
Duvet covers are rather versatile when you think about it. If you want something that is really different for your bedroom, you may find expense is an issue in fancy, unique, well made fabric. Designer labels are pricey, especially if you aren't shopping during a white sale. The versatility of the duvet makes them worth it, and a necessity for a comforter, but you don't want to spend the money. Even an inexpensive comforter can be transformed into a stylish work of art with a unique duvet cover. They are great for your kid's rooms because they can easily be changed when the child grows.
A teddy bear duvet might be good one day but you blink and he's ready for a NASCAR print. You will save even more money if you make the duvet yourself. Even a novice can pull this off. Just think of a duvet as a giant pillow case with some sort of closure at the end. That doesn't seem too hard does it? A pillow case keeps the pillow clean as you sleep on it, and the duvet does the same thing. All types of bedding should be soft and supple since it is next to your skin.
You are going to be making this yourself, so don't scrimp on fabric. Find good quality fabric in a soft cotton or blend. I love flannel on the bottom and it is available in lovely colors and prints. It will be repeatedly washed so look for one that is yarn dyed. You can even find two sheets on a clearance table that are a steal. This would be the easiest because no cutting is involved. Wash and dry either fabric or sheets before you begin as this will curtail shrinking disappointments down the road.
If you haven't already purchased a comforter, think about how it will look on the bed. Do you want more of an overhang on the sides or is your partner prone to stealing the covers? If so, you might want to buy a size that is a little larger than your size of bed. The completed presentation might look more finished if you do so.
? Measure your comforter and add one and a half inches to the width and three and three fourths inches to the length allowing for seams and hems. If you have sheets, just look at the dimensions on the package.
? If you have chosen sheets, I would suggest not buying two of the exact same thing. Make things more interesting by buying complementary patterns and colors so it can be turned over for a new look. Don't be afraid to mix it up a little.
? If you have chosen fabric, you must piece it together as you won't find fabric with the width you need. Here is where creativity comes in. You can choose lots of matching patterns and colors and stitch them together to make the top of your duvet, just measure how big you want your "blocks" of fabric to be and go from there until you have enough for the top of the duvet. If this sounds like too much work, just use one or two fabrics and do the measuring.
? Place the wrong sides together and stitch with a quarter inch seam along the top sides. If a sewing machine is a foreign thing to you, there are many types of glue on the market that will do the job as well.
? You can create a fanciful closure by sewing large buttons at the top, folding it over and stitching ribbons to the other side of the top. Make sure it represents a nice fold and tie the ribbons to the buttons. Nothing could be simpler. For a more country look, take strips of torn fabric and stitch them where you placed the ribbons. They will fray, but that's the point. Your duvet cover will take on a shabbier chic look.
Let the creative side come out and decorate your bedroom in the style and color that you choose, and save money at the same time.
Bev Marshall is a successful freelance writer offering guidance and suggestions for consumers buying mattresses, baby bedding, bedding, bedspreads and more. Her many articles can be found at http://www.bedding-4u.com/Duvet%20Covers.htm . She gives information and tips at http://www.bedding-4u.com/ to help you save money, make informed buying decisions and common sense ideas for changing your life.
AP - Israel resumed its Gaza offensive Wednesday, bombing heavily around suspected smuggling tunnels near the border with Egypt after a three-hour lull to allow in humanitarian aid. Hamas responded with a rocket barrage. Despite the heavy fighting, strides were made on the diplomatic front with the U.S. throwing its weight behind a deal being brokered by France and Egypt.
AP - Pointing with concern to "red ink as far as the eye can see," President-elect Barack Obama pledged Wednesday to tackle out-of-control Social Security and Medicare spending and named a special watchdog to clamp down on other federal programs — even as he campaigned anew to spend the largest pile of taxpayer money in history to revive the sinking economy.
AP - Senate Democrats beat a hasty retreat Wednesday from their rejection of Roland Burris as President-elect Barack Obama's successor, yielding to pressure from Obama himself and from senators irked that the standoff was draining attention and putting them in a bad light. Burris said with a smile he expected to join them "very shortly."
AP - The upcoming inauguration of Barack Obama is an attractive target for international and domestic terrorists, but U.S. intelligence officials have no information about specific threats to the Jan. 20 event.
AP - Confronting a grim economy and a Middle East on fire, Barack Obama turned Wednesday to perhaps the only people on the planet who understand what he's in for: the four living members of the U.S. presidents' club.
AP - Vice President Dick Cheney said Wednesday it would be a mistake for President-elect Barack Obama to scrap the Bush administration's terrorist-fighting policies designed to prevent future attacks on the U.S.
AP - The Jurassic version of jumbo jets — huge flying creatures weighing hundreds of pounds — is a mystery of dinosaur-era flight: How did something so big get off the ground? A Johns Hopkins University biologist thinks he has figured out the answer.
AP - Eric Mangini is the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, a week after being fired by the New York Jets. A person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press that Mangini will be introduced Thursday at a news conference at the team's headquarters in Berea. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because Mangini's contract has not been finalized.
Reuters - Israeli aircraft and tanks pounded the Gaza Strip on Wednesday and troops battled Palestinian guerrillas on the ground as U.S. backing for a proposed truce raised expectations of an end to the 12-day-old offensive.
Reuters - The U.S. budget deficit will swell to a record $1.186 trillion in fiscal 2009, congressional forecasters said on Wednesday, the result of an economic recession that has cut tax receipts and caused massive government bailouts of banks and automakers.
Reuters - In an abrupt switch, Democratic leaders began talks on Wednesday to swear in Roland Burris, appointed by embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate.
Reuters - United Auto Workers bargaining teams are arriving this week in Detroit as the union gears up for negotiations with General Motors Corp and Chrysler LLC, which are mandated to cut labor costs under a $17.4 billion federal bailout.
Reuters - An outbreak of salmonella food poisoning has made 388 people sick across 42 states, sending 18 percent of them to the hospital, U.S. health officials said on Wednesday.
Reuters - Defense Secretary Robert Gates has told Congress that a planned buildup of U.S. forces in Afghanistan could add $5.5 billion to U.S. war costs in the current federal fiscal year, officials said on Wednesday.
Reuters - Accused swindler Bernard Madoff should be jailed for violating a court order by mailing $1 million worth of diamonds, watches and other jewelry to friends and family, U.S. prosecutors told a court on Wednesday.
AFP - Israel on Wednesday approved an even tougher war on Hamas, warning residents to flee southern Gaza ahead of planned bombing of cross-border tunnels, as the Palestinian death toll passed 700.
AFP - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Wednesday laid down terms for a resumption of Russian gas shipments via Ukraine to Europe as tens of thousands of Europeans suffered heating cuts amid freezing weather.
Choosing a color scheme can be a nerve-wracking business. For instance, I... Read More
Everyone wants to save money. Don't you? Well, painting your own, color... Read More
So you've finally decided to get your favorite music throughout your house.... Read More
A staple of healthy outdoor living, hot tubs equals to water therapy... Read More
According to the National Association of Waterproofing and Structural Repair Contractors (NAWSRC),... Read More
Many successful business deals are the result of being a bit canny... Read More
Interior design for children is one of the most fun, delightful aspects... Read More
Are you frustrated with the high prices you've been quoted for luxury... Read More
Roofs are an integral part of the house. The design of a... Read More
When you are choosing a new ceiling fan there are a couple... Read More
Renovating should be a fun and exciting process (really!). The key is... Read More
Basements or cellars (depending on which part of the country you are... Read More
Summer time means barbeques, baseball, camping, and yes, Home Improvement Projects! As... Read More
Coming up with interesting window treatment ideas that bring out the best... Read More
Modern Design is sleek, stark, and spacious with angular and geometric lines.... Read More
"Dr. Carl Sagan once wrote, "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be... Read More
The 2005 hurricane season is right around the corner and runs for... Read More
Have you ever thought about fixing a broken window in your house,... Read More
I had a customer call me to make a complaint about the... Read More
High quality residential and commercial mailboxes are available in styles that meet... Read More
There are some things to consider when creating plans for your home.... Read More
Welcome to my essential tips for replacemnent windows and double glazing buyers.... Read More
This report is about taking a house and restoring it to an... Read More
An air sander is a common air tool often overlooked by most... Read More
If you are dedicated to improving the indoor air quality of your... Read More
Installing exterior shutters is a relatively quick way to add style and... Read More
When decorating or making decorating decisions for new homes, it is important... Read More
Believe it or not, landscaping can be an important part of a... Read More
Window coverings are important to the overall look and feel of a... Read More
Hygienic air is essential to human life, and in this modern age,... Read More
The bathroom in your home is the one room that has undergone... Read More
Babies, babies, babies-yes the topic of this article is based on interior... Read More
A Closer Examination of the Dust MiteThe dust mite's mouth parts are... Read More
This article is going to be about replacing an old sliding glass... Read More
Installing a pre-cast concrete stairway to your home's basement is actually quite... Read More
It's easy to get overwhelmed trying to figure out just how to... Read More
As we start to research log homes, it quickly becomes apparent that... Read More
Considering that home saunas are believed to produce numerous health benefits and... Read More
Do you feel unhappy in your home and you don't know why?... Read More
When you read a great inspirational book, prayer, or article, don't you... Read More
Small cabin plans - how do you find that special log cabin... Read More
Want to improve the look of your property? Want to add value... Read More
Moving households, whether it is due to a job transfer or upgrading... Read More
The words "spring cleaning" can make the neatest person cringe. They mean... Read More
Remodeling a kitchen is one of the best investments a homeowner can... Read More
"The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we... Read More
Have you been wondering how to free up space in your home?... Read More
This is the year you're going all out. You're going to build... Read More
The door is the focal point of the home which is why... Read More
Are your beautiful hardwood floors not so beautiful anymore? Maybe they just... Read More
Six years ago, I had not yet turned on a computer. Today... Read More
Chenille has been used for bedspreads since Catherine Evans revived the craft... Read More
Learn How to Select a House Plan That Will Result in The... Read More
With a little bit of creativity and some imagination you can take... Read More
Home inspections conducted prior to a home being placed on the market... Read More
1. Do I really need an air purifier in my home? It... Read More
Understanding color psychology helps home makers choose colors for home decorating.Color affects... Read More
Before getting your house valuated think about the list below and if... Read More
In my previous article, "planning for a new deck," I outlined the... Read More
The style of your interior depends for a great part on the... Read More
A Hydrogen Cell generator in your house could power up all the... Read More
If you are planning a home makeover or remodeling project, here are... Read More
Do you need a patio awning for your lovely patio off of... Read More
To most of us, security at home is very important. Ever experienced... Read More
This story was told to me by a plumber I know and... Read More
DurabilityBecause it's designed with a tough and durable wear layer, laminate flooring... Read More
It was only a few years ago that Real Estate agents and... Read More
A sauna has been used throughout history in every part of the... Read More
A clock is simply a device that measures time. Typical clocks have... Read More
What is behind the popularity of roller blinds. Is it because they... Read More
If you like to cook, or even if you just do it... Read More
The roof has had many different innovations in regards to the materials... Read More
How many of you have experienced this situation? As the wind blows... Read More
Your home is your castle. You decide, possibly together with family members,... Read More
Patios and terraces have always been popular outdoor spaces. Whether a Parisian... Read More
High quality residential and commercial mailboxes are available in styles that meet... Read More
If you would like to make your existing home more energy efficient... Read More
It started with my need for a new mixer. OK. Well, maybe... Read More
When the wife comes to you one fine day and says, "dear,... Read More
Choosing a color scheme can be a nerve-wracking business. For instance, I... Read More
Whenever I write an article, it's usually tailored to the do-it-yourself homeowner... Read More
A beautiful kitchen is the heart of any home (even for those... Read More
Renovating should be a fun and exciting process (really!). The key is... Read More
Houseplants can be soothing because of their visual impact. Besides being naturally... Read More
Whether you want to install a new bathroom or make improvements to... Read More
Small cabin plans - how do you find that special log cabin... Read More
Waterproof consultants perform a wide variety of functions. Why should you hire... Read More
Creating a Designer Home With LightingTraditionally, spring is the time when many... Read More
Imagine leaving a window open all winter long ? the heat loss,... Read More
Worktops and Countertops for Kitchens - Buyers Guide to MaterialsThe worktop or... Read More
Interior remodeling can have an amazing impact on the look and value... Read More
Do you suffer from allergies or asthma? If you are one of... Read More
Interview with Jeanette Fisher by Gary Anderson, of www.abciowa.comGA: Jeanette,... Read More
This week we are going to continue our series on single pane... Read More
Home Improvement Home Improvement |