I received a comment the other day on my blog containing a really good question. So I thought I would do a post on it. Also, I couldn't find a way to email my reader to respond so hopefully she comes back to find out my answer;0)
Q:
I have a friend who wants to make twin bedspreads with painters drop cloths, and personalize them for her grandchildren? But she is looking for dimensions and perhaps a pattern to work wit. Any suggestions?
A:
I love this question!!! I have tossed around this idea for my boys as well. Drop cloths are inexpensive and sturdy, some people don't care for the stiffness. I have read that you can soak them in bleach water to soften them up a bit, but it does lighten them as well. I would get two and sew them together as a duvet cover and slide their current bedspreads inside. Use the dimensions of their current bedspreads as a guide. This would be pretty forgiving project too. Just lay out the bedspread on two layers of drop cloth and cut around. Fold up the bottoms of each piece of drop cloth twice about 1/4 inch each time to make a seam and sew. Then sew the sides and tops together. To close you can just add buttons or snaps, ties or ribbon ties. As far as personalization, I can't speak for all kids, but my boys LOVE things with their name or first initial or age. My favorite way to personalize things for kids, be it onsies, blankets or backpacks, is to do an appliqué using steam a seam. You can find steam a seam at Joann or your fabric store. It is double sided iron on. You find a shape that you like, letters or vehicles or whatever they like print it out or get one from a coloring book even, cut it out and use it as a template to cut out the steam a seam, and a fun piece of fabric. Peel one side of the backing off and iron it to the fabric. Trim excess. Peel off the back side and iron it to the drop cloth. I like to stitch around the appliqué to make sure it is sturdy, but this can just be some messy stitching around the inside or more detailed around the edges if you prefer. Quick and easy. Hopefully these directions are clear, please let me know if you have any questions and I can clarify ;0)
I'm very thankful for the opportunity to provide some ideas for you and I hope they are helpful. I really enjoy questions as it gives me a chance to do some research and get creative! So anyone else out there with a question just let me know!
