques. We discussed all kinds of ways to be more efficient in the workroom. All of the classes were small enough for personal attention and the evening programs were for the whole group.

Our last event of the day was on Coronas, Crowns, Canopies and other Bed Treatments presented by Karen Barnes.

She spoke about the different types, planning, measuring and installation. These are some of my favorites……….

That was a lot for one day, congrats if you made it to the end. Tomorrow is all hands on fabrication classes so stay tuned !

Custom window treatments can be the single most important element in pulling together your decorating scheme. If you would like up to date window treatments that you are excited about send me an email.

Why should you work with an interior designer ?

They can visualize the end result.

I just finished a job for one of my designers that turned out beautifully despite the concerns that the homeowner had after she brought the fabric home.  They got a great deal on a very expensive fabric  but she was worried that she wouldn’t like it and could only focus on the birds in the print.

Her designer had the vision to see all the fabrics, paint and wallpaper come together.  We chose a quilting pattern that really highlighted the design.

Do you see one bird on these draperies ?

It’s now her and her husband’s favorite room in the house !

Custom window treatments can be the single most important element in pulling together your decorating scheme. 

Contact me to provide you with up to date window treatments that you are excited about.

P is for Pillow Placement

The ABC’s of window treatments

One of my favorite rooms to sew for has to be the bedroom because not only do I make window coverings but I also get to make bedding.  I’ve already written a post about pillows but today I wanted to talk about all the different arrangements for the pillows on your bed.

Five 22” + one 18”……………

Three 24” + two king + rectangle……………

Two queens + long rectangle………………

Two euro + two queen + one rectangle………….

                                             Image via Decor Pad

Three euro + two king…………..

                                            Image via Decor Pad

Two king + two 18” + neckroll…………….

I like all of these but I personally prefer two queen shams and one throw pillow.  I’m happy as long as it doesn’t take too long to make the bed.  How long do you think this bed takes to make ?

                           Image via Cote de Texas

Too long !

U is for Upholstered Bed

So, I skipped ahead a little bit to share an upholstered bed that I just made last week.  My client wanted a bed like the one in the picture above.  She picked out a beautiful, shimmery fabric, brushed nickel pyramid shaped nail heads and mahogany tapered feet.

The king size bed was made in 4 pieces and assembled on site.  At a height of 62” I said many prayers about it making it up to the third floor !

Here’s a close up of the 400 individual nail heads.  Just a heads up if you are thinking about trying them……. they not only have to be lined up evenly but they have to be “squared” with each other too.
 
I think I’m ready to do another one…………… Who wants one ?

Stop by Between Naps on the Porch to see all the before and afters...



I'm hosting a giveaway this week so be sure to follow if you don't want to miss it !

Our Tour of Virginia Quilting

“Help people, solve their problems, they will want to do business with you,”  Wes McAden of Virginia Quilting.  Wes and his wife, Mary have been in the bedding and drapery business for over 30 years and they thrive on superb quality and excellent customer service.  They gave our Triangle WCAA group a tour of their facilities today and it was impressive.

They have multineedle quilting machines for bedspreads, coverlets and comforters.

Here’s our President, Bianca trying her hand at outline quilting.

This pattern is called vermicelli and is done completely freehand.  You can get many different designs like onion, double diamond, stained glass, channel and lots of others.  My go to patterns for quilting are channel and outline.

I’ve been fabricating for over 20 years and I saw machines that I didn’t even know existed.  I’m convinced that Wes could work on the space shuttle if it landed in his front yard.

They make a true custom product using the best bonded dacron and special touches like corded edges, split corners to go around bed posts, reverse pillow shams that makes making the bed easier. 

I have many more pics of their finished products which I will save until next week. 

I’m off to Pinehurst for a girls weekend !