Tag Archives: duvet

Fabric and Home Decor Glossary term: Duvet

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Duvet (pronounced duvay) is an often misunderstood bedding item.  Some people call it a duvet cover which is actually redundant.  Literally speaking, a duvet is a quilt that is used in place of an upper sheet and blanket.  It often has a removable cover for cleaning purposes.  Duvets are quite common throughout Europe but are relatively new to the U.S.  In the U.S. when we refer to a duvet we are most often thinking of a quilt “cover” that allows a down blanket or other filler to be inserted into it.

You can purchase a duvet by itself or it is often available in a package that includes a matching or coordinating bed skirt, pillow shams and sometimes sheets and pillow cases.  For a more custom look, why not create your own duvet out of the fabric of your choice?  It is really quite easy if you own a sewing machine.  If not, your seamstress or upholsterer will have no problem creating a custom duvet for you.  Below are some easy to follow instructions from Matt and Shari.  Some of you may remember them from the old HGTV show “Room by Room”.   They are now featured on PBS stations across the nation so check your local listings.

http://mattandshari.com/sewing-basics/making-a-duvet-cover-new.html

For a real designer look be sure to include some trim along the seams, decorative buttons at the opening or a different color on one side that will allow you to use the same duvet as the seasons change.  And just so you know, there are no real easy ways to insert a blanket into a duvet.  The best idea is to find a friend and just go for it!

Time to settle in for a long winter’s nap with new bedding

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The arrival of winter brings fun things like snow and Santa, but it also brings cold winter nights.  Now is the time to take a look at your bedding and see what you need to make your bed a cozy and warm spot to snuggle into each night.

  1. Sheets:  Flannel sheets are a great way to keep your toes warm at night.  They are available in all sorts of colors and patterns or you can sew your own.  When choosing flannel look for an ounce count of 5-8 ounces (thread count does not apply to flannel) that will keep you warm and avoid pilling over time.  Use fabric softener and low drying temperatures to keep them soft and longer lasting.
  2. Blankets:  There are several choices when it comes to warm blankets.  Choose wool blends, down, flannel and electric blankets for the ultimate in comfort.
  3. Comforters:  Your comforter or duvet needs to be decorative and functional at the same time.  Choose a color and/or pattern that makes you feel cozy just by looking at it.  Velvet is a great choice and is available in several colors and price ranges.  A down comforter provides warmth and comfort and comes in different weights for different climates.  Nothing feels better than climbing into bed and pulling a down comforter over your head!
  4. Accent throws:  Add a throw or coverlet to the foot of the bed to cover your toes during those lazy afternoon naps when it can get a bit chilly.  A quilt ranks high in the cozy department and will add color and pattern to your room as well.

All that is left to do is grab a good book or a loved one and, as Santa says, “.. settle in for a long winter’s nap.”

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!

Duvet Covers (part I)

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Duvet covers are a neat, convenient way to change the look of your bed. What is a duvet cover, you might ask? A duvet cover is sort of like a large pillow case to protect your comforter from dirt and to change its look. Duvet covers can be expensive to buy, but they are easy to make in exactly the print and color you would like.

Because fabric generally does not come in the width needed to cover a bed, duvets are made in three separate pieces in front and three in the back, in order to avoid a middle seam. So, you will be cutting a total of six pieces. The middle piece is always a finished 40 inches wide (41 inches cut), no matter what your bed size. Remember to add an inch when cutting the pieces, because your seam allowances will be ½ inch.

The diagram shows you the finished measurements for a duvet to fit an average queen size comforter. To cover a twin size comforter your side pieces would be 11 ½ inches, finished (12 ½” cut); a full/double size has 19 inch wide finished sides (20” cut) and king size duvet has 31 inch wide finished sides (32” cut). The pieces to make a twin duvet will be 90 inches long; all the other sizes should be 95 inches in length.

Jean and Valori Wells, authors of Oh Sew Easy: Duvet Covers and Curtains suggest using different fabrics for the pieces to create a custom look. They also suggest doing the front and the back in different color schemes; that way you can reverse them for a different look. Their book is available at Amazon and at C & T Publishing http://www.ctpub.com/productdetails.cfm?SKU=10464. I recommend this book if you are ready to really get into making duvets or curtains; it is illustrated with clear photos and diagrams that show you exactly how to make stylish finished duvets and gives much more detailed information than I can offer here. In my next post, I’ll give instructions for estimating the yardage for your basic duvet.