Owens Corning

l5 Minute Makeovers With Sheets

Sheets and pillow cases are terrific for use in making inexpensive, instant changes. Use them temporarily to cover upholstered furniture for the summer. Just drape and tuck here and there for a loose, casual fit. Sheets feel wonderfully cool to the skin and are easy to wash. Many of the sheet companies come out with pretty springtime patterns early in the season and some have ruffled edges or eyelet hems.

Cushion Covers
Use large pillow shams to cover seat cushions. Just slip the cushion inside and tuck the excess fabric under the back of the seat.

Sofa Cover
Use a large flat sheet to cover sofa cushions and secure underneath with safety pins to anchor and keep the fabric from coming loose when sitting on it.

Table Cover
Use a double sheet to drape over a dining table. The edges are already finished, no sewing of hems required.

Sideboard Cover
A sheet with a ruffled or pretty trim on the top edge is perfect for a sideboard. The untrimmed side is placed to the back and the sides won't matter. Or, add iron-on seam binding in a contrasting color all around. No sewing needed!

Instant Curtains
Use single sheets with a pretty border for curtain panels. Attach ribbons with straight pins (or iron-on seam binding) evenly spaced along the top edge and tie to the curtain rod.

Colors That Look Best
For a coordinated look, combine prints and matching solids. Dark pastels look like better fabric than light pastels. Use decorator colors and the fabric won't look so much like a sheet. For example, use forest green rather than aqua, raspberry rather than pale pink.

Use Sheets Unwashed
Don't wash the sheets before using them. Inexpensive sheets are really the best because they are slightly stiff and therefore more crisp looking. They will be limper and softer after washing, which is great for the bed, but not for decorating.

No Sewing For Cut Edges
If you have to cut a piece of fabric to cover a small end table for example, tie a fat knot at each corner to finish the edges in an interesting way. Again, no sewing required.

Cool Bedroom
Use a large, floral print top sheet as a bedspread to keep the bedroom looking cool and summertime fresh. Pick out the solid colors in the sheet to cover the night tables. Cut the ruffle off the top of a sheet and tape (double face) to the edge of the window shades for temporary decoration.

Pillow Case Covers
Pillowcases are terrific for covering the plastic, padded seats on wire chairs. Look for pillow cases with a decorative border. Just slip the case over the seat pad and stitch across the open edge.

Outdoor Cushions
A single sheet can be used to make 4 oversized 20-24 inch pillows for a bench in the garden or on a deck. For each pillow cut 2 pieces of sheeting 2 l/2 in. larger than the pillow form all around. With right sides facing, pin the front and back together and stitch around 3 sides and 4 corners, leaving one edge open. Turn right side out and insert pillow form or fill with stuffing. Gather the excess fabric at each corner and tie a ribbon around the fabric. Each corner will look like it has little bunny ears. When the cover needs washing just untie the corner ribbons and slip it off.

Copyright Leslie Linsley, author
Reprinted with permission, HouseNet, Inc.

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