Sew in... Upcycling Homeware

Bit of an 'aspirational' one from the Post Mistress today! Ahem... what I actually mean is I haven't actually made anything for a few days but as ever, I have lots of ideas brewing. First off, I have a dearly loved blue marble effect cushion I bought back in the 1980s and noticed on Sunday that sadly, the corners are now frayed and the piping is looking worn. These days, I hate throwing quality textiles away so as the cushion pad inside is still in near perfect condition, I have decided to get my beautiful new sewing machine out and re-cover it. I can even re-use the zip on the existing cover as it's still in perfect working order. It goes to show, if you invest in quality items, with a bit of ingenuity, they can last a lifetime.

Old cushion from the '80s with scuffed edges and frayed piping

Another idea I had was to recreate something similar to the vintage style round velvet cushion my grandmother used to have. As I remember, it had a panel that went around the edge which was about 2 inches wide and the front panel gathered in under a central fabric covered button. I'd really like to incorporate some fabric from my old thick cotton Paul's Boutique bag into the new cushion as I love the day-glo paisley flowers, but I will need to buy another complimentary fabric to go with it as there won't quite be enough. Scouring the net, I've managed to find a free pattern on how to sew a flat drum shaped round cushion, so watch this space!


Tatty oversized Paul's Boutique bag in neon with cream background

And finally, a habitual magpie, my husband rescued this footstool when a neighbour was throwing it out and I immediately spotted its potential. IKEA offers a wide selection of fabrics with cheerful modern prints and I will almost certainly breathe new life into this footstool by re-covering it in one of IKEA's colourful materials.


Reclaimed footstool with leatherette cover, ripe for a makeover



The reclaimed footstool with its cover removed

Lilac John Lewis sewing machine, isn't she beautiful!

Happy Valentines Day

It's actually my birthday today so I never really do the whole set meal with partner thing as I think it's a bit tacky. Besides, I believe people should celebrate their love every day, not just because they feel obligated to.

My best pal baked me these glam biscuits - shoe shaped with a purple glaze! They taste of gingerbread and remind me of the yummy specialist German ginger biscuits you can buy. She also bought me this fabulous book called Shadowfolds. It basically contains tutorials on how to make eye catching homeware and accessories with origami style folded fabric. There are patterns for lampshades, cushion covers, neck ties and more. I can't wait to have a go!

Watching the Clock

Check this out! Spotted in Heals this week, I simply had to pap this crochet covered wall clock in understated olive with a white face. J'adore!

After seeing this textured mini marvel, I imagined the fun I could have covering seemingly dull household items in a tightly woven amigurumi style crochet, transforming them into knitted objets d'art! Picture frames, lampshades and plant pots would all benefit from a unique crochet makeover, let's call it 'knitholstery'.

I may give something in my flat a funky crochet covering this year. Then I'll do a before and after thing and you can tell me which picture looks better!

Craftacular

Christmas is fast approaching! It's been great to hear about Craftacular in Bethnal Green on Sunday and all the other craft fairs taking place between now and the 25th December. If you haven't already lovingly crafted your own unique stocking fillers, you would have been spoilt for choice at Craftacular.

On Sunday I will begin making a knitted stool. The pattern for the pouffe looks very simple, so fingers crossed! As I mentioned before, I may dye the natural coloured yarn I have first. Hopefully it won't shrink too much, otherwise what's intended to be a stylish piece of home furnishing will end up the size of a pin cushion instead. Will keep you posted...