Unique Serving Platter

It can be difficult to decide which craft to take up and which ones to put on the shelf. There are so many projects and so little time to complete them all. One traditional crafting project stands out as a timeless choice for many people. Cloth doll patterns are ideal additions to any crafter’s collection of supplies. Making dolls may not seem like a simple task especially when you feast your eyes on the finished product. You will be very surprised to discover how very easy it is to follow and complete cloth doll patterns. The user friendliness of this traditional craft makes it one of the longest lasting in the realm of do-it-yourself projects.

All you need is the ability to follow relatively simple directions and a little bit of patience. Once you complete your first handful of cloth doll patterns you will find that they become easier and easier to make. You may even find that you can complete one in less time than you ever imagined. Mastery of transforming the cloth doll patterns into the real three dimensional thing does take practice. It doesn’t take years and years of practice to be able to complete a design very well. Many other crafts require a lifetime of dedication in order to make presentable pieces, let alone works of folk art.

Your success is contingent on your dedication to the cloth doll patterns. You should take a patient, systematic approach especially when you first begin. It is very tempting to delve into a complex doll pattern but you may find yourself in over your head. Take things slowly and everything will fall into place. I started with very simple cloth doll patterns and gradually adopted more challenging projects into my weekly hobby. I found that I rose up the ranks of master doll maker in no time at all. In fact, I highly recommend that you inspire yourself to reach more challenging goals by investing in the more complex cloth doll patterns right from the start.

When ordering supplies online, you can browse though the many available options that the seller has. Purchase one or two starter cloth doll patterns, a couple mid-range challenging projects and one very challenging piece that you are dying to complete. As you work your way up, you have inspiration to get better and better at this craft. Before you know it, you’ll be working on cloth doll patterns that you’d only dreamed about completing.

When you think of velvet, doesn’t it connote a feeling of luxury and times past? In the Victorian era, velvet was a hallmark of the genteel style of living, comfort and luxury rolled into one statement. Even today, a velvet dress is worthy of your Christmas party, New Year’s event, a romantic date at the theatre, symphony or ballet event. When you want to look your best, velvet bespeaks sophistication and glamor. Velvet fabric is luxury and grace, the fabric equivalent of diamonds or pearls. If you’re looking to redecorate a room in a sensuous way, give velvet a thought for an elegant makeover. Velvet drapes can be a knockout. Velvet drapes can turn your living, dining or bedroom into a luxurious and sensual space of delightful proportions.

Velvet comes in grades of quality. Short cut velvet is the lesser of the velvet grades because less light is reflected, with a decreased sumptuousness. It is a flatter look which more closely mimics velveteen. Long cut velvet reflects more light and thus sheen, making a more sensuous statement. Long cut velvet is more expensive and requires more care, but if you’re looking for a sensuous statement, go for the long cut velvet. In the short term, your velvet drapes will seem expensive. In the long term, velvet drapes will go the mile, stating their intrinsic elegance for years to come.

One cardinal rule when choosing velvet drapes is to be sure you have adequate yardage. All drapes should measure at least 2 ½ to 3 times the width of the window, to give the necessary fullness required for generous and ample coverage. Velvet drapes are no exception and in fact should err on the side of generous coverage. After all, if you’re investing the money for this romantic Victorian look, you’ve got to pull out all the stops! Don’t go halfway. If you’re going to do velvet drapes, you should go all out with the trimmings. Gold rope pullbacks will certainly enhance the look, as will tassels on the hems or tie backs. Gold lace trims, at the hem or used as pullbacks, will only add to the romance.

Once you’ve chosen velvet drapes, be aware that special care of the fabric is required. Get a can of 3-M to waterproof and protect the fabric from dust and stains. The best method involves treatment of the fabric before sewing, assuring an even coat of protection. There are numerous styles of velvet drapes, from the full length window to floor length, “I’ve got a butler”, style to the fish tail valance style of the old Virginia plantation style. Velvet drapes can add a lot of panache to your decor. Just remember to buy the best quality you can afford. Velvet is supreme in the luxury of house decor and is within your reach!