Hello lovelies!
We hope you’re enjoying the summer and all it has to offer this season! Today, I wanted to discuss a little something that’s been a real game changer in our home. A few years ago, Jamin purchased my first sewing machine per my request, for Mother’s day.
At first It collected dust, while I sat paralyzed with fear. I had no idea where to start. I had the distinct feeling that I’d bitten off more than I could chew. But I had a sweet friend over to get me started, and I’m a firm believer that once you learn how to thread and load your bobbin, use a seam ripper, and contain your uttermost frustrations (see: throwing fabric against the wall)… you’re golden.
There was no turning back.
That being said, I’m a ‘self-taught seamstress’. I love what learning to sew a straight line in mass sequence has done for our home. My gracious mother in law was my catalyst and totally spurred my inspiration by helping me create our nurseries in the beginning. Most of the curtains and a lot of the accents like pillows and bedding you see in our home have been sewn by me. If you want to make your home your own, sewing unique, one-of-a-kind creations is totally the way to go.
That being said, here’s the other side. I have little patience for patterns, ‘the rules’, or fancy techniques. It’s just not how my brain works. There’s too much of the technical side to it at times, too many self-imposed expectations, and I have three children to care for. But once I learned to let go of perfection and enjoy the basics for some great transformations, our home became a fun place filled with textures and pattern.
So today, here’s a few ways I like to ‘cheat’ with a few no-sew moves mixed in with my own sewing basics.
5 no-sew fabric uses for the anti-seamstress:
1. Create basic swags over doorways to soften and add personality. When we finished off our Veranda, I knew I wanted it to feel like a separate space. Even though there were windows, I wanted to remove the the (once exterior) door, but still thought that doorway could use a fun touch. Right now that room is in transition, but that little curtain still remains. Add some charm to those boring doorways with fabric. Did I sew it? Absolutely not. Has anyone ever noticed or asked me? Nope. It’s a few yards of silk with some charming frayed edges. Hurray for cheater moves!
{Read more about cheater’s guide to window hardware, here.}
2. Throw it on a table.
I spent about ten minutes angsting over the perfect table cloth when I realized that was lame, and I could just cut some fabric and throw it over our tables. I’m ready to paint my dining room table, but I’m still carrying a bit of the guilt factor with that super expensive mistake-of-a dining room set we purchased once upon a time. In the meantime? Fabric works wonders in lightening and brightening.
What did I cover it with? Basic Linen. Embrace the selvedge edge. It can be oh so pretty.
In the same way, use it in layers to add interest to your table. This tablescape is fabric, paired with a table cloth, topped off with a runner… Think beyond the ‘rules’ to add some beauty to your table and lighten your space without even picking up a paint brush.
3. Fake your bedding.
Confession : I never sewed this. If you don’t have a sewing machine, think in terms of what you can layer to create a great look. Stop angsting over the traditional approaches to a bedroom, and use some fabric as a coverlet over a duvet. Highlight it by ironing the edges of an accent fabric {see chevron strips} down on top. Does their bed always look like this? Nope. It’s a good day if there’s not a booger on the sheets. They’re little kids so it is what it is. But when I have company, I simply throw it under a quilt and call it a day. This was made from scrap fabric on a tight budget, when I’d already sewn four different curtains for this room and I was tired. And no one ever knows the difference. Winning.
4. Use scraps for table accents.
See that runner? That’s the fabric in the middle above. Folded over to look like a runner. You may see it making an appearance later as pillows. And see that shmancy napkin? It totally works for a table setting. I even paired little napkins I had with more scraps for place settings, and they untie for the guest to use. Just keep your edges trimmed, and no one will even notice. It’s the power of the iron, and the heat it makes to produce creases. I know there’s hem tape. I’m just that lazy. Trust me. When used as a place setting, people don’t use it anyway.
Burlap can be fun, too. With frayed edges, you’re embracing the un-sewn look for super charm at the table.
Sometimes, I order scraps just for projects like this.
or use them for something like this.
this,
And of course, it’s fun to use them for projects like this.
Sewing and using the basics can truly transform your home, but learning to break the ‘rules’ with fabrics and your own expectations can be just as valuable.
Here’s a few more posts on the topic of fabrics that you might like:
And Kristin’s fabulous brilliant post breaking it down, here.
What’s something crazy you’ve done with fabric and the no-sew approach? We’d love to hear!
Have an inspired day, y’all!
Elizabeth says
I love this. These are something that seem kind of obvious but you just don’t think about. Very clever!
Jenna says
PERFECT!
Anna says
This is very clever! 😀
Laura says
“Booger on the sheets”= big laugh for me! My brother had a childhood friend whose nickname was Booger. Why? Because he always wiped them on the headboard! I saw him about a month ago at his family garage sale, and before I could stop myself, I yelled out “Booger!” He’s 42 years old!!
Vanessa says
I am loving all these ideas!! Thanks for the inspiration.
Vanessa
Miss Charming says
Great ideas! I just posted a ridiculously easy no sew blind I made for my kitchen.
Carol says
I can sew a straight line with the worst of them! I love the idea of a no-sew project!!
Amy@TheBlissfulBee says
Great ideas!! I would love it if you would link up at my {Work It Wednesday} linky party!!
xo
amy
http://theblissfulbee.com/work-it-wednesday-linky-party/
Jenifer says
Thanks for the inspiration! I am totally a NON-SEWER so I depend on others for that. I have always felt like it was cheating or “not worthy” if it wasn’t done “right”. You have proven otherwise!!! you go girl! Whith your bad self…and frayed edges!!! 😉
Krista @thehappyhousie says
I LOVE the way you use fabric throughout your home – it truly makes your house feel so unique and fresh. I love to use fabric too and have done no-sew curtains for our laundry room (to cover washer and dryer), recently a no-sew pillow cover for the front porch, and lots of really simple sewing projects like envelope pillows. I love mixing colour and pattern and love looking to your blog for amazing gorgeous inspiration!!
Erica Doyle says
I love these cheats! Goes to show that u don’t have to knw how to use a sewing machine to create a handmade home! I recently bought some John deer fabric my son loved &had no idea what to do with it cuz I don’t currently own a sewing machine… & I ended up buying the hem tape u talked about &made him a cover for his pillow(no pillow case needed:) & a duct tape bag to carry his monster trucks in! He loves them!! Gotta love Pinterest!!!
Sherry Wilson says
I love the idea for the patio doors. I have a sewing machine and have not used it much, I’ve seen all of your creations and totally love love love, the hanging curtains. This inspires me to get busy. Thanks so much for sharing.