My friend Kim, at Cheap Chic Home, invited me to be a guest on her delightful blog! She said she wanted to pick my brain about my method of mixing multiple fabrics! In order to demonstrate to her readers how I go about this, I decided to show my process with this table runner.
The process of mixing fabrics can be quite daunting to some, especially if you're wanting to mix numerous patterns and colors together. But you can do it! You just have to dive in and get started!
Now at first glance, this may seem like Madness without a Method but stay with me!
When starting on a new project and shopping for fabric samples, my #1 suggestion is...
Get a sample of EVERYTHING that appeals to you! This is VERY important!
Regardless of whether you can invision the fabrics together, IF YOU LIKE IT...get a sample!
There have been times when the best fabric combinations came from fabrics that were NOT originally intended to go together!
When shopping for multiple fabrics for an entire room keep in mind...Just because 2 fabrics don't quite work side by side does NOT mean they can't both be used in the room. Maybe, one on the bed and another on a chair!
In this case I was "shopping" from my fabric stash! I knew I wanted to work within the brown and red families, so I started pulling everything I had that I thought might work for the runner.
When shopping for a project, keep in mind your color scheme but DON'T be afraid to step outside that color box! You never know which fabrics might end up being used together! Sometimes it's the "off" fabric that creates a "quirkiness" that just makes the piece!
At this point, I start playing around with the samples to get a feel for the fabrics. I consider pattern, color scale and intensity. I decide which fabrics look good next to each other, which ones will be the dominant fabrics and which ones will be filler fabrics.
I use this same process when deciding where fabrics will go in a room! Just lay out all your fabrics on a table and start separating the ones that look good together. Keep adding fabrics until you get your multi-patterned look!
When I'm happy with where the fabrics will go, I start piecing them together.
And when you're done...
...you have a unique and original creation!
Perfect for the holidays! (Shameless hint because...)
This runner is now available in the
Coming soon: Table Runner Tutorial!
HAVE A BLESSED DAY!
There is a fabric store here called the Muse. It has fabrics that you would love. I believe I have seen many of the ones you showed on this post in the store. They are usually pretty pricey though.
ReplyDeletehow Beautiful!!! What lovely fabric!
ReplyDeletesuzanne
The only fabric store we have in Myrtle Beach is the fabric they have at Walmart!! With the exception we do have interiror design shops!! I order most of mine off the net. I don't have time to shop regular stores anyway..on weekends I am too busy thrifting. LOL
ReplyDeleteYour runner is beautiful!!
Sonya! You are a lady after my own heart! Those colors are MY colors and I absolutely love how you showed how easy it is to mix and layer fabrics. I have 6 different patterns (some big, some small) in my living/dining room and you don't even realize it until you start counting them up. I love how it adds depth and interest! In the sea of neutral that I sometimes find in blogland, the warm rich colors you showcased really make me feel like I'm not alone in my love for them!:-)
ReplyDeleteVanessa
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ReplyDeleteLet's try again. :) LOVE the runner; it is just gorgeous! The mix of fabrics is beautiful. You make it sound so easy, but I could never do it without you being here to help me. :)
ReplyDeletewonderful runner and tutorial. you have a gift.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! My mother and I both use those colors in our home and ...man oh man.... my table would be "chic" with that runner!!! Cant wait for the tutorial!
ReplyDeleteBEAUTIFUL! You have the knack for this kind of thing but I love your tutorial and will try your suggestions! You are SOOOO talented ~ I LOVE your projects. Have a great weekend ~Cheers~
ReplyDeleteMy heart went pitter patter Sonya! If only I could afford your absolutely gorgeous runner! It is divine and would be perfect some where in our house!;)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun runner, Sonya! I've used scraps of fabric to make them before, but it's usually one long, thin scrap that just says "runner" to me. I never thought to put some of the smaller sample pieces together, but I may just give it a shot. I do think you have to have a knack for this {and patience}, as well as being able to let go and have all these patterns, even if it is a small area like a runner, in your home.
ReplyDeleteIsn't Kim the best!!!
ReplyDeleteI am having a giveaway and would love to have you come visit and get entered.
Love the color combinations on that gorgeous runner !!
What pretty colors. I like that black and white check mixed in there too! I was just checking around your blog and looked at your son's room and got some great ideas.
ReplyDeleteHi Sonya, I love this runner!!! I went to buy it and it's sold! Can you make another one??? Let me know. You can email me at nancyrosalina@aol.com Nancy
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