I’m starting to get excited about taking a reupholstery course this fall at BiY. So while I was recently visiting with Lisa Nicholl, CEO of inVU Drapery, on a project I’m doing with them, I began to cast an eye around for fabric that might work for the ottoman I plan to bring to my class. Because it’s a smallish piece, I assumed that I should choose a small, discreet print. But that ain’t necessarily so, says Nicholl. “You can use a large pattern on a small piece to make a statement,” she explains. Just be aware of “framing” the pattern so that, for example, a large motif sits in the middle of the ottoman or chair back, and is “framed” by the background colour. And if you’re tempted to reduce the cost of your reupholstery project by choosing a less expensive cotton over a heavier brocade or damask, think again, says Nicholl. Cotton tends to “droop" over time, and you can’t really expect it to survive the rigours of, say, a family room for more than about five years. If you're in it for the long haul, choose somthing heavier and save the affordable cottons for bedding and draperies.

I’m also taking inspiration from the ways inVU suggests for customizing home decor and draperies. I love, for example, how simple gros-grain ribbon has been used to spice up a classic Roman blind (shown above). Now all I have to do is take the Sew Chic course and I can duplicate the look at home!