One Down . . .

Remember <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/05/seeing-spots.html">this fabric</a>?  Before she and her sewing machine had a minor disagreement, my mom was able to whip up a pillow for me.  Looks fantastic, right?  So cheery (and washable!) and that makes me smile.  Mad props to my mom for getting a perfect fit and sewing in a barely perceptible zipper.  I'm looking forward to her sewing me more because I am greedy like that.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRaZorZCaZsnVJzBrvHazzi35YT1X3RuJo4FGpieUrpBgJ45IkmMKfaf192A8ZdcupoDe9_9cySHu9nw22zfBO_TiLfMW-y9GsFrOnrQbY048_nu4e-4M0K73CNUJEu1tN-CvAQCIrP98/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRaZorZCaZsnVJzBrvHazzi35YT1X3RuJo4FGpieUrpBgJ45IkmMKfaf192A8ZdcupoDe9_9cySHu9nw22zfBO_TiLfMW-y9GsFrOnrQbY048_nu4e-4M0K73CNUJEu1tN-CvAQCIrP98/s640/006.JPG" t8="true" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRv7kmNFpcV7BAXAa5i6cxEbnUhAaxyylkxXAZHldg3ze30bCBlP03dUjC4Rx4mBYGw_ItGQpqS_0lETEP79XVZWmxmFffYKtyFWXHzWkYPCGYIyPfB2oDls7NjIAV6iawK96XQEP21FD/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRv7kmNFpcV7BAXAa5i6cxEbnUhAaxyylkxXAZHldg3ze30bCBlP03dUjC4Rx4mBYGw_ItGQpqS_0lETEP79XVZWmxmFffYKtyFWXHzWkYPCGYIyPfB2oDls7NjIAV6iawK96XQEP21FD/s640/057.JPG" t8="true" width="480" /></a></div><br />I will be internet-less for a few days.  While I'm disconnected from the world, check out my <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/p/diy-projects.html">DIY Projects page</a> - I added my new projects.  And we have been hard at work on a BIG reveal so stay tuned . . . <br /><br />Have a fabulous weekend!!

One Down . . .

Remember this fabric ?  Before she and her sewing machine had a minor disagreement, my mom was able to whip up a pillow for me.  Looks fanta...

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Seeing Spots

Our living room and dining room were among the first rooms to look more "finished".  Don't get me wrong, there's lots more to do but this space has looked pretty much like this since we moved in.  We painted, added our furniture & art, bought a new light fixture and fireplace doors, but that's nothing compared to other areas of the house.  With rooms <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2010/12/main-bath-before-now.html">like this</a> and <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/03/bedroom-update.html">this</a>, there were other areas in more dire need of our attention.  But now that other rooms are coming together, the living rooms is starting to look worn out.  First, <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/01/in-lieu-of-new-upholstery.html">the sofa shenanigans</a> and now the throw pillows are literally coming apart at the seams.  Sigh.  Undetered, I went fabric shopping for a fun fabric for fresh new throw pillows and found something great!  (Say that ten times fast!)<br /><br />Picture the pattern a bit crisper than in the photo - a more vanilla-ish white background with cheery aqua, green and deep yellow circles.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6GXZv91nh5zB-PWOUARAZvAZxcoWQmylK_4p6l5MrDyqkY2LJSEZE_UKhUR8XgoPi6CIy-d-2cagKESI0xsp-50MnpjLBivPxJ7DrvouJAckgP7Ll6pdouWwJhd5ZNg3pqOdhJBt3idj/s1600/096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6GXZv91nh5zB-PWOUARAZvAZxcoWQmylK_4p6l5MrDyqkY2LJSEZE_UKhUR8XgoPi6CIy-d-2cagKESI0xsp-50MnpjLBivPxJ7DrvouJAckgP7Ll6pdouWwJhd5ZNg3pqOdhJBt3idj/s400/096.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrH7AC6yKVCTlmeDtNoS7sD5YLs6WYtQheMB3Rl3a3LW-2i6xb6GDPff44FtMF5eT27Zb3Y15wv8YViOhp2RNs8yS8uMephTljlZ_zhYjjm8vHNxqOdVb7KOiDPOT2pF5sF8kh_Bdn_QTk/s1600/091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrH7AC6yKVCTlmeDtNoS7sD5YLs6WYtQheMB3Rl3a3LW-2i6xb6GDPff44FtMF5eT27Zb3Y15wv8YViOhp2RNs8yS8uMephTljlZ_zhYjjm8vHNxqOdVb7KOiDPOT2pF5sF8kh_Bdn_QTk/s400/091.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />I think that once this fabric becomes pillows, they will dress up the sofa (paired with the existing brown print pillows my mom sewed) and the accent chairs (not pictured) nicely.  I think the print ties in well with the artwork, a major fixture we tend to decorate around.<br />  <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapc_TYoOXwczYmP9tbaWlTp_mZGypuHTr3WKsdcJkLJ_rFfuFnQ-0RiVSzpYr5sJOsTWtuZMYbE17lE9soBfQ74CRY3ab6_ocgZ_1K_lnhc6z0mnY5V1kSXv25dlkr1ZCQdcWWRSAgEQ/s1600/P1060064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapc_TYoOXwczYmP9tbaWlTp_mZGypuHTr3WKsdcJkLJ_rFfuFnQ-0RiVSzpYr5sJOsTWtuZMYbE17lE9soBfQ74CRY3ab6_ocgZ_1K_lnhc6z0mnY5V1kSXv25dlkr1ZCQdcWWRSAgEQ/s640/P1060064.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIDitbhGQW21jHmbLkEaT6MqzfSv0eDPbNjg_GU6Fb9inxpfVvG4GuZ_T-LIRrSz6ynpH-quLufarSBWuXb2sOFMBqQdZrnD9YL1sCfgb_tVC5o8NuIUNx-dYOX0mH-tZ3tPmt6evtzIY/s1600/P1050936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIDitbhGQW21jHmbLkEaT6MqzfSv0eDPbNjg_GU6Fb9inxpfVvG4GuZ_T-LIRrSz6ynpH-quLufarSBWuXb2sOFMBqQdZrnD9YL1sCfgb_tVC5o8NuIUNx-dYOX0mH-tZ3tPmt6evtzIY/s640/P1050936.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>

Seeing Spots

Our living room and dining room were among the first rooms to look more "finished".  Don't get me wrong, there's lots more...

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DIY Window Covering for Awkward Windows

I LOVE hand sewn goods.  I just hate to be the person whose hands are sewing them.  You know I thoroughly enjoy DIY projects: <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2010/12/new-evidence-of-painting-charlie.html">painting a car</a>, <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/01/diy-treadle-sewing-machine-base-desk.html">making a desk</a>, <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2010/11/blog-post.html">tearing up carpet</a> . . . anything but sewing.  Happily, my mom offered to do some sewing for me while she was here, so I made an addition to the guest room:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0xvzy6e0Z6WNuh6qE_ANUgbo04EGmeSJjdTK1j-mx7iFH1tFhcxsMXxLQjKd-eTHiAWShyeHdhBOp2FUURTZqvtM6hHhXcat-Zt8iBWNYqP8LStkdzQ4oct71972YDWbH_MhQbWb5ac/s1600/103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0xvzy6e0Z6WNuh6qE_ANUgbo04EGmeSJjdTK1j-mx7iFH1tFhcxsMXxLQjKd-eTHiAWShyeHdhBOp2FUURTZqvtM6hHhXcat-Zt8iBWNYqP8LStkdzQ4oct71972YDWbH_MhQbWb5ac/s640/103.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Before"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8buQf1CpfWKAl0xxenbBivnu5ZPouk-ab-ezPh1qvtbvqUfN7cqvsFBCNzZNdBJIlxJv7Tei_tgOm2eTCd126AOfVtWo4akSUfXYmJ-XEocDJL0zax8cCI94mZIvAPpwdRbLdXGqdpSd/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8buQf1CpfWKAl0xxenbBivnu5ZPouk-ab-ezPh1qvtbvqUfN7cqvsFBCNzZNdBJIlxJv7Tei_tgOm2eTCd126AOfVtWo4akSUfXYmJ-XEocDJL0zax8cCI94mZIvAPpwdRbLdXGqdpSd/s640/019.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temporary "After"</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Too obvious?  Does this scream, "please drop your bags and start sewing"?  Before you think I'm a huge jerk, you should know I did take her to some vintage shops and buy her crème brûlée.  <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="222" id="il_fi" src="http://www.google.ca/url?source=imgres&ct=img&q=http://marie-morin.ca/en/images/products/la-creme-brulee.jpg&sa=X&ei=Cz5jTdrwJtS2twf4i7nSCw&ved=0CAQQ8wc&usg=AFQjCNF1dbrQwImDyE8gwOOGntbqEsOiZg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://marie-morin.ca/en/la-creme-brulee.php">Source</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />But she was a busy little bee.  While she was here she sewed the super cheery throw pillows for <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/03/bedroom-update.html">the newly decorated bedroom</a> and fixed <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/03/pillowcase-problems.html">the West Elm bedding</a>.  She also whipped up some guest bedroom curtains, in addition to some other fun projects I plan to share.  Because our plan for the curtains was so successful, I wanted to share . . . <br /><br />Remember the guest bedroom windows?  They are a bit awkward (and were bare):<br /><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZEhrG0nWU2nyM5w_A5XAR6ytj7qcdpyRQ5n_nd1CEpdjqPlIGMBqHtTDUbOndAz0O2rpWBYd7_Vx2inJJ72CnLC6TKE-2gCWY_R-HzRwVBXWkzULkfX0i7LhSbFiQZ7_8i7k5BoQGFM/s1600/P1060103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZEhrG0nWU2nyM5w_A5XAR6ytj7qcdpyRQ5n_nd1CEpdjqPlIGMBqHtTDUbOndAz0O2rpWBYd7_Vx2inJJ72CnLC6TKE-2gCWY_R-HzRwVBXWkzULkfX0i7LhSbFiQZ7_8i7k5BoQGFM/s640/P1060103.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvMPULG5S04pNRf2Jr7QJbSKvXxQTELS9lvLdYHdK09UiATf2OnHEVAJdv7G2v5DxIWaErBO9-UtxAYg40RU8Kp1XgV7kYwSzdWctJSKQlCGlCoFuAY4JFYX9XcgJsJYRTNutNMnp9IBd/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvMPULG5S04pNRf2Jr7QJbSKvXxQTELS9lvLdYHdK09UiATf2OnHEVAJdv7G2v5DxIWaErBO9-UtxAYg40RU8Kp1XgV7kYwSzdWctJSKQlCGlCoFuAY4JFYX9XcgJsJYRTNutNMnp9IBd/s640/022.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The awkward placement precluded the kind of wall to wall curtains I have in <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/03/bedroom-update.html">the master bedroom</a>:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzMBj4Et5HLeDtpMWTPnI00f9YbpF_z_Yk6JR_1LqM-bwzhIq6FGINxD7bfll5tVboDc9abzbIy0FDd6WdhVfVf3XSdbE94meCVBV93uhS4NDbmbyKi_TS2fqkyneaYGAsngB4XVpkXkT/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzMBj4Et5HLeDtpMWTPnI00f9YbpF_z_Yk6JR_1LqM-bwzhIq6FGINxD7bfll5tVboDc9abzbIy0FDd6WdhVfVf3XSdbE94meCVBV93uhS4NDbmbyKi_TS2fqkyneaYGAsngB4XVpkXkT/s400/039.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And just doing blinds would have looked a little bare.  So we hatched a plan for some fitted sheers to still let light in, but also provide some privacy.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>How to:</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Basically, these curtains consist of two pockets for flat, tension [Hubby says its technically a "compression"] curtain rods.  The rods fit just inside the window frame and hold the curtain at the top and bottom, for a ruched look.  (As a bonus, we used leftover from the master bedroom curtains, so the cost was low: four tension fit rods & that's it!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJLtxK15HC6mejJcwlv_zQarlgsOBPfNPhALSb5TeG90No8HvYzhKm39efmG-Du2lCOUHyEoXxJsx1CWVXawRrc84FjO6yWc1nwHy-L-NDXm_YhfPLJxhouZLc5ZdROAyFX12OEit0_qK/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJLtxK15HC6mejJcwlv_zQarlgsOBPfNPhALSb5TeG90No8HvYzhKm39efmG-Du2lCOUHyEoXxJsx1CWVXawRrc84FjO6yWc1nwHy-L-NDXm_YhfPLJxhouZLc5ZdROAyFX12OEit0_qK/s400/013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Just sewing a pocket for a top rod created a more "country kitchen" look than I was after:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1byhGrQrjaVagueeyxpw_gcMyUEh2bW4e2VdcaeyWF1pr65OyPMzZTNxtWRK7FsiOJDBvApObygjSGNQCTm4RhmU57n0d89VvNLhu49fsT_c4GXHctv3dgpLpB018k0y6NWBNorg-phs/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1byhGrQrjaVagueeyxpw_gcMyUEh2bW4e2VdcaeyWF1pr65OyPMzZTNxtWRK7FsiOJDBvApObygjSGNQCTm4RhmU57n0d89VvNLhu49fsT_c4GXHctv3dgpLpB018k0y6NWBNorg-phs/s400/016.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too floofy</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDztampBsL5khnoK2pLvQuy6EDQJlS_08ywElQMyNYtQUo1CrBmO-b1omDS9qt9RTKDL5JvZrBgAdfYxeN9N5ppx72cVZ-vpNK-qww1s2xfQ6KZaOH9OW1odQ8btG0C0wGQc2UgRtPJr9V/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDztampBsL5khnoK2pLvQuy6EDQJlS_08ywElQMyNYtQUo1CrBmO-b1omDS9qt9RTKDL5JvZrBgAdfYxeN9N5ppx72cVZ-vpNK-qww1s2xfQ6KZaOH9OW1odQ8btG0C0wGQc2UgRtPJr9V/s400/019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />To me, when the curtain is cinched at the bottom also, it looks more polished:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5mndCf8hzThV8r3IqUgsvABfV8W1gUpIrSHo2C0WAaVSSNhqkTIrKjI9f079mHmHVIG-Ic-T-7a6p5G749oX0nWRQ0YZmTCmlXS1Epeie-D1kRkC9wf23EUAcE-FVYKDhpUDqNzk97xy-/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5mndCf8hzThV8r3IqUgsvABfV8W1gUpIrSHo2C0WAaVSSNhqkTIrKjI9f079mHmHVIG-Ic-T-7a6p5G749oX0nWRQ0YZmTCmlXS1Epeie-D1kRkC9wf23EUAcE-FVYKDhpUDqNzk97xy-/s400/018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Once my mom sewed the rod pockets, top and bottom, and also hemmed the sides, we fit the curtains into place.  The width of the curtain is up to you and dependent on how much ruching you want.  You could make these completely tight, with no ruching.  Play around with the fabric, but doubling the width of the window is a good start.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPnfmESuGPeJeBqNAVD2BiGmAJjhFX9wsAvZOFlMTBlUdza71L9-GIkOSHo8XQxwZQNbP-_Y2uiw-9vClgLtoVIPf2i2DJc9zuZC6FmeWj7MezSMORI2IIP2Jy9-ggZhGoYYISOz-GPjf/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPnfmESuGPeJeBqNAVD2BiGmAJjhFX9wsAvZOFlMTBlUdza71L9-GIkOSHo8XQxwZQNbP-_Y2uiw-9vClgLtoVIPf2i2DJc9zuZC6FmeWj7MezSMORI2IIP2Jy9-ggZhGoYYISOz-GPjf/s400/020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />We did some fiddling and fussing to make sure the fabric was ruched evenly:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqt6AcmPFe1xAWMeGJPHtDY-9azlADGR3UuH7n-_o1IQMuHCZpl_VeoVGYxWS61Jl59i8yq_tvgZ1-gy6tD3yZqtdgm-9O7E-zLejjiBQ16hGMmaQLIj-aNXPqCbdsYtDyBnvuDPNAtlPa/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqt6AcmPFe1xAWMeGJPHtDY-9azlADGR3UuH7n-_o1IQMuHCZpl_VeoVGYxWS61Jl59i8yq_tvgZ1-gy6tD3yZqtdgm-9O7E-zLejjiBQ16hGMmaQLIj-aNXPqCbdsYtDyBnvuDPNAtlPa/s400/028.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Much better!  Didn't my mom do a splendid job?  (Notice the <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/03/nightstand-vignette.html">dressed up night stand</a> hard at work?)    </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgveCYhzYLFh9rv5it6xZapjfwP3umDppW9mvW6xAladptIBlgvUqTzVUIRdTfSd0OA41eosAF9Ty-HVwFR1x38vkjN6VXgOjr0PsYK90akUeRItRrDEk5V2yjcUA6l_I_qsY55FNVitG9P/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgveCYhzYLFh9rv5it6xZapjfwP3umDppW9mvW6xAladptIBlgvUqTzVUIRdTfSd0OA41eosAF9Ty-HVwFR1x38vkjN6VXgOjr0PsYK90akUeRItRrDEk5V2yjcUA6l_I_qsY55FNVitG9P/s640/026.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNYfB-dNy4BrNqXVzc3auEtthCr4kkYjQMzvhahyphenhyphenx4bxCyX0pOV2NFYFaYFmWg-s8ROpfwJBXDNVoflPRVRZ4oM9egy8_U_aMhoRrZYn_d3aVTmv3PJiLYelOgzhzBk9vZIfzpTdnSX_X/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNYfB-dNy4BrNqXVzc3auEtthCr4kkYjQMzvhahyphenhyphenx4bxCyX0pOV2NFYFaYFmWg-s8ROpfwJBXDNVoflPRVRZ4oM9egy8_U_aMhoRrZYn_d3aVTmv3PJiLYelOgzhzBk9vZIfzpTdnSX_X/s640/034.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NO staging took place for this pic . . . </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqAO5J9Y4vd4l3XJnawBJAsaLAb8ryozfy7rAOOOXqFwo5CeutzDT-x3dDNBgFwJuEI5lWHCu59gn9N9yrbntCSuN3U2nH_EAKdpHM6rDAH8nE5MrLw9UU1H2YUJ63Ajby_ol5lb-1vKl/s1600/159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqAO5J9Y4vd4l3XJnawBJAsaLAb8ryozfy7rAOOOXqFwo5CeutzDT-x3dDNBgFwJuEI5lWHCu59gn9N9yrbntCSuN3U2nH_EAKdpHM6rDAH8nE5MrLw9UU1H2YUJ63Ajby_ol5lb-1vKl/s400/159.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPStP0k-GqSetedRmP9ZVEv_cmGutFT03GrZywoQdZiDmt-GzcJ7q3-hfj7iCPVzQVmtMgEGIDR4HlubCWnazCFHMoGiYTwJxuszhZRu5QW2V9Nu3wzNzn1ftM8OXZAwA6xXSigX9zxQO_/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPStP0k-GqSetedRmP9ZVEv_cmGutFT03GrZywoQdZiDmt-GzcJ7q3-hfj7iCPVzQVmtMgEGIDR4HlubCWnazCFHMoGiYTwJxuszhZRu5QW2V9Nu3wzNzn1ftM8OXZAwA6xXSigX9zxQO_/s320/035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvEXVZ5rl0viSIpvF5mfJaQPgV7knGpQWtkaOpmj2SmtOo_zLJwA0-ShRIiFSUvpNn3DDE1RLGGVABBKz8cupipW8ge2j0HybvJMqq7WUt-G66aUPxJu9LwJA525bi4XTdUSGRcEHJlht/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvEXVZ5rl0viSIpvF5mfJaQPgV7knGpQWtkaOpmj2SmtOo_zLJwA0-ShRIiFSUvpNn3DDE1RLGGVABBKz8cupipW8ge2j0HybvJMqq7WUt-G66aUPxJu9LwJA525bi4XTdUSGRcEHJlht/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXDOeNsnmvKocbpIIcMiU0MUe1xzgXznVxa9udK9FSxx4P9RYiUYbWOKYV9P8_GPf-s2yFzqpDk9dNxeRmnjYx7P10SkyvGqdzW51_XtiCuMhOkYVXCUQU-thVoPlZTCIPGlSDaLwqx4x/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXDOeNsnmvKocbpIIcMiU0MUe1xzgXznVxa9udK9FSxx4P9RYiUYbWOKYV9P8_GPf-s2yFzqpDk9dNxeRmnjYx7P10SkyvGqdzW51_XtiCuMhOkYVXCUQU-thVoPlZTCIPGlSDaLwqx4x/s640/005.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSQ5QzQRILMY_ELl3ZERSlc8PsVnR5wYO5hkIiE9wqhZkG3qaxIjPrhPjPR0gvW5D-mVb1MhV5V3252RMgK8WA-s85iHnkV7FM6TkJVHbNmR69FIdQvMTUyCwQ-HlN2ZgnCOlpHLQpY7r/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSQ5QzQRILMY_ELl3ZERSlc8PsVnR5wYO5hkIiE9wqhZkG3qaxIjPrhPjPR0gvW5D-mVb1MhV5V3252RMgK8WA-s85iHnkV7FM6TkJVHbNmR69FIdQvMTUyCwQ-HlN2ZgnCOlpHLQpY7r/s640/006.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />Now, we still have this awkward window to attend to. . . <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkF8OTl51BpQV3f6xbmFmaB35CEHugJOslAnE6tLAh4prBlCOcjGtwRqAnpPUuCkrkRxTf0xRHneBBxisfCo5moHQT9V-KE28aUxgz6FlsDRY3lpyk9GR4y5wIQ9oxsJOlhhrZ-eGOdZ6/s1600/113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkF8OTl51BpQV3f6xbmFmaB35CEHugJOslAnE6tLAh4prBlCOcjGtwRqAnpPUuCkrkRxTf0xRHneBBxisfCo5moHQT9V-KE28aUxgz6FlsDRY3lpyk9GR4y5wIQ9oxsJOlhhrZ-eGOdZ6/s640/113.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />P.S. pleasantly surprised our guest bedroom can fit a queen bed, armoire, night stand, chair, occasional table and a 51" dining table.

DIY Window Covering for Awkward Windows

I LOVE hand sewn goods.  I just hate to be the person whose hands are sewing them.  You know I thoroughly enjoy DIY projects: painting a car...

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Fun Fabric Find

Sadly, my mom has gone home.  But while she was here we did some fabric shopping and I wanted to share a fun find.  The fabric - pictured below - (only $4.00 a yard, and the softest, flowiest cotton ever!) looks great with a pair of super comfy heels I recently purchased.  The fabric is destined to become a dress!  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLb-StBxk3IA4TuwiUXD8bn_LanpPAUoxC9FSx9_AsYDEJEVgse-OwCaR-bFY3tGzFQwXr8aS1IiIRb6KnbsRRo-I-s1SOPZpmC2Oi20EQ4kz7WxxFaTy0IjjctdecoKr53zuEIH67cb5/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLb-StBxk3IA4TuwiUXD8bn_LanpPAUoxC9FSx9_AsYDEJEVgse-OwCaR-bFY3tGzFQwXr8aS1IiIRb6KnbsRRo-I-s1SOPZpmC2Oi20EQ4kz7WxxFaTy0IjjctdecoKr53zuEIH67cb5/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwtaHBnSNcbv7E4z2WBbgFJs2lMpAtZICLZ0MtfPSN0hzpwoOLbTVWbiUq_ezG7svUDn5QBjGxaKkZW21MuB01bOh0Q1b-gPTMRC-kih0VGSytnzdotLxRfJUQFaUXK-QiptSw7huKkol/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwtaHBnSNcbv7E4z2WBbgFJs2lMpAtZICLZ0MtfPSN0hzpwoOLbTVWbiUq_ezG7svUDn5QBjGxaKkZW21MuB01bOh0Q1b-gPTMRC-kih0VGSytnzdotLxRfJUQFaUXK-QiptSw7huKkol/s400/003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeEPDp6T8oZHzYFkXC_qDM2h5N7w9K4VRiO1KOmby5o6SkoWPivorNQwbdjVLMZUXogvet2wPOyLFjDNH-1KVb-sX7ihpmhUq6DywXX6UWpmx24cU8b5co_ZOYLRpStarT2uW38tvFRTV/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeEPDp6T8oZHzYFkXC_qDM2h5N7w9K4VRiO1KOmby5o6SkoWPivorNQwbdjVLMZUXogvet2wPOyLFjDNH-1KVb-sX7ihpmhUq6DywXX6UWpmx24cU8b5co_ZOYLRpStarT2uW38tvFRTV/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2f1Kc3wbHHPfTu11JsGXdbVasmT-x17oejc3rPdXH1d-TPaegpnx9GzdrN1l8nkMXnkMECCg3-rL7hNMx8lhZ4LEA6AbC0R46NC1h_c2AtaXJOVjn4SGyKmhU6QsMwWrr2UT_i0Jykshyphenhyphen/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2f1Kc3wbHHPfTu11JsGXdbVasmT-x17oejc3rPdXH1d-TPaegpnx9GzdrN1l8nkMXnkMECCg3-rL7hNMx8lhZ4LEA6AbC0R46NC1h_c2AtaXJOVjn4SGyKmhU6QsMwWrr2UT_i0Jykshyphenhyphen/s400/009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaL_P4B6ulpwm92fOiGwbKzndCSiLflnm_MR4dAxayasj5vDZd-oxOF45UOheGDaaEu64eI-CmHuA3Yxz92C_Z8nOgtlERc8OGA2xqbBXJda2roDQ3qfcdd9O5NW0mgfMSydjftT8RqAk/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaL_P4B6ulpwm92fOiGwbKzndCSiLflnm_MR4dAxayasj5vDZd-oxOF45UOheGDaaEu64eI-CmHuA3Yxz92C_Z8nOgtlERc8OGA2xqbBXJda2roDQ3qfcdd9O5NW0mgfMSydjftT8RqAk/s400/006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />In other news, we also bought this fabric we thought would look great for curtains in the office (see <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-office-before-in-progress.html">here</a> & <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/03/bookcase-tweaking.html">here</a> for more office pictures).  I think the beige silk makes the room look too beige - even the wall colour looks beige - so I'm searching for something whiter.  But, alas, this fabric wasn't meant to be (too harsh and too skimpy), so it will have to reside in a closet until the right fit is found.  In the meantime, the search continues . . . <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoBYaMMGXzbzZpJ0cSm3qYdc03vPeoRfS4YpxcccRB-ihzKxUe9okU7dHkGtprgj4OsKHRqBjQVLqqZMbr-da_oci0-abEYSFH3a2aMU6fLccvX1u_magXVVDrMp8_wZPPGmbJLdVr72R/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoBYaMMGXzbzZpJ0cSm3qYdc03vPeoRfS4YpxcccRB-ihzKxUe9okU7dHkGtprgj4OsKHRqBjQVLqqZMbr-da_oci0-abEYSFH3a2aMU6fLccvX1u_magXVVDrMp8_wZPPGmbJLdVr72R/s640/030.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />You win some and you lose some, right?

Fun Fabric Find

Sadly, my mom has gone home.  But while she was here we did some fabric shopping and I wanted to share a fun find.  The fabric - pictured be...

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Babble Alert: Tips for Picking Fabric

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-3VvY9IhZlfEa6DNjWkp8C5P44c53NFaBlOcVtK3qqRgpN6MKmkL2RU4DYybw_SbEMGhjmfVbJbZyOFGoPLuLTVamtCH_Xh99BIWMO8dC15jtPBLs4zxplMX9DzxNJ9nuTcGhyyb2F4/s1600/P1060566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-3VvY9IhZlfEa6DNjWkp8C5P44c53NFaBlOcVtK3qqRgpN6MKmkL2RU4DYybw_SbEMGhjmfVbJbZyOFGoPLuLTVamtCH_Xh99BIWMO8dC15jtPBLs4zxplMX9DzxNJ9nuTcGhyyb2F4/s640/P1060566.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>This is a wordy post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>I won’t know if you just skip down to look at more picture laden posts! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span> </strong></span><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Upholstery fabric can be pricey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>It <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">can </i>cost hundreds of dollars a yard (but you can pick it up for $20 bucks too—I don’t want to scare you) and if you add that to the cost to reupholster a piece (or even the supplies to DIY), upholstery jobs can be expensive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><strong><u><em>To prevent buyer’s remorse, here are some tips</em></u></strong>:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-<strong>Bring a photo</strong> of the room (if you’re designing to fit into a scheme).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">totally</i> kept misremembering the shades of green in the room, so I was glad I could refer to a picture on my phone to refresh my mind.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-<strong>Check the prices</strong> right away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>You don’t want to fall in love with something that’s out of the question.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-But, if you do fall in love with a pricey print, order a small piece for a pillow or save it for a special small piece, like a footstool, and find something cheaper for your sofa project.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-<strong>Play fast and loose with the samples you’ll bring home</strong>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>What I fell in love with in the store was blah at home, so I’m glad I was greedy and brought home dozens of fabrics that caught my eye.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-Some companies provide stores with large samples and also smaller ones in a book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Try to get as big a sample as possible.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-Try out the fabrics in the room, on the item of furniture if you can, in evening and daylight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>What looked super cute in the sunlight read as beige at night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Find something you like all day long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>(Same goes for paint colours).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-If a salesperson is helping you, be specific about what you like and use example from their display (I explained which greens were too dull and showed her which shades I liked) but don’t be overly specific.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>I wasn’t too bossy and, as a result, the woman helping me pulled some really awesome prints I wouldn’t have picked because I was so narrowly focused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span><strong>The fabric I ended up picking was one she suggested</strong>!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-If you’re constantly changing your décor, pick a pattern with a few colours so you can pull a different colour out as an accent if you get bored with the original scheme.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Or pick a more flexible pattern, like black & cream houndstooth or grey & white herringbone, which can be dressed to fit more décor schemes than a giant hot pink flowered print.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-If you’re scared of pattern, pick a textured solid (like a great tweed or velvet) and splurge on a gorgeous throw pillow in a great print (like the super expensive one I know you’ll pick first).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m always tense about shopping for bigger ticket items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>I can’t afford to re-do if I don’t like what I bought or did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>But, the best advice (for me, especially) has to be this: just relax and go with what makes you the most excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>I liked all the fabrics, but I picked the one I was most excited about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span></span></div><strong>What are your tips???</strong>

Babble Alert: Tips for Picking Fabric

This is a wordy post.   I won’t know if you just skip down to look at more picture laden posts! J Upholstery fabric can be pricey.   It can...

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You're The One That I Want

Yay!  Decision made!  We finally picked a fabric for the guest bedroom chair.  It was really difficult because I liked soooooo many of the fabrics.  We picked the green & turquoise swirly rose pattern, at the top left of the chair.  Photo #2 is a close up shot.  It is brighter in real life, the lighting and camera setting dulled the colours a bit.  The fabric will take a few weeks to come in, but I promise to post better quality pics when it does.  <br /><br />Because I'm embarassed that this bedroom is looking a tad messy, click <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2010/11/guest-bedroom-before-after.html">here</a> (please?) for some pics of the room when the contents of a fabric store haven't been unleashed on it. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsUi6WOxSiJ-zmScJwWaZ3C2c4uqI7tdykHClcX5SQb1NildtIEOMWMRaQRAwqTnAhM6R6bUC3nnnIRVq1_sNM4L6Uju2FYNuc1A4Th5aiqsYf-sZFk7te1tEy1p56zoysYhhVtVx_YY/s1600/P1060558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsUi6WOxSiJ-zmScJwWaZ3C2c4uqI7tdykHClcX5SQb1NildtIEOMWMRaQRAwqTnAhM6R6bUC3nnnIRVq1_sNM4L6Uju2FYNuc1A4Th5aiqsYf-sZFk7te1tEy1p56zoysYhhVtVx_YY/s640/P1060558.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCf0rCWhaHJOMmyYZxtMomQi7MnLkMBmwHlRlOk2-plX0CZdqXzNgJ39HVoB_PRfa7cEfy_LWo7xsm9t9gW_L6Y9cprdG3Z5NKNmFxwCz_JWn9AA43QQQJVAJVUjJvdGX-JA63KH3W61s/s1600/P1060569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCf0rCWhaHJOMmyYZxtMomQi7MnLkMBmwHlRlOk2-plX0CZdqXzNgJ39HVoB_PRfa7cEfy_LWo7xsm9t9gW_L6Y9cprdG3Z5NKNmFxwCz_JWn9AA43QQQJVAJVUjJvdGX-JA63KH3W61s/s400/P1060569.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>

You're The One That I Want

Yay!  Decision made!  We finally picked a fabric for the guest bedroom chair.  It was really difficult because I liked soooooo many of the f...

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The Fabric of Our Lives

I made it to the upholstery fabric store today to find fabric for the vintage teak chair in the guest room.  The store was sooo empty.  Christmastime is a delightful time to get non-holiday errands done because you'll be all alone.  Not many errands aren't Christmas-ish, but apparently shopping for fabric doesn't count as festive.  I brought home a lot of samples but I've already made a shortlist of ones I like at night (that's why the photos are a bit grainy, its dark out).  Tomorrow I'll see which ones I like in the light.  Sigh.  I wish Sarah Richardson were here.  I'm getting a heachache.    <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPHNIL_q0MTq2EPWC08KPyeSSWozXSc3hBrELpjjNbmWiwMXmZucJMl3THTFEAW95As7lufPnfXcqRLSHQZm9QwM99m7DBkOajNC7mp164BgQMHuTlmvOmerW5Gr0T0bYw1Scv26SdiY/s1600/P1060103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPHNIL_q0MTq2EPWC08KPyeSSWozXSc3hBrELpjjNbmWiwMXmZucJMl3THTFEAW95As7lufPnfXcqRLSHQZm9QwM99m7DBkOajNC7mp164BgQMHuTlmvOmerW5Gr0T0bYw1Scv26SdiY/s640/P1060103.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A memory refresher</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSObaP6qWi3YEJj-cNw0tmZ4NIJVflkEt6OzjHB2ELslSB3jrLYW2j2EYLwNiSMjo0FBzjt_VvJDyKbV8XJhfqA7nH0Bxm0ev-unuXckJWXH7Q2jPQn_IPLziZdcty6bcoX03-xRIkAf4/s1600/P1060105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSObaP6qWi3YEJj-cNw0tmZ4NIJVflkEt6OzjHB2ELslSB3jrLYW2j2EYLwNiSMjo0FBzjt_VvJDyKbV8XJhfqA7nH0Bxm0ev-unuXckJWXH7Q2jPQn_IPLziZdcty6bcoX03-xRIkAf4/s400/P1060105.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYa_3UhWgr9bvyaBvgoe1l3ty6ufyAxR17gchYwBmx9mwXvUFQqP16aeC173HjR22mYPAMRxlwch2Uop44oZjfMs5BhbjqEUKUbrOoYI8kACKx5ol4kSxLrk0ars5jDOuozDU7gyD3Ak/s1600/P1060108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYa_3UhWgr9bvyaBvgoe1l3ty6ufyAxR17gchYwBmx9mwXvUFQqP16aeC173HjR22mYPAMRxlwch2Uop44oZjfMs5BhbjqEUKUbrOoYI8kACKx5ol4kSxLrk0ars5jDOuozDU7gyD3Ak/s640/P1060108.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtU90HwH_2wVS1aiSxyNl9W70_nqHJIbfDv7kaQQbXT6U2tFAtaBmVSVwd4mSNPHFxxs15hN5yjjkxZ62JyWv4Urmh-4Wm-n81T51ygK3mib0Q5WZFSatsWsWm_BDVPin45hKROfXegI/s1600/P1060547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtU90HwH_2wVS1aiSxyNl9W70_nqHJIbfDv7kaQQbXT6U2tFAtaBmVSVwd4mSNPHFxxs15hN5yjjkxZ62JyWv4Urmh-4Wm-n81T51ygK3mib0Q5WZFSatsWsWm_BDVPin45hKROfXegI/s640/P1060547.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "yays"</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">UPDATE:  If you're interested in any of my "yays," here is the make and model info (going clockwise):</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bottom left:  Robert Allen, "Pool" series - Sweet Nothings</div><div style="text-align: left;">Middle left:  Fabricut - Moonwalk</div><div style="text-align: left;">Houndstooth: Kravet - 30856-35</div><div style="text-align: left;">Top Left: Master Fabric Ltd - Flower Power</div><div style="text-align: left;">Top Right: Duralee Fabrics - Key Lime</div><div style="text-align: left;">Middle Left: Kravet - 28836-316</div><div style="text-align: left;">Bottom Left: Schumacher - Aspen Leaf 62480 (Fern; comes in grey and taupe also)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-SstZIxkdWN1K6U1ccITv70Yd5sHNCAZsPQUbu5sUeJODQrgpOGOFSSMRbrgHEjxBH6oa5Lt5etqFyytRgtNZnfX0Sl0PsLqhmQPKxUM0FyyuKD9SpVgkHzJDBRdtExQe2wrTbz1ibc/s1600/P1060519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-SstZIxkdWN1K6U1ccITv70Yd5sHNCAZsPQUbu5sUeJODQrgpOGOFSSMRbrgHEjxBH6oa5Lt5etqFyytRgtNZnfX0Sl0PsLqhmQPKxUM0FyyuKD9SpVgkHzJDBRdtExQe2wrTbz1ibc/s320/P1060519.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many samples, so little time</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_G8CGCHd0IA8oL7UcS6pDok62YrlvhPahnn6ExL4_VdtHkoO37qlBrOqJC7DGQ1_mdC4wADcHcQ_oSxWfjpF-8DnGvsHUQFw1le4l1xMTs-GytiTsVA4OURJUJXKqOz3ukJb2nZ09y5U/s1600/P1060552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_G8CGCHd0IA8oL7UcS6pDok62YrlvhPahnn6ExL4_VdtHkoO37qlBrOqJC7DGQ1_mdC4wADcHcQ_oSxWfjpF-8DnGvsHUQFw1le4l1xMTs-GytiTsVA4OURJUJXKqOz3ukJb2nZ09y5U/s320/P1060552.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "nays"</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">UPDATE:</div><div style="text-align: left;">The cream and green fabric at the bottom of the "nays" pic is made by Master Fabrics Ltd - "Hotspot" (111).</div>

The Fabric of Our Lives

I made it to the upholstery fabric store today to find fabric for the vintage teak chair in the guest room.  The store was sooo empty.  Chri...

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Blue is the New Black

<p align="left">And I mean a deep, dark, luscious Blue. It is showing up in walls, fabrics, carpets and accessories. It is a blue that doesn't have green or red in it. It is almost black and is warmer than lighter blues and has more life and depth than Black. It is the deepest shade of Indigo as seen in <a href="http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/2007/07/ikat-textiles.html" target="_blank">Ikat Textiles</a>. It is the color of the sky on a moonlit night. It is mysterious, moody, classic, timeless, calming, and refreshing. It can have a glossy finish or be totally matt. It is beautiful when contrasted with pure white. My favorite Benjamin Moore paint colors are Polo Blue, Blackberry Punch, Kensington Blue, Blue Gaspe, Hale Navy, and Old Navy. Some deep blue colors are: sapphire, azure, beryl, cerulean, cobalt, indigo, navy, royal, midnight blue, slate, steel blue, Prussian blue. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SA6tBHaSwPI/AAAAAAAADzk/OxcMShwFPIc/s1600-h/tomscheerer%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="tom scheerer" border="0" height="515" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SA6tBnaSwQI/AAAAAAAADzs/ubukmoQpueA/tomscheerer_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="402" /></a></p> <p align="center">The high gloss finish on this wall has a subtle reflectivity to it that changes at different times of the day and literally sparkles at night. Design by Tom Scheerer </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SA6tB3aSwRI/AAAAAAAADz0/0R5yY3LVxZY/s1600-h/robertburketoddromanoviahabituallych.jpg"><img alt="robertburke todd romano via habitually chie" border="0" height="478" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SA6tCXaSwSI/AAAAAAAADz8/HJny8RAaP7Y/robertburketoddromanoviahabituallych%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="410" /></a></p> <p align="center">I love how the walls, bookshelves and fabric of the banquette seat and sofa are all the same color <br />Design by Robert Burke and Todd Romano</p> <p align="center"><img alt="HouseBeautifulMarch 08" border="0" height="528" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SA6tCnaSwTI/AAAAAAAAD0E/-Rfv2OhOhVY/HouseBeautifulMarch08_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="409" /> <br />A beautiful color of blue to set off the antique prints and porcelains in this Dining Room <br />House Beautiful March 2008</p> <p align="center"><img alt="img23" border="0" height="468" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SA6tC3aSwUI/AAAAAAAAD0M/GCaX1WRXBXc/img23_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="399" /></a> </p> <p align="center">This room by Victoria Hagan is destined to be a classic with her crisp and geometric use of color and pattern</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SA6tDXaSwVI/AAAAAAAAD0U/ym1JmhjcXJw/s1600-h/psychiko-56%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="psychiko-56" border="0" height="387" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SA6tEXaSwWI/AAAAAAAAD0c/Ts_MgkTsMaM/psychiko-56_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="511" /></a></p> <p align="center">Alberto Pinto has used a deep blue in the bold geometric carpet as his only color in this wonderful Master Bedroom</p> </a> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SA6tE3aSwXI/AAAAAAAAD0k/52Dbw1Z_1Tk/s1600-h/psychiko562.jpg"><img alt="jkcapri com hotel italy" border="0" height="435" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SA6tFHaSwYI/AAAAAAAAD0s/8WdfXnI7QDQ/jkcapricomhotelitaly_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="518" /></a></p> <p align="center">A deep and refreshing Mediterranean blue has been used on the walls at JK Capri Hotel in Italy</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SA6tFXaSwZI/AAAAAAAAD00/EaUWdX319Gk/s1600-h/carolyncarr%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="carolyncarr" border="0" height="371" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SA6tFnaSwaI/AAAAAAAAD08/XhFCCu-4e4c/carolyncarr_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="530" /></a> </p> <p align="center">The Inkiest color of blue used for the walls in this room are a great backdrop for colorful artwork</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SA6tF3aSwbI/AAAAAAAAD1E/AgR0gE5ZzUc/s1600-h/jaysonhome6.jpg"><img alt="jaysonhome" border="0" height="362" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SA6tGHaSwcI/AAAAAAAAD1M/atoQNiXV968/jaysonhome_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="478" /></a></p> <p align="center">A deep "French Blue" </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SA6tGXaSwdI/AAAAAAAAD1U/9SuBPgbsKPo/s1600-h/bilhuber15.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SA6tGnaSweI/AAAAAAAAD1c/UPKGe6ypaC8/s1600-h/ekbinterior3.jpg"><img alt="ekb interior" border="0" height="448" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SA6tG3aSwfI/AAAAAAAAD1k/urOtNxUNXe0/ekbinterior_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="446" /></a></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SA6tHHaSwgI/AAAAAAAAD1s/gXYFTaEL1FY/s1600-h/WindsorSmithDominoAug07viagirlmeetsg.jpg"><img alt="Windsor Smith Domino Aug07 via girl meets glamour" border="0" height="435" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SA6tHXaSwhI/AAAAAAAAD10/UmRBBCSn8SU/WindsorSmithDominoAug07viagirlmeetsg%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="432" /></a> </p> <p align="center">The deepest of blue used in an updated traditional paisley pattern <br />Windsor Smith </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SA6tHnaSwiI/AAAAAAAAD18/BZ4b497pRDo/s1600-h/Madeline%20Weinrib1%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="Madeline Weinrib1" border="0" height="257" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SA6tH3aSwjI/AAAAAAAAD2E/DKXe-jdkUNg/Madeline%20Weinrib1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="260" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SA6tH3aSwkI/AAAAAAAAD2M/LMy8hfGc2Uo/s1600-h/thibaut%20ikat%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="thibaut ikat" border="0" height="421" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SA6tIHaSwlI/AAAAAAAAD2U/3AKYDosB3ac/thibaut%20ikat_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="377" /></a> <br />Deepest Indigo blue as used in traditional Ikat textiles</p> <p align="left">Madeline Weinrib cushion Thibaut Ikat Fabric</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SA6tIXaSwmI/AAAAAAAAD2c/A26C3EivdYY/s1600-h/HBSeaCloth%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="HBSeaCloth" border="0" height="472" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SA6tJHaSwnI/AAAAAAAAD2k/bUzw9oEqI4A/HBSeaCloth_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="374" /></a> </p> <p align="center">The company <a href="http://www.seacloth.com/index.php" target="_blank">Sea Cloth</a> is reinventing and putting a modern twist on Indigo dyed fabrics</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SA6tJHaSwoI/AAAAAAAAD2s/hS5Qrf_lC_Y/s1600-h/1chinese%20lattice%20bob%20collins%20800%20282%209971%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="1chinese lattice bob collins 800 282 9971" border="0" height="479" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SA6tJnaSwpI/AAAAAAAAD20/SHW1Slr1PhY/1chinese%20lattice%20bob%20collins%20800%20282%209971_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="379" /></a> <br />This is a classic Wallpaper pattern in a classic deep blue that will never date </p> <p align="left">Let me know if these deep luscious shades of blue are slated to become one of your new favorite colors?</p> <p align="left">I am in the process of designing my own guest bedroom and I have chosen a deep blue silk for the curtains called Moonlight. I am putting a natural woven raffia roman shade on the window behind the curtains for some textural interest. The walls will be painted the same shade as the silk curtains: Benjamin Moore "Blue Gaspe".The Headboard is a heavy white Belgium linen. The bedding is white Egyptian cotton with an Hermes cashmere blanket in a deep charcoal color on the end of the bed. The carpet is wool and is the color of white coral. I will hang black and white "ocean"photographs that I have taken on my travels on the blue walls to finish it off. So you can now see where the inspiration for this post has come from. My friends and family are very anxiously awaiting the unveiling of this room.</p>

Blue is the New Black

And I mean a deep, dark, luscious Blue. It is showing up in walls, fabrics, carpets and accessories. It is a blue that doesn't have gree...

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