| Mantel Scarf |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-404 |
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Q:My fireplace mantel is very plain. What can I do to help soften the hard lines? A: (from Nancy Golden, Ask DIY Decorating expert) To soften up the hard, straight lines of a plain mantel, consider decorating it using a mantel scarf. Materials: Fabric and thread of your choice
Sewing machine
Fringe or other edge-embellishment
Steps:
- Decide on the fabric you want. Determine whether you want it to match your dC)cor, provide a contrasting touch, or create a seasonal accent for a holiday or season. For our demonstration, a silvery taffeta (figure A) was selected to create a dressy and contemporary look.
- When determining the amount of fabric to purchase, measure the dimensions of your mantel, then decide how much overhang (figure B) you want. Incorporate the extra inches you'll need for overhanging into your measurements.
- Safety Alert: Be sure that the overhang isn't so long that it creates a fire hazard if you plan to build fires in your fireplace.
- Determine the design you want. We opted for a simple, triangle-point design. You may want to choose scalloped edges or some other type of tailored edging. For simplicity, our design called for the material to be folded in half. In that way, only three sides of the piece would need to be sewn.
- Once you've decided on a design, create a template using craft paper (figure C). Place the edge of the template so that it's aligned against the straight, folded side, and use your template to cut your fabric. Remember to incorporate a seam allowance when you cut.
- Once you've cut your fabric in your design, you're ready to sew. But to dress up the piece, several beaded and fringed trim embellishments were considered (figure D). An elegant beaded trim was selected to complement the shimmery fabric for this piece.
- The fringe is sewn with the selvage along the edge of the fabric (figure E ).
- Tip: To make it easier to sew the fringe along the edge, use straight pins and masking tape to hold the fringe in place (figure F) while you work.
- Where the fringe comes to the corner, take some extra care to ensure a clean look. Bring the fringe all the way to the corner, then fold it to turn the corner (figure G). In that way, all of the fringe will stay inside the finished design.
- With the fringe taped in place, attach it with a straight seam on the sewing machine (figure H).
- With the fringe attached, fold the piece over and pin the edges together, and join the edges with a straight seam around the three sides (excluding the folded side). Use your original seam line -- from sewing on the fringe -- as a guide for the joining seam (figure I). As before, sew a simple, straight seam.
- Rather than sewing all the way around, leave an opening (figure J) that will allow you to flip the fabric inside out to conceal the sewn edges.
- You may want to add a finishing touch. In our demonstration, chandelier crystals from a lighting store were used as adornments on each end of the finished piece. Attaching them was easy since they already had wire hooks built in (figure K).
RESOURCES :
Sewing Fun Stuff! Soft Sculpture Shortcuts
Model: 0806961643
Author: Lynne Farris
1996
Lynne Farris Designs
Website: www.lynnefarrisdesigns.com
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Sewing
Model: 0028638913
Author: Lydia Wills
Order this title from Amazon.com.
Sewing Beautiful Pillows
Model: 0806998091
Author: Linda Lee
Sewing Stylish Home Projects: Over 30 Accessories for Your Home
ISBN: 1561583375
Author: Linda Lee
Order this title from Amazon.
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
Complete Guide to Sewing : Step-By-Step Techniques for Making Clothes and Home Furnishings
Model: 0888502478
Author: Reader's Digest
Order this title from Amazon.com.
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