Enjoy this blog post written by designer Teresa Ridlon who recently attended Kravet’s “Build a Chair” event in Scottsdale, Arizona.  It’s a great visual on the inside of upholstered pieces and what contributes to the cost of new or reupholstered furniture.  We are ALL ABOUT the beauty on the outside, but what’s on the inside definitely does count!

Click below.
A CHAIR IS BORN

There is no doubt that our pets are members of the family, and we love them, but they do cause wear and tear on fabrics in our homes.  But, now there are so many wonderful and interesting ways to deal with these pet issues.  Refresh or protect upholstery on “people furniture” by utilizing custom slipcovers made from washable twills or denims.  Tip:  Pre-shrink fabric by washing it prior to having a slipcover made.   Use performance or indoor/outdoor fabrics in high “pet traffic” spots in your home.  The use of synthetic materials and specially created technologies make these fabs stain and fade resistant.

These same fabrics (washable & performing) can be used in crates and as slip covers for dog beds.  Check out these clever ideas, courtesy of Pinterest, for incorporating your dog’s crate or bed into your decor.

Source:  atticmag.com

Source:  atticmag.com

Source:  houzz.com

Source:  atticmag.com

Source:  Country Home

As you can see, your pet’s place doesn’t have to be an ugly crate or bed.  It can be an attractive spot in your kitchen, mudroom, laundry, hallway or family room that fits seamlessly into your existing decor.

The particulars on pleats for very pretty panels.
Photos borrowed from  Decorating with Fabric.

Most commonly called a pinch pleat, but often called a French or butterfly pleat.  Traditional pinch pleats take three folds of fabric sewn together for a pleat than fans out on the top and bottom.

This style is called a cartridge pleat.  Tailored and sculptural, with smooth unbroken folds.  Sleek and streamlined for a somewhat modern look.

These inverted box pleats are detailed with a covered button.  A beautifully tailored treatment that is best for stationary panels.

These inverted pinch pleats are an interesting twist on a traditional treatment.

Euro pleats are where the three-fold “pinching” is at the very top of the treatment, making for a lushness as the drape falls.  A beautiful treatment for silk as it gives the fabric fullness toward the bottom of the panel.

A goblet pleat gets it’s name because the top of the pleat is “cupped” and looks like a goblet.  Tiny pleats are stitched about four inches down from the top of the drape to form a “cup” that can be stuffed with tissue or batting so that it keeps it’s shape.

Since panels are very popular now, we decided to redress our front window in some fabulous tonal linen blend stationary panels, tricked out with contrast of gold and decorative banding and sporting some neat inverted box pleats and covered buttons.

Jute tiebacks finish off the look.

One more pillow to add to our collection.
Crafter’s burlap + a beautiful monogram + ruffle = ADORABLE!

Don’t underestimate the power of pillows to update your home for spring!

Soft Neutrals
Ikat and houndstooth are always in style!
The piece pillow on the end is made with a beautiful soft print, an oxford stripe in blue and some great banding from our trim selection.   These are all made with down inserts.

The pillows below are made with indoor/outdoor fabrics and are perfect for covered porches and decks. The teal and brown print pillow is corded in burlap for a natural look. The trellis is a simple knife edge treatment.  Both pair have poly inserts.

Here’s a brighter palette.

Document print, houndstooth and embroidered linen.

The wildly popular chevron pattern pillow below is made from indoor/outdoor fabric with a poly insert.  PS:  The cute table skirt above is also id/od!

Yellow and Gray is so fresh in all shades!

We’re wild about the yellow and grey combination.
Lots of fabrics to choose from in stock!

We have tons of custom designed pillows in store!  Maybe some are right for you.
If not, create your own!  We can help you from start to finish!

Saturday, March 10th
Jacob Building, Chilhowee Park
8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Tickets $5
(you can receive $1 discount by donating a nonperishable  food item)

Accepted Forms of Payment: Cash, Visa, Mastercard & Discover
NO CHECKS PLEASE

We love the Junior League and have been a part of their fundraiser Tinsel and Treasure for a couple of years now.  This weekend, the Junior League of Knoxville is hosting another one of it’s most successful fundraisers called Bag-A-Bargain.  It’s a huge rummage sale with items donated by JLK members as well as others in the community.

The Junior League of Knoxville‘s mission is to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women and improve the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.  It’s purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.  (the JLK’s mission statement)

So, back to BAB….I am passing along this information not only because it is awesome for our community, and we LOVE to support our community, but also that it’s a thrifty, DIY person’s heaven!  If you enjoy hunting for deals, sprucing them up and making them into treasures, this is your event!  And this is not even to mention all of the deals on clothing, appliances, books, movies an more!

Here’s a picture of the set up, going on today.  Look at all those furniture finds!  Thinks of what you could do!  And then think about where all the funds from this sale will go and who it will help.  Please click here for more information on the Junior League of Knoxville.   Click here for a link to the JLK’s Facebook page and click here for a link to Bag-A-Bargain’s event page on Facebook.

Check out Thrifty Christy’s Guide to Bag-A-Bargain here for more photos of set up and some insider info on shopping.  Happy Hunting!!!!