Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

Giveaway: Kate Spain Quilt Set + Décor Tips and Ideas

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Kate-Spain-Quilt-Giveaway

The winner of this giveaway is Surabhi Kacker. Congratulations! We have sent you an email.

Here at CraftGossip, we are lucky to be featuring this brand new Kate Spain Bedding Collection. These three bedding ensembles (pictured above) grew from colorful doodles she did in her sketchbook. The florals and geometric patterns were inspired from her lush summer garden in Connecticut.

Each quilt has its own style:

“Hills and Valleys” is color saturated and artsy (on the left).

“Sunnyside” is timeless and sophisticated (in the middle  in the picture).

“Daydream” is whimsical and textural (on the right).

Which one is your favorite?

We got some design and décor tips from Kate herself:

– In the summer, I like to keep the bedrooms uncluttered to emphasize an airy, cool, and serene atmosphere.

– Linen draperies in light and bright colors pare nicely with crisp cotton sheets and light-weight colorful quilts.

– Don’t forget fresh flowers from the garden placed near to where you can enjoy them throughout the day. Bedside flowers are a beautiful way to begin and end a summer’s day.

– Finally, I swap out our plush, tufted rugs in the bedroom for seagrass, sisal, and jute floor covering. Their neutral colors and natural materials are a perfect complement for the light and airy spaces wafting with fragrant flowers.

GIVEAWAY

We are giving away one of these quilt sets to one lucky CraftGossip reader. To win, leave a comment below and tell us which one is your favorite and why.

US residents only. Ends 15th July 2014.

Comments

  1. I like the pale color in the second one, along with the chevron type stripes!

  3. love the Daydream…would love to win it for my mom…it is right up her alley! 🙂 thanks

  5. I like the blue with orange spots on that quilt blanket for our bed in the summer time. Thanks if u pick me as a winner. 😉

  7. were getting ready to move my daughter to a ‘big bed’ and I’d LOVE to win daydream, so she would have a new color scheme for her room (that mom likes too!)

  9. I would love to have anyone of the quilts, but I
    really the Daydream quilt. It makes me feel happy.

  10. In love with Kate Spain quilts! I am a single mom buying my first house for my daughter and I! Long awaited! Would love to have Daydream for a beautiful start to our design in our new home! We currently share a bed!

  12. Oh my – how to choose. Love Hills and Valleys with it’s blues and yellows. But I think I will have to pick Sunnyside – so fun!

  14. I like the yellow and gray chevron one, in the middle.. because I is bright and cheerful!! I could use a little of both of those in my life right now! :0)

  15. Sunnyside is my fave; it speaks to me of warm spring days full of sunshine and fun!

    Thanks for the opportunity.

  16. Love love love Sunnyside-imagine waking beneath it, or in tropicalHOT Hawai’i, atop it!

  20. Hills and Valleys would be my choice since it matches one of our guest rooms perfectly. They are all so beautiful, that anyone would be welcomed by whoever is lucky enough to win.

  27. Love the colors and style of Daydream…..have always liked pinks and oranges together!

  29. What a great selection! All are gorgeous, but I am most comfortable in blues for our bedroom. Both me & my husband love the peace and quiet we derive from Blue colorways. I will have to go with “Sunnyside” for my selection, but we certainly aren’t sophisticated!

  31. I love all of them! It’s hard to just pick one! Hills and Valleys would go best with my room color scheme though! 🙂 I hope I win!! Thanks for having a giveaway!

  32. Daydream is my favorite! I love the colors and the different patterns! It would be beautiful in my teen daughter’s room – she loves to daydream!

  37. They are all very beautiful but for our summer home I’ll have to go with the “Hills and Valleys”. Colors are perfect for one of the bedrooms.

  43. I love them all but I think I would choose daydreams. it has lots of colors that you can match and make things like pillows pop

  44. Love the Hills and Valleys pattern. It looks so bright and sunny. A great way to start each day.

  45. Hills and Valleys. So bright and cheerful and something a man would like too. Somehow all the geometrics are interesting yet restful…….like follow the yellow …….. To a smile. I love this one!

  48. I’m having a hard time picking between Daydream and Sunnyside. Love them both!

  56. They are all so beautiful! But I agree with many of you, Hills and Valleys is my favorite. Sunny yellows always put be in a better mood.

  58. I love the yellow Chevron print. I think that is “Hills and Valleys.” I love a cheerful yellow mixed with white furniture for bedroom decor. I think it looks charming and airy!

    Thanks for this wonderful giveaway!!

  59. I love the Sunnyside quilt because the yellow is bright and welcoming. I would love walking into my bedroom and seeing it on my bed. It feels cheery!

  62. “Daydreams” is my favorite!!! Full of Happy!!! Will make our bedroom wake-up & Sparkle!! Loooove it!! Colors are Perfectly “Me” too..lol

  65. I like Hills and Valleys. I think it would brighten any room and I really like the different colors!

  67. Hills & Valleys
    Cornflower Blue and Butter Yellow have always been my favorite!

  68. They’re all gorgeous, but the pinks and oranges of Daydream would be absolutely perfect with the white iron bed in my guest room!

  70. It is so hard to pick one…I think Daydream would edge out the others for me…They are all beautiful and not easy to pick just one, lol Good luck to all that enter!

  73. Hi, I love all three but the one I would love to have is “Daydream” the colors and the design are wonderful. Thanks for a chance.

  75. i love Sunny side because it is “timeless and sophisticated” – just like me!! 🙂

  78. My favorite is the Hills and Valleys. The poppy red and blue hues is stunning and it would fit well with the decor in my bedroom. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway 🙂

    Renee
    fattybumpkins at yahoo dot com

  81. I think my favorite is daydream just because I love the colors used in that quilt. But they are all really beautiful!!

  83. Sunnyside is my fav- although they are all just incredible! This would certainly brighten my disgustingly BORING bedroom and bring a smile to my face every morning- HEY, I might even START MAKING MY BED in the morning!!!!

  85. If the third picture is daydream…that’s the one for me. They are all beautiful , but that one makes me smile.:-) my bedroom is a little tired ,and could really use a happy face lift.

  86. My daughter has brought a lot of orange into our house so would have to pick sunnyside, but they are all beautiful and make me think of a guesthouse in a fabulous beach house!

  89. My favorite would be Hills & Valleys. I love the sunny colors & would definitely wake up my bedroom & bring some style to it.

  90. The Sunnyside quilt is beautiful! Would be perfect in our guest bedroom with those cheery colors! Fun!

  93. I love the middle one with yellow and grays! I like the design and I’ve been looking for something just like this that will work for a guy or a girl. This would be great for our French Exchange Student (boy)!

  95. I love the Sunnyside. I am planning to redo my entire house in mainly blue, yellow. and white.
    This quilt would look beautiful on my white iron bed.

  97. Hills & Valleys would look perfect in my parents farmhouse. They recently bought a vineyard and are I the process of decorating the new space!

  98. They are all so pretty but I think my favorite is the blue one–probably cause blue has been my favorite color since the day of my birth!!

  99. They are all beautiful but I would LOVE the yellow and gray chevron…those are the colors I’ve chosen to redecorate my bedroom!

  102. What beautiful works of art! I’m setting up my sewing room and the orange and pink quilt is perfect. It would create such inspiration for me every day.

  104. I like the blue colors of Sunnyside but the Chevron pattern of Hills and Valley. So I would say either of these two.

  105. I have to say I love them all, but, hills and valley is my favorite. I love the cheveron. Sunny Side is great too. We are redoing my daughter’s bedroom. She loves orange and blue. It would be perfect.

  106. i love the hills and valley. Cheveron is one of my favorite. Also love Sunny Side. We are redoing my daughter’s bed room and blue and orange is her favorite.

  109. the Yellow one in the middle is my favorite,but I would be proud to have any. They are all beautiful

  110. Although each quilt is beautiful on their own, Sunnyside is my favorite of them all. With the heat of our summer days, wrapping up in a quilt on cool summer nights is just delightful. The blues in this quilt have such depth and feel comforting and cooling, so needed in our busy lives. The poppies are interesting reds and feel a little feisty and happy. The interplay of colors draw you in, I definitely could see loosing myself just reading the quilt’s colors and textures. What a lovely way to drift off to dreamland.

  114. Wow, love them all, but Daydreams would brighten up a bedroom I need to redo. Our granddaughter is at college and her room is still junior high era! Makes me miss her so much!!!

  116. Oh, I love the colors in “Daydream” — the whole design is a delight for the senses!

  117. Love the blue and orange set. The colors feel cool and restful for a hot summer season. With crisp white sheets… beautiful!

  120. I think they are all beautiful but Love the one in the middle. I love the mixture of yellow and grey color and love the stripes and design. It wold be beautiful in my daughters room that I just painted a pale yellow. She is away at college and would love for her to come home to this beautiful bedding!

  122. I adore the middle one with light yellow colorway and chevron pattern. It really feels like summer weekend, very relaxing. thanks/

  124. I like the yellow one in the middle. It reminds me of bright sunshine and gives off a clean, airy feeling. My daughter was recently married and they are a young couple starting off. She is who I would give it to. Plus she lives in Connecticut, so the connection to gardens there makes it more special!

  126. I like Hills and Valleys – think it would give you wonderful travels while you dream! Thanks for a chance to win!

  127. Hills and Valleys will go with my bedroom colors. I love the chevrons in Sunnyside.

  133. I like the “Hills and Valleys” because of the chevron and the color – perfect!

  134. My favorite is the yellow comforter set because it’s sunny and bright. 🙂

  136. I think they are all beautiful. But I am torn between the daydream and the sunnyside. But think in the end the Daydream is my favorite.

  138. I am crazy about ‘Sunnyside’ because I am
    in love with both the combination of grey and yellow and the divine combination of flowers and patterns!

  140. Love the Sunnyside, brighten any bedroom especially mine!!
    Would love to own.

  142. Hills and Valleys I my favorite because it looks very fresh and reminds me of water and floating in the pool 🙂

  143. Sunnyside, because I love its summery tones and ability to lighten a room. Our bedroom is cozy and the bedding has heavier, fall/winter colors. Would love to take it loftier places with this beautiful quilt!

  145. Sunnyside is my favorite. yellow and blue hues with the chevron design make waking up easy on the eyes!

  148. I love the Sunnyside set! I’ve been wanting to paint our bedroom walls gray and this set would tie in perfectly.

  150. I love the “daydream” quilt! The combination of colors and patterns reminds me of the quilts my granny would sew in her living room. Bright, airy, cheerful… Love it.

  152. I love the first one hills n valley….firstly I love the color as blue is my favorite ,secondly the name hills n valleys is always been my favorite hangout n Finally I thnk the maker of this has put in a great effort to design this keeping in mind,how how ppl can relate it to their lives….thank u for making such lovely n wormth

  154. Favorite – sunnyside as it reminds me of the sum coming through the windows and I also feel refreshed for another beautiful day!

  155. My fav is hills n valleys:-)firstly the color blue is my fav,secondly I the name as I m crazy for hills n finally I woud like to thanks kate for making such a beautiful quilt.i dont knw I ll be the winner or nt….but I desperately want one to hav it….as I can already feel the wormth Being in it…

  156. Sunnyside is a perfect fit for my bedroom!! I wanted something bright and cheery and this one is exactly what I need. Adding turquoise to the color mix will brighten my bedroom and my life!!

  157. I love the hills and valleys because I have never been a pink or yellow peraom but the blue and purples are beautifil and remind me of a field of summer lilacs with a few pansies sparcely placed about. It shows how every romantic daydream of frolicing through flowers should begin.

  161. I love the “Sunnyside” the simplistic use of yellow and white with a splash of grey.

  163. I love the sunny side quilt. I love the colors and especially the gray accent. It would be perfect in the room I want to paint and redo.

  165. They’re all gorgeous, but my favorite is “Daydream.” Love the colors and patterns… everything about it is perfect!

  167. I am excited about the Hills and Valleys quilt! I love the blue and pops of red! The design reminds me of an Asian pattern…I love it!

  169. I love Daydreams. It has the feeling of the quilts I am making right now. The color is fantastic.

  170. I love brighter colors and would love to have Daydream as it fits the colors in my house much better than the other two.

  174. Sunnyside is my favorite. Has a vintage look with modern colors. I live the color combination of yellow and gray. Very refreshing.

  176. I really love Hills and Valleys as it’s such a pretty print & I love the blue red combo.

  177. I love, love love the sunnyside set. The yellow and gray scheme is classy and can be put into any kind of décor! My hubby and I had to get rid our old comforter, which was cheaply made and falling apart. Right now we’re using a “Frostbite” quilt my mother made for us – but it is goofy looking in the summer!

  181. I t would be great to have any one of the bed sets but I think I like the “Sunny Sise “set best. Thank yo u for all the give always you do..

  182. I love them all, but Sunnyside is my favorite. I love the light and summery look of the pattern.

  185. First-I love anything Kate Spain designs! Second-if I HAD to pick only one it would be Sunnyside! I love the design and I love yellow and grey!! But they are all fantastic!!

  186. I love Daydream! Kate’s whole Daydream fabric line reminds me of Spring and it’s my favorite time of year here in South Carolina!
    Thanks for a wonderful giveaway!

  187. I love all of Kate’s creations but daydream is my favorite. It just fits my personality.

  188. Hills and Valleys. I have two children in the military and when asked that’s how I’ve always described my life as a military mom. It’s a constant map of hills and valleys. This bedding would look fantastic in my military themed room for my Navy sailors home in leave. Beautiful!

  189. I’m drawn to “Daydream” because, well, I like to daydream! Each of the designs would work well in my guest room.

  190. Thank you for the giveaway! I like Daydream. The colors remind me of a flower garden and the name reminds me of relaxing, daydreaming on a warm summer day.

  192. It’s hard to choose, but Sunnyside would be lovely in our soft grey bedroom. Very fun and generous giveaway. Thanks!

  194. I love the hills and valleys print ! My husband And I are newly married and we would love to decorate our new home with your beautiful bed set (:

  202. I absolutely love Sunnyside. It would look amazing in my new bedroom. My husband and I just bought our first home and are now starting the adoption process, so something new and happy like the Sunnyside set would be amazing! 🙂 <3

  203. OMG SUNNYSIDE. they are all beautiful but Sunnyside is its name SUNNY and cheerful.
    Please pick MEEE

Have you read?

Necklace Length Guide For Handmade Jewelry Makers

Choosing the right necklace length can make a huge difference to how a handmade necklace looks and feels. You can use beautiful beads, the perfect clasp, and the prettiest pendant in the drawer, but if the necklace length is wrong, it may not sit the way you imagined.

This necklace length guide is designed for beginner jewelry makers who are making beaded necklaces, pendant necklaces, pearl necklaces, charm necklaces or layered jewelry at home. It covers the most common necklace lengths, where they usually sit, how to measure yourself, and how to adjust the length for different beads and pendants.

If you are new to handmade jewelry, you might also like this wire necklace tutorial or this DIY birthstone necklace.

Why Necklace Length Matters

Necklace length affects comfort, style and wearability.

A necklace that is too short may feel tight. A necklace that is too long may disappear under clothing or sit awkwardly with a pendant. A heavy beaded necklace may need a different length than a delicate chain.

When you are making jewelry by hand, you have the advantage of custom sizing. That means you can make a necklace that suits the wearer rather than relying on a standard shop-bought length.

And honestly, that is one of the nicest things about handmade jewelry. It can actually fit the person it is made for.

Standard Necklace Length Chart

Here is a simple guide to common necklace lengths for adults.

Necklace StyleApprox. LengthWhere It Usually Sits
Collar12–14 inchesHigh around the neck
Choker14–16 inchesClose to the base of the neck
Princess17–19 inchesAround the collarbone
Matinee20–24 inchesBelow the collarbone
Opera28–34 inchesLower on the chest
Rope36 inches or longerLong, layered or wrapped

These are general measurements. Body shape, neck size, clothing and bead size can all change where a necklace sits.

Collar Necklace Length

A collar necklace usually measures around 12 to 14 inches and sits high around the neck.

This length works best for:

  • delicate chain necklaces
  • tiny beads
  • layered chokers
  • formal styles
  • open necklines

Collar necklaces need to fit carefully because there is not much room for error. Always measure the wearer before making one.

If using beads, choose small beads that curve comfortably around the neck. Large beads can make a collar necklace feel too tight.

Choker Necklace Length

A choker is usually around 14 to 16 inches and sits close to the base of the neck.

Chokers are popular for:

  • simple bead strands
  • velvet ribbon necklaces
  • small pendants
  • pearl chokers
  • seed bead necklaces

For comfort, add a short extender chain if possible. This gives the wearer a little flexibility and makes the necklace easier to fit.

Chokers are lovely, but they are not very forgiving if the measurement is wrong. Measure first, bead second.

Princess Necklace Length

A princess necklace is usually around 17 to 19 inches and sits near the collarbone.

This is one of the most popular necklace lengths because it works with many outfits and styles. It is a good choice for beginner beaded necklaces because it is comfortable, versatile and easy to wear.

Princess length works well for:

  • simple beaded necklaces
  • birthstone necklaces
  • pearl necklaces
  • pendant necklaces
  • charm necklaces
  • everyday handmade jewelry

If you are not sure what length to make, an 18-inch necklace is often a safe starting point.

Matinee Necklace Length

A matinee necklace is usually around 20 to 24 inches and sits below the collarbone.

This length is lovely for:

  • larger beads
  • gemstone necklaces
  • layered jewelry
  • office outfits
  • longer pendant designs
  • statement bead necklaces

Matinee necklaces give a little more space for feature beads or a pendant. They can also be more comfortable for people who do not like necklaces sitting close to the neck.

Opera Necklace Length

An opera necklace is usually around 28 to 34 inches and sits lower on the chest.

Opera length necklaces work beautifully for:

  • long pearl strands
  • dramatic bead designs
  • evening jewelry
  • layered necklaces
  • slip-over styles without clasps

Because this length is longer, you may need more beads than expected. Check your bead count before you start, unless you enjoy the suspense of running out halfway through.

Rope Necklace Length

A rope necklace is usually 36 inches or longer.

This length can be worn long, doubled, knotted or layered. It works well with lightweight beads, pearls and chains.

Rope necklaces are very versatile, but they can be heavy if made with large glass or gemstone beads. For comfort, choose lighter materials or space heavier beads with chain.

How To Measure Necklace Length At Home

The easiest way to work out necklace length is to use a soft measuring tape.

Wrap the tape around the neck where you want the necklace to sit. Add extra length depending on the style and comfort level.

If you do not have a soft tape measure, use a piece of string or yarn, then measure it with a ruler.

When making a necklace for someone else, ask for their preferred necklace length if possible. If it is a surprise gift, choose a standard princess length or add an extender chain.

Remember To Include The Clasp

When measuring handmade necklaces, remember that the clasp, jump rings and extender chain add length.

For example, if you want an 18-inch finished necklace, the beaded section may need to be slightly shorter depending on your clasp.

Before crimping or finishing the necklace, lay the whole piece flat and measure from end to end.

This little step can save you from making a necklace that is accidentally longer than planned.

How Bead Size Affects Necklace Length

Large beads take up more space around the neck because they sit away from the body. This means a necklace made with large beads may feel shorter than the same length made with tiny seed beads.

If you are using chunky beads, add a little extra length for comfort.

As a rough guide:

  • tiny seed beads need little extra length
  • 4mm–6mm beads work well with standard lengths
  • 8mm–10mm beads may need extra length
  • large statement beads often need more room

This is especially important for chokers and collar necklaces.

How Pendant Size Affects Necklace Length

A pendant changes where the visual focus of the necklace sits.

Small pendants usually work well on 16 to 18-inch necklaces. Larger pendants often look better on 20 to 24-inch necklaces because they have more room to hang.

If the pendant is heavy, use strong chain, beading wire or cord. A delicate chain may not be suitable for a large pendant.

For more necklace inspiration, this DIY birthstone necklace is a good example of a simple pendant-style handmade necklace.

Best Necklace Lengths For Layering

Layered necklaces look best when each necklace has a clear gap between them.

Try this simple layering formula:

  • 16-inch choker
  • 18-inch princess necklace
  • 22-inch matinee necklace

Or:

  • 18-inch small pendant
  • 24-inch beaded necklace
  • 30-inch long chain

When layering handmade necklaces, vary the bead size, chain texture or pendant shape so the necklaces do not tangle as easily.

Best Necklace Length For Handmade Gifts

If you are making a necklace as a gift and do not know the wearer’s exact size, an 18-inch necklace with an extender chain is usually a practical option.

For handmade gifts, consider:

  • 18 inches for everyday necklaces
  • 20 inches for relaxed pendant necklaces
  • 24 inches for larger beads
  • adjustable cord for casual styles
  • extender chain for flexibility

A small extender chain is one of the easiest ways to make a handmade necklace more gift-friendly.

Necklace Length Tips For Different Necklines

Different tops suit different necklace lengths.

Crew Neck

Try longer necklaces, pendants or matinee lengths that sit below the neckline.

V-Neck

Try a pendant necklace that follows the V shape. Princess length often works well.

Scoop Neck

Try shorter necklaces, chokers or layered beads.

Button-Up Shirt

Try a princess necklace, small pendant or layered chain.

Turtleneck

Try longer matinee, opera or rope necklaces that sit over the fabric.

Of course, jewelry rules are really more like suggestions. If you love how something looks, wear it.

Common Necklace Length Mistakes

Forgetting The Clasp Length

Always measure the full necklace from end to end, including clasps and jump rings.

Making Chokers Too Tight

Chokers need comfort room. Add an extender chain if possible.

Using Large Beads Without Adding Extra Length

Large beads make necklaces feel shorter. Add extra length for comfort.

Not Checking Pendant Placement

A pendant may sit higher or lower than expected depending on the necklace length.

Guessing Gift Sizes

If unsure, choose a flexible length and add an extender chain.

Handmade Necklace Ideas By Length

16-Inch Necklace

Great for chokers, seed bead strands, tiny pearls and delicate charm necklaces.

18-Inch Necklace

Perfect for beginner beaded necklaces, birthstone necklaces and everyday pendants.

20–24-Inch Necklace

Lovely for gemstone beads, larger pendants and relaxed handmade jewelry.

30-Inch Necklace

Great for long bead strands, slip-over necklaces and boho-style designs.

36-Inch Necklace

Ideal for rope necklaces, layering, knotting or wrapping.

More Jewelry Making Ideas

Once you understand necklace lengths, your handmade jewelry will fit better and look more intentional. Try making a simple beaded necklace, then use leftover beads to create matching earrings or a bracelet.

For more beginner jewelry inspiration, see this easy silk thread earrings tutorial, this wire necklace tutorial, and this DIY wrap jewelry project.

A good necklace length guide is one of those practical references worth keeping nearby. It helps you make handmade jewelry that not only looks pretty on the table, but actually sits beautifully when worn.