ikea Archives - Sew Wrong

I don’t know where to begin with explaining my love for all that is Ikea…just about every piece of furniture in my apartment except for my couch is from Ikea. And did you know that there’s a home dec fabric section? I bet you did, you sassy sewists. I took a recent trip to my local store this weekend to buy a coffee table (huzzah!) and spent some time looking at their entire textiles selection for inspiration. Really, once you start thinking outside of the box and not looking at a fabric as its intended to be used, it’s amazing what the possibilities can be for different fabrics to work their way into your wardrobe. Below are a couple of my favorites with a suggestion on what sewing patterns to pair it with.

All images from Ikea

Jannike Panel Curtain

I could totally see these dot stripes forming an interesting “V” formation on the bodice of a Hazel dress. Or, wouldn’t this fabric make totally adorable Maritime shorts??

Solrun Fabric

Since this is a home dec weight, wouldn’t it be fun as a tulip-skirted Elisalex dress? The heft of the fabric would help keep the skirt’s shape.

Ludovika Fabric

I love how nutty and kooky this print is, it looks like someone was doodling on a piece of notebook paper. How about a Ginger skirt – the home dec weight would make a nice, crisp a-line skirt shape.

Malin Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set

This fabric print makes me think of waves at the beach! A summery dress would seem appropriate for this fabric, like the Lonsdale Dress. The full skirt of the dress would be great to showcase the print.

Askertistel Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set

I love this sunny yellow color, and with it’s stenciled-like floral pattern, I think it would make such a sweet Cambie dress.

Sy Sewing Machine

And hey, for the beginner sewists out there, you can pick up a sewing machine at Ikea, too. For $69.99, I’m not too sure how great the quality is (or isn’t), but Ikea claims that it “satisfies basic home sewing needs.” Sooo…maybe it’s good for hemming curtains?

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I took a trip to Ikea today to find some decorative stuff for my apartment – after spending so much time at home this past week, I realized that I’m still lacking in things that make my place “cozy.” So of course, I stocked up on more picture frames for my living room and sewing area (DIY sewing decor, what what!), a pillow form for my couch, and a big picture ledge to go over my TV and hold aforementioned picture frames.

Of course, the great thing about Ikea is that you can find the most random stuff you’d never expect, like the above tote bag that was on clearance for $2.99. How could I not get it, it has dress forms on it for crying out loud! It’s quite roomy and has the option of carrying it with the handles or slinging it over your shoulder with the a long strap that’s tucked inside. I can see this bag coming in handy for fabric shopping trips in the future.

I think the snow is also starting to get to me…another storm is on it’s way tomorrow, making this the third weekend in a row that Boston is getting dumped with snow. Which is probably why I also picked up these babies:

I really wish I could grow a little garden outside this spring, but since I don’t have a porch or balcony, this is the closest I could come to flexing my green thumb. I was so excited to get home and build the plant stand they’re resting on since they’re cheery and brighten up my living room; I smile just looking at them.

The succulent, cactus, and African violet are from Ikea and the spearmint, lavender, hyacinth, and narcissus are from Trader Joe’s. I’m not sure how well the Ikea plants will do but in my experience, plants from Trader Joe’s do really well. I’m a little nervous about caring for them and fertilizing them, so I think I’m going to make a chart that will help me stay on schedule with their needs. Plus, I need to transplant all of them out of their little plastic pots into the real ones that I bought, using potting soil, without making a mess. Eeek!

So when it’s snowing this weekend, at least I’ll have a little bit of happiness inside my apartment to make me smile.

Sewing Inspiration: IKEA

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Ikea Goodies

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