All About Fabric!

HGTV Design Star Seeking Contestants

2010-01-05T11:22:00.000-05:00

Do you think you have what it takes to host your own series on HGTV? Would you love the challenge of competing in a design-based reality show? If you answered 'yes' to these two questions, than HGTV may be looking for you! They are looking for designers to participate in the 5th season of Design Star.

If you are interested in applying, e-mail David Polanzak at dpo.casting@gmail.com. Make sure you include the following information about yourself: Name, age, hometown, phone and photo. Submissions are due by Tuesday, January 19, 2010.

Decorating in tough economic times

2009-12-31T14:56:00.000-05:00

Now is a wonderful time to be thinking about decorating your home. More and more people are taking the plunge to change things up in their homes right now. With the economy where it is, people may not be buying a bigger home but are looking for ways to enhance their current home. Everyone wants to make their home a sanctuary from the world around them. A place where family and friends will feel weelcome and comfortable.

So what are you waiting for? Let's talk about some ways that are very affordable to turn your home into your castle.

Look at some colors that are a bit brighter and bring the sunshine in. Color can make a huge difference in your home. Also, think about things that will inpire you as they brighten your day and may even bring a smile to your face. Something a little unexpected. A sigh or wall hanging, throw pillows with embroidery, a cute little accent piece that only you and your family will understand but will cause your friends to ask you "What is that all about?" Something that has special meaning to you will brighten your day and lift your spirit.

While we are talking about things to decorate your home, let's not forget about our sense of smell. Smells can often lift your spirits and create that atmosphere that you are looking for.

Design and Color Overview for 2009

2009-08-31T12:38:00.009-04:00

The top drivers of trends for 2009 are no surprise - fashion, nature and the economy.

These are the three motivation factors that shape color trends overall - they seem to shift and evolve each year in regards to how they impact consumer trends. There are some general statements that will probably ring true for everyone.

The economy is in a recession and we see more conservatism in decorating. Colors shift to neutrals but there is still a trend to bolder colors that will accent the neutrals.

Nature and the green movement is much more mainstream and on the conscience of everyone. We see this playing out as a more basic look toward nature and the very core, raw version of nature.

Fashion seems to be running counter to the more conservative trend. We see this as a need for art, culture, beauty - fun and escape.

These three drivers seem to weave and thread through the trends that have been identified for 2009. With increasing numbers of homeowners remaining in place, many are searching for options to refresh and reinvigorate their living spaces.

Choices are being driven by concern for the economy and optimism for the future. We're finding comfort in colors that are familiar, and yet, at the same time, we're embracing colors that make us happy - especially as accents.

The demand for colors and products that reflect an environmentally "greener" world goes way beyond a trend, it has become a "given". The exotic has become the familiar. Oranges, turquoises and teals, reds and yellow will abound in hues from faraway countries that now seem very near. They are the optimistic touches we crave in tumultuous times.

Defining Your Window Needs

2009-08-26T14:19:00.010-04:00

In order to start thinking about window treatments, consider the following questions:

1. What kind of window design am I looking for?
The "type" of design you decide on - whether it's hard shutters paired with soothing fabrics or soft fabric shades and panels, or luxuriant draperies versus geometric blinds - will give your window treatment professional a solid direction on a window design that's perfectly suited for you.

2. Am I looking for window treatments that will reinforce their period style of my room?
Do your rooms reflect classical, traditional settings or modern settings with clean, geometric lines? Are the furnishings and upholstery bright and floral or textured with square lines and neutral? Try to observe other interior elements in your room in order to determine the best fit for the window treatment.

3. Would I prefer to brighten or subdue my room?
Ask yourself if the room needs dimmer light or brighter light during certain times of the day. If it's your bedroom, you may prefer the sunlight to stream through in the morning instead of providing a darkening effect, for instance. If it's a kitchen, you may prefer a light neutral sheer fabric over a sliding door to brighten up the space, versus a treatment with a heavier, richer hued fabric.

4. Do I prefer colorful patterns or solids?
Once you determine your window treatment needs in relationship to the rest of your room, you'll need to then consider the details of the treatment itself. What colors would you prefer on the window, and what type of fabric prints can you coordinate together if you prefer a layered window treatment effect?

5. Am I looking for long-lasting fabrics that are easy to care for or do I prefer natural fabrics that have less shelf life?
Fabric preference has a lot to do with how long you want the window treatment to hang in the window as well as how much you're willing to spend on the fabrics and how you choose to maintain and care for them.

6. What's my budget?
Custom window treatments can be quite affordable. A rough rule of thumb is for a one-layer simple treatment, estimate approximately $100-$150 per linear foot of window. For a two-layer or more complex treatments, estimate $150-$250 per linear foot. If you want to go "all out" with interlining, silk, trim, etc. expect to pay upwards of $350 per linear foot.

From ADO Treatment Trends magazine

New Home Dec Patterns

2009-08-24T10:25:00.006-04:00

Pate-Meadows has designed 4 new patterns: Tracy, Ruth, Missy and Louise. These toppers are great for any room in your home. Only $29.95 and Free Shipping from Fabric Farms Interiors!

We found a new pattern company: Details Pattern Company. The first pattern in their collection is a Top Down Bottom Up Roman Shade pattern. Only $20 and Free shipping!

Color Schemes: making your colors work together

2009-07-28T15:30:00.008-04:00

Here are some simple tips and pointers for colors best suited to the light in your area of the United States:

* In Southern regions where sun rooms are prevalent, pale colors and white reflective fabrics will soothe the interiors and will also help stave off heat.

* In Northern climates, dark colors work well for nighttime rooms, as they'll make you feel warm and retain heat.

* In you live in a warmer climate, try to avoid dark colors because they can stifle your interiors.

* In a cool or north-facing room, you can warm up the look of your color scheme by adding reds, oranges or yellows.

* In warmer, south-facing rooms, you can cool your color palette by adding whites, blues, mauves or greens.

From Ado Treatment Trends

Jaclyn Smith Fabrics are Here!

2009-07-14T16:19:00.008-04:00

Jaclyn Smith's new fabric collection from Trend Fabrics has arrived at Fabric Farms Interiors!

Trend's Jaclyn Smith Home Collection is an exclusive collection of beautiful coordinating prints and wovens, inspired from fabrics from her own home.

Floral bouquets, detailed Jacobeans, traditional damasks, and bold stripes have been designed to work seamlessly with the luxurious matalesses, subtle jacquards, basic diamonds, and colorful plaids.

The Jaclyn Smith Home Collection...personal, beautiful and inspiring at an exceptional value!

Patriotic Decor

2009-07-01T18:37:00.007-04:00

What better way to update your home and show off your national pride than to incorporate patriotic home décor into your living space? By using a patriotic decorating theme, you can proudly display your patriotism while at the same time updating the look of your home with a popular design trend.

Patriotic design elements can be incorporated into any room of your home. You can easily build an entire room’s decor around a patriotic theme, or you can simply incorporate individual patriotic home décor pieces into your current décor as you see fit.

Patriotic Décor in the Kitchen
The kitchen is probably the most popular room in the home for showing off one’s patriotic spirit through decorating. Patriotic design elements lend themselves very well to this style. A wallpaper border with a patriotic theme can be a great way to set the stage.

It is easy to find curtains, dish towels, tablecloths, placemats, plates, tablecloths, wall hangings, and many other types of kitchenware that reflect patriotic themes. Whether you prefer a bold stars and stripes approach to decorating with a patriotic flair, or if you like the Americana and folk art style, you can create a fabulous kitchen environment with patriotic home décor.

Patriotic Home Décor in Your Sunroom
Since many people associate patriotic colors and designs with summertime and cookouts, the sunroom is one of the most popular locations for patriotic décor. Bright shades of red, white, and blue are very appropriate for open and sunny sunroom spaces. These rooms lend themselves well to casual design elements, such as white wicker furniture with stars and stripes seat covers, patriotic folk art wall hangings, and clear Lucite glassware and dinnerware with a splashy stars and stripes pattern.

Bringing the Patriotic Spirit to Your Bedroom
One of the best ways to bring patriotic design elements into your bedroom is with a traditional quilt set. Quilt sets make beautiful finishing touches on dark wood four-poster bed frames reminiscent of the early days of American history. They lend a genuine look and feel to even modern furniture designed to replicate antique Early American pieces.

No matter what the pattern, quilts are reminiscent of the colonial times. By selecting a quilt that incorporates patriotic colors of red, white, and blue, along with a star design theme, it is easy to bring patriotic design into your sleeping quarters. A cane back rocking chair, pewter candleholders and folk art wall hangings are the ideal patriotic complements to your quilt set.

Incorporating Patriotic Décor Into Your Home
The key with introducing patriotic home décor into your home is not to go overboard with bold colors and patterns. You probably don’t want to paint the walls of your bedroom red or your kitchen cabinets navy blue. Use the bold colors sparingly
And wisely, and you’ll end up with a beautiful color palette and decorating scheme that is both attractive and patriotic.

By: Mary White

How Light Affects Color

2009-06-26T15:11:00.010-04:00

Color, as we perceive it, is controlled by light and therefore, will always be affected by it. This can complicate colors you choose for your next window treatment because the fabrics you choose might cast off a different light in your room when storm clouds gather versus when the sun is shining bright.

It's always important to consider how your interior colors will reflect natural light based on the climate you live in, which may also change with the seasons.

Light changes each minute and hour of the day. Depending which way your room's windows are facing can greatly affect how light transforms the color from your window treatments.

For instance, if your room has a window facing south, then on sunny days you may find that those bright hues can add different colors to your fabrics and other room interiors. The opposite is true with windows facing other directions.

Quick Guide to window exposure & natural light quality
* East-facing windows: warm yellowy sunlight before noon
* West-facing windows: warm orange-red sunlight after noon
* South-facing windows: warm orange-yellow sunlight all day
* North-facing windows: no direct sunlight, cool bluish light all day

From ADO Treatments Trends magazine

Color Decisions

2009-06-24T12:43:00.004-04:00

Deciding what colors you want for your windows is only the first step because there are millions of colors to choose from within the "base" colors. In other words, whittling your color choice down to blue still leaves you with many variations of the color blue from which you can choose. Luckily, fabrics offer lots of colorful options that you can coordinate as well as combining patterns and textures too!

Colors: Hot and Cold
A color can be defined as "warm" or "cool" depending on where it falls within the basic color spectrum and in regards to your interior spaces.

Warm colors like orange, yellow and red exude sunlight hues and can make a room or window have a very warming effect. Warm colors can be used to make objects or surfaces feel closer together.

Cool colors include moonlight blues, whites, mauves and violets. They are used to help expand your room and window space and project light from a window into a room's space.

Colors that Complement
Colors can naturally work well together on a window and within your room decor. When considering fabric colors and options for your next window treatment, consider paring fabric colors with you paints, wall coverings, carpets and accessories for a truly complementary interior scheme.

Neutralize
Neutral colors on a window can really enhance your interiors and provide added comfort and warmth to a room. If you think neutral colors aren't colorful enough, consider adding decorative trim.

From ADO Trends Treatment

Jaclyn Smith Fabrics COMING SOON to Fabric Farms Interiors!!

2009-06-17T19:06:00.003-04:00

Jaclyn Smith has a new line of home decor fabrics and Fabric Farms Interiors will be able to order these fabrics for you! We expect the samples to be here in about one month.

Window Furnishings or Window Dressings?

2009-06-16T10:56:00.004-04:00

If you're considering a window treatment upgrade in your home, consider the difference between window dressings and window furnishings.

Hard window treatments including blinds, shutters, screens and shades are more like window furniture in that they're made of hard woods and/or tougher materials. They are primarily customized to fit inside your window frames in order to assume the window's shape.

If you've chosen window furnishings to block out your light sources, you can combine them with drapery fabrics in order to soften the atmosphere of your room while still providing the privacy you need.

Window dressing involve unique designs and color-coordinated fabrics with lush trimmings and beads, or fabric panels and shades. Window dressings always consist of fabrics whose colors and patterns will make a substantial impact on your home decor as well as your style and personality.

From ADO Treatment Trends magazine

Free Shipping on in-stock fabric & trims (over $50)

2009-06-12T11:38:00.010-04:00

Save money on shipping!

We are now offering free shipping on online orders for fabric and trim (in-stock fabrics and trims only) of $50 or more. Please enter coupon code FREESHIPPING during checkout to take advantage of this offer.

Decorating Theme - Traditional

2009-06-10T09:36:00.004-04:00

Traditional design includes furnishings and designs from the Renaissance, Baroque, Early and Late Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival and Victorian eras. This style is shown with fine furnishings, elegant, refined and exquisite wall coverings, elaborate moldings, formal window treatments and Oriental rugs.

Custom Window Treatments

2009-03-09T14:15:00.004-04:00

Custom window treatments frame the view and make your room complete. Your choices are almost limitless. Window treatment styles available to you include draperies and curtains, roman shades, cornices, valances, and swags. We carry a wide variety of fabrics and trims to truly make your window treatments reflect you and your sense of style.

Custom window treatments don't have to break the budget either. Choosing in-stock fabrics and trims will save 30-70% over special order fabrics and trims.

Simpler treatments such as cornices and board-mounted valances use less fabric and will also save you money.

This design is by our designer, Carli, using Waverly fabric Byzance (color Antique).

Choosing Pillow Forms

2009-02-20T19:48:00.005-05:00

by Bernie Iven

Do you like limp,loosey-goosey, slippy bannana pillows? Neither do I.

To get a plump pillow, insert a pillow form that is one to two inches larger than the cover.

It'l look plump, not loosey-goosey.

In case you forget, follow the rule in the photograph.

Cow Chairs

2009-02-20T19:36:00.005-05:00

by Bernie Iven

Have you ever seen chairs made of cow hide? Of course you have, they call it leather. But what about cow fur? Well that's a little different. One of our customers recently had us do some chairs out of cow fur. For a few weeks we had them in the back room and other customers made comments. Some said, "Cool!" Others said, "Creepy!" But regardless, you have to admit they are unique. The top one comes from a "summer cow". The bottom one with the longer hair, according to our customer, came from a "winter cow". It turns out that she will soon be moving to Austin, Texas, where I suspect this type of furniture will fit right in.

Happy Upholstering

Snowbound

2009-02-20T18:45:00.016-05:00

One of our customers sent me an email with pictures of her recent accomplishments during the snow days in Columbus this winter.

"I am attaching a couple of photos of what I made from your fabric.

I visited your store while the snow was heavy on the ground. I spent about 3 winter storms (or most of 3 weeks) constructing the bedskirt, bedspread, shams, toss pillows and chair cushions. I am very happy with how everything turned out. Carlie helped me pick out most of what I needed. Thanks so much for being there."

Thanks to Ruth Ann for this submission. If you have a project you are proud of and want to share, please send us a picture with a brief description, and you just might find your project on our blog! Send to kathy@fabricfarms.com

A Foam Analogy

2009-02-02T20:28:00.003-05:00

by Bernie Iven

Did you know that foam can be cut with a bread knife? It can. And quite nicely.

Draw the line you want with a sharpie marker. Take a serrated bread knife. Rather than saw the foam like a piece of steak, score it lightly. Go over the score with several more light strokes until you are through. You’ll see that you’ve made a fairly smooth cut. Smooth enough any way.

If you have to cut a tight curve you can turn the knife vertically, being sure to keep it at a consistently 90 degree angle. Pretend like you are the power behind a saber saw and your knife is the saber saw blade. Make short, rapid up and down motions.

Some people tell me they use an electric bread knife. And that’s OK too--- just be careful you don’t cut yourself.

So I thought to my self, if foam can be cut with a bread knife it must be similar to bread. And you know it is?!

Of course it’s not edible, but it is cooked in a gigantic bread pan of sorts. It rises like dough. If it has more air in it, it’s softer like wonder bread. If it has less air in it, it’s firmer like pita bread. The big “loaf” of foam that comes out of the oven when it’s done is actually referred to in the industry as a “bun”. Then it gets cut into slices, just like bread.

It’s soft, cushy and springy like bread. When it comes to upholstery, foam is the bread of life.

Happy Upholstering.

Fabric Farms Interiors sells a wide variety of upholstery products including upholstery bread…. Um, that is, foam.

Upholstering, The Ultimate Benefit of

2009-02-01T14:48:00.006-05:00

Double click the photo above to better read the words on the t-shirt.

by Bernie Iven

Among the many benefits of upholstering is the pride of being able to say you did it yourself, the joy of being able to save a lovely piece from the landfill, the ability to keep precious memories of family, the thrill of saving some dough, and picking out the perfect fabric for your décor. But the ultimate benefit for you, the upholsterer may just be immortality.

You see, "Old upholsterers never die, they always recover!" *

Happy Upholstering.

* Disclaimer: Fabric Farms Interiors urges you to understand that the above statement is mainly a joke and that we can not actually guarantee that old upholsterers will never die. But please, live long and prosper.

Get Ergonomic.

2009-01-31T08:41:00.003-05:00

by Bernie Iven

I’m always surprised when I see students in our classes upholstering in various awkward positions--- especially when they don’t have to. I’ll see them on their knees, or crouched down, or even on their backs looking up! In addition to the strain this puts on muscles, eyes and other body parts, it can also make it more difficult to effectively upholster a piece, leading to mistakes and flaws.

A little thought and common sense can make your upholstering life easier. The basic premise is that you should move your piece into the position which creates the least amount of strain on the body. It’s simple ergonomics. To get a piece of furniture so that you can conveniently work on it this may mean that you have to….

Move it up--- onto a pair of saw horses or table to upholster lower areas.

Move it down--- on to the floor--- to upholster higher areas.

Move it onto its back--- to upholster areas in the front.

Move it onto its front---to upholster the back.

Move it onto its side --- to upholster outside arms.

Moving furniture isn’t always easy, so get a friend to help if the piece is too heavy.

And it’s true that there will be times when you will be forced into an awkward position, but if you can avoid it, do it. That’s called thinking ergonomically!

Happy Upholstering.

Buying Used Furniture for Upholstering

2009-01-30T15:51:00.006-05:00

by Bernie Iven

You have developed some upholstering skills, and now intend to furnish your house, or help a friend furnish hers. What should you look for?

Of course you want to look for a frame style that fits in with the décor you plan, but beyond that, how can you make sure you’ve bought a piece at the garage sale, thrift store, or auction that is worth your while upholstering?

The process is similar to buying a house….. look beneath the surface to the foundation. First, ignore the fabric--- that’s the one thing for sure that you are going to replace. In fact, the worse shape the fabric is in, the better the bargain you’re likely to get. Focus on the stuffings and the frame. And especially the frame.

If the stuffings are in good shape, you may get lucky and only have to replace the fabric. But stuffings can be replaced, so don’t let their poor condition deter you entirely.

The frame is most important. Give the frame a gentle stress test. Check to see that it doesn’t creak or that joints are not loose. Check the surface conditions. Small scratches can be covered, but if the surface is in bad shape, ask yourself if you’re willing to go through the labor of refinishing it. Lastly pick the piece up. If it is relatively heavy, that’s a good sign. It generally means that hardwood has been used rather than softer woods or plywood. If it all checks out, it’s the style you want, and the price is right, buy it! And…..

Happy Upholstering!

Artmark Fabrics Bargain Bolts

2009-01-26T08:58:00.008-05:00

We purchased 200 yards of "shorts" from Artmark Fabrics. Shorts are a fabric industry term that simply mean "short pieces of fabric". Most of these pieces rang in size from 1 to 5 yards. The majority are multi-weight - solids, plaids, moires, embroidered silk-like, and even some colorful silk pieces and luxurious chenilles! The selection is wonderful.

Artmark fabrics normally retail between $20 and $50 per yard. We got these at a bargain price and are able to pass that savings on to you! We are retailing these pieces between $9 and $21 per yard BUT if you buy the entire piece, you save 50%!!

These pieces are great for smaller projects - pillows, footstools and ottomans, valances, small chairs, and cushions.

These bargain bolts are going fast so stop in soon!

Sequencing Your Upholstery's Stuffings

2009-01-22T09:22:00.006-05:00

by Bernie Iven

So you bought an old chair with tattered upholstery (but a good frame) at a garage sale or thrift store. You’ve decided that it needs all new stuffings. But, you ask, what comes first?…. Lets see, there’s foam, fabric, springs, deck pad, burlap, and batting. What comes last?

Observation helps. Obviously, fabric comes last. As you strip the piece you can see what’s underneath that, and what’s underneath that and so on. So take note of each layer, take measurements and buy replacements.

The following are three common sequences starting from bottom to top.

1. Webbing---Coil Springs---Spring Tie---Burlap---Deck Pad---Foam--- Batting---Fabric

2. Zig Zag Springs---Burlap---Deck Pad---Foam---Batting--- Fabric

3. Elasti-band--- Burlap--- Foam---Fabric

Webbing can be the traditional red stripe jute webbing or the grey synthetic webbing. Usually they are put into place with a web stretcher and 1/2” staples. Both coil springs and zig zag springs for seat are generally 9 gauge. Spring Tie can be traditional jute, or polyester. The book by Singer, "Upholstery Basics", does a good job of explaining the process of spring tying. Burlap can be the traditional jute or the newer synthetic. Deck pad helps to keep springs from being felt through the fabric. In the past it was often made from the fiber of coconut husks, but newer versions are made from compressed polyester. Foam is generally used next, although some still prefer the older method of numerous layers of cotton batting. Batting can be the traditional cotton, but most upholsterers now use Dacron batting as it is less susceptible to compression and can be pulled without falling apart. And the most important part of course, is the fabric. It’s worth your while to spend the time to find a good quality fabric that is appropriate to your décor.

Happy Upholstering!

ADDING DACRON

2009-01-18T14:47:00.007-05:00

Dacron(left) Foam (right)

by Bernie Iven

Because of its many indispensible qualities*, polyester batting (also called Dacron) should be added to any foam surface so that it will not be exposed directly to the fabric.

But how do you go about adding and adhering batting to a foam surface?

There are several methods….

In the SANDWICH METHOD a spray adhesive, such as Camie 303 is carefully applied to the foam. After it tacks up (30-60 seconds) the glued surface of the foam is placed on a slightly larger piece of Dacron. Use a scissors to trim. If the foam is for use in a two sided cushion, repeat the process on the other side, creating a “sandwich” with foam in the middle and Dacron on either side. The advantage of this method is that it is quick and easy, but it will require the purchase a good spray adhesive. Also it should be noted that this configuration, when placed inside a cushion cover will create a more square look since Dacron will not cover the sides.

In the GLUED METHOD Dacron is wrapped around a piece of foam leaving three sides open. These are then closed with a carefully placed line of Camie 303 Spray adhesive. This method is illustrated in the very popular book, Singer Upholstery Basics.

A less messy but slightly more laborious twist to the above method is the WHIP- STITCH METHOD where the open ends are stitched together with a curved needle and heavy hand sewing thread or button twine.

Finally there is the STAPLED METHOD, where Dacron is wrapped around a piece of foam and then stapled together on the open ends. You can use an ordinary desk stapler, or to make it easier, you can use a scissors stapler such as the Stanley Bostitch type which use a crowned B-8 staple. Because the staple is nestled down into the plush dacron, it is in no danger of catching finger or fabric.

Remember that in the glued, whip-stitched, and stapled methods, you want to join the Dacron together at the top edges of the foam. This way, any excess Dacron will be hidden by the cording. If you join the Dacron in the middle of the boxing sides, a visible bump may show through the fabric.

If you would like your cushion to have a plush “crowned look”, many upholsterers start with the sandwich method and then add a second layer using any of the other three wrap-around methods.

Happy Upholstering!

* See my January 5, 2009 blog, "What is Dacron?" for a list of dacron's indispensible qualities.