Floral and Plaid Bedspread and Curtains for a Teen

Now that we have built a bed for Justice's room we need bedding. Curtains wouldn't hurt either. Fabric is one of my favorite design elements. It makes a room. I sat down with Justice at the beginning of all of this and we had a conversation about the fabrics. As I mentioned here, Justice picked the floral first. Then I suggested several fabrics that would coordinate.

Fabrics we are working with

Once we knew which fabrics we were going to use, we discussed how she wanted to use them in the room. I knew she needed a bedspread and curtains. Then there were accessories that would get a fabric treatment, such as a bulletin board, ottoman cube and upholstered bed. She favored the floral. So that was assigned to the bedspread.  I started by going to the thrift store to find a comforter in good condition. I found a twin comforter for $5.00. Threw it in the washing machine twice (just to be sure). Then measured it completely. Of course the fabric isn't the same dimensions as the comforter. Since the fabric would have to be pieced I decided to mix it up a little more. Once I had my measurements, I divided the longest length by three. Then cut out two panels of the floral, two of the plaid and two of the solid, adding an inch in all directions for seam allowance.

Completed bedspread

For the front I sewed the plaid in the middle of the floral. I did the same for the back, putting the plaid in the middle of the solid. Then sewed the two sides together on one side. Ribbon was added over the seams all the way around, front to back. Two more sides were sewn up and one was sewn part of the way so that I could insert the comforter. Then closed it up using a ladder stitch. Here is an excellent tutorial on the ladder stitch. It was a revelation for me.

The reverse side of the bedspread

Then we discussed what type of curtains she wanted. Panels, valance or possibly a roller shade? Roller shade it is. I've made one before and loved it. So I was pleased with this decision, as it allows us to use two of her fabric choices and it's very attractive when hanging.

Roller shade

She picked the plaid as the main fabric for the shades. I lined it with the floral. The windows were measured. Justice has two very different length windows. I added two inches on all sides to allow for seam and to make the shade larger than the window casing. She has blinds so the shade could not be installed inside the window frame. I made a channel at the top for the curtain rod. At the same time I sewed ribbon onto the shade. There is four lengths of ribbon, placed several inches from the sides on the front and the back of the shade. When we hang the shade the ribbon will hold the rolled up shade. A channel was also made at the bottom to insert a dowel rod. This aids in rolling the shade. I picked up two inexpensive curtain rods for $5.00 each at a supercenter.

 The stripe fabric is to be used on accent pieces throughout the room. I'll show everything in use and detail in the completed room.

Money spent:

$5.00 comforter
$1.00 ribbon
$10.00 curtain rods

Throw Pillows and A Monkey...What!

What self respecting fourteen year olds bedroom would be complete without a hand full of throw pillows? Taking all of the fabric choices into account I sat down and designed and created several cute throw pillows for Justice's bedroom. I can sew. However, I am not a seamstress. So in many cases things are not as elaborate as I'd like them to be. Simply because I lack the know how. But I think they turned out well.

Have you ever priced throw pillow inserts? If your buying just one it's not too bad. However, I needed several. So I picked some up at the thrift store. I specifically looked for the kind with a zippered cover. This made cleaning them easier. I took the covers off and threw the pillow inserts into the washing machine and dryer. I paid $15.00 for a bag full. Some I didn't use. So they will get used in the boys room.

The fabrics we are working with

Justice has a little obsession with monkeys. So I thought I'd find a way to put a few monkeys into the design of her bedroom. I made this cute little guy to keep her company. I cut out the dark brown felt part in one piece. Then sewed the tan felt pieces on. Nana thought Justice would prefer googly eyes to felt eyes. So that is how I finished him up. Having been an art teacher Nana had tons of those on hand. The ribbon on this pillow I purchased at The Dollar Tree.

Isn't he cute!

This patchwork pillow combines all the fabrics I'm using in this room design. The back has the same turquoise color as the monkey pillow.

 Patchwork

I was so afraid of this round pillow. I just knew it was going to be impossible. I was shocked that it came out so well the first time.



Round floral

Accent stripes

Money spent:

6 pillows for $15.00
Ribbon $1.00

Total: $16.00