More Splash than Cash Decorating» Donna Babylon’s sewing and decorating tips

Sew News Article

admin — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 19:34:31 +0000

Just received my copy of the June/July ‘11 issue of Sew News magazine hitting new stands now. My article answers common bedding questions. On pages 20-21, I explain the difference between a coverlet, comforter, duvet, bedspread and quilt. Includes tips on how to measure the mattress, comforter or duvet to ensure the proper fit. Check it out!

Donna Babylon is a DIY and sewing guru. Her latest book is Decorating Sewlutions: Learn to Sew as You Decorate Your Home. Learn more at www.MoreSplashThanCash.com

101 Patchwork Projects & Quilts (2011 issue)

admin — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:19:05 +0000

Just received my copy of the 2011 101 Patchwork Projects & Quilts and want to share that I have two projects included. I am so excited!

A bedroom isn’t complete without a profusion of pillows. My first project (page 75), Serenity Sham, is so easy to make! My second project is a Pieced Shower Curtain on page 86. Brighten your morning with this pieced shower curtain topped with colorful grommets. Check it out!

Donna Babylon is a DIY and sewing guru. Her latest book is Decorating Sewlutions: Learn to Sew as You Decorate Your Home. Learn more at www.MoreSplashThanCash.com

Sew News Article

admin — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 08:10:10 +0000

Just received my copy of the newest Sew News magazine (April/May 2011 issue). My article “Polished Pillows” is featured on page 22-23. One of the questions that I regularly hear is “How do I make professional-looking pillows that hold their shape”. The article features tips, tricks and photos. Check it out!

Donna Babylon is a DIY and sewing guru. Her latest book is Decorating Sewlutions: Learn to Sew as You Decorate Your Home. Learn more at www.MoreSplashThanCash.com

No-Sew Heart Snowflake

admin — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 09:00:16 +0000

Surprise your valentine with a unique place setting made by you with love.

Ooh-la-la! Something’s cooking for Valentine Day.

Looking to create a fun and easy place mat? Download this free pattern for a heart snowflake and use it to decorate your home for this special day.

You can also make the black and white place mat in minutes. The complete directions are in my book, Decorating Sewlutions: Learn to Sew as You Decorate Your Home. Choose two fun fabrics and a coordinating solid. Such an easy peasy project!

Donna Babylon is a DIY and sewing guru. Learn more at www.MoreSplashThanCash.com

Curtain Tieback Tricks

admin — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 09:00:14 +0000

Suggested placement for tiebacks…

Sill-Length: floor-length curtains or drapes fall into graceful curves if the tiebacks are placed at the height of the window sill.

Placed Low: by placing tiebacks low (about 2/3 of the way down from the top of the curtains), an illusion of a tall, narrow window is created. This effect will obscure light because more of the window is covered by the curtains.

Placed High: to create an illusion of height, place the tiebacks about 1/3 of the way down from the top. This effect will also let in the most light.

Donna Babylon is a DIY and sewing guru. Her latest book is Decorating Sewlutions: Learn to Sew as You Decorate Your Home. Learn more at www.MoreSplashThanCash.com.

Care tips for decorative trim

admin — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 09:00:16 +0000

Trims that are handled constantly, such as fringe on the leading edge of a curtain or on a pillow, can become tangled. These tips will help you make trims more manageable.

Use a hand steamer or steam iron to steam fringe ends to remove kinks. Use a kitchen mitt on your hand as a portable “ironing board” when pressing already-hung curtains.
Unruly tassels or fringes can be brushed softly with a hairbrush to untangle and fluff them. Select a brush with plastic bristles that are spaced 1/4 inch apart and have little balls on the tips. Uneven fringe ends can be trimmed with scissors. (However, don’t cut loops or twisted bullion fringes. They will just unwind!).

This tip excerpted from More Splash Than Cash Window Treatment by Donna Babylon.

Color Unity

admin — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:00:24 +0000

When selecting colors for adjoining rooms, blend colors from one area to another to create color unity. For example, if your living room is yellow with blue accents and the adjoining dining rom is blue, add some yellow accents to the dining room so the colors flow together.

Check out other helpful tips at http://moresplashthancash.com/blog/.

Color Clues

admin — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 09:00:56 +0000

If you are having a hard time selecting a color scheme, turn to your closet. What colors do you like to wear? If you like wearing certain colors, you will certainly enjoy living with those same colors.

Donna Babylon is a DIY and sewing guru. Her latest book is Decorating Sewlutions: Learn to Sew as You Decorate Your Home. Learn more at www.MoreSplashThanCash.com.

Weighing In On Curtains

admin — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 09:00:20 +0000

Drapery weights will help ensure that your window treatments hang well while giving your curtain a finished professional look. It’s simple to add, just insert a weight into the bottom hem area at each corner and/or botton of each vertical seam. If the weight is not precovered, you must first cover the weight with muslin to prevent the weight from discoloring the decorator fabric.

This tip is excerpted from More Splash Than Cash Window Treatments by Donna Babylon.

Make Your Own Tassels

admin — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 10:00:30 +0000

Here’s a quick tip to make your own tassels for home decorating…

Cut a piece of cardboard to the length of the tassel. Wrap embroidery floss around the cardboard to achieve the desired thickness. To make the tassel head, gather the floss at one edge of the cardboard and tie it together with matching floss. Remove the cardboard and tie another piece of floss 1/2 inch to 1 inch below the knotted end. Cut the floss loops to create the tassel tails. Tip excerpted from Donna Babylon’s book, More Splash Than Cash Window Treatments

Donna Babylon is a nationally known home decorating expert. Her latest book, Decorating Sewlutions: Learn To Sew As You Decorate Your Home can be found at www.MoreSplashThanCash.com