This old house, while quirky and full of charm, is not without its challenges. Case in point: the wall-mounted porcelain sink in our upstairs bathroom. Love the high-back splash guard; hate the exposed plumbing.
Right away, I imagined a fabric sink skirt with a large box pleat, trimmed in grosgrain ribbon. You see them all the time in magazines. But when I checked with an upholsterer in town, for a self-adhesive skirted sink with trim, it was going to cost $750! And that's without the fabric! Enter: Designer DIY. A couple of months back, while shopping the Dollar Tree for a Dorothy Draper-inspired table setting, I came across a bunch of plain, white flour sack cloths. They're simple, beautiful and, best of all, washable! For the table, I trimmed them in green grosgrain ribbon, then used them as napkins. But as luck would have it, they would also be the perfect length for a skirted sink, made from Dollar Tree towels!
After a quick stop at Jo-Ann's for Stitch Witchery and Velcro, out came the sewing machine and glue gun. First, using Stitch Witchery, I adhered black grosgrain ribbon to the bottom edge of every towel—11 in all. Next, to make the skirt, I planned and pinned each towel to Velcro, layering them to achieve a box pleat effect. After a simple stitch to sew it all together, I adhered one side of the Velcro to the apron of the sink, then attached the skirt. Finally, I hot-glued grosgrain ribbon across the entire top edge, just to give it that finished, decorator look. The only difference is mine cost about 15 bucks!
I love the tailored box pleat effect. I think it's sophisticated and masculine. The extra storage space is great too!
And would you believe I finished this little project about three minutes before our friends Seleta and Peter arrived for the weekend? Guests are so good that way. They make us get up and do it!
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Posted by: mini trampoline | April 05, 2012 at 10:06 AM
Eddie, Help! I made a skirt for my pantry (double) sink out of a drop cloth. I attached one piece of velcro to my pantry sink, using double faced tape, and the other to the skirt . Unfortunately the double-faced tape was not strong enough to hold up the skirt . . . it keeps falling off. Anuy suggestions?
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Wow that's a cool makeover of that wash basin. I always like that back and white combination in bathroom, ans its a good idea to cover up the sink base, water outlets should always be hidden.
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I love the look of skirts on bathroom, and kitchen sinks...however, in my experience of trying this look...it only lasts for about the first few actual using of the sinks,...dirty dish stuff, dirty soap, toothpaste, etc. It's all going to show up on the skirt...to be the least bit successful, the skirt must be under the edge of the sinks, and still be prepared for frequent washing.
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Posted by: Raman Aurora | November 01, 2010 at 10:34 AM
Back to the velcro. Any suggestions re:making sure the velcro holds? We have made some beautiful skirts to cover plumbing at my daughter's reception site(ergo -no glue guns on sink). I am now concerned that they will be on the floor before the first course.
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Posted by: gW30Hannah | February 07, 2010 at 08:20 AM
This is an amazing idea. I've been looking for a sink skirt everywhere that doesn't look cheap and polyester! I did this project without sewing anything- all stitch-witchery and velcro. Looks perfect! Thank you so much!
Posted by: Dayna | November 12, 2009 at 12:05 AM
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Posted by: Jane | April 24, 2009 at 03:06 PM
I'm consistently surprised at what people come up with from the dollar store. This is no exception. Your work is beautiful!
Posted by: Tiffany | April 23, 2009 at 07:32 PM
You are amazing as usual. I love the tailored-but-casual look.
Posted by: stacy di | April 23, 2009 at 07:07 PM
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!Love it!
Posted by: Redesign Diva | April 23, 2009 at 12:13 AM
Great idea Eddie!!!!!!!!! I live in West Virginia so I get to see Dorothy's great work all the time at the Greenbriar! If you ever want anything from there...let me know and I will send it to you!
Posted by: Mabel + Lola | April 22, 2009 at 08:21 PM
love it! looks fantastic
Posted by: julie | April 21, 2009 at 10:42 AM
I love the addition of the skirt! I can't believe you got the material at Dollar Tree! I check them out occasionally and will have to go again to see what I can find. Also, I'm wondering what's hidden in those Hermes boxes!
Posted by: Tammy518 | April 20, 2009 at 02:23 PM
I love all your projects. May I correct you on one thing? It's Czechslovakia, not Checkoslovakia. My sister-in-law is from Slovakia--and you should see her glass collections !
Posted by: stacy | April 19, 2009 at 03:29 PM
Very chic, Eddie. Those flour sack towels come in SO handy, don't they?
Posted by: Angela | April 18, 2009 at 11:23 AM
I whipped up my dress, prom night! Nothing like a little pressure -like a date or a guest to make something so swell and in a jiffy!
Posted by: pve | April 18, 2009 at 07:15 AM
Oh how I love the dollar store!!! Am helping a friend dress a wine reception tonight... the table cloths for the wine tables- canvas painter drop clothes from Home Depot $9!!!!
Posted by: Live In Full Color | April 18, 2009 at 07:08 AM
WOW, what a transformation! I just love the dollar store. You never know what you are going to find.
Posted by: zoe | April 17, 2009 at 11:40 AM
Eddie you AMAZE me! Seriously fabulous!!!
Ronda
xoxo
Posted by: all the best | April 17, 2009 at 09:02 AM
Shut your fabulous designer mouth, can you come to my house and do some designer DIY...I promise it would be worth your while! love it.
Posted by: Padgett | April 16, 2009 at 11:10 PM
this is off the charts- ingenious!! Come on Eddie you need a vacation ...you and Jaithan head to the beach and come see us--
Posted by: suzanne | April 16, 2009 at 07:02 PM
what a terrific transformation. And I'm DROOLING over that black wedgwood dish you placed on the backsplash. ;)
Posted by: mary | April 16, 2009 at 05:47 PM
I LOVE this! AND I love those sack cloths, I used those same ones to make a "French grain sack" tabel runner (you can see on my blog). I also used some pretty blue floral napkins from Dollar Tree for the ends of it. LOVE Dollar Tree.
Thanks for sharing your amazing, thrifty talents!
Posted by: Ginnie Renner | April 16, 2009 at 09:16 AM
You are genius. Only a designer with FIERCE taste can make something so inexpensive look positively chic. You continue to amaze me. I peeked at that pretty skirted sink every time I passed by the bathroom while we were visiting.
xoxo
Seleta
Posted by: seleta | April 16, 2009 at 12:23 AM
Seriously clever! The end result is amazing and it fits so perfectly with your flooring.
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Wow! That looks amazing.
You can truly transform, that is certain.
Posted by: Kim | April 15, 2009 at 10:50 PM
LOVE LOVE LOVE
you are talented!
Posted by: thomas | April 15, 2009 at 09:18 PM
Eddie, this is a fantastic transformation. It's looks so expensive. You would never know it cost you only $15. That's what I love about budget decorating. Simple, beautiful, affordable. The black ribbon is the Pièce de résistance! Bravo!
PS I know what you mean about waiting for company to come to get things done! Ha!
Posted by: Lanette | April 15, 2009 at 07:08 PM
Eddie,
Sweet project and so cute hiding old Hermes boxes underneath -- vintage with a sense of humor for those who peek!
xoxo
Evy
Posted by: Evelyn Weiss | April 15, 2009 at 06:17 PM
Eddie, you're so talented - why don't you just teach yourself to sew? Think of how many more amazing things you could do!
Great job...looking forward to what you do with the rest of the house
Posted by: Brittness | April 15, 2009 at 05:58 PM
Awesome!! Thanks for sharing! I'm going to link to this project from DollarStoreCrafts.com (next week).
Heather
Posted by: Heather - DollarStoreCrafts.com | April 15, 2009 at 05:40 PM
What a great project Eddie! I love your ingenuity.
Posted by: Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality | April 15, 2009 at 02:48 PM
Wow, what a fabulous job you did...it looks lovely! I love the b & w tile, so lucky that was already there. Thank you for sharing your jouney in your new home with us:)
Posted by: hanako66 | April 15, 2009 at 01:11 PM
Looks great!!! I am doing something similar to make a vanity!
Posted by: Sarah (Matters of Style) | April 15, 2009 at 01:09 PM
I had a sink JUST like that in my first house and added a fabric skirt to it and loved the look. The challenge was finding the right adhesive to keep the Velcro attached....only had adequate success with that part.
Tricia - Avolli
Posted by: Tricia - Avolli | April 15, 2009 at 12:44 PM
Eddie
you have the golden touch. thank you for sharing your blessings of skill, taste and nerve to try anything!
xo jody
Posted by: jody | April 15, 2009 at 12:40 PM
Eddie, how did you adhere the velcro to the apron of the sink! Hope all dollar trees have these towels.... I'm a copy cat!
Posted by: Chloe | April 15, 2009 at 11:19 AM
Wow! That is fabulous!
Posted by: AuntSpicy | April 15, 2009 at 11:16 AM
love it!!!!! Stunning and inexpensive! I could sit and read through your archives all day...what joy!
Posted by: carol | April 15, 2009 at 11:12 AM
Excellent!! Very chic and manly!!
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Posted by: christy | April 15, 2009 at 09:56 AM
I did this years ago with a gingham plaid at my mother in laws house. Their home was built in the 50's and had the original sink in there like yours. I re-decorated their bathroom and LOVED doing this to the sink!
Posted by: Dawn | April 15, 2009 at 09:23 AM
That is gorgeous. You are so incredibly creative and inventive! Only you could make something so chic out of Dollar Tree finds!
Posted by: Kailee | April 15, 2009 at 08:51 AM
Eddie, I love the skirt and the fact that it's a new sew creation is the icing on the cake! I have a sink like that in my basement. I hope I find fabric like that.
I can't believe you found that mixer for 24$!!! What Sallys do you go to?
I love your cookies for Easter...I had alot of catching up to do. I love your blog! Mary
Posted by: mary Shields | April 15, 2009 at 07:31 AM
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Posted by: Linderho | April 15, 2009 at 06:39 AM
Genius!
Posted by: PJ | April 15, 2009 at 05:38 AM
LOVE it!! What a great idea! I'm gonna have to stop by the Dollar Tree to pick up some of those. They are great.
The first time I ever came to your blog, was for the trip you took to Dollar Tree to show all of the wonderful things you can get there, and what you can do with them. I've always loved Dollar Tree, and think of myself as one who thinks outside the box, but you have helped me to take it a few steps further. You're great!
Posted by: Amber | April 15, 2009 at 03:03 AM
$750 IS outrageous! They must have priced it high because they didn't really want the job? Really at any price, it's a better DIY project. Great job, makes me wish I had a pedestal sink I could skirt up!
Posted by: Linda Merrill from ::Surroundings:: | April 14, 2009 at 11:55 PM
How perfectly classic and beautiful. Is it really as easy as you say!??
Posted by: Karena | April 14, 2009 at 11:42 PM
Eddie, is there a Nobel Prize for Crafty?
Posted by: M | April 14, 2009 at 11:39 PM
what a fabulous looking solution! the ridiculously priced alternative couldn't possibly have looked any better. i love the look of the entire area...so warm and inviting.
Posted by: Deb Mills | April 14, 2009 at 11:14 PM
What a great skirt -- cannot believe the $750 quote and no fabric either! WOW! Your bathroom is so sophisticated yet retains the vintage charm.
Posted by: Linderho | April 14, 2009 at 11:09 PM
This is why I really love your blog. Great ideas that are truly accessible to any skill set and any budget with beautiful results. Dollar Tree is awesome, too!
Posted by: Laura | April 14, 2009 at 10:36 PM
I decided a while ago that if there is something that cannot be absent in my home? are a hot glue gun, velcro and stitch witchery. It's amazing what you can do with them. I made a whole shower curtain using stitch witchery and a hot glue gun.
P.S. I love that floor and chair.
Posted by: julie at Belle vivir | April 14, 2009 at 09:43 PM
Fantastic, I am inspired.
Posted by: Anne | April 14, 2009 at 09:31 PM
Love it! Classic, simple, elegant and creative. Just remember--hand wash, iron while damp on the reverse--a little spray sizing will keep it crisp.
Posted by: esgabel | April 14, 2009 at 09:22 PM
Dollar Tree has towels like that?! For a dollar?! I'm going to have to go check that out! I would like to know if grosgrain ribbon is colorfast when washed too. I want to use some on drapes I'm making...
Posted by: Kathi | April 14, 2009 at 09:08 PM
Well done!!! Another brillant project of Cheap-But-Oh-So-Chic Styling from our darling ER! Lovely! I adore black-and-white -- fresh and classic!
Jan at Rosemary Cottage
Posted by: Jan | April 14, 2009 at 08:27 PM
I have to agree w/Kathy who said that she attached her skirt from underneath, therefore avoiding spills. If it was hung from underneath it would also show off more of the sink front - which is so elegant in it's simplicity.
As always, I am in awe of your creativity. This is a prime example: what one can do with flour sacks . . . Bravo Eddie!
Posted by: Karen | April 14, 2009 at 08:08 PM
I love the fact that you didn't want to or couldn't justify the $750.00 skirt so you came up with this elegant solution. Love all the black and white and the Jasper and transferware. The fresh flowers with the touch of green, perfection. Affordable perfection and isn't that what we all want!
This posting brightened up a dreary spring day you.
Posted by: The Queen Vee | April 14, 2009 at 08:02 PM
Eddie I am all about black and white bathrooms. This is a great fix for something that was not up to par for Eddie. It looks so crisp and clean, I love that. It is true having a party or overnight guest is a great impetus to get those last minute projects done,I can not believe someone would charge $750, did he know you were Eddie Ross and you know better, shame on him. Love your finished look, Hugs Kathysue
Posted by: Kathysue | April 14, 2009 at 07:51 PM
Hi Eddie,
This post inspires me to think outside of the box and to unleash the designer in me. You should write more posts like this!
Posted by: Thea | April 14, 2009 at 07:50 PM
No wonder we love you so! Of course, I've seen those very same flour sack cloths at the Dollar Tree near my neighborhood, but did I do something brilliant with them??? Well, not YET anyway!!!
Posted by: Kaye Richardson | April 14, 2009 at 07:44 PM
Ingenious! Love it!
Posted by: Jill | April 14, 2009 at 07:43 PM
***** Eddie, darlin'~ You missed your calling as a MILITARY SPOUSE!!! "We" DID things like that, especially when arriving in foreign countires!!! There was a time, "waaaay back when", I actually (temporarily, of course!) hung a tad of fabric over a window w/ tacks and... ta- da... DENTAL FLOSS!!! (And it WORKED, but I didn't have enough left to "do right by my teeth" that night ~ I thought it was a small price to pay, tho, for a bit o' privacy for the evening!!!)~~~~~ Hugs, Linda ***
Posted by: Linda | April 14, 2009 at 07:28 PM