Pizzazz for your patio - patio furniture - Brief Article

Sunset, May, 2001 by Mary Jo Bowling

Durable enough for a boat deck, acrylic fabric gives you splashy new options for outdoor decorating projects

* When the party moves outdoors, pillows and table coverings are often left inside--how can they stand up to sun and moisture? But thanks to today's weather-resistant fabrics, even a landlubber's deck can sail into the comfort zone.

We developed several outdoor projects with an acrylic fabric often used for boat covers because it's resistant to mildew, water, and fading and it can be cleaned with a hose. We used Sunbrella, a fabric that retails for $15 to $18 per yard and comes in a wide array of eye-catching colors and patterns. For information about where to find all-weather fabric, see "Sources," page 65.

Try one of these ideas for an outdoor project with panache.

* Tie-down tablecloth

TIME: Three hours

YARDAGE: Fabric depends on size of table; about 2 yards ribbon

1. Measure the tabletop. Plan the drop of the tablecloth (the distance between the edge of the tabletop and the finished edge of the tablecloth). Our tablecloth has a 5-inch drop.

2. Cut fabric using this formula:

Width = table width + 2 times the drop + 2 inches (for hems)

Length = table length + 2 times the drop + 2 inches (for hems)

3. Measure along each side of a corner a distance equal to the drop. On these marks, fold the corner toward the center of the cloth and trace its two edges on the cloth. Cut out the resulting square. Repeat for the other corners.

4. Make a 3/4-inch diagonal cut into the inside corner of each angle. This will allow the hems to turn out easily

5. Fold all raw edges under 1/2 inch; press. Fold 1/2 inch under once more and press again. Pin to secure.

6. Cut eight 8-inch lengths of ribbon. Place a ribbon midway along each side of each cutout. Pin to secure.

7. Topstitch a hem around the tablecloth, catching ribbons.

8. Press tablecloth. Place on table and tie ribbons in bows.

* Striped deck pillow

These oversized pillows are meant for lounging. Toss them on the deck or lean them against a patio wall for instant casual seating.

To find a large pillow form, check out local upholstery stores that cut foam forms or visit www.foambymail.com, www.bobsfoam.com, or www.foamsource.com. Ask for a form with a knife edge.

TIME: Four hours per pillow

YARDAGE: 2 1/2 yards fabric per pillow; wide stripes are easiest to work with

1. Make an isosceles triangle template from paper. Ours measures 34 1/2 inches at the base and is 17 1/4 inches tall, including 1/2-inch seam allowances.

2. Pin the template to the fabric, aligning triangle base with the edge of a stripe; cut out fabric triangle. Repeat for a total of eight triangles.

3. Pin one short edge of two fabric triangles together, right sides facing, making sure to match stripes. Sew a 1/2-inch seam. Repeat for remaining pairs of triangles. Press all seams open.

4. Place one joined pair atop another, right sides together, aligning raw edges. Pin the long edge, matching stripes and seams. Sew with a 1/2-inch seam, creating a square. Repeat with the two other joined pairs.

5. Pin the squares along three edges, right sides together. Sew a 1/2-inch seam. Turn right side out and press.

6. Insert pillow form through open edge; hand-stitch to close.

Solid fabric pillow

TIME: Two hours per pillow

YARDAGE: 2 1/8 yards per pillow

1. For a 35-inch-square pillow, cut two 36 1/2-inch squares of fabric (this includes a 3/4-inch seam allowance).

2. Place right sides together and pin three edges. Stitch pinned edges. Turn right side out and press.

3. Insert pillow through open edge.

4. Hand-stitch to close.

Ribbon place mat

We created two styles of place mats that hold all of the silverware. For the first style, a ribbon ties the napkin and utensils to the edge of the place mat.

TIME: One hour per place mat

YARDAGE: About 1 1/2 yards for six place mats, plus 3 1/2 yards ribbon

1. Cut a piece of fabric to desired size, adding 3/4 inch on all sides for hems. For a place mat measuring 14 by 18 inches, we cut a piece 15 1/2 inches by 19 1/2 inches.

2. Fold under 3/8 inch on raw edges; press. Fold another 3/8 inch under and press again.

3. Gut a 21-inch length of ribbon. Fold in half and pin fold under hem in the middle of the right-hand side.

4. Topstitch hem, sewing over ribbon to secure.

* Cocktail-table cover

If desired, use two contrasting fabrics.

TIME: Two hours

YARDAGE: Fabric depends on size of table; 3 yards ribbon

1. Measure the width, length, and height of the table.

2. Cut two rectangular pieces of fabric as follows. Piece 1: Length = table width + twice table height + 2 inches (for hems); width = table length + 2 inches (for hems). Piece 2: Length = table length + twice table height + 2 inches (for hems); width = table width + 2 inches (for hems)

3. Around each piece, fold raw edge under 1/2 inch; press. Fold a second 1/2 inch under and press again. Pin.

4. Cut eight 13-inch lengths of ribbon.

5. Place one piece over table; place the second piece across it. Align the hems on all sides. At the midpoint of each side seam, pin a length of ribbon, securing under the pressed hem.