Peek-a-boo lamp shade makeover/tutorial

The above lamp has had a tough life since I've adopted it. It's endured the birth of three babies and has been knocked over, dragged, poked, chewed, suspended in air, and who knows what other gosh awful abuses have occurred. However, it's still alive and kicking, which is why it's the perfect lamp for a makeover. After flipping through older Anthro catalogs, I came across a lamp that had a similar structure as my white lamp (I would link, but I can't find the lamp online). That was all the inspiration I needed. With a little math, fabric, and determination, I fashioned myself a new lamp shade...

It is much happier now. I like the peek-a-boo fabrics along with the folds, which gives the lamp movement and texture. If you are interested in making one yourself, below is a tutorial on how to make a Peek-a-boo lamp shade. All you have to do in return is pretend my windows in the pictures are clean =)

What you will need:
~ Scrap fabrics or various fabrics from a favorite designer. I used fabric from Phat Fabric (how much depends on your measurements)
~ bias tape or make bias tape
~ muslin or some sort of beige fabric
~ NON FLAMMABLE fabric glue
~ ruler

Lets begin our transformation...

1. First, we will make our template. Measure the circumference of both the top and bottom of the lamp shade. Record both measurements. Next, measure the length of the lamp shade (I will refer to this as the length line).

2. Determine how many strips of fabric you want on the lamp shade. Now for the part that's going to make your high school math teacher very proud.... divide the top circumference number by the amount of strips you desire. This is measurement A. Apply the same math equation for the bottom circumference (Bottom circumference divided by desired strips). This is measurement B. (And I thought I'd never use math after high school. I'm totally going to email this to Mr.Worthington)

3. On a piece of paper, draw a straight line that measures the length of the shade (use your length line measurement). Using measurement A, draw a straight line across the top of the length line (making a T). The length line should begin at the midpoint of measurement A. Next, do the same with measurement B, but instead of drawing it at the top of the length line, you will draw the straight line at the bottom of the length line. Again, make sure the bottom of the length line is centered at the midpoint of measurement B. Cut out your template, which should look like this...


4. Using your template, cut out the desired amount of fabric strips (not the muslin).


5. Arrange the strips on the lamp shade. Find a fabric sequence that is pleasing to your eyes.

6. One by one, peel of the strips and apply fabric glue to the wrong side of the fabric. It is very important that the glue is waterbased and non flammable or else you just may have to buy yourself a new house along with a new lamp shade.


7. Lay the fabric strip on to the lamp shade. Smooth out any bumps or bubbles. Repeat with the remaining strips of fabric. If you find that the strips don't line up perfectly, don't fret, the muslin strips will hide a multitude of sins.

I know what your thinking... "What did I let Jamie talk me into?" A happy lamp shade! Trust me. I'm a professional.... sort of.... at least in Prettydittyville I am.

8. Now for the muslin strips. Lay your template on top of your muslin. Add a 1/4" seam allowance to each side of the muslin (see pic below). * Note I did not add a 1/4" seam allowance to the top or bottom of the template. Just the sides. Cut double the amount of muslin strips as you did for the print strips. For example, if you cut 12 print strips then you should cut 24 muslin strips.


9. Once all of the muslin pieces are cut, you may begin to sew them together. Place two muslin pieces together, one on top of the other. If you are working with fabric that has a right and a wrong side, then you will want right sides together. With a 1/4" seam allowance, sew the lengthwise seams on both sides of your muslin strip. * Note - Do not sew the top or bottom of the strip, just the sides.

10. Turn your strip right side out and press.

A little wonky, but when it's folded it won't matter.

11. Find the mid point of your muslin strip and make a mark on the side. This mark should be light and will serve as a reference for where the fold should be.


12. Fold the muslin strip in half lengthwise. With matching thread, hand sew the fold close by making a little tack where the mark is.



13. Place your muslin strip between two printed strips. With a needle and thread, baste the top of the muslin piece to the shade. Do not cut the thread. Place another muslin piece between the next two printed pieces and baste with the same thread. Repeat with all muslin pieces.



14. Repeat step 13 for the bottom portion of the muslin strips. However, this time fold the bottom corners in a 1/4" (see pic).


15. Hand stitch the bias tape to the top and bottom of the shade. Be sure to place the edge of the shade in the bias tape and poke through both the fabric and shade (use a thimble) when sewing. I used a beige thread and a blind hem stitch. However, you can have fun with this part. One idea could be the use of embroidery thread in a popping color and a blanket stitch to show it off.


And voila! A happy shade made by you.




Jamie

If you make a lamp shade, please join the Pretty Ditty Show and Tell flickr group and show what you have created.