While on a run about Park Hill a few weeks ago, I came across a garage sale and of course had to stop and see what fun things they had. I was immediately drawn to this chase style futon (it is somewhat like outdoor lounger meets full bed). It seemed handmade, with wooden frame and a hand sewn cover. The tag read $35. I sprinted home and sent Matt back to the sale, telling him if he liked it, to haggle and bring it back in the truck. He got them down to $20 and brought it home! (He outshines me in the haggling department, by far). I was very pleased because I had been wanting a futon for the second bedroom, and this one is perfect because it was affordable yet functions as a bed but also a great place to curl up and read a book (Shelby has been testing it out. A lot.). The hand sewn cover that came with the futon is a shade of velvety plum. It is not that bad to the eye, but is to ho-hum with our thrifted decor. Both my grandmothers quilted, and I have always loved this one patchwork style duvet that my mom's mom made. It sings 1970s. I love it and see no reason for it to be in a box any longer, so it is functioning as the futon's patchwork cover.
However much I do love the quilt that is on the futon right now, it is too short, leaving the bottom uncovered. This room is still in the works (that is why you are only seeing an unclose photo of the futon, the rest of the floor is boxes and artwork!), but soon it will house visitors, serve as a space to work on projects, display a gallery wall, and be the perfect reading nook. I want the space to be filled with bits and pieces from all over, with photos from our travels and things from the past. The ikat print is a fabric choice that I am drawn to, not only because of the pattern but because of its "of another world" flare. I think that if I were to find an ikat print with the right color palette, I would be one happy girl and this futon would look so great. That, and it would give me even more reason to bust out my sewing machine (something very new for me!)
Plan A: iKaT IkAt iKaT
And, as in anything, always have a plan B. My plan B are these black and white fabrics from Ikea, that is, if I am extremely out of luck in finding an ikat fabric that meets my criteria of affordable and pretty. What are your thoughts on these pattern/fabric choices? Any tips on purchasing fabric?
Plan B: Ikea's black and white prints
