gradual Magic
Sometimes sewing makes me feel like a magical creature. I’m still amazed that I can transform a pile of cloth into a whole new look for my living room. Such a look is personal and expressive, without breaking the bank. Between curtains and quilts, pillows and chairs, wall hangings, etc., being able to create with cloth goes a long, long way. It isn’t fast, but that’s not the point, is it?
After we settled into our 1930’s Dutch house, I began to feel disenchanted with my go-to bright, multicolor decor. The old house charm made me ripe for a change. Earlier this year I realized that the Kismet fabric collection (Art Gallery Fabrics/Sharon Holland) encapsulated the look that I craved - a mix between vintage and modern in a limited and more subtle color palette.
I used Kismet fabrics to make a new set of patchwork curtains in February, and since then I’ve been gradually changing things here and there in the living room to evolve the space. Here’s what our living room looks like this morning - - -
I removed blue, red and turquoise accents from the room. With fewer colors present, the muted golden walls feel even more cozy. I’d also hope to swap the gray sofa (which was a mistake - it’s already wearing out), for a warm colored sofa of higher quality. But, one thing at a time.
The TV shelf had been a vivid turquoise color. It has quite a history actually, that shelf, since we originally found it in the closet of our 1960’s American home. With the help of some chalk paint (made right here in The Netherlands), I gave the shelf a more harmonious hue. I really wanted a dusty peach paint color instead, but my husband objected. He actually objects to ALL my color choices, as we have totally different taste. I demur about half the time and opt for a color more his style. If only he remembered all those times! Anyways, I do like how this green shade connects with my houseplants.
Do you know what comes next? A quilt, of course! Absolutely none of our throw quilts work with the color palette I’m nurturing. They look completely out of place. In order to find something soft to fold and place on the green shelf above, I had to resort to featuring a quilt back, ha!
I have some Kismet scraps leftover from making those curtains, so that’s a start. Just lately I’ve received a restock of my favorite Kismet prints and some Art Gallery Pure Solids. Printed fabrics from left are: Burgeon Forth, Ikat Diamond Rustic, Cut Flowers Fortune, Fleuron Sanctuary and India Ink Parchment. Pure Solids from left are: Vanilla Custard, Weathered Brick, Mauvelous, Blossomed, Terracota Tile and Cinnamon (available at Fat Quarter Shop). I plan to use India Ink Parchment for the quilt backing. Pure Solid in Cinnamon is my main quilt background color, with some of the other colors to be sprinkled in as well.
Kismet is a gorgeous fabric collection for the autumn season, but it’s becoming hard to find. I’m going to see if one of my sponsor stores will restock it. In fact, if all goes well, there may be a Kismet quilt kit developed on the bases of my upcoming quilt! It’s going to be an orange peel quilt and I’m SUPER excited about the idea. Maybe a sew-along this fall? Fingers crossed!
