Redecorating the den

[Missy]

My plan this week, or over a few weeks anyhow, is to redecorate the den. It is a hodge-podge of several themes right now. I would like to do a patriotic/red white and blue theme. I can make afghans, i can make window treatments, throw pillows, etc. What else can you think of that would decorate a room? I need ideas, big time. I would like to put something on the walls. But I don' know what, and don't have much spending money ...I was thinking of making a piecework "flag" wallhanging somehow. But i'd need more fabric for that. Ideas?

[guest2]

I think you have got some wonderful ideas!!! You could also do one of those rustic looking painted flags. Accent with some red, white and blue candles or a flower arrangement.

[guest2]

I just thought of something else. One year I made a wreath to hang on the wall. Using a grapevine wreath, I hot glued red, white and blue silk flowers (I used red roses, and tiny white and blue flowers as accents) onto it and made a pretty bow with red and white striped ribbon. It was my patriotic wreath! You could do something similar with dried flowers also using those colors as your theme. Or you could make a swag.

[Michelle]

Sounds like you've got great ideas already. I was thinking quilted wallhanging too.

I may have some fabric you need...PM me and tell me what you are looking for. I can always mail it with your friendship star blocks or sooner if need be

[Missy]

Here's the wall hanging from my patten book here that i want to try. I like the colors, but i think that i will have to gather fq's slowly, as I don't have any that are like this at all. Is this fabric called "Homespun"?

[Missy]

I like the swag idea!! I am thinking a fake ivy swag...red flowers, white baby's breath, and blue bows maybe?

[Missy]

here's a closer look

[Darlene]

Neat! Only thing I could think of is a framed map of the United States. Good learning tool for the kids too.

[SewCrafty]

Good idea Darlene! How about sending away for these freebies QuilterMom posted Free copy of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence ????

They may already look aged, but if not you could stain them to look aged with tea and coffee.

[MJsLady]

Missy, most of my house is in the Red White and Blue theme! I have not got it all done yet but I enjoy the old time look and feel of it

[Katybird]

I love the red white and blue Americana theme. It will look great in your den. I especially love your wallhanging. I can't wait to see it when you get the room all put together. You will have to take a picture and share it with us.

[Missy]

I can't wait to get started with this. The wall hanging will take some time, i have to gather fabrics. Does anyone know about tea dying or coffee staining fabric? Maybe I should post that question in another forum?

[bamamomto4]

I made a flag about 2 years ago out of homespun fabric. I used fabric that was navy and had white stars for the star part...I used red and white homespun for the red lines and whats called muslin (sp) for the white lines.....I would show a pic but I sold it on ebay after I made it and never made me another
it was cute though.

I do the coffee staining. Make strong coffee,and just splatter or dip the entire piece you want stained in the tea and ring out...let dry..very easy...but it may smell like coffee for awhile...

[Michele Annette]

Melissa,

This wall hanging is so pretty! To answer your question about tea dying...I do it all the time. If you use coffee your fabric will smell like coffee for a long time!!! Tried it!

Prewash all your fabric.

1) get a clean plastic wash basin for large amounts of fabric or just use a large glass bowl for the smaller bits.

2) boil enough water on the stove to cover your fabric completely. I use plain old, store brand black tea. It's cheap and you need a lot of it for large pieces of fabric.

3) carefully pour the boiling water into the basin, in the sink. Put in as many tea bags as you think you need for the amount of water you have. Once the tea starts to steep you will be able to see how dark it's getting. I use about 15 to 20 bags per gallon. Let your water cool enough so that it is still pretty warm, but not so hot that you can't put your hands in. Keep the tea bags in it. Once it's cooler, squeeze the teabags and discard them.

4)place your unfolded fabric in the water. Be sure to get all of the air bubbles out of the fabric and that it's fully emersed.

5) briefly check the fabric to your desired staining. Some cotton fabrics tend to darken a little when dry, so let that be your guide.

4)Once you get the stain you like, rinse the fabric with cool water. Place in washer and spin out the water. Dry and iron as usual. It's cool to see the way it turns out. If you find you want your fabric darker, do it again with more tea next time!

That's it!

Give us updates on your room!!!

[Missy]

during step 6 should I be washing it with soap in the washer or is it just to get out the excess water?