When I was a very young adult the idea that there could be beauty in age was absurd. That was before I met some remarkable people who had quite a few miles on the odometer. (Of course, family didn't count in this equation.) As I matured, I was able to see with more discerning eyes and recognized the timeless quality of fine workmanship in items and in people.
Recently I came into some beautiful vintage fabrics. These items were both garments, and household textiles as well as elements -lace, trim, etc. Going through them I was in awe of the fine quality of the fabric itself in most of these items. We don't normally see that level of softness, natural fibers, and drape in modern, mass produced textiles. Another wonderful reminder of a past era was the quality of workmanship in most of the pieces. Whether they had been entirely made by hand or embellished by hand, they had painstakingly crafted detail in them. Handling them evoked the effort, pride and love which went into their construction and use. A toddlers dress had intricately detailed tucks, smocking, lace, etc. It also had been darned by hand to cover a hole. It made me wonder what that little one did to damage that dress. I hope she was having fun when she did it.
I'm sure that many people would have seen that box of stuff and tossed it out with out any thought. Yet to me it was a portal to another era of beautiful workmanship created by many women's' hands in the past.
If you have a scrap of fabric, a piece of a dress, a part of a quilt or even something far more substantial which has been handed down to you, you can turn that into a piece of art for your home. Some items need to be protected by acid free paper and sealed enclosures such as a frame, but they can be a great reminder of both the handcrafting of others and the beauty of fine work. Having that connection to your family can be an added value. And it is something you can share with your children and grandchildren.
If you didn't get some stuff from your Aunt Minny's attic, check around at thrift stores, estate sales and flea markets. There are some lovely items out there to be discovered by someone who appreciates them. Don't just think in terms of value but find things that you like. Some people really enjoy the styles from the mid 1900s instead of the mid 1800s.
Don't be confused with old versus antique materials. Antique or vintage items need to be handled with special care. And if you have something which is dirty but you are not sure of it's value, don't toss it into the washer and dryer. You can get information on how to clean and care for fabrics, and/or to check out some of the history of fashion, by going to http://doloresmonet.hubpages.com/hub/VintageFabricsLivingWithAntiqueTextiles. I found this source delightful.
Another thing you might want to check out is your local museums. The curators of most museums often have to handle vintage fabrics and some locations have wonderful textile museums. Museums can be wonderful inspirations and a source of information. I remember a fascinating exhibit in NYC of ancient Egyptian fabrics. Imagine having textiles which have survived for thousands of years!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Versatility is Key
Pulling together a new look for your home can be a serious investment. Not just an investment of money, but also time and effort. To make the most of your re-do, consider how you can incorporate multiple looks into a single effort.
For instance, use complimentary colors and patterns and even textures to add more variety to your work. If you have a pillow, use one fabric on one side and different one on the reverse. When you want to change things up a little bit, flip the pillow. Use a border on your drapes but use two different colors, one on the inside and one on the outside. Then flip the outside/inside to suit your mood. Even a dust ruffle can be reversible so let your effort work double duty.
However, when you use this technique, make sure that the fabric you use for each side has the same care instructions. Mixing dry clean only with hand wash can mess up your item. And try to use the same approximate weight of fabric for both sides. If it is too different, it can interfere with the way an item hangs.
Don't be afraid to use a mix of color in your choices either. Try to include 3 different colors in your room. You can add some additional variety by changing the intensity of those colors in more pieces and adding more than one pattern. If you have a single color pattern on a common neutral background you can also use that background color in another fabric which has a very different colored pattern plus an additional accent color. The point is to use complementary colors in varying combinations to achieve an interesting and vibrant effect.
Example: Aqua with chocolate brown, coral, tan, cream used in one room. The brown and lighter tones ground the pallet. The Aqua adds a soothing neutral. The Coral interjects a bit of drama in the mix.
For instance, use complimentary colors and patterns and even textures to add more variety to your work. If you have a pillow, use one fabric on one side and different one on the reverse. When you want to change things up a little bit, flip the pillow. Use a border on your drapes but use two different colors, one on the inside and one on the outside. Then flip the outside/inside to suit your mood. Even a dust ruffle can be reversible so let your effort work double duty.
However, when you use this technique, make sure that the fabric you use for each side has the same care instructions. Mixing dry clean only with hand wash can mess up your item. And try to use the same approximate weight of fabric for both sides. If it is too different, it can interfere with the way an item hangs.
Don't be afraid to use a mix of color in your choices either. Try to include 3 different colors in your room. You can add some additional variety by changing the intensity of those colors in more pieces and adding more than one pattern. If you have a single color pattern on a common neutral background you can also use that background color in another fabric which has a very different colored pattern plus an additional accent color. The point is to use complementary colors in varying combinations to achieve an interesting and vibrant effect.
Example: Aqua with chocolate brown, coral, tan, cream used in one room. The brown and lighter tones ground the pallet. The Aqua adds a soothing neutral. The Coral interjects a bit of drama in the mix.
- First rule - have fun.
- Second rule - try new things.
- Third rule - ask a third party for another opinion.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Season's change
There is a fundamental desire to redo your outlook when the seasons change. Especially with the onset of spring and summer. I immediately want to be OUTSIDE!
The next best thing to being outside is to bring that fresh new air, blossoms and greenery into your home environment. That can be accomplished with some simple tricks such as using new throw pillows or new, lighter window dressings.
I love the look of white sheer curtains on a summer window. However, with the upswing in the outside temperature, a good insulating window covering is very important. But it doesn't have to block out the sun and create a dungeon feel in your home. Utilizing multiple layers on your windows can create a barrier to the heat and still allow maximum versatility in your visibility.
Those lovely smocked voile sheers can be use over a nice shade - roman or other style - or a set of shutters set inside the window frame. If that doesn't provide enough insulation, top that with a nice, light colored drape hung higher than the sheers and extending over the sides of the window. These can be pulled aside so that the entire window is open when the temps and the moods allow.
Come to think of it, layering is a great way to deal with the home and you when contending with the variations of temperatures and moods. I love to wear a cool outfit for the summer heat, but always carry something to ward off the chill of excessive air conditioning or just a too cool draft.
Don't forget to bring some fresh foliage inside, too. I love flowers and potted plants, but just simple greenery from your yard can make the inside a lot more pleasant and summer styled. And plants help to clean the air, an especially good thing after you home has been closed for the winter.
The next best thing to being outside is to bring that fresh new air, blossoms and greenery into your home environment. That can be accomplished with some simple tricks such as using new throw pillows or new, lighter window dressings.
I love the look of white sheer curtains on a summer window. However, with the upswing in the outside temperature, a good insulating window covering is very important. But it doesn't have to block out the sun and create a dungeon feel in your home. Utilizing multiple layers on your windows can create a barrier to the heat and still allow maximum versatility in your visibility.
Those lovely smocked voile sheers can be use over a nice shade - roman or other style - or a set of shutters set inside the window frame. If that doesn't provide enough insulation, top that with a nice, light colored drape hung higher than the sheers and extending over the sides of the window. These can be pulled aside so that the entire window is open when the temps and the moods allow.
Come to think of it, layering is a great way to deal with the home and you when contending with the variations of temperatures and moods. I love to wear a cool outfit for the summer heat, but always carry something to ward off the chill of excessive air conditioning or just a too cool draft.
Don't forget to bring some fresh foliage inside, too. I love flowers and potted plants, but just simple greenery from your yard can make the inside a lot more pleasant and summer styled. And plants help to clean the air, an especially good thing after you home has been closed for the winter.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
New Year Approach
It's popular to use the excuse of the New Year to make any number of 'resolutions' to improve your life. Why not this year make a few changes to improve your surroundings? Our environment impacts our outlook and also how we feel about ourselves. So take a new look at your home - most importantly the space you occupy the most - and see if it accurately reflects who you think you are. Is there something off about it? If you like bright colors and lots of patterns in your clothes, you should have some of that in your surroundings. If you prefer the classic, use that as a part of your home decor. (That home can be a room or a mansion. Space is not the issue here)
I don't recommend using a wild fabric to cover all of you furniture, walls and art work, but incorporating a bit of that can make you feel really at home in your space. Like red? Add some great pillows, lampshades or maybe a throw. Prints are great for pillows and if you want to go more, use it for curtains. Using a great color and print in the mat or frame of art work can make a big impact. An area rug not only makes a room cozier, it can add a splash of your personality to that space. Whether you use a little bit or a lot, you can put dash in your home.
If you have a problem determining your style, look at your clothes and see how you dress yourself. If that is Really Not You, take out a home magazine and look at the rooms and items being advertised there. Ear mark all the pages that appeal to you. Then go back and see what they have in common. This is also a great way to determine your favorite colors, too.
Keep in mind that styles, color and trends do change. If you use these volatile elements in easy-to-replace items you can feel good about discarding them when your taste changes. Taking this time of style audit on a seasonal basis is just fine.
I don't recommend using a wild fabric to cover all of you furniture, walls and art work, but incorporating a bit of that can make you feel really at home in your space. Like red? Add some great pillows, lampshades or maybe a throw. Prints are great for pillows and if you want to go more, use it for curtains. Using a great color and print in the mat or frame of art work can make a big impact. An area rug not only makes a room cozier, it can add a splash of your personality to that space. Whether you use a little bit or a lot, you can put dash in your home.
If you have a problem determining your style, look at your clothes and see how you dress yourself. If that is Really Not You, take out a home magazine and look at the rooms and items being advertised there. Ear mark all the pages that appeal to you. Then go back and see what they have in common. This is also a great way to determine your favorite colors, too.
Keep in mind that styles, color and trends do change. If you use these volatile elements in easy-to-replace items you can feel good about discarding them when your taste changes. Taking this time of style audit on a seasonal basis is just fine.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Reusing Old Beauty
I am an advocate of recycling and some of the most beautiful recycling you can do is within your home. Furniture is a well recognized example of how to convert the old, tired and outdated into a new fresh look. Another lovely example is reusing old textiles.
I find some old table cloths, sheets, doilies, and handkerchiefs have exquisite work in them. They use hem stitching, and embroidery as well as appliques to create a timeless beauty. Those old pieces can be used for pieces of art, but depending upon their condition and age, they can become re-purposed. I have an old, elegantly embroidered sheet that I recently turned into a duvet for a beautiful new look. Adding a new sheet set with this old one, I backed the top sheet to make the duvet, used the old second sheet for the new top sheet and used the new fitted sheet to complete the revised set. It is a wonderful display of old hand work.
If you don't have a textile which was handed down from another generation (or two) visit flea markets, thrift shops and second hand stores. You will be amazed at the items you can find. Just remember, you may come across some antique pieces which would be a crime to deface. Save those pieces as art work and frame them or display them for their beauty.
Old quilts are another source of unique handwork.
Enjoy the creative spirit of recycling beauty.
I find some old table cloths, sheets, doilies, and handkerchiefs have exquisite work in them. They use hem stitching, and embroidery as well as appliques to create a timeless beauty. Those old pieces can be used for pieces of art, but depending upon their condition and age, they can become re-purposed. I have an old, elegantly embroidered sheet that I recently turned into a duvet for a beautiful new look. Adding a new sheet set with this old one, I backed the top sheet to make the duvet, used the old second sheet for the new top sheet and used the new fitted sheet to complete the revised set. It is a wonderful display of old hand work.
If you don't have a textile which was handed down from another generation (or two) visit flea markets, thrift shops and second hand stores. You will be amazed at the items you can find. Just remember, you may come across some antique pieces which would be a crime to deface. Save those pieces as art work and frame them or display them for their beauty.
Old quilts are another source of unique handwork.
Enjoy the creative spirit of recycling beauty.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Tips from the experts
Ty Pennington, host of Extreme Makeover, Home Edition, has some tips to share about the use of fabric in the home. His philosophy is:
"ADD STYLE WITH FABRIC
All of the rooms I design use fabric in one way or another. Fabric can add an important shot of color, pattern or texture. And it’s practical, too! I mean, what would you do without pillows and curtains? But, here’s the deal: fabric is also a great way to get creative. I’ll prove it you with the five easy tips for using fabric to add style and personality to your home."
Using fabric in your home can change the mood and soften the edges of a too technical look. Regardless of your overall style, fabric is an important element to complete the room and personalize your space. From picture frames or mats, to lamp shades, pillows, throws, even the back of bookcases and book covers, fabric adds an instant impact to the space.
My tip to you:
Want to improve the look of a ho-hum bookcase? Using wallpaper paste, cut and adhere fabric to the back inside wall of your bookcase. Or, you can make it a more temporary method by using foam core board, wrapping the fabric around the piece cut to fit the back wall between shelves, and snapping it into place. Change with the seasons or your mood. Don't be afraid to us a more bold fabric than you might normally. The items on the shelf will help to lessen the impact. But it is a nice unexpected touch.
"ADD STYLE WITH FABRIC
All of the rooms I design use fabric in one way or another. Fabric can add an important shot of color, pattern or texture. And it’s practical, too! I mean, what would you do without pillows and curtains? But, here’s the deal: fabric is also a great way to get creative. I’ll prove it you with the five easy tips for using fabric to add style and personality to your home."
Using fabric in your home can change the mood and soften the edges of a too technical look. Regardless of your overall style, fabric is an important element to complete the room and personalize your space. From picture frames or mats, to lamp shades, pillows, throws, even the back of bookcases and book covers, fabric adds an instant impact to the space.
My tip to you:
Want to improve the look of a ho-hum bookcase? Using wallpaper paste, cut and adhere fabric to the back inside wall of your bookcase. Or, you can make it a more temporary method by using foam core board, wrapping the fabric around the piece cut to fit the back wall between shelves, and snapping it into place. Change with the seasons or your mood. Don't be afraid to us a more bold fabric than you might normally. The items on the shelf will help to lessen the impact. But it is a nice unexpected touch.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Custom By Carolyn
For a fresh look in your home, the easiest, most portable and cost effective method is to use fabric. A new table cloth can change the entire ambiance of your dining room. A new set of curtains can redefine your view and the atmosphere of your room. A new bedspread or duvet can transform your bed room. And to add comfort and a splash of color or jazz to any space, custom pillows make magic.
I specialize in custom sewing for the home. Fabrication of new textile creations are my forte. The application of my skills is applicable to the private home, the office, showroom, or other commercial application. I have also done projects for performance venues.
I specialize in custom sewing for the home. Fabrication of new textile creations are my forte. The application of my skills is applicable to the private home, the office, showroom, or other commercial application. I have also done projects for performance venues.
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