Making items for your home can be more satisfying than any sewing you have ever done. It's your chance to infuse your personality and creative ideas into the objects you see and use everyday, and you'll save a bundle of money in the process. Whether you are outfitting your first apartment or downsizing after the children have left home, it's easy to make your surroundings reflect your personality, needs, and tastes.
If you are used to sewing garments, you will find home-dec sewing much less demanding. It's a lot easier to fit a chair that, unlike a human body, doesn't gain or lose weight or worry about whether it looks slim enough! You're also likely to use a color palette that's different from the one you'd choose for your personal wardrobe. You can spend money on fabric guilt-free, because the whole family will enjoy the finished product.
If you are a new sewer, home-dec items are a great place to begin because the fabrics are easy to work with and you don't have to fuss with the fit. The sewing skills needed are minimal -- basically, just the ability to operate a sewing machine. You get instant gratification and compliments because the projects are big enough to be noticed.
The projects in this book are grouped into seven chapters geared to the various needs, people, and events that make up daily life. Some of the projects were inspired by items found in upscale stores, and others are practical, fun ideas we dreamed up on our own. Included are gift items, projects for children, big home-dec statements like draperies, and small accent pieces such as a neck roll.
Sidebars provide a wealth of information on a variety of topics, from how to buy a quality down comforter to using a blind-hem foot. You will get tips on sewing faux fur, velour, vinyl, sheer fabrics, and many others. Turn to the "Trick of the Trade" and "Scraps of Knowledge" boxes when you need to know more about techniques like making single- and double-welt cord and putting in zippers. Worksheets are included to help you take measurements and figure out yardages for your projects. In short, here's your opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects while learning a multitude of skills.
In addition to the sewing, marking, and measuring tools already in your sewing room, you will need a carpenter's level, a T-square, a glue gun, and a staple gun. If you are planning to do a lot of home dec, treat yourself to an electric staple gun, an investment that you will never regret. Your shopping expeditions will take you to new places: foam shops, web sites that sell pillow forms in all sizes and shapes, and stores that specialize in home-dec fabrics. You will find full information on the products we used and where to find them in the Resources section.
Start your adventure by flipping through the pages and marking the projects you want to make now. Put the faux-fur throw high on your list so that you can wrap yourself up in it for afternoon naps, even if you only have time for one nap a week. Now, take a stroll around your house or apartment with a notepad in hand. Look at your surroundings with a critical eye. Where do you need window treatments? What areas could use a shot of color? What pieces of furniture should be recovered? Don't rush. Enjoy the journey. Decide what you want to make, shop for the fabric and trim that will make it special, and spend some wonderful hours, working step by step, to bring your project to its thrilling completion.
