I want to redecorate my room and save money, so I'm doing everything myself. Help!?

Question

Okay, so I finally got my mom to agree to let me re-do my room. I already decided I want yellow walls. She won't buy a duvet cover for me, so I decided to make one myself. I'm really good at sewing, and I plan on making it reversible. Only problem is I don't know what patterns or colors to use. It's much easier shopping for a duvet than actually making one.

Also, I have a HUGE headboard, with a shelf behind the actual bed, mirrors, and two storage cabinets. If I can persuade my mom to let me get rid of it, I hope to make one of those fabric headboards that I could post pictures and things on. Its a queen sized bed, so how do I make one really cheap?

I'm 16 by the way. [17 in a month or so.] I have wood floors, and an oak dresser. I want the duvet to be colorful and to match the yellow walls. Thanks!

Answer 1

Use whatever colours for the duvet that you like, many colours go with yellow. As you know, fabric choices are just about endless but you will need a light cotton or blend so it will be easy to wash. Find a fabric you love that has some yellow in it, and let the colours in it be your guide to choosing other colours in the room. Choose the fabric first, then you can match the paint to it, because it will be easier to take a fabric sample to the paint store to choose your colour. Paint colours can be matched to anything, but if you already have the walls painted you will be looking for a fabric to match and that will be harder.

For the headboard, all you need is a piece of plywood cut to the shape and size you want. Then you need some padding, like quilt batting, then you need fabric to cover it by stapling it on the back edge. If you can sew, you shouldn't have any trouble with that. I don't know how much it costs, but there's some stuff called donacona that is like what they use for bulletin boards. It comes in 4x8 sheets, and it might work for a headboard if you want to post pictures on it, since pins will go easily into it. It's not as stiff or strong as plywood but that won't matter if it's fastened to a wall.

Answer 2

Start by going to your local store that sells materials and sewing supplies (habadashery?). they often have books etc that can help. They often have contacts for clubs and hobby groups as well. As you are young and you are prepared to give it a go and learn I don't think you will have any trouble in finding people to help you. The hard part is finding the clubs etc.

Good luck and just remember you will make a few mistakes on the way but the more you learn the easier it becomes and the less mistakes you make.