Bringing Your Dreams Home » Do It Yourself

Making a quilt for your bed

musica9999 — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 03:45:52 +0000

Quilts can be very useful for making blankets and drapes. Quilt covers are a great way to liven up a room and also serve as a means to protect furniture for the winter. The oldest recorded quilt it is over 5000 years old and the common belief is that the art of quilting originated in Egypt and China at about the same time. Traditionally, the folk art behind quilting covers depicted family records, imperative information and even personal history.

A few centuries ago in America – when new fabric was hard to come by – people used to reuse fabric to make clothes, bedding and drapes. This is where the idea of patchwork quilts derived. The tradition was for mothers to teach their daughters to make quilts from an early age. It was not uncommon for two or more people to be working on one quilt at the same time. Scraps of material from different sources would be sewn together then passed on through the generations. Rumor has it, that during times of slavery, quilts were used to transmit crucial information such as escape routes, the locations of safe houses, the Underground Railroad and things of that nature.

Making your own king size quilt
Making a king size quilt is quite simple once you understand the basics of sewing. You’ll need needle and thread, some fabric (the denser the better), a pair of scissors, and a design. Before you begin it is important to measure the bed because not all king size mattresses are a standard size. You’ll be basically sewing small pieces of fabric together – preferably different colors – to make a block. When you’ve finished making all the blocks you need, sew each block together to create your quilt.

If you’d like to make a quilted cover for the winter, you can create a quilted comforter. For this you can use a sewing machine to attach the quilted front piece of the comforter to the length of fabric you will be using for the back piece. The final part will be selecting the filling for the inside of your king size bedspread. Sew it all together and voila…you’re done.

Essential Advice When Fitting Curtain Rods

musica9999 — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 21:49:05 +0000

Anyone who is a beginner and wants to start fitting curtain rods should pay attention to a few things before beginning this type of work.

First of all, a good plan is essential and extremely important to get started, although you should already have the tools you need for this type of job. The curtains should, first, be measured and calculated correctly. If a curtain rod comes with instructions for how to fit it, you should read and understand all those instructions and should follow them.

The first time I fitte a shower curtain was an interesting experience. I hung an extendible telescopic shower curtain rod, above the bath, without following the instructions properly. I did not apply enough tension to the rod and due to that the curtain got very heavy on the rod and it crashed down! That would not have occurred if I had correctly followed the instructions. So if you are trying to fit a telescopic curtain rod, don’t forget to apply the right amount of tension.

There are some vital things to be checked when fitting curtain rod brackets to a wall. First, you should carefully watch and measure up correctly that both of the sides of the rod have the same height. It should not be considered as a silly thing because if you neglect it, the curtain will look terrible. Also it may keep sliding to the lowest portion of the rod. Secondly, make sure that the drill bit and wall plugs are of the proper size and length. Both should match with the wall you have. Also, cement, plaster board , wood and brick etc are very unique materials and each one needs different plugs and drill bits. Professionals will always give you this advice: We should not forget that every little piece of information has it’s own worth. So we should always be very watchful and keen in following the instruction manuals. It will help us to make our life more comfortable.

You should be able to fit an amazing looking curtain rod for your curtains, if you follow these simplistic steps.

A Travertine Mosaic Tile Table

musica9999 — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 11:47:03 +0000

Everyone keeps talking about the economy and all the things that you can no longer do because the poor state of it. The word on the street is that the only thing a person is supposed to do right now is to save! If you do engage in something it better be at a value or you run the risk of being shunned. That is okay because every good decorator knows that all you need is a few accessories to redo a room.

With just a little research and maybe a crafty hand you can recreate any theme that you desire in a room just be adding a few key elements. Often it is just colors and patterns that give a décor a certain feel or flare. For example just by using a toile print for a pillow or a curtain you can replicate that French farmhouse look. By adding these elements you eliminate the need to replace larger pricier items like furnishings.

Mimicking a Moroccan Kasbah is simple by just replacing a few small items with those influenced by the region. A small coffee table topped with Travertine mosaic tile can be an inexpensive focal point that can transform a space. Add a few accent rugs and large throw pillows and the transformation will not only be complete it will be authentic.

Just by conducting a little research and looking at photos of authentic interiors you can easily figure out what accessories are used. Replacing or adding some of these accessories in your existing décor will quickly, easily, and inexpensively give your space the desired look.

The next time that you consider revamping your home you do not have to worry about being thought of as frivolous. Just do your homework and tweak a few key accessories. The result is a new look for an old space.

Tips on Updating Your Old Bathroom

musica9999 — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 20:57:07 +0000

You have lived with the pink 70′s bathroom fixtures and almost-matching plastic wall tile long enough. It’s now time for a bathroom remodel.

After you determine your budget for the task, you must decide if you can do it yourself or hire outside help. If you DIY, you can get lots of free advice from experts at major retailers like Menards, Home Depot or Lowe’s. However, don’t overlook your neighborhood hardware store as a reliable source of information. You can also gain a great deal of knowledge online. If you hire a general contractor, he will make recommendations and eliminate some of the decision-making for you.

In any case, you will want to shop around before you begin in order to get a feel for what is available, what the costs are and what appeals to your taste. After you have made some choices, you will be faced with an amazing number of other decisions:

*You will probably want to go with a white tub, sink and toilet. White fixtures offer the fewest decorating challenges and come in the widest selection.

*If you shop for a shower, you will need to choose the size, shape, style, door, glass, shower head and plumbing among other offerings.

*Be aware that electrical considerations may limit your choice of some ceiling fans and light fixtures.

*After you select the vanity and sink, you can move on to choosing the faucet, cabinet knobs, toilet tissue holder, and towel bars.

*There are many modern choices for selecting wall tile and floor coverings. You will want to develop your decorating color scheme before committing.

*Be sure to measure your space carefully before choosing a medicine cabinet and/or mirror.

*After everything is falling into place, it’s time to start thinking about the decor. What colors or theme will you choose? The sky’s the limit when you go to choose the colors and patterns for walls, curtains, shower curtain, towels, soap dish set and wall pictures.

If you go into your bathroom remodeling with good planning and good ideas, you will be thrilled with the results and consider it time and money well-spent.

Find The Best Prices Online For Your Walk In Shower Supplies

musica9999 — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:26:07 +0000

Walk in showers are great additions to any bathroom. Shopping for materials can be fun too, as long as you don’t look at the cost of materials. Once you see the price-tag on some items, it may be hard to keep your enthusiasm. However, you may still be able to get your dream walk in shower within your reasonable budget. How? By using the internet.

When respects to price, the internet can’t be beat for comparison shopping. Sometimes, you will find a sale online that you can’t get in store. And, although there are shipping charges to buying online, many sites have sales with discounted or even free shipping. When buying online, your items get delivered to your door and you don’t have to worry about how you are going to get them home. Or any delivery costs to do so. Also, you may have to pay sales tax locally that can be avoided by buying online.

In the end, even if you decide not to purchase any supplies online, you can still use internet “window shopping” to your advantage. You can determine what materials you need and be better informed when comparison shopping locally. Be sure to print out pictures of what you want and take them with you. Pictures help tremendously when you are describing what you need. If the local store doesn’t have everything, they can often order it themselves online. If they can’t, having a picture will help you to find alternative materials to get the same look.

Getting supplies for your walk in shower remodel is fun when you look at all the possibilities. It can also be overwhelming when you look at the price. But, by doing some or all of your shopping online you can get really good prices. Whether you purchase all your materials over the internet or just use surfing as virtual window shopping, don’t neglect the internet for your walk in shower remodel.

DIY uPVC Windows – Frequently Asked Questions

musica9999 — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 23:59:12 +0000

Many people that are considering getting new windows for their home are aware that uPVC windows are the world’s most popular windows for installation. However, not many people are sure why this is the case and furthermore, not many know that to DIY uPVC windows could save you a lot of money. In this article we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about uPVC windows and the self-installation of these windows.

1. Why are uPVC windows the most popular replacement window?

There are actually a myriad of reasons why uPVC windows come out on top of almost any window survey carried out under various headings. They are price competitive, suppress noise and air pollution, enhance the security of your home and are virtually maintenance free. The main reason however that most homeowners opt for these windows is because they will dramatically improve the insulation and thermal capacity of your home and will help conserve energy. The upshot of this would be to reduce your heating bills and to save you money.

2. Is it difficult to DIY uPVC windows?

Like any construction project, you would need to have some background in home improvement projects and know that you are confident of taking on the task. You could hire someone with such experience to work alongside you, but this would need to be a cost effective option. Installing these windows by your self can be made a lot easier if you plan properly and use online assistance forums to help you answer any question you may have and if you do successfully install them without the help of a professional window installer, you will be saving a considerable amount of money.

3. How do I go about installing these windows myself?

The first step you should take is to plan everything properly. Ensure that you do not need planning permission to replace your existing windows. Research online different types and style of uPVC windows at sites such as http://upvcwindowsguide.com and select a window style that compliments your home. Consider only window units with a high ‘R-value’, (a measure of their resistance to losing heat). Finally most suppliers of the windows you purchase will be happy to give you a lot of information as to how to install their product as it is in everyone’s interest that the installation turns out well.

Ideas For Basement Offices With Good Lighting

musica9999 — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:55:03 +0000

The biggest problem with basement offices is often poor lighting. Some people compensate by adding fluorescent tube lighting and lamps, but this in fact compounds the problem.

3 Quick Basement Remodeling Lighting Solutions

Here are three very easy and quickly accomplished basement remodeling lighting solutions that can brighten your space without having to make expensive modifications.

Remove all central lighting, all tubes and dangling fixtures, and install a series of small halogen lights in the ceiling. Place them so they appear randomly spaced. Above desk areas install track lights and point the bulbs to shine up and reflect off the ceiling or out to reflect off a wall, not directly on the work space. The idea is create a general bright glow of more natural light in the entire space.
Remove blinds and curtains from windows. It’s an office, no one is dressing or undressing and privacy is less important than light. No matter how small the windows may be, they will give a natural glow to the room. Large mirrors are distracting in basement offices, but thin mirror strips can be placed opposite the wall with the window to double the light. Use long horizontal strips or vertical strips, and place them a few inches apart so the mirrors are not used to look in but just to reflect light. If there is still not enough light, place track lights or slender tubes above an below mirrors to create the illusion of light.
Basement remodeling lighting solutions may be something as simple as painting the ceiling white and removing dark carpet from the floor. Move desks to face windows, add track lighting over shelves and desks. Eliminate lamps that give light to one space and leave the rest of the room in shadows. If you have a small area and the rest of the basement is a living area, knock out the dividing walls to make one open room and bring more light to the entire area.

The Advantages of Pressure Washing

musica9999 — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 17:50:19 +0000

What is Pressure Washing you might ask? Pressuring washing is a useful and unique process using a high pressure water spray to clean or clear away just about anything. The pressure is generated by a special pump to create a forced water flow action strong enough to remove the most challenging debris or particulars from any surface. Pressuring washing your home or driveway tends to be the most commonly used purpose for a pressure washer.

It makes for the most ideal product to use when you require removing old paint from the exterior of your home for example. The high pressure washer has the capacity to remove the old and worn paint from the surface wall without causing damage to the wall’s surface itself. This comes especially handy for DIY jobs that require the removal of paint of any particular paint base.

Providing a clean and freshened up appearance to the exterior of your home’s siding is especially useful as the pressure washer works extremely well on both vinyl and aluminum siding. Other uses for a pressure washer include the removal of unsightly mold from anywhere mold tends to gather.

Typically, the pressure washer is a gardener’s best friend as it comes in handy for just about every garden clearing away job you have. The pressure washer takes the action of a ordinary garden hose but with the powerful force of a turbo water dispenser to provide the perfect removal system without causing harm or damage to objects, people or the environment.

They are especially great for hosing down wooden deck without damaging the wood in the process. As a rule avoid using the pressure washing system on surfaces that have a fatigued finish if you do not wish to remove the finish. Additionally, avoid pressure washing concrete that has a lot of cracks as the high pressure may get underneath the concrete and cause further damage.

How to Make Your Own King Size Duvet Cover

musica9999 — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 22:06:11 +0000

The benefits of using a duvet cover to protect your bedding are numerous. The cover can be washed instead of the comforter itself and this is an easy way to change the entire look of a bedroom without using up a lot of your time and money.

If you have a king size bed, it may be a little more difficult to find a great duvet cover that matches your decor. If you are having a hard time finding the perfect king size duvet cover, another option would be to make your own. This is easily accomplished with a 2 king size flat sheets, a sewing machine and a bit of matching ribbon or Velcro.

Start off by taking the measurements of the bedding that you are creating a cover for. Add 2 inches to the length and the width to arrive at the size of your duvet cover. Lay your flat sheets with the rights side together out and measure from the finished end and mark the end point of the length and width. The finished end will remain open to insert the bedding and the other 3 sides will be sewn together at the measurement points. Stitch up the 3 sides, leaving a ½ inch seam allowance.

The open end will be fastened either with ribbon or Velcro after the bedding is inserted. If you prefer ribbon closures, then cut 5 pairs of 10″ long ribbons. These will be sewn at even intervals along the open side, one ribbon on each side, so they can be knotted together. For Velcro fasteners, attach 5 or 6 pieces of the “hook” Velcro to the finished edge at evenly spaced intervals. Sew “loop” pieces of Velcro at matching points on the other sheet. Turn the finished duvet cover right side out and enjoy!

If making your own duvet cover is not your cup of tea, consider buying one of the plain duvet covers and then get some color in your bedroom by using colorful pillows and other accessories.

Slate Makes Perfect Sheets Naturally

musica9999 — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 06:04:03 +0000

This article explains why slate can be broken into large useful sheets, and also a little bit about how we can use those sheets in everyday life.

The cleavage of slate is the reason for its ability to be broken into large sheets. Rock cleavage refers to the planes that develop in in rocks where they can easily be split apart. Slate is formed from shale, which is a sedimentary rock formed by compressed layers of sediment. It then undergoes a transformation becoming a harder metamorphic rock. Although the rock has changed significantly, a low grade metamorphosis rock like slate still retains its layered structures which can then be seen as the cleavage. The rock can be split very easily along these cleavage lines.

In addition to the cleavage, the grain size of slate makes it ideal for splitting into sheets. The grain size determines the hardness of a rock. Having a fine grain size, slate is strong enough to be split into thinner layers without breaking and shattering too easily.

The natural propensity for slate to be easily broken into these sheets makes it an ideal choice for things like slate floors, walkways and counter tops. Slate has been most widely though for making roof shingles. Throughout the world people have been mining slate and finding that is makes a very durable and watertight roofing material. Due to its low water absorption, slate will not absorb water that can expand under cold conditions that can cause other materials to break. Slate is also good for outdoor walkways and floors, but be careful, the smooth slate can become very slippery!

So there you have it. Slate is easy to break along cleavage lines. The grain of the rock will make it possible to retain its thin sheets once split apart. These natural processes have made it an ideal material for many building purposes. For more information on the use of slate for floors, check out www.floors-web.com