Di Mill

Patchwork Sofa

How cool is this sofa? I love seeing a sofa that may have seen better days, being bought back to life with a new "outfit"!

 

image via etsy

Take care...Di

 

Photo Styling

Working in the Patchwork & Quilting Industry, I'm am always on the lookout for "something different" - a different way to display fabric or quilts - a different way to market a product. Finding something different keeps me inspired. I love "Styling" and photography so when the two are bought together and used to create something different - I am in heaven.

Anthropologie is my favourite store in the USA and usually the first store I go to whenever I am lucky enough to visit. While searching their website I came across a perfect example of how styling a quilt in different ways during a photo shoot, creates a different atmosphere:

Below is Anthropoligie's "Oh To Dream" Bedding:

 

The photo above is a photo of the quilt styled in a traditional manner - on a bed.

The photo below is of the same quilt but styled differently  and instantly I like that quilt so much more than in the above photo. I want to be snuggled up under it inside that tent like feature with the books and the thermos. The stylist has created an intimate, cozy, rustic yet modern vision that draws you in to the point where you can imagine yourself being there.

images from Anthropologie   via At Home with Kim Valee

What do you think? Which photo draws you in the most?

Take care...Di

Patchwork Chair

I love a good recycle story and this one is no exception. Jody at Craftnik picked this chair up on the side of the road and decided to give it a makeover. Although she hasn't used traditional patchwork techniques, the end result is stunning:

From this:

 

to this:

 

 
image source via design sponge

 

Pop over to Jody's blog and read her tutorial and see more photos. It's great to see an old once loved chair be given a second chance and with the chevron pattern so popular at the moment, it was a perfect choice to bring a modern touch to this once contemporary design.

Take care....Di

 

 

Is it a quilt or is it art?

Well that is the question and you will have to pop over to the Little Miss Shabby blog to find out the answer which is what I did when I saw this picture:

 

 

 

 

It's a great way to use up a heap of scraps or charm squares etc as well as a project for teenagers, young children or non-sewers (oops - I guess you know the answer to the question now)!

I hope you having a great weekend....take care....Di

Pam Kitty Morning

 Lakehouse's newest fabric range is Pam Kitty Morning, designed by the famous blogger by the same name. This range really captures my heart. I've always been a bit of a Cath Kidston fan and Pam Kitty Morning uses a similar colour palette and clear fresh pretty designs. This range is "girly" but will suit girls of all ages. It can be used in a room using traditional quaint furniture or it can be used in a funky bright playful living room or kitchen. Below are just some of the yummy designs that will be hitting Australian Stores in October and I've teamed them with some images to give you some inspiration.

 

 
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sleeping bag, pink mug

 

 

 
kitchen image source

 

Pam has a couple of projects on her blog so pop over there and download the free patterns that are in the side bar.  Lakehouse fabrics are distributed throughout Australia by Lloyd Curzon Textiles. I can't wait for this range to arrive - just in time to make some light summer quilts.

Take Care...Di

 

Wall Art

I love this idea and I have been looking for something like this to break up a large wall in my formal lounge:

 

 
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The picture is from a story about how to use wallpaper in projects, but I think you could easily substitute your favourite fabric and make a statement.

 

If I wanted a "fresh" clean look for the living room below, I would definately use prints from the Kaleidoscope range by Northcott that's arriving later in the year. They are fantastic fun designs.

 

 
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If I wanted a striking black and white effect for a modern room I would use the new Maywood range Flor D'Luna. They are black and white prints but on a large scale -simple & elegant.

 
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For a bright fun look for the room below, you can't go past the new Pam Kitty Morning fabric range by Lakehouse:

 

 

 

 

So if you need to fill a wall with some artwork and just can't decide what to do - try hanging a couple of prints of fabric. It will look fabulous and we all need a little "fabulousness" in our lives!

Take care....Di

Trends to Watch

There is a huge trend for typed or written print at the moment. It's in all areas of design from wall art, to tea towels; gift cards to cushions - and it's becoming more popular every day. I have to admit....I love it! There is something about being able to say what you want on a piece of art or on a card and achieve it in quite a simplistic approach. Below are some examples:

 

1. Alphabet & numeral swing tags by Bespoke Letterhead Press  2. Bags - image from April issue of Home Beautiful

3. image from March-April issue of InsideOut 4. Image from April Issue of Real Living - Make your own font prints

5. Text cushion tutorial by Miss Mustard Seed 6. Brisbane Busroll Tea Towel by Bus Roll Teatowels

7. Alphabet Print by Ikea

 

I love seeing interiour design trends spill over into the fabric world. There are some great fabric ranges out that have jumped onto this trend, enabling the home decorator to make quilts, table runners, and cushions that fit in to this current craze. One of my favourite looks is reupholstering  a chair to give an old favourite a fresh modern twist.

 

1. Image by Sweetwater - Moda Fabric

2.  Spectator by Andrew Marting - Unique Fabrics

3. Newspaper print from Annie's Farm by Lakehouse

4. French print from Penelope by Lakehouse

5. Word Play by Benetex

 

I'm also loving typewriter key jewelry - this makes my heart skip a beat!

 

Image via This Next

And how cute is this???  Text message embroidery! (great project for teenagers)

 
Image via Apartment Therapy 

And this cushion by A Spoonful of Sugar is adorable.

 

Let me know if you've seen any great "Text" or "Type" projects or fabrics out there in blogland. Leave a comment with the link and I will follow up in another post.

Take care...Di

Trends to watch

This is a new column that I've started on the blog, bringing you trends that I've seen in interior design and how they can relate to the Patchwork industry in relation to either fabric or the art of patchwork/sewing. I've been studying with Holly of Decor8 in her Blogging Your Way course which is fantastic if you want to take your blog to a different level. I highly recommend and as registration is closed - keep an eye out for the next one. Anyway...this is one area of content that I am focusing on over the next 12 months.

This week it's Recycled denim. This is not a new concept by any means but it has made a bit of a resurgence lately. Recycling fabric, clothing, furniture etc is in vogue. Not only is it great for the environment but it's gentle on the budget as you can achieve a modern look with a vintage edge at minimal cost.

 

If you don't feel like visiting a heap of op shops to collect your denim, but like the denim palette, try using denim coloured fabrics such as Maywood's Shadowplay - gorgeous soft marbles in the perfect denim shades, or take inspiration from the colour of denim and give a bedroom or living area a makeover with some denim shades in paint.

 

   
 

1. How to sew a patchwork curtain from old jeans - tutorial at Homelife

2. Denim cushion with flowers - tutorial in March issue of Better Homes and Garden

3. Denim cushion made from waistbands - from Deco-blue designs

4. Denim Quilt - photo via Quiltville, pattern is Yellow Brick Road by Atkinsons Designs

5. Paint Swatches via Housebeautiful

6. Shadowplay fabric range by Maywood Studio

 

Take care....Di