Fabrics – Denim

The denim we know and love for jeans is a cotton twill fabric which is robust and sturdy – hence the hard-wearing jeans that were originally designed for work-wear. The fabric is made by the weft being passed under at least two warp threads. This process creates the diagonal ribbed effect and distinguishes denim from cotton duck.

The blue-jeans colour is created by only dying the warp threads, leaving the weft threads white – this is why jeans are white on the reverse side. It also means that denim is renowned for fading and within the fashion world has been used to create faded blue jeans, stone washed jeans etc.

For use as a soft furnishing fabric denim is strong and tough, but it can also easily shrink, so if you do want to use it to reupholster chair seats or make bean bags and pouffes make sure that you wash it a few times before using it or be prepared to have a non-washable soft furnishing.

If you love patchwork, recycling and up-cycling denim is a great choice of fabric – the variations in colour can create some wonderful visual effects.

Image: hownowdesign

Image: LA & OC Foodventures

Recycling – Making Patchwork Pet Beds

As it's National Pet Month there's some easy recycling ideas to give your pet a fresh new home. Patchwork has to be top of the list – it's a great way to use fabric remnants and you don't have to make any fancy designs. Squares sew together to make a small blanket for cats or dogs to lie on is also a fun way to keep pet hairs off your furniture. You can even choose colours to match your décor so that your pet bed becomes at integral part of your soft furnishings.

Image: Perrfectplay

 

If you don't fancy making a patchwork blanket old, or new, bedding will provide a warm and comfy place to sleep!

Image: Foxtounge

Trendy Tuesdays: Patchworks

Patchwork is bang on-trend this year. It embraces the up-cycling trend and captures the imagination even if you've never sewn a patchwork in your life! Of course you can 'cheat' and use fabrics which have a patchwork design or you can be inspired to have a go yourself.

If you plan the latter then I'd suggest not trying anything too adventurous as you may soon feel out your depth and abandon your project. Take inspiration from the wonderful variety of interior design blogs – rather than make a traditional style patchwork quilt or cushion cover, why not make a new statement headboard by using different colours, styles and designs of fabrics. You don't even have to be able to sew as the fabric pieces can be stapled or glued into position.

Once you've made the correct number of fabric covered squares – this will depend on the width of your bed and the height you want your headboard to be – you can arrange them into a stunning patchwork arrangement to bring an on-trend look to your bedroom!