All About Fabric!

Elements of Today's Country

2010-11-08T11:19:00.000-05:00

Whether it's called Countrypolitan, Urban Country or Casual Chic, today's country looks are decidedly more modern and upscale. This "city-girl-meets-country-gal" trend appeals to country lovers with rural roots as well as younger urban dwellers wanting a casual look for their lofts. Here are some design trends and elements of today's new country style:

Smoother Finishes: Blistering and peeling paint surfaces have been scaled down to a slight rub, and we rarely see multiple layers of chippy paint.

Less Clutter: Less is definitely more in a new country style. One or two nicely shaped candlesticks on a mantel outshine the old filled-to-the brim look.

Brighter primitives: Dark brick reds and dingy mustard yellows have lightened up to fresh corals and soft wheat hues. In some cases. familiar country standards, such as dry sinks or ladder-back chairs, have emerged in bright ocean blues or citrusy yellows.

Folk-Art Highlights: High-quality craftsmanship and one-of-a-kind artists' pieces take center stage in many new country homes.

Modern Replicas: Well-made reproductions pair classic designs with modern convenience. Deep farmhouse sinks look like they were plucked from a Nebraska cornfield, and antique-style stoves appear to burn wood like the originals.

Organic, Natural Designs: Florals, ferns, butterflies and birds, all rendered in a botanical style, live on and amongst natural fibers such as burlap and linen.

From Stencils to Script: The old one-dimensional silhouetted images and block ABC's have been replaced with subtly defined brushwork and flowing script lettering.

November Monthly Specials Flyer

2010-11-05T10:38:00.000-04:00

A great sale going on this month! Custom pillows and bedding are 10% off. Custom table runners and table cloths also 10% off. Just in time for the holidays. 15% off 5 yards or more on in-stock fabric and trims too. (5 yard cuts).

October 2010 Monthly In-Store Specials

2010-09-29T17:53:00.000-04:00

Sewing Growing in Popularity

2010-09-16T09:53:00.002-04:00

Sewing as practiced by our mothers and grandmothers was traditionally about self-reliance, ingenuity, and a smart use of resources. Today, sewing can recapture these qualities as well as foster creative expression, reduce stress, and create social bonds. Sustainable sewing, such as refashioning new clothes from old ones, encourages fashion independence and – as with past generations – the pleasure of owning fine clothes and linens made at home.

Interest in personal sewing and home décor has increased dramatically in the past few years. The Home Sewing Association estimates that the number of sewing enthusiasts in the U.S. has increased by 5 million since 2000, and annual sales of the leading brand of sewing machines has doubled since 1999.

Sewing classes and sewing clubs are growing in popularity among a broad demographic, giving even beginners a chance to be creative and learn new skills. With this resurgence in sewing come opportunities for promoting sustainability and healthier practices regarding reuse and waste reduction.

Basic Sewing Kit

Nail Head Trim

2010-09-10T17:59:00.000-04:00

This is a very hot item on our website lately - decorative nail head trim. Nail head trim is a decorative accent that is used to embellish upholstered furniture. The nail head detail gives furniture a sophisticated look. It accentuates the style of the piece, and it is usually used on arms and rails. You'll find it commonly used with leather-upholstered furniture, particularly leather sofas, chairs and ottomans. It would also be great on headboards and cornices.

Continuous nail head trim eliminates individual nailing (you put a nail in every 5 spaces) and speeds up operations, cuts material costs dramatically, and accurately spaces the decorative nails. Continuous nail head trim strip looks like many nail heads joined together. To prevent damage to the decorative nail head when you are installing, use a lightweight tack hammer with a nylon tip.

Each kit contains 10 yards of trim plus matching nail heads. Three colors of nail heads are available - nickel, french natural and pewter. The nickel is the most popular.

Decorating and Fabric Blogs

2010-08-25T15:09:00.002-04:00

Here's a list of blogs you may want to explore for some inspiration! You'll find fabric vendor blogs here in addition to decorating blogs. Have fun exploring these sites and hopefully you'll get some new ideas!

Robert Allen Design Dialogue Blog

Kravet Inspired Talk Blog

B.Berger Fabrics - Ask the Expert Blog

The Inspired Room

Centsational Girl Blog

320 * Sycamore Blog

What is a Roman Shade?

2010-08-20T10:49:00.002-04:00

Roman shades are a type of window covering designed to help block out the sun and help shade a room. Roman shades are different from other types of window coverings, such as vertical blinds, in that they stack up in evenly sized panels when the shade is lifted. When the shade is lowered, however, they create a relatively smooth appearance. Alternatively, roman shades may be created to maintain a somewhat “hobbled” look, with the vertical panels still being evident when the shade is closed.

Typically, roman shades are raised and lowered with a cord system. The cord can be pulled until the roman shades reach the desired height, allowing portions of the window to be exposed while blocking out other areas.

Roman shades can be created from a wide variety of materials, including different types of fabrics and even wood. The type of wood used to create roman shades is also varied, with common options being reed and bamboo. Wooden roman shades are capable of creating a natural look in a room while also adding a touch of warmth.

M'Fay and Details Patterns offer great roman shade patterns. You can get roman shade supplies at Fabric Farms Interiors.

Designer Sketchfile: Draperies, Valances, Fabric Shades & Bedding

2010-08-17T11:45:00.001-04:00

Are you looking for a good sourcebook of decorating ideas? If so, the Designer Sketchfile book would be the perfect addition to your home library!

This book includes a CD and is the newest addition to Charles Randall's portfolio of design books. This 208 page book offers simple line art drawings of draperies, swags and cascades, valances, fabric shades, bedding and bedding alcoves, and drapery headers. This book is about stretching your imagination, and pushing your creative talents.

The enclosed CD contains low resolution and PDF images. You can print out the images and get out a set of watercolors, colored pencils or even crayons. Print them on transparent paper and layer images over each other. This is the way you can create your own individual and very unique window treatment for your next exciting project!

Dollar Days Sale!

2010-08-06T12:52:00.000-04:00

Now through Saturday, August 14, 2010, Fabric Farms Interiors DOLLAR DAYS SALE!!! Here's your chance to save on great fabrics and trims at great prices! Selected fabrics $1-9 per yard, trims $1-9 per bolt. We also have display furniture for sale (sofa and various chairs), toss pillows, chair cushions (Bernie constructed these cushions in the Boxed Cushion class he teaches), felt $1/yard, and miscellaneous window hardware.

Decorating Tip

2010-08-04T15:07:00.000-04:00

Bedside tables should have enough surface area for a lamp and some personal items and be slightly taller than the bed.

Decorating Quote

2010-07-26T15:28:00.000-04:00

"To be successful, a room must contain the element of contrast - in forms as well as in colors and textures." - Michael Taylor

Measuring Tips for Custom Window Treatments

2010-07-21T13:16:00.000-04:00

Measuring Suggestions:
Here are some some suggestions to help you determine the size of window treatment you need. Keep in mind that the look of the actual window treatment is based solely on personal preference and where you place your rods, not necessarily the width of your window. Some people choose to place their rods on the window casing, others place their rods just outside the window casing and still others will extent their rods several inches on both sides of the casing. This information is to give you general guidelines.

Tab top panels - a good rule of thumb would be 1 1/2 to 2 times fabric width to rod size. Length will be a matter of preference whether you have them hang to the base of the window sill, to the floor or possibly even puddle on the floor.

Gathered styles - 2 to 2 1/2 times fabric width to rod size. For panel curtains, length will be a matter of preference whether you have them hang to the base of the window sill, to the floor or possibly even puddle on the floor. For sheers, you can use 3 to 4 times fullness.

Pinch pleats - Based on your rod width size you would order your draperies according to these standards: Keep in mind we will need your rod width and your return width when ordering so that the draperies fit your rods perfectly. Top of draperies are normally mounted 4" above the top of your glass so that the backs of the pleats cannot be seen from the outside of the window.

•2 width pair - up to 36" rod - 5 pleats per panel
•3 width pair - up to 62" rod - 8 pleats per panel
•4 width pair - up to 86" rod - 11 pleats per panel
•4 width panel - up to 93" rod - 22 pleats per panel
•5 width pair - up to 110" rod - 14 pleats per panel
•6 width pair - up to 136" rod - 16 pleats per panel

Flat style rod pocket valances - this style does require measurements to be more accurate - you will need the actual width size of the rod and returns. Example: your rod is extended to 38 inches and your return is 3 inches on each side, you would need a 44" window treatment (38+3+3=46). Even though typically you don't want any gathering, most of these styles will still look fine if you have a little bit extra of valance width, it can normally be moved to the return part of the rod.

Swags - swags should be as close to the actual width of window as possible including the window framing (its best go by the rod's width size) - if using multiple swags on wider windows, typically you would want to overlap the swags 8 - 15 inches for each overlap.

Scarf / running swag - scarves look great in different lengths - measure the width of your window and multiply by 1.5, and measure how far down each side you would like the scarf to go and add all 3 numbers together.

Pole styles - should be the same as the pole width you are using (not including finials, just the actual pole length between each bracket).

Sewing for your Home

2010-07-14T15:38:00.000-04:00

Home decorating is so much easier when you have the gift of sewing what you want. Decorating a home through your own sewing talents can enable you a certain sense of pride. In addition it offers you a home with decor no one else will have or be capable of having in their home. Unless of course, you make something for your friends and family! You can keep your home unique with the items you sew. For instance, you can sew your own window treatments. Make your window treatments unique to you and your home. Use color schemes no one else would think about using. Be different or be like everyone else but treat your windows with home sewn treatments!

Home decorating sewing your favorite patterns is always a treat. Sew beautiful bed coverings as well as matching pillow cases.

Home decor is special when you use your talents to encircle your space using things from your sewing box to spice up the duller things strewn about your home. Sew oddities and buttons on decorative pillows. Make sewing boxes and hat boxes special by adding sewn homemade designs. Home decorating sewing various items does not have to be limited to your own home. You can decorate the homes of those you love by giving them the pleasure of your decorative gifts. Pillows, jewelry boxes, pillow cases, book covers, book marks and other small little gifts can be treasured by all who receive your home sewn gift.

Decorating with home sewing can be unique and offer many hours of conversation when you have visiting guests. People love to see different things which are made by hand and if you love to design your own creations then home decorating sewing your favorite things will be a special treat for you and everyone you care about!

For some great home decorating sewing tips and more smart window treatment ideas as well as free curtain patterns visit http://www.smartwindowtreatment.com/. For sewing with lace and other sewing techniques go to http://www.homesewingprojects.com/.

by: Janna Halioris

A Better Life Through Interior Decorating

2010-07-08T15:18:00.000-04:00

The way your home looks can have an intimate impact on the overall quality of your life. This is a concept which may not seem obvious at first, and yet when you come to realize what a home really means on a psychological, a functional, and even a spiritual level, the influence which this space has on your life can suddenly become very clear.

One of the major aspects of “the home” is that it is a place where you feel safe to let your guard down. When your mind is in such a state of relaxation, it tends to become more open to the acquisition of ideas, concepts, and to influence from outside elements. This means that the visual and emotional aspects of your home are going to have a rather profound effect on your overall psyche.

Even more than just affecting your mind psychologically, your home is actually a part of how you think of yourself as a person. Everyone has a concept of self, and the way you define that concept in your head is made up of a number of different factors including your job, your family, and even something as innocuous as the way you dress. One of the major factors in this determination is the state of your home. Being the physical center of your personal world, the look and more importantly, the feel of your personal habitat is a major philosophical element in any determination of character.

Since your home has such a deep impact on your personality, you should strive to make it an environment which fosters the kind of person you want to be. If you tend to be anxious and stressed out, getting violently angry at every little setback, you may want to develop a space which is a tranquil paradise of peace and relaxation. However, if you are lethargic and unmotivated, finding it difficult to get up the energy to do almost anything in life, then you may want to try and create a home full of interesting and inspiring elements, bold colors, and invigorating decorative pieces. While these subtle personality effects are powerful, the function of your home has an even more obvious impact on your day to day life. Anyone who has ever lost their keys in a cluttered den knows that the wrong environment at home can have a negative impact on your ability to get things done in life.

In its simplest form, the home is where you keep all of your possessions. Some of the things you own are worthless, others are priceless, and everything else falls somewhere in between. The problem is that many people don’t have a strategy for incorporating all of these different elements into a space. The result is often chaos, with useless decorative mementos making it impossible to find anything you need, or important functional items being placed in prominent unattractive places so that they will not be lost. This is a problem which could be easily cured by simply getting a little more organized. Your home also affects your function because it is a location you can use for a variety of purposes. You can conduct business meetings there, have an intimate date at home, or throw parties or family reunions where you reconnect with the people you care about. However, your ability to pull off events such as these will be determined largely by the appearance and state of your home. If you are trying to conduct business you will need a space that has a formal air, while throwing a party makes having a home with lots of space and good flow vital.

The function of relationships with other people is actually the most important way your habitat can affect your life. While it is possible to live in isolation, the part of life which has the deepest meaning is when you connect with other people. If the spaces in your home are inviting and make others feel comfortable, it will automatically make your social life easier. Even if you prefer to party at someone else’s place, you will still want to have people over on occasion, even if it is just to meet. When they get there, their concept of who you are will be affected by the way you live, almost as much as your own is.

The home is an environment that exerts an enormous amount of influence over how you live your life. Luckily, you can control this environment, making decorative and functional changes as your goals change from day to day. In this way you can exert a subtle influence over the world around you, and yourself, through the simple application of a little interior decorating.

Article provided courtesy of PebbleZ’s stone drink coasters

Independence Day

2010-07-02T14:20:00.000-04:00

Give me your tired, your poor.

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!

Creating an Outdoor Oasis on the Cheap!

2010-06-28T09:18:00.000-04:00

I found this great article by Kathleen Wilson and wanted to share it with you.

We all should have a haven in the outdoors; it is soothing to the soul. It can be done with little money, little space, and just a bit of creativity. Check out these five great ideas for creating your own private hideaway.

1.Carve out a space, an outdoor room if you will. It can be a large patio or deck, a corner of the lawn, even a small porch or balcony. If you look hard enough, you can almost always locate a place to make your special room.

2.Treat your room as just that, a room. Create walls, seating area, and floor. No, I don't mean a visit to the home improvement center, just place objects to suggest these boundaries, it offers the emotional comfort and security of a real room. Suggestions? Place planters to create walls, paint on your porch floor a faux rug, outline your area with found stones or brick form construction sites (always ask first!), pick up yard furniture from yard sales, create benches from a piece of lumber laid over concrete blocks, hang plants to offer partial privacy to your space, use your imagination, and think as you would decorating an indoor space.

3.Add container plants. As mentioned before, they can add structure to your outdoor room, but also add accent color, texture, scent, and charm. Buy inexpensive terra cotta pots at your local discount store, and paint them to add your distinctive touch. Using ordinary craft paint or leftover house paint, you can sponge, stamp, or stencil any design you like. Try choosing colors that will compliment your flowers. Or to pull together a "room" full of unlike planters and furniture, choose one beautiful color and paint all your items with that. My favorites are a vibrant periwinkle blue, or a pale lime green, but hunter green, terra cotta, and earth tones all look very natural in a planted setting. Also look for unusual containers at garage sales to add whimsy to your room like old cast iron pots (spray with a sealer to prevent rust), wooden boxes, even old boots can be converted to a new plant home.

4.Plants themselves can be quite costly, so here are a few ideas to fill those containers. Division or cuttings can propagate many plants quite easily. Most perennials actually prefer to be divided every few years. Ask your gardening friends if they have any divisions they might like to share with you, most gardeners love to pass on their passion. You might even have some in your own yard ready for dividing. A great site to learn more about plant propagation on the web is www.gardenweb.com. Or you can check out great books from your local library for free. Seeds are also very economical. Many dwarf varieties of your old favorites are available for pots, and some good choices might include zinnias, alyssum, marigolds, dwarf cosmos, basil (I love the purple varieties, very ornamental), nasturtiums and dwarf sunflowers. When you buy annual flowers, always buy them in the smallest possible size. They are much cheaper, and they grow so fast that a month after you buy them you wouldn't know the difference between those bought in tiny pony packs, or those you paid extra for in big gallon containers. (Except the extra money in your bank account.)

5.Finally, use your space. Have your dessert there, read a book there, drink lemonade, play Monopoly. Or better yet, sneak out when the kids or hubby are occupied and spend a few minutes just remembering what a great gift the great outdoors is to us all.

What's In and what's out?

2010-06-24T16:47:00.000-04:00

Here's a list from Home Accents Today magazine of what is in and what is out in home decorating. I hope this list inspires you to try something new, and maybe get rid of some items that have been around a little bit too long!

red; purple in all hues; primary colors; bright colors and combos (especially green and blue); muted tones (browns and grays); orange, red, brown and blue combinations
pillows with beads and / or fringe
plum and light blue replacing brown and blue color schemes
greenery that leans toward natural garden and spice variety
in florals: burnt orange, bright to arid yellows and golds, deep reds and burgundy
mixing old with new
pairing upholstery covered in natural fabrics like linen with rustic, old (or old-looking) furniture pieces
understated chic
homey candles, throws, pottery
small artwork, like canvases and framed prints
repurposed, reclaimed, recycled furniture and accessories
monkeys
cozy, warm chenille throws
nature, animal prints, large scale floral prints fleur de lis
butterflies, honeybees, bird themes, geometric repeats
chrome, silvery blues, metallic and embellished wallpapers
crystal
tone on tone damask
American, Mediterranean
Antique chairs upholstered in modern fabrics

OUT

red, blue, brown
quantity over quality
anything too shiny
showy labels
formality
tea accessories
over-the-top ornaments
antique gold
match-matchy bedding ensembles
exaggerated arms on upholstered seating
fussy floral arrangements
Equestrian / hunt themes
black lampshades
mass-produced artwork
tuscany

Pillow Forms

2010-06-04T13:05:00.000-04:00

We carry pillow forms come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Here's a breakdown of some of the sizes available:

Ring-bearer pillow forms (9") are an easy way to customize your wedding. Cover them with fabric to match your dress or bridesmaid dresses...or get bold and daring and cover the pillow in a wild fabric! What a conversation starter! Our ring-bearer pillows forms come in square and round shapes. They are flatter than a regular 10" pillow form so the rings lie nicely on top.

10" pillow forms are great for needlepoint memory pillows. These are plumper than the ring-bearer pillow forms. Memory pillows are great for weddings, shower gifts, baby gifts, graduation, birthdays, and anniversaries.

In addition to square pillow forms in a variety of sizes - 12", 14", 16", 18", 20", 22", 24", 27" and 30" - we also carry lumbar pillow forms. These are rectangular forms that are great to nestle in the back of a chair seat or along a window seat.

Euro pillows are larger pillows usually used on beds. 27" and 30" pillow forms are great for Euro shams.

When purchasing pillow forms, you want to buy a form approximately 2" larger than the finished size of the pillow you want. For example, you are adding 18" throw pillows to your sofa. You will want to purchase 20" pillow forms. The larger form will produce a nice plump looking pillow.

Stain Removal Guide - Wine, milk, soft drinks

2010-05-25T18:14:00.001-04:00

To remove wine, milk and soft drinks from your furniture fabric, use only water-based commerical cleaning agents. Or, you can mix 2 tablespoons of ammonia with 1 liter of water. Blot the stain gently with a cloth dampened with this solution, turning continually so that only the clean part of the cloth is in contact with the stain.

Save Time - Free Customer Pickup

2010-04-23T20:32:00.003-04:00

We know that your time is important and there never seems to be enough hours in the day to do everything that needs to be done. In order to help you out, we've added convenience to our online ordering system by adding a new feature... customer pickup. If you live in the Central Ohio area or plan on visiting, you can order online and use coupon code: CUSTOMER PICKUP at checkout. We will get your order ready for you to pick up at our store and NO shipping charges will be applied! Just give us 1-2 business days to get your order ready. We will contact you when your order is ready for pickup. Now, how easy is that?

Spring Sale

2010-03-28T18:27:00.000-04:00

Spring is finally in Central Ohio!

Let the sun shine in!
Air out the rooms!
It’s time to redecorate and spruce up for Spring!

Now through April 12th, save on almost everything in our store -- fabrics, trims, pillow forms, foam, upholstery and drapery supplies, and sewing notions -- the things you need to start the season fresh!

Spend $250, Save $50
Spend $500, Save $100
Spend $750, Save $150

Now thru April 12. In-stock merchandise only. Cannot be used with any other offers or already discounted merchandise. Not applicable to prior sales.

New Fabrics - Contemporary and Brightly Colored

2010-02-21T18:04:00.000-05:00

New fabric from Braemore are here! This collection comes in 3 colors and there are 3 coordinates. Perfect for bedrooms and family rooms. Contemporary and Retro Fabrics

New Fabric Lines - Carole Fabrics, Tapestria, Highland Court, Kravet, LeeJofa

2010-02-18T09:30:00.000-05:00

We have added some new fabric lines to our store. We now carry:

- Carole Fabrics
- Tapestria Fabrics
- Highland Court
- Kravet
- LeeJofa

We have the current books of the above listed vendors. You can also shop on their websites and call us for stock and pricing information.

5 lb. Fabric Grab Bags

2010-02-12T18:09:00.000-05:00

Are you looking for smaller pieces of fabric for craft or home decor projects but don't want to spend an arm and a leg? We have discontinued home decorator fabric samples (drapery and upholstery weight fabrics) that are great for pillows, tote bags, purses, costumes, sit-upons, miniature doll houses, kids projects, teachers, day care centers, senior centers, girl scouts, boy scouts, and more.

These discontinued fabric samples are from name brand vendors and we normally sell them for $1-$6 each.

The Fabric Grab Bags are sold in 5 pound boxes. The upholstery weight samples are approximately 16" x 16" in size. Drapery weight samples range from 16" x 16" to 26" x 26" in size. No two samples will be identical. You can select a box of upholstery weight (heavier) samples or drapery weight (lighter) weight samples or a mixed box.

You'll receive approximately 25 to 35 pieces in the upholstery box, 50 to 70 pieces in the drapery weight box, and between 30 and 65 pieces in the assorted box.

New Fabric Arrivals

2010-02-07T13:51:00.000-05:00

New fabrics have started to arrive. These are the fabrics we ordered during the High Point Market in December. Many contemporary and retro, upholstery weight, cotton prints and more. We'll have them on our website soon.