Columnists > Kelly Ann Butterbaugh > ArticlesFebruary 07, 2008

By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

It's time for winter white sales to begin. While these sales offer us great deals on linens, they offer so much more for the more creative consumer. By far, bed sheets are the most valuable item on sale this month. There's so much more than can be done with them than putting them on a bed.

Keep an eye on sheet prices. Some stores offer the same price for full, queen, and king. When the purpose of the sheets is going to be more creative than fitting a mattress, the king sheets offer more fabric per dollar. Similarly, sales may ask a slightly higher price for king sheets in comparison to a doubles, but the added 22 inches in width and 5 inches in length in the king may make it a better deal.

Curtains

It doesn't take a sewing mastermind to create a basic set of curtains. Get that idea out of your head, and the task becomes much easier. Search the internet for easy curtain patterns and directions; try http://interiordec.about.com or www.ehow.com. A simple set of panels can be made from a set of bed sheets. Paired with some sheers or lined with some heavier fabric, a set of matching curtains can be made to coordinate with your existing bed ensemble.

Children's sheets come in a variety of characters who can adorn windows. For those who are experienced sewers, valances and other exciting features can be added to a room for the price of a clearance set of sheets.

Table Settings

Ever want to have a great coordinating dining room set? Try a set of sheets to do the trick. Depending on the size of your table, a double sheet set should do.

For the tablecloth, use either the flat or fitted sheet. With an oval or circular table, the fitted sheet will work well for the tablecloth since the corners need to be cut. Lay the sheet over the tabletop and mark where the tablecloth should hang. Then, cut the sheet two inches larger than the desired tablecloth. Sew a hem around the edge, and add a cheap fabric lining if desired. (Lining can be gotten in the clearance bins as either fabric yards, flannel sheets, or a bed blanket. Something densely woven in a neutral tone is ideal, such as felt or flannel.) Feel free to adorn the hanging edge of the cloth with yards of fringe.

Placemats can be made from pillow cases. Each pillowcase will make one mat. Purchase plain vinyl placemats for less than a dollar. Slide each placemat inside the pillowcase. Then, sew shut the open end of the case. Sew the case close to the vinyl placemat if needed to secure it if the pillowcase is too big; this will create an edge to the placemat, making it look more tailored. The remaining sheet in the set (either the flat or the fitted) can be used to make cloth napkins or extra placemats if needed. (Extra pillowcases are often expensive to purchase separately.) Cut the sheet to the size of the pillowcase plus some extra for seaming and sew three sides to make extra pillowcases for placemats. Extra fabric can also be cut into squares and hemmed to make cloth napkins.

A Reasonable Comforter

Want the matching comforter for less than the expensive store cost? Make a duvet. Buy two extra flat sheets for your bedding set. Then, lay the sheets on top of one another, good sides facing each other. Sew three sides of the sheets. Now, purchase a plain blanket or use one you already have and lay it inside the casing you've made with the sheets. Sew the fourth side together. To hold the inner blanket in place, sew a grid through both sides of the duvet with blending thread in tic-tac-toe style.

About The Author: Kelly Ann Butterbaugh is a freelance writer who regularly contributes to a variety of magazines and has written a history book for middle readers. Visit her website for writing help, lesson plans, history fun, or work for hire at http://www.kellybutterbaugh.com

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