I gave up my search for a beautiful natural linen throw blanket a while back now. It wasn’t because I couldn’t find one for a reasonable price mind you, it was cause I couldn’t find one at ALL (though if I had I’m sure it would have cost a pretty penny anyways).
From the get-go I wanted to include a linen throw in my bedroom make-over. Though, what does one do when said desired item seems only to live in one’s own mind?
Well, one makes said item themselves (and no doubt saves some cashola in the process).
Step one; find some gorgeous linen you can’t resist rubbing on your cheek with a price tag that doesn’t make you sigh in resignation.
I searched high and low until one day, whilst not even looking, I stumbled upon some in Spotlight.
Even though no-one else in the store seemed too interested in my linen, I must admit that when I first spied the bolt I looked around kinda nervously, made sure the coast was clear then casually moseyed on over, so as not to attract attention, before greedily snatching it up before anyone else could.
A little crazy, huh?
Step two; buy some snug backing so your throw will feel and look all nice and cozy. I was lucky enough to pick up some beautiful cashmere on clearance for $8 a meter.
Step three; cut your linen and backing to the size you want then sew them, right sides together, like a giant cushion cover leaving a small pocket so you can turn it in the right way.
Step four; Carefully hand-stitch the pocket up (or, if you’re lazy and impatient like me, just cheat and use iron-bond hemming tape) then run a stitch line around the whole blanket one or two inches in from the edge to give a nice professional-like finish.
There was enough remaining linen to make a cushion for my bed too. I decided to paint some subtle grainsack inspired stripes on it.
I applied some charcoal craft paint with an almost dry brush to create a slightly faded effect.
Now I can’t wait to actually get this linen goodness on the bed (as opposed to the guest room floor where it’s currently patiently waiting alongside all my other bedroom stuff!).
Ah geez, my spotlight shuts in exactly seventeen minutes – do you think I can make it?!
Anything linen is fab in my book, but this takes the cake! Great job, and congrats on hitting the big 1000. Will definitely add a trip to Spotlight to my to-do list for next week. K xx
Fantastic job – you sew as well!!!! Is there nothing you can’t do? The throw and cushion are great… The reveal is coming…. we are all waiting and watching semi patiently. ;-)
I was in Spotlight this morning… and as usual couldn’t find what I wanted. Maybe I just need to look harder (or wear my glasses).
You’re full of good ideas, Kristine – why have I not thought of making my own throws before?
Aaah linen….love love love it. Cant believe its in Spotlight. Look forward to seeing your room, and hearing more on the giveaway. Gorgeous throw and with cashmere backing!
Have a lovely weekend.
Rebecca
Wow, really? Proper linen at Spotlight??? I would have snuck up and pounced! The results are just great!!
Oh how fabulous….Spotlight????? really….I’m on my way….Love the throw and the pillow. Have a wonderful weekend XOX
1,000?! Congratulations! Your throw is scrumptious and I love the stripe on the pillow too!
Kristine the throw and cushion look great and who would of thought Spotlight can deliver such a gorgeous fabric. Can’t wait for the reveal I will have to keep checking in on you. Have a great weekend. Sandy
1000 that fantastic news!!..i remember when you started..you are amazing:)love love what you did with the linen and that cushion idea is awesome..your very talented..cant wait to see it all now …hurry up LOL enjoy your weekend XX
Love that pillow and look forward to the room reveal. Congrats on the 1000 + followers. I just hit 1000, too.
Wow, 1000!!! CONGRATULATIONS!
Love that painting idea on the fabric! You are “sew” creative!
Beautiful pillow! I love the stencil line! Congrats on 1000 followers!!
Kristine- Well first off I want to say that I can’t believe you found cashmere at that price-Nor the linen on a bolt. I know that feeling exactly of side-sneaking up to something until you can claim it for your own before anyone else spies it! Yeah…I’m like that!
You did a fabulous job and I can’t wait to see the whole bedroom makeover. And…congrats on 1000 followers! I can’t imagine!! Hugs- Diana
I’ll take it! love it, great job! -denise
congrats on 1000!! that means a party!!! :)
i love the throw;its beautiful!!
one of those would make a great present. (hint, hint).
i just love your blog!!!
kim
Amazing as always. So cute. I dig the stripe. And I found my map in a cute paper store yesterday. Saved me from waiting for it from ebay! Congrats on your 1000. Keep on inspiring.
Amazing!! LOVE the throw ..LOVE the pillow!!! Wow you are so talented!! Hopefully I can win your awesome giveaway soon!! HUGS~ Rachel ;)
REally, that is so great! Love, love the grain sack pillow. what a great idea for my master bedroom.
I too have spied the linen in spotlight and did the same as you. I couldn’t believe it was still there. I love your throw and think I might give it a go. You are very generous with sharing your terrific ideas. Thankyou and have a fab weekend.
What a nifty idea! Might have to head into my local Spotlight to see if I can spy any of that gorgeous linen! Love the cushion idea too. Have a lovely weekend Kristine! xx
Gorgeous result with the pillow. The lines are really effective and makes it quite special.
Hi Kristine, Congrats on 1000+ followers. The pillow is wonderful and I adore your new throw. I am sure it will be beautiful in your bedroom!
xoxo, Sherry
Lucky you for finding the linen. The pillow is soooo cute!
I do the same thing when I see fabric I love. I look around and hope nobody notices my excitement. Isn’t that strange. But wonderful fabric finds mean that much to me. lol. It’s a sickness!Ha! Especially when it’s LINEN!!
Congrats on the 1,000 followers!
Kelly
Everything will look DIVINE! I can not wait to view the room.
Cheers~
e
Kristine..
Wow! I love your hand-made linen throw..its gorgeous and even more special-being home-made!
Thanks for showing how too!
I love that pillow as well…so cute! Great job and Ill be back to check on that bedroom… :)
Have a great day..
Did I tell you I love your blog..and everything about bumblebees?! lol
Deborah xo
Fabulous! I was just thinking of making a throw for my new couch. Tis the season (in the states) for warming up the home. Great tutorial. I always love your posts. Congrats on crossing over the 1000 follower line!
that blanket you made sounds like it will be heavenly to snug with. I don’t even think I own anything cashmere….but I hear it’s so very soft.
Love the look of grain sack pillows and your faux one came out great.
Wishing I lived in Australia to be able to buy up some of that linen. You were a lucky duck in finding that.
Great job! Amazing what you can find hiding at Spotlight! I’ve picked up pure linen there too in the past. I think I’d batter make another trip to see what goodies I can find
Lesley
I am in there tomorrow, must have another look. Your throw looks lovely even folded up on the chair!
Ness xx
Gorgeous blog and lovely pillow!
LOVE this!! Your photos are gorgeous, as well! Found you via Make It For Monday…thanks for posting! xo
Glad to hear you found such a fabulous alternative to buying a throw. Yours has turned out so beautifully! Love your cushion too ~ Txx
Congratulations on that awesome number Kristine and whoa…thanks so much for the spotlight linen tip. I’m off tomorrow, so I know where I’ll be headed. I sooo hope mine has some :)
Looks fantastic, bravo:))
Greetings from Europe, Biljana
What a wonderful project, it came out beautiful and so elegant looking. I can just picture myself sitting in front of a fire on a cold evening snuggled in a wrap like that. Perfection!
HI there! I’m your newest follower!! I found you on the Tuesday Linky!!! I love finding new blogs and yours is lovely:) You can find me at http://www.bouffeebambini.blogspot.com
This is gorgeous
Hi. Found you blog hopping. What a beautiful blog with so much info. Thanks for the tutorials and sharing your talents with us. Love your bedroom map! Wow! and this throw is gorgeous!
~ Julie
omigosh, LOVELOVELOVE this project! How clever you are.
I find it’s hard to find a specific throw. You did a great job making exactly what you wanted.
There is only one word for a perfectly perfect blanket and yours fits the bill… It’s YUMMY! And I want one!
Lovely. The faded line on the pillow is just enough. Great job making your own throw. When you can’t find it, make it!
You’ll love it all the more, having made it! Can’t wait to see the whole thing!! ;)
Okay… bookmarking this and attempting to make my own throw this weekend. THANK YOU for sharing! What a wonderful tutorial!
Just came upon your blog from Show and Tell Friday at Romantic Home.
Love your blog. The throw you made is fabulous and the pillow fantastic.
What a perfect idea for a linen remnant.
Have a great day!
darlene
Very beautiful! Simple and elegant! Thanks for the inspiration! I’ve just found your blog through Chic on a Shoestring Decorating linky party!
Absolutely fantastic!!! I am going to have to try and make these!! Just lovely!! You did a great job- thanks for sharing! :)
Looks fantastic so far. Great job, love the stripes. tami from the high street cottage
Wow looks great and comfy too. Love the stripes on the pillow- can’t wait to see it in your finished bedroom.
Fabulous way to get a linen throw! I can soooo relate. And here you go and break it all down making it seem effortless. I’ll have to debate on something similar. Thanks for the wonderful tute!
Donna