Cultured Expressions Sewing Studio
Back in March of 2020, little did we know how long our new shelter-in-place lifestyle would remain in effect. And through the past year, collectively, we’ve grown to realize the increasing significance of a comfortable home, as it evolved to also become a workplace, study space and entertainment hub for many as well. For some, this monumental lifestyle shift pointed up the need to create (or update) the home as a true oasis, a place of safety and wellbeing, and yes, even style. So, it’s no wonder sewing is enjoying a resurgence right now! It’s a creative, practical, fun and economical way to upgrade your décor. In addition, it could be the mental health boost – and the colorful distraction — you’ve been looking for!
Pillows are one of the easiest home dec items to make, and when you compare sewing your own to purchasing ready-mades, the choice is just as easy. And you can add these comfy accessories all around your home. When your dining room now doubles as your home office, lumbar pillows make seated tasks more comfortable.
Likewise, you can sew plush, oversized body pillows for lazy lounging while streaming your favorite shows and movies. (Don’t forget a dog bed for your best furry friend!) By sewing your own, you control not only the fabric choice, but also the amount of firmness, the shape and size, as Vanessa learned during her recent class at Cultured Expressions Sewing Studio in Rahway. Plus, you’ll enjoy the bragging rights that come with “I made it myself.”
Table toppers are another great choice for creativity, from full table cloths to runners, right down to placemats, cloth napkins, mugrugs and coasters. Any of these would be a perfect choice for beginners, and can be made by machine or hand sewing, or with no-sew methods using iron-on products.
Window treatments are still another way to customize your home with ease. When you choose fabrics with lots of visual impact, you can sew the simplest styles, letting the fabric provide the “Wow” factor.
For the bedroom, quilts are by far the most striking room-transforming choice, created in your favorite color scheme. If you don’t have the time to devote to a full-sized bed quilt, consider stitching up a cheerful wall hanging to greet you in the morning, or a bed runner and a pair of quilted pillow covers. The Winter 2021 issue of Fabrigasm® magazine includes a feature on creative headboard ideas, and tips and tricks for using handwoven fabrics.
Finally, be sure to get the kids involved in your home-enhancing projects – creating with fabrics, beads, needle, thread and glue can expose them to a fun new hobby as well as an important life skill. And maybe more important, it gives them a much-needed break from the excessive screen time demands of their online lessons.
For information on private sewing classes, online classes, fabrics, kits, Fabrigasm magazine and more at-home DIY inspiration, visit the Cultured Expressions Sewing Studio in Rahway or call 866-MUDCLOTH.
