BRIGHTEN UP

I'm a big fan of making seasonal decor changes - especially in the Pacific Northwest where the fall and winter lack color. Just rearranging to infuse color into the rooms you spend time in can make a big difference. Here are some cheery rooms that utilize bright accessories to liven up the mood. 

Images from: A Note on Design

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS

This year I’m planning on making some Christmas gifts. Partially to save money, but also because I’ve been inspired by graphic colorful housewares like these ones by Le Bon Marche

Here are some easy projects (and some super easy ones) that will make great gifts:

Makeup Bag Tutorials from Tipnut

Tote Bag Tutorials from Tipnut

Table Runner Tutorials from Tipnut

Place Mat and Napkins Tutorials from Tipnut

Apron Tutorials from Tipnut

Oven Mitt and Pot Holder Tutorials from Tipnut

Tea Towel Tutorials from Tipnut

TRENDS IN TEXTILES - PART ONE (LINEN, WOOL AND VELVET)

Linen – Is really versatile and depending on the weight and weave can work for many different applications. Because linen is a natural fiber it accepts dies really well, which means great colors! It’s important to keep in mind linen is a “living fabric” meaning it shrinks and expands with humidity. In some instances (depending on weight and weave) linen is less than ideal for upholstery. One way to compensate for this is with a linen/synthetic blend, which can look and feel just like 100% linen.

Check out these Kravet linens (top: Mamani 55% linen / 45% rayon, bottom: Pengua 100% linen)

Wool – Also, accepts dies really well, therefore you can find some great colors. Wool is a really strong fiber so (depending on weave, weight, and texture) it can be really durable. Also, wool is eco-friendly, compared to a petroleum-based fiber. Wool doesn’t have to be stiff and traditional! There are some great modern wool fabrics.  

Check out the colors of these Camira, Illusion wools

Velvet – It’s more versatile than you think! Velvet can be matte or shimmery - velvet comes with or without backing. Velvet without backing drapes better than velvet with backing, which means it’s suitable for drapery. Velvet with backing generally is not. Robert Allen makes some great drapable velvet. (Always ask your workroom if your velvet is suitable for drapes.) Velvet with backing can be super durable and ideal for upholstery. Aster, Solid Velvets, by Duralee has a double-rub of 250,000, which means it’s about as durable as fabric gets. 

Stay tuned for Trends in Textiles - Part Two (Mohair and Vinyl)

CHOOSING FABRIC FOR YOUR UPHOLSTERY PROJECT

When it comes to choosing fabric that works well for upholstery, durability is crucial. Luckily there's a system in place that rates the durability of fabric (actually there are two.)

The two abrasion rating tests performed on fabrics are:

Martindale - A wear abrasion test used extensively in Europe. The fabric's warp and weft are abraded at the same time.

Wyzenbeck - A test used (mainly in the U.S.) to measure a fabric's resistance to wear and abrasion. A fabric sample, pulled taut and weighted, is abraded with a cylinder covered with a 50 x 70 wire screen or a 10 oz. cotton duck cloth.

These tests determine a fabrics "double-rub" (or DB) number. A double-rub of 30,000 or more means the fabric is considered heavy duty and is suitable for upholstery. Anything above a double-rub of 75,000 should "wear like cast iron." Meaning not only is the fabric suitable for upholstery it's considered a performance fabric.

If you fall in love with a fabric with too low a double-rub number, there is hope. You can have the fabric knit backed, which will (somewhat) increase the fabrics durability. Even after a fabric is knit backed it's wise to bear in mind the fabrics original double-rub, delicate fabrics will never perform like heavy duty fabrics in terms of durability.

YOUR THANKSGIVING TABLE

Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to use textiles to set the tone for your feast. Thinking about your thanksgiving table might even inspire you to try something new with the meal itself. I've been doing some research and I'm especially inspired by tables with unique blends of traditional elements, modern touches (especially with the textiles,) and a healthy dose of humor. Here are some great examples. 

Martha Stewart: 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 Country Living: 1, 4, 9, 11 Simplified Bee: 10, 12 West Elm (for modern table linens): 13

BATHROOM DRAPERIES & OUTDOOR FABRICS

Draperies are often over looked in bathrooms because they’re not practical. Well there’s a solution! Outdoor fabrics come in all kinds of varieties and great prints. Plus they’re super durable, mildew resistant, and easy to clean. Now there’s no reason your bathroom can’t be as beautiful as the rest of your home. Check out these great indoor outdoor prints.

 

 

 

Top bathrooms: Sarah Richardson of HGTV

Fabrics: Schumacher Trina Turk Indoor/Outdoor Fabrics

HOW TO GET WHAT YOU WANT FROM YOUR WORKROOM

When it comes to having something custom made, communication is key! At Hexafoo we make all kinds of custom home draperies, upholstered items, etc. We thought we’d pass along a few pointers to help you make your custom project a success.

Here are Five Tips for Communicating with Your Workroom:

1. Collect images of what you’re striving for.

2. Make sure you have the correct measurements. Even better yet, let your workroom do the measuring for you.

3. Make sure you understand your fabric’s end use. i.e. bedding or drapery? Is your fabric durable enough? How much fabric waste do you need to account for?

4. Give your workroom clear written instructions.

5. Think about the pattern repeats in your fabric. Pattern repeats are where one tile of the pattern ends and the next begins. Not all repeats are the same, for example this Schumacher pattern has a large (29 in.) repeat and a half drop.

Check out this link to learn more about pattern repeats. simplyfurnishings.com

A LIL' VELVET GOES A LONG WAY

Velvet is all the rage lately and though we love velvet upholstered furniture (vintage or otherwise,) sometimes it’s not the most practical solution. Luckily a little velvet can go a long way. Custom velvet headboards, pillows, and ottomans are a great way to make a big impact with velvet for a lot less dough than a substantial piece of furniture. Here are some inspiration images.

Orange Headboard, Decorpad.com, Jonathan Adler X-Bench, Blue non-Tufted Headboard, Decorpad.com, Coral Pillow, Decorpad.com, Orange Ottoman, Blue Tufted Headboard, Decorpad.com