green

For a while, I’ve really wanted to make something interesting using striped fabric. Specifically, using stripe fabric cut at an angle. While I can’t make my vision come to life right now (hint: it involves a bedroom; don’t be dirty), I can make a version. Actually, I got my butt in gear after seeing this pillow, shared in our latest Etsy fav round-up.

I started with a green and white fabric I bought at Ikea and a piece of plain card stock from my stash. To minimize damage if I screwed up, I decided to make a 14 inch square pillow cover. Then I cut my card stock into an 8 inch square, which gives me a 1/2 inch seam allowance.

To make the cool x design, I measured a green stripe and marked the center with a little tick mark at the top and bottom.

Then I placed my square template on the fabric, lining the corners up with the tick marks and traced the edges.

Repeat, repeat, repeat. Maximize your fabric by placing the squares right next to the other, slightly staggered in height.

Cut out the squares and place together to form an x.

Now pin the top two together, and the bottom two together like this, right sides together, keeping the stripes lined up.

Sew along the edges, then pin those pieces together, keeping the stripes together. I decided to use a gray faux silk backing with an exposed zipper bottom, but you can choose your backing and closure type. Envelope closures are super easy.

Originally, I planned to sew a second for the slipper chairs in the family room, but the green didn’t mesh well with the chair color. Now it lives on our bed.

The splash of color in our otherwise unchanged and boring room makes me smile.

And I like the faux silk shiny backing. You know I can’t resist shiny anything. I did mess up though. For some unknown reason I put the zipper along the whole bottom. I should have cut it down and centered it, leaving fabric in the corners for crisp edges.

Oh well, I guess that’s bound to happen when I’m sewing while watching White Collar. Can’t. take. eyes. off. Matt. Bomer. Seriously, he’s not even hot, he’s gorgeous. So I guess because I made this pillow while watching him, I’ve got a little piece of him in bed. Bahahaha.

What do you think of this design? It would work with any stripe size or color, too. Do zippers trip you up, too? Maybe you’re just a fan of White Collar? Or Matt Bomer? I am! I am! Haven’t seen Magic Mike, but anything with Matt is a sure hit with me.

It’s starting. The era of bold, saturated color. I fell for Benjamin Moore’s Dragonfly as soon as I saw it. In an effort to step out of my comfort zone and go with my instincts, I decided to buy a gallon of Dragonfly, color matched in Glidden paint. Where is this going? I decided to test the water, um, paint in the master closet. Boring cream walls and shelving are a perfect starting point.

I started by painting the shelf supports with Wal Mart’s bright white exterior paint. Why? Three reasons. 1. It’s bright white, no need for color matching. 2. We already had it on hand from a few mailbox touch ups. 3. I hope exterior holds up to wear and tear better. Back to the fun paint. After slapping a coat of white up, I started with Dragonfly.

And I’m even more in love with it on the walls. It’s bold, but not too bright. Saturated, but not overwhelmingly dark. It’s blue, it’s green, and it’s lovely. Now I have to find time between packing and cleaning to finish what I started. I feel confident using this on the walls of the master bedroom, too. Happy camper, right here.

What do you think? Is Dragonfly the new peacock? I think we should start a trend. Ha.