Make Your Own Throw Rug

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 have wanted to include a linen throw in my bedroom make-over.
Soooo, what does one do when said desired item seems only to live in one's own mind?

Answer: 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 (if you're in Australia, I found it at Spotlight, yes people...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 drawer 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.

I love it!

And guess what? I still have some linen left. 'Why should I care' I hear you say. Well....I recently skipped over to 1000 followers and as a big...

...am gonna create something (hopefully fabtabulous!) from the last of my linen to offer as a GIVEAWAY to all my wonderful readers.

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!).
I truly promise I'm nearly finished. Just a few finishing touches and I can show you guys already. Thanks so much for being patient :-)