Towels Customized with Vintage Ribbon {An Easy DIY}

In my jadeite bathroom reveal yesterday (thank you so much, by the way! you all know how to make a girl feel goooooood!), I alluded to a quick, sewing project that adds a one-of-a-kind touch to affordable Target hand towels.

Even if you're a novice sewer, you can make your own customized ribboned hand towels in 3 easy steps!

New Inventory in My Etsy Shop!

I'm happy to announce that I've added new handmade and vintage items to my Etsy shop!

Take a look at my brand new stock of handmade pillow covers, cocktail napkins and dinner napkins after the jump.

Embroidered Monogram Artwork

Hi friends! Long time, no see. July was mostly a blur, so I can't really account for my time but I'm happy to be back here with a quick and easy project that adds another personalized touch to our nearly-completed den. This project incorporates two of my favorite things: monograms and embroidery. 

Changing Up the Curtains in the Guest Room

In an effort to save myself an bucket of cash, I created a copycat version of the "Toorie" curtains from Anthropologie for our guest bedroom last year. Trimmed in cheery red pompoms, the panels felt very "me" but I had a revelation about my guest bedroom recently--I wanted to remove some of the red accents. 

Gasp! I know, I know. 

Who am I?

I consulted with Mom, who has a great eye, and together we agreed that the addition of 1/4" black bias trim would add a refined look to the simple linen curtains. I also swapped out the white roman shades that hung in the small windows for these bamboo shades from Overstock. The bamboo shades now work with the mottled colors in the large jute rug. 

Notice that large mirror on the desk?

Check back tomorrow to see how it's been gussied up!

A Pair of Tasseled Pillows

Ready for another sewing project from the "Week of Mom"?

She and I worked together to create 2 new accent pillows for the bed in my guest room, made from fabric I purchased while in Copenhagen.

After constructing 2 12" x 16" pillows from this fabric, Mom and I added a pair of black and olive yarn tassels to each corner of the pillows. The tassels brought some much-needed contrast to the bed while also tying in black and olive green accents from the Lulu DK fabric headboard.

Tassels are pretty simple to make but, first, here's what I needed to make them:

1) a skein of yarn (I used Lion's Brand acrylic yarn in black and olive)

2) scissors

Want to see how to make a tassel in 5 easy steps?

 Now that the tassels are complete, take the extra yarn at the top of the tassel and use a large embroidery needle to sew it through to the inside corner of the pillow. Knot the extra yarn several times inside the pillow.

And, like that, the project was complete!

The dash of color at each corner make the pillows feel extra special, don't they?

I like that the pattern reminds me of our trip to Denmark and the tassels reminds me of spending time creating things with Mom. Talk about a one-of-a-kind accent.

Newly-Revamped Ticking Stripe Skirted Table

Over a year ago, I crafted a fabric-covered skirted table for my guest room from an affordable neutral twill drop cloth with lots of help from my mom. But, because I'm so darn fickle, I decided the neutral skirt was a bit too neutral. Mom was visiting last week so we decided to tackle 'Project: Skirted Table, Version 2.0'.

Inspired by the fabric-covered bedside table from Ivanka Trump's former apartment, I ordered ticking stripe twill in black/ivory to complement the existing colors in my guest bedroom.

(via Little Green Notebook / ticking stripe fabric via Fabric.com)

Ticking stripe, while a print, reads as a subtle pattern so it doesn't monopolize all the attention in the room. In addition to changing out the fabric, I also added a glass top as a finishing touch. 

With 4 yards of fabric in hand, Mom and I got to work. 

We decided to construct the table skirt from 3 large pieces of fabric: one piece that covered the top, front and back of the table vertically, one piece for the left side of the table and the last piece for the right side of the table. Mom smartly suggested sewing two buttoned tabs to the front of the table as an added detail. This element makes such a difference, doesn't it?

With the skirted table revamped, the piece deserved a prime location in the room. 

Now, it sits directly across from the bed and will get the attention it deserves.

What do you think?

All week, I'll be sharing the projects that Mom and I finished last week, so stop by again!

Cozifying My Ikea Edland Bed

Perhaps you are familiar with the clean-lines of the Ikea Edland canopy bed, a piece that I've had for about two and a half years. For awhile now, though, I've wanted to soften the lines of the bed with a fabric touch.

I hemmed and hawed for awhile about which direction to go in; did I want a canopy? 

A panel hanging at the head of the bed? A set of panels at each corner? 

Talk about being indecisive, or at least I was until Jamie of I Suwanee shared these images:

 

(via I Suwannee)

And, like that, the decision was made; I'd add some panels to the left and right of my pillows.

After rousing endorsements of Gray Line Linen from Jenny and Bryn, I opted for this $9 white linen to complement the existing color scheme in my bedroom.

Over the weekend, my mom was kind enough to help with the sewing and she added a row of buttons to hang the panels to the frame of the Edland. The buttons make it easy to remove the fabric when they need to be dry-cleaned.

So, with that I won't keep you waiting any longer...here was the before:

and the all-important after:

 

 

To create these panels, Mom and I put together two 15" wide linen panels with little more than a straight stitch. The one detail that we added was a row of coordinating buttons at the top of each of the panels, which allows me to easily remove the fabric for dry cleaning down the road. I also chose to add a tie-back to both panels with the fabric I purchased.

I love the cozy touch the linen panels add to the bedroom, while also drawing attention to the tall ceilings.
I still have to add a piece of art above the bed to tie it all together.
What do you think? 

Linen Napkin Giveaway Winner!

Last week, I shared a sewing tutorial that covered creating eco-chic cloth napkins that even the most novice sewer could easily tackle. Along with the tutorial, I offered a giveaway for one lucky follower of Meet Me in Philadelphia: a set of 4 linen burlap napkins in a warm mustard made by moi.

Thank you all for entering, but there could only be one winner.

Congrats to Caroline of A Flair for Vintage Decor, who is such a lovely blog friend!

Caroline, I'll email you to arrange shipping these to you.

If you didn't win, be sure to try making your own cloth napkins--I'd love to see your creations if you do.

Thanks again for entering and thanks to Online Fabric Store for providing the fabric for this giveway!

Napkin DIY & Giveaway (Sponsored by Online Fabric Store)

Today's post is sponsored by Online Fabric Store, and if you're looking for all-things fabric and crafting, definitely check out their extensive, affordable selection!

On Monday, I queried you readers about your napkin usage at home. I'm trying to end my paper napkin habit and begin a lifelong commitment to cloth napkins. Many of you chimed in, and mentioned that you regularly use cloth napkins, to which I say: 

Wow! I'm thoroughly impressed! Who knew I had such classy readers?

Well, when Online Fabric Store approached me about sponsoring a post, I knew I wanted to use the opportunity to use some of their amazing fabric inventory for a practical project--namely cloth napkins. They  were kind enough to issue me a gift card for the fabric of my choice, and I wanted to pass along the generosity in the form of this giveaway!

I chose the Gold Irish Linen Burlap fabric which, at $17.15, was both affordable and rich looking.
In person, I was also able to feel just how soft this fabric is.

(via Online Fabric Store)

I ordered my fabric and within 2 days it was at my door--how great is that?
If prints are more your speed, I recommend checking out their Portfolio fabric collection.
With fabric in hand, I was ready to make a set of four mitered napkins.

If you want to make your own napkins, here's what you'll need:
1 yard of fabric
scissors
pins
an iron
sewing machine and invisible thread or embroidery floss and an embroidery needle

Let's begin, shall we?

Step 1:

Lay out your chosen fabric. I recommend using an existing napkin as a template for cutting.
The napkins I made measured 17" x 17" unfinished and will be 16" x 16" when completed.
Cut four 17" x 17" squares and iron each so that fabric is crisp.

Step #2:

With each 17" x 17" square ironed, take one square of fabric and use your iron to press down 1/4" of fabric down on each of its four sides. Repeat this step all the way around your napkin once more.
Each side of your napkin will be 1/2" smaller than before.

Step #3:
With 1/2" ironed down on all four sides, open up your folded corners.
Take your scissors and snip the corner (see the second picture).

Step #4:
From the corner you just snipped, fold down about 1/8" of fabric and iron flat. Now, fold your fabric in at each corner so it meets at a 45 degree angle--leaving you with a mitered corner.
Iron that corner down and pin.
Repeat for the three remaining corners on your napkin.

Step #5:
Proceed to the sewing machine (or, if stitching by hand, get your embroidery floss and needle ready!).
Sew, sew, sew--this is the easiest part!

Now, sit back and admire your handiwork.

And, as a special treat to you, my lovely readers, I am giving away a set of 4 Gold Irish Linen Burlap napkins, fabric courtesy of Online Fabric Store!

To enter the giveaway:
Make sure you're a follower of Meet Me in Philadelphia* and comment below.
Be sure to have a valid email address so I can contact the winner.
(Sorry, U.S. readers only)

*To become a follower, click on the 'Join this site' button on the sidebar that looks like this:

The giveaway will be open until Sunday, March 4 at 11:59PM.
Good luck!

Thanks again to Online Fabric Store for sponsoring this post, so be sure to check out their budget-and-style conscious offerings!

Classing It Up with Cloth Napkins...and an Upcoming Giveaway!

This is a pretty personal question, but honest with me: 

Do you use cloth napkins or paper napkins with your nightly meals? 

I have to fess up: I use paper napkins, specifically these recycled napkins from Marcal.

But, on the cusp of my twenty-eighth birthday (which is tomorrow, ahem), I'm resolving to grow up/class up my life through simple changes--and I'm starting is by retiring my paper napkins for their cloth cousins.

Sure, the convenience of paper napkins can't be beat, but there's just something special about sitting down to a table where pretty cloth napkins have been set out, am I right? Suddenly even the most standard grilled cheese-and-tomato soup dinner is classed up.

Not convinced that there are cloth napkins chic enough to compliment your next dinner?

Let me prove you wrong with a few of my favorites:

1. Peony pink napkins from High Street Market

2. Green ikat-print napkins from Sur la Table

3. Check linen napkins from Fog Linen

4. Snow printed napkins from West Elm

5. Amanda blue napkins from Roberta Roller Rabbit

6. Check, please napkins from Luru Home

7. Sister Parish Burma napkins from Alicia's Table

8. Liberty London cotton club napkins from Sue Fisher King

Aside from the premade cloth napkins that abound online and in stores, why not try your hand at sewing your own cloth napkins? There are several tutorials for napkins with mitered corners that are easy to follow and will guarantee a professional looking result (try Design*Sponge and Skip to My Lou)

(via Design*Sponge)

All this talk of handmade cloth napkins brings me to my upcoming giveaway!
On Wednesday, March 1, you'll have a chance to win a set of 4 linen napkins hand-sewn by moi!
The giveaway is sponsored by Online Fabric Store, where you'll find lots of supplies for your next sewing or decorating project.

So, do you use cloth napkins or paper napkins?
I hope you'll consider making the switch and, certainly, checking back on Wednesday and entering the cloth napkin giveaway!

Easy-Peasy Custom Roman Shades

Thank you all so much for your very sweet comments to Friday's sneak peak--I could hardly wait to make the reveal! 

Well, Monday is here and I'm excited to share my easy-peasy (and inexpensive) custom roman shade project with you all. 

WARNING: This post is long, but the project was very simple. I hope you'll  humor me and read along.

As the year began, I decided that I wanted to go a little bolder with my decorating choices, and I thought the plain white roman shades in my living room were the perfect place to start.

Here the shades were on Thursday of last week--fine but nothing to write home about:

The plain cotton roman shades were purchased at The Christmas Tree Shops (of all places!) about two and a half years ago when we moved into our current apartment. Each shade was $10, and are still available at The Christmas Tree Shops. 

As a matter of fact, they were in this week's flyer.

I contemplated a block print fabric, but I broadened my search and found this batik-style cotton coverlet from Etsy that offered a lot of fabric for about $40. Fabric chosen; decision made!

The color ("that signature Ashley red," as Camille said) was a perfect match for the red-banded curtains in my living room!

Honestly, up until Thursday afternoon, I wasn't 100% sure if I was going to do the sewing myself or hire someone to sew the shades...then, I thought: 

Wait, Ashley, you can do this.

Why spend money for someone else's effort?

You got this, girl.

(seriously, this was my thought process)

After the pep talk, I decided I could use the existing white roman shade as a template, backing, and foundation for my roman shade. If starting from scratch, I'd have to buy muslin, string, eyelets, and other bits that I didn't need with this solution.

I decided to do a little "mock-up" before I made any cuts to the fabric.

Ready to go, I first laid my printed fabric wrong-side facing up on the floor (the largest surface area I had to work with). 

I laid the roman shade directly on top of the fabric, also with its backside facing up. 

With the roman shade laying atop as a template, I was careful to straighten my printed fabric and pull it taut.

Always be mindful of the direction of your pattern before you cut!

Once the fabric was perfectly taut, I began to cut it about 2" wider than the shade on the vertical sides of the shade. 

Cut the fabric 2" longer on the horizontal sides of the shade as well.

The extra 2" on each vertical side then got folded and pinned to the existing roman shade.
I made the hem about .25" wider than the roman shade so that none of the white would show. 

For the bottom hem of the shade, I cuffed and pinned the printed fabric to the back of the shade, which looked like this:

I'll address the top hem (the part of the shade that's closest to the ceiling) later.
With 3 of 4 sides pinned, I was ready to sew the printed fabric front to the white roman shade backing. I chose to sew by hand because I didn't want the stitches visible from the front of the shade, but you could use a product like Fabri-tac or Stitch Witchery if you don't like to sew.
Just remember: when using Fabri-tac or Stitch Witchery, your project is permanent. 
By sewing, I can swap out my front fabric anytime I wish.

The last and final step before hanging the newly-jazzed up shades was to secure the top hem of the shade (the edge that abuts the top of the window). There are several ways to do this, but I pulled out my staple gun and stapled the extra 2" of fabric to the wooden dowel at the top of the shade. You can also choose to glue the fabric to the dowel, if you like.

Okay, are you still reading?! 

I know this was long, but I promise the project was pretty quick. 

All told, the shades were done in about 2-2 1/2 episodes of Dateline on Investigation Discovery (my new metric for time).

So, to refresh your memory, here's the before:

And the after, which I'm absolutely crazy about!

This project was really fun and simple, and made such a big impact in my living room. 

It felt great to reuse the shades I already owned and spend very little (only about $40) for fabric.

What do you think?

Would you try this easy-peasy project in your own home?

P.S. Feel free to email me if you have any questions about this project!