Sorry to be absent for so long - but life is much more hectic now and time for creativity is severely
limited.
Just recently, I wanted to make changes to the sitting room, which was my sister Lynda's and which adjoins
the kitchen diner (all of which joined up is a huge L shape). For many reasons I needed to make it my
own again, and, as I cant spare the time for a full paint job I got rid of the suite, bought some Ercol frames moved some of the bulkier furniture out of the room and did a bit of upholstery. I'm also on with shelving so that it can temporarily double as a studio.
The frames are were in good shape, and, only £100.00 - but came with no cushions. As a new set from
Ercol is over £350.00 I bought foam blocks, made a pattern then set about the foam with a carving knife!
Fair enough it is the crude but effective method, it did, however, get the job done. I went to Abakhan for
the fabric, 3 different linens which I bought by weight, on offer 50% off cost me only £38.00. The foam
was £60.00 so the whole suite done came in at around £200.00.
I made box cushions using the envelope method so no zips - fairly tricky to sew too. The foam is a bit unwieldy to get in and out of the covers but perseverance pays off! Though I am definitely from the 'make it have it' school of upholsterers I am quite pleased with the end result!
My little doggies, Bert & Daisy are also quite fond of the results!
xx
Di
I only have one of the chairs now although I did have the whole suite once. It still has the original foam cushions and they're all tattered and torn. I'd like to make new covers with piping et al but not sure how to go about it because they're t-shaped cushions. I even have the fabric ready but don't know where to start. well done to you for even trying.
ReplyDeleteHello greedy nan! If u email mr on tinkeringbythesea@googlemail.com I'd be happy to draw how I did mine and send to u - I am really not a sewist - no zips - mind just fold over and I think u could go the same.
DeleteLet me know if I can help I'm happy to do do
Regards
Di
Looks fantastic Di! I am so impressed you did the cushions yourself, they look perfect! Great choice of fabric, and I LOVE the pics with Bert & Daisy :) It's very important to get their stamp of approval!
ReplyDeleteHi Sam!
DeleteThanks a million - I actually ironed them as I went along and I think they helped fat crisp edges.
They definitely have the doggie stamp of approval - thus weekend they re-arranged the cushions and both got on my favourite chair!
Hope the shop does well fit u - looks fab. - wish I was near enough to call in too! Xxdi
Just came back from Julie's workshop in les soeurs anglaises...everything you write in your "about us" column is so right! I enjoyed every minute of everything
ReplyDeleteI'll keep following your blog
Marie
Hi Marie - welcome to pantry violets! We all love the very special atmosphere and surroundings at LSA - I'm sure you have had the most wonderful time at Julies workshop! I am looking forward to September and Jessie Chorleys workshop! Contact Sam or jone if u want to join us I'm sure they could arrangeit for you. Keep watching! Xxdi
DeleteBlimey Di you are a dab hand on the old sewing machine as well as with the soldering iron.....will you come down to the smoke and do another workshop chez Hansons in November....plans are afoot for Jone to be visiting then....and it would of course be wonderful to see you again....xxxxx
ReplyDeleteOh danielle! I think about u so often and miss you! Is a date - I'll see if I can get as early a finish as last time - lol. Just let me have dates as soon as u have them and I will see if I can sort out to run away for a couple of days - I'd love to catch up with you, nick and your lovely children - and jone too will be icing on the cake! What a so deft on that will be! Check out tinkeringbythesea.blogspot tomorrow afternoon for a bit of soldered magic I made last weekend - I promise u will loveit! Keep me posted! Much love to all your end! Xxdi
DeleteBlimey Di you are a dab hand on the old sewing machine as well as with the soldering iron.....will you come down to the smoke and do another workshop chez Hansons in November....plans are afoot for Jone to be visiting then....and it would of course be wonderful to see you again....xxxxx
ReplyDeleteI'm interested in the idea all over again! Xxdi
ReplyDeleteSo good Di! The chairs are beautiful and you're so clever. I do love Bert and Daisy, what cuties they are. And they have a chair each! Wish I was closer so I could catch up with you all. I am too damn far away!
DeleteHi Jo! Thanks so much - glad u like it. Bert and daisy have now sampled all the seats and they like to get toy fav chair before I get on it! You are a long way away but at least we can all keep in touch and share stuff online - technology does have its benefits. Do let us know how the craft fairs are going and how your terrific tea towel up cycling is progressing. Xxdi
DeleteWill do! Soon I hope I will be getting my website up and running. It's taking too long but hopefully not too far away. Cheers Di! x
DeleteOh Di!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou make me SMILE. I love what you have done and you were so resourceful, weren't you?
It looks wonderful and it is great to see photos of the dogs. Gosh, they are both so darn cute!
BIG LOVE to you and I can hardly wait to meet up again in September....
.....hmmmmmm, maybe upholstery is yet another thing you can fall back on, if ever it becomes necessary. I think you can do ANYTHING!
You are amazing....... xo
Hi jone! I can do cheap and cheerful and I so needed brightening up! Necessity is indeed the mother of invention.
ReplyDeleteSo looking forward to catching up with u in September and can't wait to hear all about your workshop! I'm sure your group will be thrilled to try the range of techniques and crafts you have to offer - 5 days won't be long enough! So thrilled for u jone! Loads of love xxdi