Monday, July 27, 2009

Decisions, Decisions



I'm in love with fabrics...they are so beautiful and come in so many colors and patterns. Fabric, like paint, can transform a room and/or an occasion. What is a tablescape without a tablecloth, table runner or napkins....what is an outdoor picnic without a tablecloth, napkins and nice comfy pillows? Inside our homes, a room without window treatments, a sofa or chair without pillows...all are just like a lady who left home without a purse, shoes, belt or jewelry.

A lot of people think they can't sew, but many of the things you can make for your home are simple straight stitching and don't take a lot of expertise. A napkin for instance is extremely easy - for a 17" square napkin, cut fabric in 18" squares for as many napkins as you need to make. The extra inch, allows 1/2" on each side to sew under raw edges. With a hot iron, press a 1/4" fold around the edge of each napkin, folding right side over to wrong side of the fabric...press all 4 sides....then fold over 1/4" again on all 4 sides. This gives a clean edge with no raw edges exposed. Once you have all 4 sides pressed with 2 1/4" folds, you simply stitch around each of the 4 sides and you have a napkin that you cannot purchase in stores. Sewing gives you a lot of flexibility in your decor, and you will gain experience while reaping the benefits.

When I was growing up, my Mom was not into stylish attire for teens and did not allow me to pick my clothes, for the most part. I learned to sew for myself, so that I could make my own clothes and not feel like a total idiot wearing some of the things my Mom bought...in the 70's, a gathered skirt was definelty not in vogue and had been out of style by a good 10+ years. I learned how to be a Survivor early in life.

Ok, back to the present now and not my depressing teen years. Is there anyone out there who would want to relive their teen years??? I'm trying to decide what to do with my latest fabric finds...I'm thinking table runner, napkins and table covers. I might even transform a couple into pillow covers. The sewing machine is prepped and ready and I'm hoping that after work today, I'll still feel energetic enough to get started.

All the best,

Pin It!

8 comments:

Domestic Designer said...

Your fabrics are great! Have a fun afternoon sewing! I am doing the same thing. :-)

Laura said...

How can you lose- no matter what you decide to do. Your fabric is great!

Laura

Donna said...

I can sew a little, but I don't have a sewing machine right now. I want to get one though. Your fabric is pretty. I'm bad to buy remanants, just cause I like them.

Renee @ AddMoreChocolate said...

No, I would NOT want to relive my teen years. Your pink and green fabric does remind me of them however. "The Official Preppy Handbook" was my fashion bible. (Groan.... I know.)

Happy sewing!
Renee

Tanielle said...

I love sewing, and couldn't live without my machine and serger! I don't sew clothes much though, I'm not so good with patterns!:-) I'm thinking infact today might be a good day to sew some new burp clothes for my baby coming in Dec.! Can't wait to see your finished projects!:-)

Connie said...

Anita,
Thanks for visiting my blog. I have enjoyed visiting yours. As for re-living my teen years - not on your life (or is it my life?)
I sewed my own clothes while growing up and I sewed my kids clothes until the oldest got into 2nd grade and begged me to buy their clothes! (What's up with that?)
Have a great day!

Fifi Flowers said...

Those fabrics would make FUN napkins!

Anonymous said...

Im so glad that you want to play along! I will show the chairs as soon as I get back on the job. I have been busy coing up with some projects to share. Hope you come by Thursday cause I will have a good one to share~