Saturday, February 15, 2014

Warming with Layers

I was browsing through one of my decorating books the other day from Country Living called 750 Great Ideas for Decorating on a Budget.  It is one of my "go to" books when I'm looking for inspiration.  It is thick and full of ideas for every room of the house and outside also.
 
 
 While browsing, I came across a photo of an ottoman draped with a throw. 
 
 
 I thought, "That's something I can do and don't even need a budget".  I have several quilts that I made years ago and they were folded up on a shelf and not in use.  One of them was even the perfect colors.
So I pulled one out of storage and draped it across the ottoman and I was amazed at the effect it had on the room.  The chair and ottoman are a solid colored fabric and I already had a print pillow and throw on the back of the chair, so it wasn't like it really needed anything else.
 
 
But when I added the quilt, everything changed.  It was as if I had added an extra blanket on the bed.  The whole room suddenly looked warmer and more cozy, and I felt like the quilt was inviting me to curl up in the chair.
 
   
The addition of a simple quilt added an extra layer of color and texture to the room that was perfect 
for this cold, snowy, and endless winter.
Of course, I'm not the only one who immediately enjoyed this extra layer of coziness in the room.  
Charlie decided this is his new favorite place for napping.


 I used to have a tradition of making a quilt every time there was a winter Olympics.  I would piece the quilt together before the Olympics started, and then do the hand quilting while watching the games.  I made at least three quilts this way, and this is one of them ~ made in 1984.  I also named the quilt after the city where the Olympics were held and attached a tag to the back of the quilt commemorating it.  This quilt pattern is called "Sawtooth", so I named the quilt "Sawtooth Sarajevo" since the Olympics were in Sarajevo that year.
 
 
It somehow seems appropriate that I should rediscover this 30-year old quilt and snuggle in it while watching the current winter Olympics.


So if you're looking for a way to add extra warmth to your room, you can probably do a complete seasonal redecoration with the fabrics you already own.  After all, you can never have to many blankets or throws ~ especially this winter.

~

Linking with

The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays
~
Mod Vintage Life for Mod Mix Monday
~
Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday 
~
We Call It Junkin for History and Home Link Party
~
The Everyday Home for The Scoop
 


 
 

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love this! It looks like a photo in a magazine, it's so pretty. It makes me want to go buy an ottoman for my living room, just so I can put one of my quilts on it. (I used to make quilts, too.) I love your story of the Olympics tradition, and how you pulled this out in time to use it for the current Olympics. I'd love it if you share this next week at my History & Home link party, starts Tuesday morning and runs through Friday. Take care - Dawn @ We Call It Junkin.com

bj said...

Your quilt is just stunning...and it looks amazing on the ottoman. Makes your room so cozy and warm looking.
I am just about to pull out MY favorite quilt and put it on my ottoman....I'll take a photo of it, do a post and link back to you for your inspiration....THANKS
xo bj

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Love it and your quilt is fabulous. Hugs, Marty

Jane@Bluebird1959 said...

How pretty...it is perfect on your ottoman. What a neat idea to make one during each Olympics! Jane

Linda P said...

Your cream colour scheme is lovely and the 1984 Winter Olympic quilt something to treasure as well as use. The Olympic Games were meaningful for us Brits that year. Torvill and Dean have just recreated their medal-winning dance skating routine in Sarajevo to celebrate the event 30 years ago and support the people of the city.

Jane said...

I love how something so simple as the quilt on the ottoman warmed things up. Sometimes, just small changes - and using what we have - has a very big effect!

My Garden Diaries said...

Especially this winter is so true friend!!! Your room is just stunning! My goodness! And I am always amazed how moving or adding one piece can change the whole feeling of the space. I will have to look for that book at the library! Your quilt looks beautiful on the ottoman and it is such a fantastic idea to name your quilts!!! Brilliant! A wonderful week to you Cindy! Nicole xoxo

La Vie Quotidienne said...

Very pretty, it is amazing what a difference one small detail can make it a room. Great quilt.

The Tablescaper said...

Your home looks so warm and cozy! Great to have you at Seasonal Sundays.

- The Tablescaper

Suzanne said...

Hi Cindy,
What a perfect compliment to your room. That's a beautiful quilt. I love the labels you have stitched to to give your quilts provenance. It's such a good idea. It will certainly add their value as the years roll by - imagine someone seeing that 100 years from now!
Stay warm,
Suzanne
PS: And, yes, that's Wooster, Ohio!

Anonymous said...

I just had to come back to thank you for joining the History & Home link party, and I hope you'll join again each week. Have to feature this lovely quilt article on my Link Party Features Pinterest board this week:) -Dawn @ We Call It Junkin.com

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