Tag Archives: velvet

Fabric: It’s Christmas in July

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Can you believe that Christmas is only 5 months away?!  But those of you who are crafters, seamstresses and interior decorators know that it is not too early to start planning for the holidays.  That might include homemade gifts, holiday decorations, party dresses and home decor.  We have several fabrics already in stock that will help you get an early start on your decorating and gift giving projects.  For example, is there anything prettier than a little girl dressed in red velvet for Christmas?  Or use this versatile fabric to create a velvet table topper, Christmas stockings, ornaments and even luxurious gift wrap.

Our wide variety of colors and prints makes it possible to create holiday magic regardless of your color scheme or design style.  Candy cane stripes, holly prints, luxurious solids and comfortable plaids are all available.  We even have a pretty snowflake white lace fabric; perfect for lace table linens or a sophisticated blouse paired with velvet trousers for the office party. 

Red and green plaid is a classic holiday pattern that will add a relaxed look and feel to your holiday decorating.  These plaid fabrics are available in a 60″ width for use as table linens, aprons, ornaments, tree skirts and festive throw pillows.  

 
 

A more subdued red and green plaid combination
High Quality Photo

Rudolph red holiday plaid
High Quality Photo

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
While these traditional colors and patterns are very inspiring you do not have to limit your holiday decorating to red and green.  Step out of the box and consider hot pink and green, blue and white or a combination of citrus colors.  We have loads of Amy Butler prints that will help you create colorful holiday decorations, linens and party outfits that suit your personality.  You are only limited by your imagination.  Happy Holidays!

Home Decor and Fabric: Can U spot the trends?

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Time to play “Can U spot the trends?” again.  How are you doing with these?  Are you getting any better at identifying decorating and fabric trends used in room design?  Let’s see how you do this month….

Isn’t this a pretty room?  Designed by Me-oh-my, it incorporates many trends.  Let’s begin with that luscious velvet sofa with it’s tufted back.  Velvet can be found in many designers rooms these days.  I think the rich look and feel provide visual comfort that we all seem to want and need.

The mix of wood tones and furniture styles gives this room a “collected” feel.  Underneath is a very popular trend, a natural fiber rug.  This might include sisal, seagrass or other woven fabric that adds texture to the space.

If you are really good at this game you have probably spotted the two very big trends sitting on the sofa:  butterflies and suzani patterns.  Butterflies and other critters can be found on many home decor accessories. (check out our blog post on this very topic here) Suzani fabrics are similar to our quilts in that they often times tell a story or are named after a particular village, tribe etc.  As you can see, they certainly add a bright pop of color and pattern to a space and the pompom trim adds that all important finishing detail.  Learn more about Suzanis here.

OK, so how’d you do this month?  Were you able to spot the trends or did you discover some new ideas you can use in your own home?

ABC’s of Decorating: W is for winter decorating

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Winter is such a special time what with holidays, vacations, family gatherings and snow days!  It can also be a fun time to decorate your home and create a cozy, warm and inviting space for family and friends.  Here are some elements of winter decorating you do not want to overlook:

  • Cozy fabrics:  Fleece, flannel, suede, wool, microfiber…all of these fabrics will add both visual and physical warmth to your home.  Use them to sew comfy throws for nights on the sofa or add plush throw pillows made from these huggable fabrics to your chairs.
  • You can’t ignore the weather so might as well celebrate it.  Replace your artwork with those that depict wonderful wintry scenes; frame family photos of ski trips; display your snowmen until winter is over.
  • Add some velvet drapery panels to your bedroom for a romantic and cozy look during the winter.  Who knows what might happen?!
  • Wooden floors are beautiful but in the wintertime they can be awfully cold on the feet!  Scatter rugs throughout your home to keep your toes warm.  Good winter choices are thick rugs to sink your feet into like sheepskin, shag and faux fur. 
  • Add bright colors wherever you can.  This will surely help chase away the winter doldrums.  A vase of fresh flowers reminds you that spring is just around the corner.  Even a basket of colorful mittens and scarves will add color and pattern to an entryway or mudroom and is functional as well.

And on those snow days when everyone is trapped inside and your winter decorating is all done, keep the kids busy by allowing them to create their very own snowflake to share with their friends and family.

ABC’s of Decorating: V is for velvet

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Doesn’t the mere mention of velvet make you feel luxurious, cozy and elegant all at the same time? There are so many ways to use this very versatile fabric.  Here are just a few suggestions:

  • Velvet stockings hanging at the mantel during the holiday season will certainly catch Santa’s eye when he is depositing gifts.  Choose rich and luxurious red or green for a traditional look or opt for something unique like hot pink and turquoise.  Add some gold braid or a satin cuff to really finish it off.
  • A stack of velvet throw cushions on your sofa or chair is inviting and beautiful.  Combine a rich chocolate brown velvet with an animal print for a sophisticated look or, for something a bit more playful, choose multiple colors.
  • A velvet table topper above a satin cloth makes for an elegant end table.  Trim with fringe or a coordinating ruffle for a designer look.
  • Velvet drapery panels offer the ultimate in luxurious window treatments. 
  • Use scraps of velvet to make gift bags, hair ribbons or to add a surprise touch of luxury to a patchwork quilt.  Turn an ordinary lamp shade into something extraordinary by adding velvet trim to the edges.

Crafts, theatre curtains, chair seat covers; all of these can be sewn from velvet.  And you will be the belle of the ball in that plush velvet holiday outfit.

ABC’s of Decorating: “Q” is for Quilts

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The first thing that popped into my mind was the word “quilt”.  The rainy weather outside may have had something to do with that.  The approaching holidays could have also influenced my choice.  Whatever the reason, quilts have always been popular in country decorating but they are making a big style comeback regardless of your design style.  Here are some suggestions for using quilts in different settings.

Traditional:  This is an easy one.  The warm colors and inviting rooms found in traditionally decorated homes welcomes the cozy idea of a quilt.  Toss a smaller lap quilt over the back of a chair for those chilly afternoons.  Stack a collection of quilts inside an armoire for all to see and enjoy.

Country:  A country home will almost always have a selection of quilts ready to use on cold winter nights or frosty mornings.  These can be displayed in a cabinet, rolled up and placed in a large basket, draped over a banister or hung on the wall as artwork.

Contemporary:  You might think a quilt has no place in a modern home but that is far from true.  Choose brightly colored velvet quilts  like those found at Pottery Barn that are sophisticated and cozy at the same time.  Any quilt that features black borders, backing or fabrics works well in a contemporary setting.

You can purchase a handmade antique quilt, an inexpensive machine made quilt or try your hand at making your own.  Quilting is an art but a simple patchwork quilt in fabric colors and patterns you choose yourself might be a fun winter project.  You can always send it out to be quilted if you are unable to do that yourself.  So put on some warm socks, grab a cup of tea and get cozy under the quilt of your choice.

Home Decor: Spooky gothic design

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The first real holiday of fall is Halloween and this is a favorite of many people.  It is fun to add spooky design elements to your decorating like flickering candleabras and red velvet curtains along with all the ghosts and goblins.  But the vampire trend of the last few years has opened our eyes to the ancient design style known as Gothic, which many people enjoy year round.  The elements of gothic design include:

  • Dark moody colors like black, of course, along with deep burgundy, moss green, blood red and burnished gold.
  • Ironwork is important in this design scheme and can be found in stair railings, light fixtures and accessories.
  • Pointed arches in doorways and furniture backs are common.
  • Fabrics are thick and luxurious and include velvet, damask, tapestries and embroideries.
  • Details like thick buillion fringe , large fluffy tassels and metal studs adorn furniture.

While it certainly helps to have a home designed with arched windows, gargoyle adornments and gray stone siding this time honored design style can be used in moderation in most homes.  For example, cover your sofa in a sumptuous red velvet and add thick fringe to the bottom.  Add some metal studs to a distressed wood coffee table.  Hang a tapestry on the wall, add a few candlesticks and you have created a sensuous and moody environment that will not seem out of place even when Halloween is over.

ABC’s of Decorating: F is for faux

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Webster’s dictionary defines faux as an “imitation” and comes from the french word for false.  We often hear it applied to animal fur as in a faux fur jacket.  But this word is also used in interior decorating. 

  • Faux painting has been popular for many years and is used to replicate tuscan plaster, for example.  The process  can also be used to imitate wood grain, leather, suede etc. and applied to the art of trompe l’oeuil, mural painting and other wall treatments.
  • For those of you interested in avoiding the use of animal skins (or the high price tag) there is pleather.  This is a vinyl type fabric that is supposed to look and feel like real leather.  It falls a bit short of the real thing but is a good substitute for an ottoman, bar stools, a headboard etc. where the look of leather is desired but you cannot justify the cost.
  • Faux suede and other microfibers are synthetic fabrics made from polyester.  Unlike the real thing, faux suede and microfiber is easy to clean, durable and affordable.  It is a wonderful choice for that family room sofa that gets a lot of wear and tear.  If you are  looking for a lush drapery fabric for your den or office, faux suede can provide a rich look at an affordable cost.  This leaves you some extra change to purchase luscious fringe and trim.
  • Silk plants are a faux plant and often times a big faux-pas (mistake in french).  Before you decide to purchase silk plants please educate yourself on choosing a well-made and well designed arrangement.  Check out our post here for further information.

While I would normally advocate honesty at all times, a little faux now and then can go a long way when it comes to decorating your home and no one ever has to know.

Luxury Fabrics: Cashmere, Velvet and Silk

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There are times when you just want to enjoy a little bit of luxury.  That may mean drinking an expensive wine, eating imported chocolates, or using a luxurious fabric in your home.  There are several types of fabrics that fall into the luxury category.

Cashmere

Cashmere comes from the wool of Kashmir goats found in the mountains of Tibet and Mongolia.  The soft touch makes it a popular choice for sweaters and scarves but can also be used to make throws and blankets or to upholster furniture.  It is not particularly durable so should be used in areas that are not subjected to a lot of use; but nothing says luxury like cuddling under a cashmere blanket on a cold evening. 

Velvet

Velvet has long been considered one of the most luxurious fabrics available.   It can be made from cotton or silk thread, which gives it a slight sheen.  Velvet provides a soft and thick look and feel to draperies, upholstery and accent pillows.   Velour and velveteen give a similar look and feel for less money but are not as thick and rich in appearance as the real thing.

Silk

Contrary to popular belief, the silk used in textiles does not come from the silk worm, it comes from moth caterpillars.  The production process is what makes silk so expensive.  Silk draperies add a look of luxury to your windows, as do silk throw pillows or an occasional chair with a silk cushion. 

Hand crafted

Hand embroidered, crewel work or painted fabrics all fall under the luxury fabric category due to the handcrafting necessary to produce these exquisite textiles.  Beautiful window coverings, accent pillows, quilts and light upholstery can all be created from these handcrafted works of art.

Using one of these fabrics to decorate your home will make you feel special and, after all, we all deserve a little bit of luxury in our lives.