"Anyone that doesn't agree with leggings as pants can physically fight me.
And I'm going to win because I have a full range of motion due to the fact that I am wearing leggings as pants."

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Retro Comforter from Thrifted Sheets

As I believe I mentioned, the original inspiration for Randa’s room redecoration was a thrifted sheet. I really loved it and wanted to do something with it for myself (maybe in my craft room). But at the same time, I realized that it would look great turned into a comforter for Randa. I guess part of me was hoping that it would be too much for her, but when she saw it, she said, “Oh, I love it,” so it was settled.

PB120012

Slightly Off-Topic Thoughts- In case any of you are grossed out by using thrifted (and well washed) sheets, just think of how many people have slept (and done Lord-knows-what) on hotel sheets. As far as I know, no one has ever contracted any communicable diseases from sleeping at a motel. Well, I’m sure plenty have, but I seriously doubt it was from the sheets.

Anyway.

I'd also found another plain white, jersey knit sheet that was super soft. I thought it would be perfect for the underside of the cover. But, unless you’re experienced with working with jersey fabric (and if you are, I have a hard time believing you’d need my advice on how to sew anything), I wouldn’t suggest using it. That stuff is too fiddley. And stretchy. Which made the sides go a bit wonky. But, in the end, it didn’t matter too much because the down comforter inside is fairly poufey and hides a lot of mistakes.

PB120013

To make this, I basically used 2 sheets, sewn up on 3 edges (the top and both sides). To close up the bottom, you could use snaps, velcro, buttons or ties. I haven't figured out which is my favorite way, so I'll let you decide for yourself.

If any of you out there are interested in more detailed instructions, just let me know. I've got plans for two more of these (though the perfect sheets have yet to be found) so I can do up a tutorial if you'd like.

Also, the bottom seam was uneven due to the jersey fabric. But Randa hasn’t noticed, so nobody had better tell her.

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8 comments:

clown princess said...

I adore this! Like you I have no problem whatsoever using second hand sheets. Love the retro look.

Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting!

sunflowerchilde said...

Great idea! I have no problem using second-hand sheets, either, but I have a coworker who literally travels with her own sheets and the first thing she does at the hotel is strip the bed and remake it with her own sheets. She also uses everything disposable you can imagine, and throws away her recyclables. It makes me shudder.

Pat said...

When you sew the sheets together do you catch the sides of the comforter when you stitch?Or are you making a giant "pillow like"case and inserting the comforter after? I have found that when I try to make a duvet that the comforter inside slides around all the time and is difficult to get it straight when making the bed in the morning.

Love your site!

Wendy said...

I'm glad you all like this.

Pat, no I didn't sew the comforter into it. One of my main goals was to have a cover that was easy to remove and wash. I have read about comforter covers that incorporated little ties on the inside to sew to ties on the comforter to prevent shifting, but I've never actually seen one myself. I'm thinking that you could sew in 6 ties... one on each corner and two half way down the sides. Hmmm, I may have to try that.

FinnyKnits said...

Dude. If I ever ran across second hand sheets that cute, I'd have no trouble turning them into something wearable or sleepable.

I mean, tell me it wouldn't make a cute skirt.

dig this chick said...

Oh I love that! Nice work. Yeah, jersey is a giant pain in the ass.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! I also have no problem with second hand stuff. Think about it--every item in your closet is technically 'used'. Buying thrifted items and disinfecting them is fine. The towels at the gym, the special event dress you borrowed, your boyfriend's college sweatshirt--probably all more germy than a properly cleaned item that came from a stranger. Just sayin'!

Stephanie said...

I love it! The colors are wonderful...so retro.