Fabric Love!

 

My love for fabric started in high school when I took sewing in ‘home ec’ (I know – I’m dating myself!).  It’s not only the colors and patterns but the feel.  A piece of lace may look beautiful but when I touch it, if it’s ‘crunchy’, it just won’t cut it.  It needs to be soft and supple.

That brings me to my latest project.

I was thinking about throwing this out because it was rather sad looking but decided that since it was such a small project, I’d give it a whirl.   It’s a useful piece because the top opens an I keep slippers and flip flops in it.

First I painted it white (no pics) and then I went fabric hunting.

Success!  Only $6.98 a yard on the clearance table!  The pattern is called ‘Latika’ by Echo.  It’s nice and soft and has some weight to it.

Now the white paint wasn’t working.  So I dry brushed over the white with gray.

I think we all know the power of paint.  We can transform just about anything!

 

With about a 1/2 hour of effort, I’m glad I didn’t get rid of it.   It’s a keeper!

Chair, Fabric & Chalk Paint

 

At this time of year, with summer fading away, I like to prep a few things for a time when it becomes impossible to work outside.  I have a million projects going at a time with glue & clamps, sanding & priming, etc.   Nothing finished.  Just waiting their turn for love and beauty shots.  Then, when their turn comes up, I have no before pics because I took them so long ago.

Sometimes I get tired of looking at all the unfinished projects and decide to tackle one.  Out of the blue, I feel the urge to do an itty bitty project and get it done lickety split.  Usually I can cherry pick something in the garage.

 

One night last week I went out to the garage to get something in the fridge and spotted a chair that needed love.  No sanding (good thing because using an electric sander at 11 o’clock at night is kind of “frowned upon” in the ‘hood.   I’m OK with it but…..)  So I gave it a quick coat of spray paint and took the seat in.

The first layer of fabric was easy to remove.  There were very few staples and …..masking tape(!) holding the fabric in place.  I could tell that there was at least one other layer under the 1st.   I anticipated a few hours spent prying out staples and tacks.

 

My to my surprise, the next layer was in very good condition!  That never, ever, ever happens!  An off white with a little texture.  The perfect candidate for attempting to paint the fabric with chalk paint.

 

First coat of Paris Grey using a water dipped brush and then dipped in paint.

After a second touch up coat.

             

A little silver guilder’s paste on the curlicue on the back.

 

I’m going to run it into the shop to go with a desk that is already there.

They make a purty pair don’t you think?

Back in Action - The Rescued Chair

Sometimes I come across the saddest looking pieces of furniture.  Like this….


I understand that styles and taste change but one thing that I do NOT understand is tweed fabric.   It.is.nasty!   Not only is it unattractive but very rough and scratchy on the skin.  The saving grace for this chair were the curvy lines and legs. 

So after a little time at the spa…….


Here it is all exfoliated, moisturized and wearing new duds.  Oh the powers of paint!   And a little elbow grease!

Cheating with Martha - Room Divider Redo

On my thrifting adventures one of the things that I am always on the look out for is pretty fabric.   It can be sheets, shams, curtains, whatever.  Sheets work especially well because they’ re usually wider than most fabrics. 

It was on one such adventure that I met up with Martha.  Yes, Stewart.


I found this beautiful pair of curtains with a buttery yellow  background and cabbage roses from the Martha Stewart collection.   I didn’t have a plan for it then but it was definitely coming home with me.   Then inspiration hit.   An old room divider needed attention.  (Ooops.  Forgot to take a ‘Before” of the divider.)

This is where the benefit of recycling fabric comes in.    There is always at least one hemmed edge that can be used.  I sewed a seam on one end and used Velcro to create a pocket for the dowel to go through.  It might be cheating but it sure saves time.   A hem, seam and Velcro on the other end.


Recycling fabrics is a “good thing”.
This is furniture....'ish, right?   At the risk of being banished, I'm linking up for Furniture Feature Friday and Sunday Showcase.

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