Tag Archives: comforter

Home Decor: Summer Quilts

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We are all familiar with the cozy look and feel quilts provide during the fall and winter months.  Nothing is better than curling up with a good book or a loved one under a warm quilt.  Well that same feeling can be had during the summer months as well.  Lightweight quilts are perfect for use on those chilly nights or as a buffer from air conditioning.  Here are some other decorating ideas.

  1. Replace your normal comforter or duvet with a matelasse coverlet.  (matelasse is a lightweight quilted blanket) The room will feel summery and cool and the weight of the blanket is just right for summer nights.
  2. Stock the family room with laptop quilts (about 50×60′) in summer patterns and colors.  They make great cover-ups for family movie night.
  3. Quilts featuring summer patterns like sailboats, sunflowers, patriotic colors, birds and beach toys will add just the right touch to your family room.  Pastel colors will keep things light and airy.
  4. Quilts are easy to pack and carry as a picnic ground cover.  Keep them in the trunk of the car for those spontaneous stops.
  5. Pack a couple of quilts to keep warm during the concerts under the stars that are so popular during the summer.
  6. They make bright and cheerful tablecloths that are easy to wash later.
  7. Place one at the foot of the guest bed so summertime visitors can curl up when the air conditioning kicks on.
  8. Old quilts that have seen better days can be repurposed into fun placemats or as a throw pillow.

Quilts will make your summer evenings just as cozy and comfortable as they make your winter evenings so grab a loved one and curl up!

Is it time to wake up your bedding?

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 We spend one third of  each day in our bedroom sleeping  and that does not include the time spent in the room getting dressed, watching television or “whatever”.    Is your bedroom looking tired and dated?  If you are still using the matching duvet, bedskirt and two pillow sham combination (think bed in a bag) then it is probably time to make some changes.

New look on a budget

  • Duvets, comforters, bedspreads and quilts are the “workhorse” of your bedding ensemble.   They provide the color and pattern and set the tone for the room.  Paint colors and accessories are often chosen from the bed covering.  You can purchase a ready made comforter or duvet or use your Grandmother’s handmade quilt for a country look, for example.  You can fashion your own “custom” duvet out of inexpensive material for the  backing and something as simple as a pretty sheet for the top or you can embellish the opening with buttons or ribbons to add some personality to a standard duvet.  Using your old comforter to stuff your duvet will save you even more $$.
  • Bedskirts can be frilly and fluffy,very tailored with a box pleat at the corners or somewhere in between.  If your current bedskirt is a color you plan on using  in your room you can dress it up by adding layers of ribbon or gimp to the hem, sewing buttons to the top of pleats or add contrasting fabric to the inside of the pleat.  This will give you an expensive, custom look for very little money.
  • Pillow shams are a decorative addition to your bedding ensemble.  They are available in standard and king sizes but you can be creative and use different sizes regardlessof the size of your bed.  Three standard shams on a king size bed offers a full and luxurious look while using a large king size sham on a twin or full size bed offers a nice streamlined look.  Plain shams can be embellished with embroidery, ribbon trim, coordinating ruffles etc.  Consider personalizing your shams with a monogram for an upscale and graphic look.
  • Let’s not forget that a bed is meant for sleeping.  For the ultimate in luxury, purchase the highest thread count sheets you can afford.  You will appreciate it every night when you slip under soft, smooth sheets.

Budget is no object

Wouldn’t we all love to say this!  If budget is no object, having custom bedding made for you is the ultimate luxury.  Choose the highest thread count available to sleep like a king or queen.   Using exquisite fabrics and trims will add to the luxurious feel.  Since budget is not a concern you are free to use trendier colors and objects knowing that you can replace them when they are no longer in vogue.

If you can sew, all of these projects are easy and affordable.  Check out my fellow onlinefabricstore blogger Elizabeth’s posts from march 3, 5, and 7th.  Her sewing tips can help you create your own custom bedding and she is available to answer your questions should you run into any problems.  Sweet dreams!

5 Cozy Fabrics that will warm your toes

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With most of the country blanketed in several feet of snow that will probably not melt until April, most of us are searching for ways to stay warm both indoors and out.  One way is to snuggle up with a loved one under a blanket made from one of these fabrics.

  • Flannel:  Flannel is a cotton fabric that has been brushed to a fluffy softness.  Think of warm flannel shirts or those delightful flannel sheets you use during the winter.   A down comforter is already warm but not always attractive.  Cover it in a flannel comforter cover for instant “visual” warmth in the bedroom.
  • Fleece:  Who doesn’t love the look and feel of a baby’s blanket or a comfy sweatshirt?  These are  often made from fleece or polar fleece , a polyester fabric, that has a soft nap to it as well as insulating capabilities.  Add a fleece throw to the back of the sofa to wrap up in on those chilly evenings.
  • Quilted:  When a fabric has been quilted it adds some weight as well as insulation.  Nothing is better than getting all snuggly under a quilt made by your grandmother.  However, those blankets took many months to create.  Today there are fabrics available that have been quilted and can be sewn to a fabric backing for a very attractive and warm lap blanket.
  • Faux fur:  Faux fur blankets always add a fun and sophisticated look to any room.  Use this fabric to create a throw for the back of the sofa or as an addition to the foot of the bed.  Any teenager will love to have this in their room.
  • Chenille:  Chenille is made from a thick and fuzzy yarn that, depending on the weight, can be used to upholster furniture or sew blankets, quilts and bedspreads.  Most people enjoy the softness associated with chenille.

So light the fire, brew a cup of tea (or pour a glass of wine) and snuggle up for a cold winter’s night.