I set my mind to bedskirts yesterday. Namely, Ezra's bed was in need of one. He has a wonderful old bed that was made by my Great Uncle Don many, many years ago. I love the rough wood, the uneven finish, and the truly handmade look that it has. But goodness, is that bed high (which is part of what makes it wonderful when you're seven!). Uncle Don certainly wasn't making it with the box springs and pillow top mattresses of today in mind. Which meant the skirt we needed would have to be extra long - nothing I'd be able to find for purchase. Not to mention, we needed a fabric and fit that would please both this Mama who looks at the bed a whole lot and the boy who sleeps in the bed every single night. Each with, let's just say, rather particular tastes.
Oh, such thought for a little bedskirt!
But yesterday, I walked by and discovered three little ones quite happily corralled in said bedroom (Ezra's room is the place to be, you know). An opportunity to start a tiny project, I thought. I had just been putting some linens away, and had an idea. What if...I just used a bedspread as the skirt? Could it really be as simple as turning a blanket sideways to hang evenly over both sides, maybe with just a bit of hemming? With eager helpers (who doesn't want to see their mattress on the floor - where the best kind of jumping can ensue?), we gave it a go.
After we placed the chenille coverlet just so, I attached it to the the box spring on all the corners and at several points along each side with Quilters safety pins. When the jumpers were worn out from the mattress-on-the-floor action, the four of us heaved the mattress on top (I have so much help). And voila - I think it kinda worked. Just as simple as that.
It may not be a permanent bed skirt solution, but maybe that's the beauty - we can easily switch it out with another spread whenever it strikes our fancy. And for now...it cleverly hides the baskets of stuff under Ezra's bed, while saving me from an afternoon of measuring and sewing (though that would have been lovely too). Instead, I got to climb upon that bed (I need the chair too), and join the band for a little while. There's always a jam session happening in here...and it's always a good way to while away the hours.
