I am an immediate gratification kind of sewist. And, I know there are many of you with a similar mindset.
To satisfy my impatience, I am creating downloadable versions of my patterns. You can now get the instructions (some with full size patterns) with the press of a button.
For those of you who have never tried a downloadable pattern, I have a free pattern that you can test drive. This easy patchwork oven mitt has complete instructions, color illustrations and full size pattern pieces.
Here is a brief promo video on my book Decorating Sewlutions. It explains that only 3 basic and super easy sewing techniques that I explain to you in great detail are all you need to make over 100 projects for your home. And, a lot of decorating tips are sprinkled through the book. Check it out!
I am fascinated by all the things you can do with a discarded dryer sheet. But one that I find particularly handy is to use a sheet to clean blinds. The dryer sheet seems to repel dust that collects in all those little slats. It’s much easier than washing the blinds in the bathtub (that’s how I was told to clean them).
Create an inexpensive, yet attractive desk for our home office by using two, 2-drawer filing cabinets and a hollow door as your desk surface. Place the filing cabinets at both ends of the door for the legs and also instant storage. Use a hole saw to cut a hole in the door in which to insert all your cords from your computer, etc. Paint the filing cabinets and door a fun color that you enjoy.
Transform an otherwise dull bookshelf into one of the most colorful pieces of furniture in our home. Simply paint the inside of each compartment a different color. To create cohesiveness, select colors of the same value and paint any exposed front edges with one color.
I have been working with the great people at Sew4Home and they just featured some of my favorite tips excerpted from my book Decorating Sewlutions. Check it out here! The photo to the left is a sneak preview of what you will find!
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!).
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.
To make your sewing projects go smoothly, here are a few tips to allow you to work more efficiently.
Set up a permanent work area for the duration of your project. You’ll lose time and momentum if you have to break down your work area after you finish each day.
Work on as large a surface as possible. If you’re using a dining room table, extend the table to its maximum size. If all else fails, move away all the furniture and use the floor.
Make sure you have a good light source in your work area.
Keep all of your tools orderly and within reach.
When sewing large volumes of fabric, keep the weight of the fabric from pulling on the needle by positioning a chair in front of and behind the sewing machine to “catch” the fabric as you sew.
Wind three bobbins before you start a large project; you will always have a spare at your fingertips.
Start each project with a new needle; needles become dull through use.
Press by lifting the iron up and down. “Sweeping” the iron back and forth stretches the bias edges and seams.
Always work with clean hands during the construction process. Avoid eating and drinking in your work area because spills and stains can be the downfall of any sewing project.
Donna Babylon is a DIY and sewing guru. Her latest book, Decorating Sewlutions: Learn to Sew as You Decorate Your Home is now available at www.MoreSplashThanCash.com.
To select the proper paint finish, you first need to know the difference between them.
Flat finishes have no shine, which makes them perfect for hiding minor surface imperfections.
Eggshell or velvet finishes work in just about any room. They are easier to clean than flat finishes and provide a soft glow that warms up the room.
Satin or semi-gloss finishes are easy to clean and are good for highlighting architectural details such as trim and moldings. They work well in kitchens and baths.
Gloss finishes are shiny and scrubs easily. This finish is the perfect choice for doors and trims.
Donna Babylon’s More Splash Than Cash decorating concept is designed to help everyone have a beautiful home. More Splash Than Cash doesn’t mean cheap. It means that the time and cash you invest–whatever the amount–are well spent and the results will be enjoyed for many years. Learn more at www.MoreSplashThanCash.com.
I am an immediate gratification kind of sewist. And, I know there are many of you with a similar mindset.
