BUY or DIY: Duvets

Welcome to another edition of BUY or DIY? Where I look at the cost, time invested, and likely hood of pulling your hair out on DIY projects, after all, sometimes it is better to buy! 

This week I'm looking at duvet covers. They can be super pricey, and it's really not much more than two sheets sewn together (sometimes). 

First up, a duvet with ruching. I love them because they add a little texture, but don't look too busy! 

BUY: 

Cirrus duvet from Anthropologie (I can't find it on the website but I think it was around $250) 

Hadley ruched duvet cover from Pottery Barn, $179, king 

Smocked duvet cover, Target $89.99, king

DIY:

Made by Lex has a great tutorial using sheets from Target. $45 dollars for a king.

FABULOUS end result, but a little time consuming! 

I would say BUY (from Target)!  I'm thinking that I would rather spend a little more money to avoid pulling my hair out. I don't do well with lots of fabric around the sewing machine ... I end up sewing things together that don't belong and get very frustrated! Know your strengths, right? :)

And secondly, a plain (no ruffles or gathering) duvet out of fabric or sheets. 

BUY:

Allegra Hicks Embroidered duvet, West Elm, currently on sale, $89.99, King

Coral Chambray duvet, Target, $75.99, King

Or DIY, a tutorial via Design Sponge using fabric here or a tutorial using flat sheets here, both are super easy to follow, and materials are pretty cheap, just two flat sheets or yardage for size needed. My only issue with using fabric is that it will need to have seams down the front (since it isn't wide enough). You could line up the pattern (if it is larger), but I think I would prefer not to have seams.  Just a personal preference :) 

I say DIY, waiting until you find the perfect flat sheets to make it out of! That way you can save at least 50%, and total time spent would be a few hours. Of course, Target and West Elm (to name a few) have good sales at the end of the season, so it could definitely be worth it to grab one then!  

I've been thinking about doing this for a while ... so this officially made it onto my DIY list! 

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Finally, today is the last day to vote for your favorite project in round1 of Creating with the Stars, Upcycle! I had a lot of fun with this! Taking something that is less than desirable and turning it into something that you love is definitely a favorite of mine! So I hope that you love my project too! 

Voting ends tonight at 10 pm EST, and tomorrow I'll let you know which project is mine! Click here to vote (at the bottom of the post, and scroll through the box) 

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BUY or DIY - poufs

Moving into my second year of blogging, I want to start including a few weekly or bi-weekly series. If you've been following for a little bit, you probably know that I DIY a lot, though there are also times where buying is better.

So here's my take on BUYing or DIYing. I'll be looking at cost of material, time invested and the probability of pulling your hair out.

First up, the pouf. Poufs are a staple in so many homes because they are incredibly versatile (perfect for a foot rest, extra setting, a step up when needed, etc.), affordable, and often the perfect accessory to finish a room.

the Moroccan pouf:

via

Buy - available from serena and lily, overstock, ebay among others ($110 - $450)

via

or DIY, tutorial via Better Homes and Gardens 

The tutorial is very clear and easy to follow; however, it does require a good bit of more complicated sewing (like more complicated than sewing in a straight line :). I don't have a lot of patience with sewing, so while I think that it is completely doable, it's probably not for me. Maybe when I move closer to my mom (aka sewing genius!)

Also depends if you would like leather or fabric, leather can be pricey and more difficult to sew.

So for the Moroccan pouf, I would say BUY (unless you rock at sewing!) In fact, I just bought one from here 

Square Dhurri Pouf:

Buy - West Elm Ansalusia Dhurri Pouf $249 (currently on sale for $199)

or DIY - tutorial via retropolitan. Easy to follow instructions and $9 for rugs from Ikea (and filling of your choice) will get you a large square pouf. If you can sew in a semi straight line this should be fairly easy to try. The only thing that concerns me is that my lower end sewing machine can't handle the thickness of the rug...  I would want to test a thicker material first.

So for a Square Dhurri style pouf, DIY, but maybe with a lighter material! Although, the West Elm ones are gorgeous ... it may be worth it if you are in love with the pattern and can't find a good substitute!

What's your take, would you like to try either of these DIYs or would you rather buy?

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