Things to do With Fabric Scraps

Lending your creativity to new projects is always exciting. Once a project is complete, however, it is such a shame to throw out unused fabric scraps. There must be some way to put these to use. Pull out that pile of scrap fabrics and put them to work with some of these fun ideas.

One way to put those fabric scraps to use is to re-upholster a bench or chair. Generally, this is a very simple project and will look great if done well. Dependent upon the size of your scraps, you may have enough to cover the seating portion of a wooden bench or chair. An additional project that will yield a high decor impact is to re-cover your throw pillows. This makes for a great way to make use of your fabric scraps because throw pillows look good even if they are mismatched. When working with smaller scrap pieces, you could make the pillow covers patchwork style by piecing several smaller pieces together. Another way to create a gorgeous focal point in a room is to use the fabric to cover a lamp shade.

You can achieve a new look for your table top by using your fabric scraps. Using decoupage, apply a fabric piece to the tops of end tables or the top of a small table. Additionally, a large impact can be made in a room by making a window valance with your left over fabric pieces. Creating a valance out of fabric can bring new life into a typical set of blinds and turn your window into a point of impact.

Smaller fabric scraps can also be used to create projects. Try matting a picture within a frame using fabric pieces. Using glue or decoupage, apply some fabric into the inset of a wooden serving tray. A decorative tray is a fantastic way to accessorize the top of your coffee table. Another idea is to glue scraps of fabric into the back of bookshelves. Or, bring a new look to an old cabinet by using the fabric to cover glass cabinet fronts. Try adding some fun in unexpected places, such as lining the inside of your drawers with different fabrics.

Now and again, we all find fabrics that we just love. Why not turn it into art? Frame the pieces of fabric so you can hang them like the works of art that they are. You can also forgo the frame and glue the fabric to foam so that it can be hung. This look is a good one on its own and also in groupings of different fabrics. You can also make a creative memo board by stretching fabric around cork board and stapling in place. Then criss-cross ribbon over the front. Hang framed or as-is.

The Beauty And Benefits of Sunbrella Fabrics

Loved for both its strength and beauty, Sunbrella fabrics resist fading regardless of how long or how often it is exposed to the sun’s rays. The material is made of a material reminiscent of spun cotton and was discovered after 45 years of research and development. Sunbrella is easy to care for and resists water and is easy to clean as long as you take care of dirt and food particles before they stain or become embedded in the fabric. Cleaning the fabric frequently will do away with the need for heavy cleaning. When your Sunbrella material gets dirty it is easy to clean with mild, soapy water and a sponge or soft brush. The fabric will need to be rinsed thoroughly as soon as you’re done with it, then simply air dried.

Removable Sunbrella fabrics can be put into the washing machine and washed on a gentle cycle with mild laundry soap and on a cool cycle. After the fabric has been washed you only need to lay it flat and air dry it. Spills should be immediately spot cleaned to prevent staining or mold from growing. The material itself is mold resistant but it can take hold if you have food or dirt embedded in it.

While water repellent, the material is not waterproof. Over time the water repellent properties will fade away but can be amped up through the use of a fabric guard. Another plus for the material is that it offers close to 100 percent protection from the UV rays of the sun. Sunbrella is a perfect choice for awning covers and umbrellas around the deck or swimming pool. Putting Sunbrella fabric umbrellas around your swimming pool offers swimmers a safe place to relax and get away from the sun’s rays and protect their skin from burns.

If you’re looking to re-cover furniture or purchasing new outdoor material, look for Sunbrella fabrics for the furniture. The material can be bought by the yard so do it yourselfers can cover cushions or umbrellas themselves. Because the material is durable and not easily damaged it is the perfect choice.

Regardless of the area of the country in which you live, this material can withstand the harshest of elements as long as they are properly cleaned and cared for. Sunbrella comes in myriad colors and designs and can offer your outdoor furniture a face lift and breathe new life into tired patio furniture.