Friday, January 31, 2014

Guest Post: Kathy Joe from Yorkshire Linens

A lot of my time lately has been devoted to making our home more cozy and modern. I am excited today to have a guest from "across the pond" who is going to share with you some AWESOME ideas on revamping your bedroom with sweet and cozy linens. Ya'll know I love a good quilt or crocheted pillow, so these ideas are definitely on my to-add list to my bedroom. Kathy Joe writes a blog for Yorkshire Linen sharing lots of ways to pretty-up your rooms for everyday and for the changing seasons.
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Hi My name is Kathy Joe and today I am so glad to be here. I am a crafts person from head to toe. I love exploring unique crafts and designs. I would be flattered if you visited my blog here

10 Modish Ways to Feel Cosy with Bed Throws
As a budget-conscious decorator (as most of us are these days!) throws play a big part in my planning and implementation of colour schemes and décor themes. Throws go easily with any type of interior and can often enhance and harmonise the look and feel of a room.

Everywhere in the Home
Throws are not just to be kept in the bedroom as a practical, spare blanket. They can be put to great effect, draped artfully over the end of the sofa or folded invitingly on a comfy chair in the conservatory – perfect for cuddling up with a good book, or simply to while away half an hour watching the birds in the garden. Match the throw to your curtains for a wonderfully polished effect.


 Texture the Room
Choose a variety of deeply textured throws to add layers and interest to the décor in your room. Smooth, plain fabrics can be attractive, but the addition of intricate texture, in the form of a throw or two, can really infuse the room with a cosy depth and warmth.


 Knit Up a Storm
Add true home-made cosiness to your rooms by making your own knitted or crocheted throws. You can tailor each throw to the room’s décor and the mere fact that you have made them by yourself will give you an immense ego boost each time someone compliments you. If the thought of making an entire blanket seems too daunting, break it down into component squares and set a time for each square to be completed. It may take a while, especially if you are a novice knitter or crocheter, but you will be surprised at the sense of satisfaction you feel seeing a completed throw just waiting for someone to snuggle up in it!


 Lace (or lace effect)
Fine and delicate, lace throws look amazing, adding instant femininity and charm to any room’s décor. If they are made from the correct thread and fabric they are surprisingly sturdy too, despite looking as though they have been woven from spiders’ silk by fairies!


 Bed Throws: Shabby Chic
A wonderful way to fill a room with cosy appeal is to add elements of shabby chic. Shabby chic throws can be sweetly floral, chunky warm knit or charming, old-fashioned patchwork, meaning that you can find the perfect throw to add shabby chic to any room, no matter the current colour scheme or décor theme.



 Smooth and Elegant
If you are something of a perfectionist, wanting everything in the room to look immaculate and precise, choose a smooth and elegant set of throws. Tweed throws, with perhaps a tasselled edging look marvellous, adding a very rich air to the bed or sofa, and they are sturdy and durable, sure to last many years.

Sensual Faux Fur
For decadent tactile luxury, opt for a sensuous faux fur throw, preferably on your bed, so that you can roll yourself up in it and enjoy the wonderful sensation of being caressed by the fabric. You can choose from quirky vibrant colours, or opt for more natural and neutral shades, or even invest in animal print faux fur throws for a more authentic experience.


Size Does Matter!
Invest in generously sized throws to add extra cosiness to the decor, being able to fold, swathe and drape your throws gives the décor a comforting invitation that is hard to resist. Smaller throws that just cover the knees seem skimpy and mean which can make the room seem sparsely furnished and unwelcoming.

Matching Cushions
Cushions go with throws like Ant goes with Dec! Buying matching cushions and throws, especially if they pick up and enhance the décor’s accent colour, can really finalise and polish the rooms overall look and feel, making it inviting and warm.

Splash of Colour
One of the best uses for a throw in décor is to add a splash of colour to the room, brightening and enlivening the décor. Opt for cheerful, clear colours that harmonise and accent the other colours in the room to infuse a cheerful note into the home.


Throws are a wonderfully cheap way of making small, subtle, but noticeable changes to your décor, making them the perfect tool for someone who is constantly tweaking and updating their home. Buy a good range of throws in many different colours to enable you make the most of your home.



Thanks so much Kathy Joe!! Now, go pretty up your rooms just in time for Valentine's Day! It will give you something warm and cozy to do while we're thawing out from this snow!

Thursday, January 30, 2014

For The Love of Monograms

It's no secret that I love a good monogram. In fact, I love any monogram, pretty much anywhere! I'm even lucky enough to have a husband who appreciates the personal touch that a monogram can add to an outfit or home décor item.
In planning out my crafting for the next few weeks and months, I want to add a few more monograms to my life. Here are some things that I already have in my home, as well as a few ideas that I'll be trying out soon. Updates will follow of course!
The monogrammed pillow, as well as the large framed wall monogram were both part of my Bedroom Redo


 Our Year Round Wreath has a monogram as well as the southern charm of a palmetto tree to welcome guests to our home.


When doing the "Big Girl Room" makeover, I made baby girl a framed monogram. The frame is from Hobby Lobby, and I used my silhouette to cut her monogram out of cardstock, then layered it with pretty scrapbook paper! Easy and very pretty.


It may be small, but adding a monogram to our rocking chairs makes a sweet little statement. This is where WE belong.


In the next few months, I want to make a gallery wall in our house. The Baeza Blog has made this gorgeous monogram for her wall, that I would love to have too!


Nine and Sixteen used  a crisp linen for her pillows, and I love the subtle white monogram on these.


On The Table Designs sells these monogrammed burlap placemats, but they would be quick and easy to DIY with either en embroidery machine, or with freezer paper stenciling.


Pottery Barn sells beautiful sheets, and you can have them personalized for you. I need to take some of the sheets we have now and add a little "His" and "Hers" to our pillowcases for a personal touch.


I have friends who would monogram everything in their house if they could. We like to say...
"It's not mine til it's monogrammed"

It's so true.



Tuesday, January 28, 2014

A Herringbone Quilt {Tutorial}

After completing our Bedroom Redo Hubby said there was something missing. He wanted a blanket, or quilt for the foot of our bed. It's been a while since I made us a quilt, so I was happy to oblige. I have seen several herringbone quilts on Pinterest, and wanted to tackle one myself.

I wanted it to be a little more modern than an all-over herringbone pattern, so I went for a large strip of pattern down the middle, with clean white borders. And just for color (and to drive Hubby absolutely crazy),  I replaced two sets of gray blocks for navy blue.

 
While I was at it, I decided to take some photos and share with you how I put it together.

Materials:
1 yard solid color fabric (mine is gray)
3 yards white fabric
3 yards backing fabric
batting
binding
sewing things


You'll need to cut the following 6" squares:

22 white
22 solid color
(if mixing colors, just make sure you have 22 total)


Sew half-square triangles using your favorite method with a white half and a colored half.
This will give you 44 blocks of white/color.





Press all seams towards the colored side of your block. This will help align blocks and lock them into place later.



To make the herringbone pattern, you will need an "up" unit, and a "down" unit, each of two blocks.


This is an "up" unit.
 
This is a "down" unit.
(you could also call them left and right, just as long as you have two different directions)

 
To create the pattern, arrange an "up" set of blocks next to a "down" set. The blocks should be offset by one, and not directly side by side.

 
Lay out all of your blocks into four columns in this pattern. It helps me to take a picture and look at it to make sure the pattern is correct.

 
Sew your columns together, then your rows. Press your seams well after sewing.

 
Here's where you can play with the size of your quilt. I added a panel to each side of my herringbone strip. Make it slim or extra wide depending on how big you want your quilt.


Make your quilt sandwich with your backing fabric on bottom (right side down), then your batting, then your quilt top.


Baste the quilt sandwich using your favorite method, then hit the sewing machine!
You could do any kind of quilting on this piece. I opted for straight lines this time, outlining the vertical seams, then random lines on the white panels.


The quilt has great texture without being too quilted, and the straight lines are super modern.


Just for fun, I added a little strip of blue to my backing. I love it, Hubby thinks it's weird. The story of my life.



Most importantly, it looks great with our bedding, just as it was intended.


It's warm, modern, and beautiful. And with the large side panels, took very little time to put together. It was a great weekend project.

 

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

LOVE Fonts

Valentine's Day will be here before you know it! Before you start making your Valentine's printables, crafts, or writing love letters, you need the perfect FONT!
 
Here is a collection of my favorite FREE fonts that will be perfect to embellish your Valentines this year.
 

 
 
You can download these for FREE Here.
 
See my other 3 collections of favorite fonts In this post.
 
 
 
 

Monday, January 20, 2014

Learning to Sew

Did you receive a sewing machine for Christmas? Are you just learning to sew and want a fun new project to tackle? Are you ready to make some ADORABLE children's clothing or accessories for yourself?
 
Give Grits & Giggles PDF Sewing Patterns a try!
 
 
With lots of patterns to choose from for girls, boys, and women's accessories, you're sure to find something fun to sew.
 
AND...they're easy to use and follow, perfect for someone beginning to sew.
 
Happy customers have said:
 
"Great Pattern. Easy to follow!"
 
"Super simple and turned out adorable!"
 
"I made this the weekend I got it, and I couldn't be happier! I am new to sewing and made this without any problems. Great, clear instructions, and a beautiful product. Thanks!"
 
I am always available to help out if you need pointers with your pattern and sewing as well.
 
Check out the Patterns section to find something for you to sew today!

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Bathroom Printables

Every now and then an update is in order. This one is long overdue. We've had our sweet baby boy in the house for almost a year now, yet the kids bathroom is still pink and green. Whoops. I didn't want to do a total overhaul, so I thought that changing one color would be sufficient. I swapped the pink for gray and that did the trick!
 
We had three picture frames on the wall with pink flowers...those had to go. I kept the green frames and made some bathroom printables to fill the frames.



And because sharing is caring....
Here are the printables for YOU!

I made them in 4 bathroom-friendly colors to hopefully match your décor.

Just right click and "save as".
These fit in an 8x10 frame with a small white border. You can resize to fit your needs.


 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 


 
 
 
Happy Decorating!
 

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