Have you looked in the section between 280 and 31 along Shades Crest? Would be in Vestavia. Heading from 280 to 31 on SC Rd, the entire area to the left (many back up to V. Country Club) are being redone (like the area you just showed me).

The Lyon skirt is beige organza over a blue mist silk charmeuse - looks like that would work with the euros.

lyon bedding

Would you consider just getting a plain silk in the background color of the euros and having a skirt made from that? With the pretty rug detail I don't know if you really need the euro fabric on the skirt anyway.

The organza seems kind of light in feel if you are doing the dark matelasse coverlet. Do they make a skirt in the matelasse that you could use, and perhaps add some kind of cording or tassels to that would pick up the colors in the euro shams?

Yes, Allison, tan & brown, three dormers. I love the house and the interior, and I really do want smaller.

We are returning this weekend to look again. I like the area. IT is close enough to all the children but not too close.

If you can track down the name of the bedskirt, I can check at The Cottage Shop store where I buy our Yves deLorme. They carry a lot of imported and domestic fine linens. It's only 2 minutes from my house. If they have it and they don't ship, I can do that for you.

Cameron

Patricia, there are always a lot of houses for sale in that area. Check the other area I mentioned too - do you know you're way around? You'd leave the house you mentioned above, get on the Pkwy going towards Green Springs, but take the clover leaf (Br. Hospital area) and head up 31 towards Shades Crest. Take a left at the red light at the top of the hill. I wouldn't look on SCr Road, although there are a ton for sale on it too, but turn right and go into that neighborhood. There are several for sale that back up to the golf course. I get my hair done over that way and I always cut back thru the neighborhood on my way home.

Thanks for the offer, Cameron, but the off white isn't going to work for me.

Les, no, I don't think I need the Euro fabric on the bedskirt either. I went downtown and found a 100% silk fabric by Fabrica - Royalty Silk was written on the collection. The color is Celadon. It's a great/close match, with a little texture, which I like.

I ordered and he called before I could get home saying it wouldn't be here until Sept 10th, which is fine. It was more per yd than I'd like to spend (cut fabric prices). I haven't been able to find it online since I got home. :-/ Anyone know how to sew a bedskirt from silk? :D If you have a place bookmarked that sells it online, I suppose I could cancel my order today or tomorrow. I'm coming up blank on my searches.

Thanks for the help! Hope you find a home soon, Patricia!

Thank you, Allison. I can hardy wait to see your bedskirt.

Kids know way around! My tour guides.

I'd do a search for the fabric on line. I like Fashion Fabrics Club and Fabric Guru. There are some good fabric stores in the ebay stores - just look at their ratings and feedback.

I've sewn a bedskirt (the tailored, pleated kind) and it was easy, not sure about silk fabric.

tina

I spend the summer near Pine Cone Hill and make the pilgrimage at least once. The outlet has fabrics by the yard. Not sure if they're what you want, but the ladies there are very sweet and might dig around for you.

Allison-I did my bedskirt out of silk and it was not as difficult as I had feared. I took the easy way out and purchased a fitted sheet, placed it on the box spring, marked on the sheet (with a fade away sewing marker) at the bed's edge where I wanted the skirt to attach, then attached the gathered silk skirt.

Love the rug and the colors you've picked out; I always do! Good luck.

Tina, I found a Decorating thread that listed those sites - no luck.

I didn't know they had an outlet, Amy.

Txgal, Thanks. I thought about using a sheet too. You said "then attached the gathered skirt" meaning you gathered it somehow before attaching? Anything I've sewn in the past, I gathered as I was attaching. I can sew a straight line, just not clothes! lol Although I did make a darling Indian outfit for DD1 when she was in 5th grade.

Allison, could you use curtain valances? They would already be hemmed/gathered/pleated, and all you would have to do is sew them to a fitted sheet or maybe a flat sheet would be easier. Putting the sheet on the bed and drawing a pencil line where it would need to be sewn would be the easiest way to go about doing it.

Are you up for a project?LOL

I think I'll wait on the fabric! lol I'll check it out when it arrives. Sew a bit on the machine, see what I think.

Allison-yes I gathered first. I tripled the box spring length when figuring the amount of fabric because I wanted a full bedskirt. To gather, I sew two basting seams about 1/4 inch apart, leaving 2-3 inches of thread at the beginning and end of the seam. Then pull threads from one end to gather. I've also gathered by using zig-zag stich over a thin piece of cording which is secured on one end. You then can pull the cording to gather.

Thanks. I've basted before but nothing that large/long. I might give it a shot.

Allison, that is so beautiful. What PCH pattern is that? I love those pillows.

So, what color Peacock Alley are you using with the pillows. Your walls in the background are gorgous and so is the rug? This will be stunning. Your daughter will not want to leave!

Thanks, twg. PA Elise in Russet and I have one small pillow and twin folded at foot of bed in gold. I don't remember the PCH - ? in slate. It's not on their website any longer. Must be discontinuing.

Not want to leave? Who wants to buy some stuff?! ;) She loves SoCal so that won't be a problem. Plus, we live out out out and she goes nuts nuts nuts after two/three days! lol

Someone would pay $575 for a bedskirt????? I'm in the wrong line of work....I could never afford that!

Haha Allison! :) Is this the pillow on this website? I am not sure if they have fabric, but it sort of looks like your pillow.

http://www.laylagrayce.com/detail.aspx?ID=5422

or scroll down on this one?

http://sonomahome.myshopify.com/collections/pine-cone-hill/
Hope this helps. Our daughter just got her first apartment, so I am having fun making her room into a guest room.

I will post pics when I am done.

Tammy

Here is a link that might be useful: slate pine cone hill pillow

Yes, I've seen the pillow on websites. I checked online prices before ordering. It's the Suzanne in slate..but it's not on PCH website any longer.

I'm working on this guest room and the guest room DS uses when he comes home from Chicago, along with the great room. I want to wrap up this guest room asap to mark one of the list.

Here is a link that might be useful: Suzanne Slate Euro

Update for those interested: I picked up the bedskirt yesterday. She did a wonderful job. I ordered the fabric by the yard, which was not inexpensive, but it wasn't much to have made (only $100, plus cost of lining). Well worth me not pulling my hair out sewing myself and fighting the cats to do so!

Only thing left to do in the room is decided curtains or no curtains. Just had window film put on them and across the back of house last week. The pink chair will be recovered once Boomer is no longer around. He sleeps on the back cushion every day and I cannot keep it clean. :(

Thanks again for the help and suggestions, everyone.

{{!gwi}}

The bedskirt looks great and the room is so beautiful! As far as whether or not to do curtains...honestly, either way the room will still be gorgeous. I'd do curtains if it were my place though, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to go fabric browsing! Something that stacks off the window fairly well so as not to hide too much trim and shade too much light (just my personal preference).

What I would consider is who will be spending the most time in the room as a guest, and what they would prefer? Do they mind bare windows at night? Some do, some don't. Our guest room is used mostly by our parents...my mom doesn't like bare windows at night, and DH's parents don't like bare windows in the morning bc they like to sleep in!

What lucky guests you have though to stay in such a pretty room.

Not sure I would do curtains. I love the whole room and the look without curtains is just stunning, but then it probably will be with curtains, but everythig is just divine.

I really like the blend of the russet with the blue: I would never have thought of that! Is the matelasse on the end of the bed gold? Lovely!

P.S. Can we see a photo of the bed straight-on? I'd love to see how you arranged the pillows. :)

The bedskirt looks great! I can't see the windows enough to visualize curtains. Do you have a photo of the window wall?

Thanks!

DD1 stays in the room and she sleeps well with or without curtains but the sun does come up on that end of the house.

None of our rooms have curtains. Acreage backing up to a lake. I've noticed our room stays darker longer since we had the window film put on last week. They are something I will probably add eventually, but not in a rush for now.

Organic, yes the coverlet on the foot of the bed is gold. DS bedroom downstairs has a gold coverlet covering the bed and a russett at the foot (the reverse).

Here's a shot of the bed head on. I really just threw the pillows on. Haven't "arranged." Not sure if I'll add anything else or not. Sorry this shot is very shiny and the color is not right. Hard to photograph silk.

{{!gwi}}

Also a shot of the window wall - old picture. I've removed the ottoman since it came out too far into the room/in front of the armoire. I'm glad I added 2ft to this end of the house - I can't imagine squeezing this all in if the room was smaller!

{{!gwi}}

Just beautiful. Thanks. :)

The windows and trim are so beautiful, I wouldn't want to cover up those features. If anything, perhaps a simple, lightweight, sheer drape pulled to one side of each window (away from the armoire).

Thanks, OSH.

WBHW, that's the way I feel about it for now. Might feel different in 10yrs! lol DD2 has lightweight sheers in her old room. They hardly keep out the sunlight, but when she was living here, it gave her comfort at night to have something to close.

Our very first home was decorated in shades of russet and slate blue, and I still gravitate toward that combination. Your DD will love the work you've done. As to your, question, yes, I'd like window treatments on those windows. How about a woven wood or fiber shade that matches the trim and becomes very unobtrusive when rolled up or drawn up? Then a simple panel over that, perhaps in a tone on tone blue-gray like the dust skirt, something you could stack to the outer sides, so as not to detract from the armoire? I know you don't want to hide the lovely windows; however, even in very private locales it's nice to have window coverings, IMO.

Very pretty room:) Love the colors in there and different textures. Love the windows like they are.

I love seeing the baby dresses in shadow boxes! I just received a dress my Granny made from when I was a babe. Planning on doing the same thing. I have a shadow box for my son - it has a sweater MIL knitted for him, his first curl and his sterling baby spoon, fork and brush.

Smiles:)

Kitchendetective, I actually considered buying roller shades from Smith & Noble in Zen Noble (the same color as the trim) but the windows that open will not allow the shades to be mounted inside. I'm not interested in outside mounts for now, although I might change my mind later on. With four inside cats, I am not crazy about having cords either.

Johnatemp, the white dress was made by my paternal grandmother for my older sister. The yellow dress was mine and the pink dress was DD2's. They were all worn for our 1yr photos.

To the left of the bed are two other things in shadow boxes; a purse my grandmother gave to my mother and a lace paperdoll bride. Poor thing was being squished flat as a pancake when I saved her!

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}

Allison,

For those times when someone wants something on a window, I keep these decorative spring rods on hand. I have some panels (both an ivory textured sheer and natural cotton panels) on matching clip rings to attach. By using the clip rings, they slide open easily.

These are what I used until I put up permanent drapes in our bedroom when we moved. I also used them again on our family room windows while the deck builders were here this summer (so they couldn't look in while here). Temporary, but looks fine for those occasions. I keep the rods, rings and panels stored together and it takes about 10 minutes to cover four windows. Reusable on a variety of windows.

Just an idea.

Cameron

Here is a link that might be useful: decorative spring rods

Beautiful Allison.

I love taking things that are dear to me and incorporating them into my home instead of stored in a box somewhere.

We are moving my mom out of her house of 25 years so I am getting more sentimental things now instead of storing them at her house. I also have some very old lace I want to do something with. May just put it a photo frame??

I have seen pics of your kitchen. Drop dead gorgeous!!

Smiles:)

That's a good idea, Cameron. I'll look into getting some before her next visit. Thanks.

Johnatemp, thank you. I have a lot of things from my grandmothers. In the sunroom, I have numerous handkerchiefs between glass. Most belonged to one grandmother but one was made by her mother and also to lace samples.

I also have a small hanging cabinet downstairs full of things: small pictures, pearls, an odd earring, fishing lures, etc that belonged to my grandparents. They were all a huge part of my life (and my children's life) growing up and seeing their things makes me smile.

{{!gwi}}

Here they are going up the back stairway in our last home:

{{!gwi}}

Allison, that is beautiful. I have done something similar with my mother's and grandmother's lace hankies, tatting, crocheting, etc. I love to look at it and think "they live on here with me."

I have a beaded evening bag that was my mother's but it has a small stain of what looks like au jus from a steak or prime rib, etc., and I am afraid to try to take it out since the bag is probably 40-50 years old, and this has given me an idea. The spot is about the size of a quarter, just on one side. I could turn that side to the wall. I have had it just lying on my dresser, stain side down.

Thank you, Patricia. I have another smaller beaded bag like the one in the frame in the guest room bath, on a tray.

I have another sequined bag I purchased at a mall antique show. It was in a glass top table along with Dad's baby bonnet, my silver piccolo, grandmother's charm bracelet and a great aunt's silver calling card case at our last house. Added things from travels and now they are on a shelf in my closet so I still get to see them every day.

{{!gwi}}

Allison, your guest room is so beautiful and calming. Can I come stay? I usually gravitate toward red, but I love the colors you've put together in this room. Do you happen to remember the manufacturer/collection name of the rug you have in there?

Allison, that is such a great display. I should do something like this in my closet. I think I will wait until I find a house in your part of the state. (P.S. We looked all weekend and found several in Vtv, MB and Hw. We are trying to narrow down which one we want to make an offer on.

I have a cigarette case that belonged to a prominent Alabama judge's father who himself was a judge in Alabama, when he and my mother were uh, uh, uh, well, they almost got married about 14 years of courtship but she got cold feet. It is a beautiful cigarette case for those cigarettes sans filter, but it is a great silver piece and I think I am going to display it on my coffe table. Ah, just what I need when the preacher comes calling. (:

I got several of her compacts, a gorgeous turqoise and gold compact which appears she never used as it was still in its little liner and box. It was a gift from a suitor. She always took such good care of things. She had a very pretty silver one and a chinoisere that are so pretty. I have her favorite, tortoise shell that she used constantly, like a good pair of shoes that fit well, some parfum atomizers displayed on a venetian dressing table mirror which my housekeeper broke on one side, but I have it placed so that it is not really noticable. I just love all these things that remind me of what a fastidious lady she was.

Oh, Allison - I just love it!! Okay, will you come over and help me hang some family pics - it looks wonderful:)

I hope you don't mind....I may look for some of my Granny's old hankerchiefs to add with my lace.

In my piece in the den I have put a collection of old bottles from my dad's place and old books with an old pair of glasses from my grandfather. I can't put out too many small things on tables b/c of kids and dogs (read big ole' lab swooping tail!!)

I also like your message board.

Smiles:)

Allison,
Thanks for sharing your momentos. It's very inspirational. I love the warmth and sense of history they provide your home. As for the colors: divine! I love the mix of textures from the silk to the cotton...very clever! I would have never thought to do that.

I am very excited because I just purchased a Ralph Lauren duvet cover on e-bay that I have been drooling over for the past 3 months, it is from the Village Mews Terrace collection. Now I have to figure out what else I want to put on the bed!

Sorry to hijack but does anyone else have a bed linen fetish? I think that if I were left to my own devices I would buy a new bed wardrobe every 3 months! I vascillate between clean and casual to fancy and fussy, especially in our master. Even the colors swings are fairly severe! My latest is from turquoise to pink paisley. I am afraid to buy something too expensive for wanting to change it out. I guess it keeps the economy going, right?

Is this wrong? (someone please say no so I can tell my husband that I am normal)

Thank you all.

Tammy, the rug was purchased from Room Service Home. I could not find online before ordering...was easier once I had the manufacturers name. It's by Loloi and is part of the Larson Collection. Mine is the Cinn/Beige 5'6" x 8'6". Soumak rug (they spell it "Sumac" on the ticket, but to me that is poison ivy! lol) It is a loose weave, not as tight as the more expensive soumaks in our great room and breakfast room, so I wouldn't put it in a high traffic area.

Patricia, your mother sounds like an interesting woman! The card case contains a card from my paternal grandfather's sister, my paternal grandmother and myself. She had told my dad she wanted me to have it after she passed away, but it wasn't written down anywhere. Luckily, none of his brothers or sister fussed about me receiving it.

Johntemp, why would I mind? We have a lab too, so I know what you mean. Those tails are something else and he seems to think he's a smaller dog than he is! I have two of the narrow ribbon/fabric boards hanging between the chest/shelves and my clothes. I enjoy putting new things on it from the children, trips or friends.

lmnca, I'm not familiar with the VMT collection. I don't have a bed linen fetish, so I cannot relate! What do you do with all of your older ones - they take up so much room to store.

Here is a link that might be useful: Room Service Home

Allison, add me to those who really like your display. Did you use the same color tan matting behind each one?

I have a big stack of handkerchiefs from my grandma. Mine are multicolored and very different in design. I think I will drag them out and investigate. They remind me so much of my childhood that I would love to have them displayed.

Thanks for the great idea!

Thank you, Haberichter. The handkerchiefs are not matted - they are between 2 pieces of glass - so that the wall color showing through. The glass is held in the frame using a hot glue gun. The smaller ones hang on one nail but the others hang on two. You do have to be careful picking them up (better to grab on both sides, than at the top with one hand) with the larger ones since the glue does age. Mine were framed almost 14yrs ago and I've never had the hot glue redone.

The first time I saw handkerchiefs framed this way was many many years ago in Tanya Tuckers house. She had used the more colorful ones.

Helpful Hint: I pressed them and rolled on paper towel or wrapping paper rolls to take to the frame shop.

Thanks for the info on the rug, Allison!

I used to have some doilies framed, but they were just ones I bought in a store. I need to try to find some doilies or hankies of one of my grandma's. That's so neat that you've some family heirloom framed and displayed.

tee hee..Have to add: For those of you not aware, where you see these lovingly framed, sweet and dainty antique hankies is also home to a giant rattlesnake hide display! Allison The Lady of Lovely Taste is also Allison the fearless snake killer! Hope you don't mind, Allison...couldn't resist:>) Glad you'll have your DD home to enjoy her beautiful new room. Thought of you , and her, during our horrendous fires.

LOL Leahcate - Don't give away all my talents! I only have one, so no collection.....yet. I believe the rule is it takes three. ;)

Thanks for thinking of DD1. She actually moved from Malibu to West Hollywood almost two months ago so she wasn't near the fires (thank goodness, I would have been so worried). To be honest, she "hates" coming here - finds it "boring." She'd rather us visit her instead.

I remember the snake story, LOL.

You've inspired me Allison. I have so many treasure from my grandparents and beyond. All hand done handkerchiefs and lace doilies, etc. A favorite piece of jewelry, a hat pin, cameo brooch, etc. All safely tucked away but it would bring me such joy to have them out and see them. My late MIL was a master seamstress, and after her passing I was given a christening gown that DH wore. Clearly handmade, but I suspect he was not the first generation to wear it. (Sadly she had all boys and they weren't the least interested in history of items like that, so I have no way of tracing it back further :/ ) I also have a wool lap blanket from back in buggy days passed down on my mother's side (too big for a shadow box but I'd love to display it, as well as one of my paternal grandmother's hand stitched on a loom quilts.) I need to get those things out and enjoy and remember, instead of having them tucked away.

'...she'd rather us visit her instead" And when you do, remember our location and stop by if you get the chance!:>) How fun! I'll show off OUR latest, and don't mean the hankies, either! Moonshadow, you are so right about getting them out. I do worry about my gt. gran's old, beautiful crazy quilt( the kind in velvet and taffeta with incredible embroidery. I usually store it in summer and bring out to hang on banister for Fall and Winter. Know I'm not giving it the M. Stewart treatment, but, as you say, better to have it now and enjoy it!

Hi Allison~

I just came across this older thread.

Drat. I can not see any of the photos you posted. And I LOVE your house, so I feel cheated. LOL! It's just giving me red X's that won't open. :o(

We have our new dsl at the house, and then sending it thru a wireless router so we can have internet in the motorhome. Happy to have internet, but bummed to be missing out on your photos. I saw the linked pillow, and it was gorgeous. Now I want to see the rest of the room!!

Anyone have any ideas what buttons to push on my laptop to see Allison's photos? I'm computer illiterate. :o~