I am a follower

I have become a follower of other blogs.  I'm not sure yet how it works so I just added them to my list.  I hope they don't mind.  They are inspirational and I like reading their stories.  They're full of ideas that I'd like to have a go myself.  And they lead much more interesting lives and own beautiful things, not necessarily expensive. 

I love anything handmade.  I appreciate something that has taken someone time and effort to create something much more than a shop bought present.  A piece of paper with a well-written lovely message from a loved one can bring a tear to my eye than a shop bought card signed with just a name and a kiss ( yes, Dh is lazy) I am training my kids to make a card themselves and write a nice message.

Painted and decoupage

with 2 primer/undercoats

This coffee table was given and we used as a tv stand for a while.  It was orangey pine now it's 'hot sand'.

 This little tray was purchased at the bootsale for 50p.  It was a dark wood with painted clown.  Now it's painted with crown 'box tree' and covered with a vintagey roll of fablon for £1 bought at the same time.

Our original table (one of them, we currently have 3)  painted wit the same stuff as the coffee table.

 I had a go at decoupaging.  Photo on the top left is not the same one. It was a battered and used one for £1 at the bootsale.  Little repair work as it had a split. Both side is painted black and I stuck alphabet letters on the tray

How did you choose yours?

I am so unimaginative.  I found it hard to come up with a blog name.  I changed 3rd time now and I think I'll stick with this one.  At least it means something to me.  I'd like this to be an account of how we made this house a home.  Preferrably a shabby chic one...:) but not too distressed just lived in. Not glossy but eggshell...lol

 

I dream of of living in this sort of environment dressmyhomeblog.blogspot.co.uk

Fresh and pretty.  How come all these houses are so lovely.  Do people actually live in them?

I also love to make things. I can't knit though.  I tried,  I really tried...went to classes and got my aunt-in-law to teach me but once I get home and on my own, I just can't do it! So I just gave up.

I'm a novice sewer and painting everything creamy white is what am trying to do at the moment.
I really need to get on with painting the display cabinet. I've only just done 1 door.

My peg bag

This is my 3rd sewing project in my class.  It was from my tutor's book but I found the exact tutorial online.  I finished it at home, smaller than I was expecting because I only half measured.  I thought I could just estimate and cut a pattern.  Running before I can walk! sometimes am just too impatient.  But it turned out alright, thank goodness!  The apron to match is in the making.  I've finished my little kitchen curtain too.

 

Link

http://www.housetohome.co.uk/articles/Make_a_floral_peg_bag_195226.html

Patchwork

I am loving patchwork!  Googling pictures and researching how to make a very simple one.  I've seen ones with just fleece back lining so I think I might use one of my fleece blankets.  I love fleeces, they're so soft and snugly. 

I did have a go at making a patchwork cushion cover but am not happy with it.  I unpicked it and damaged the fabric.  To match my curtain and wallpaper (bought the matching fabric when I bought the wallpaper)  I lined it with DD's old baby blanket.  The next one will be better.

The first thing I made at the sewing class was an envelope style cushion cover.  I will post a pic next time.

I am collecting fabric at the moment, buying curtains, duvet covers and even cutting up DD's dresses (outgrown ones).  My stash of fabric is growing.  I will start cutting them soon into 6-inch squares. 

 Here are some sites that I bookmark for reference: 

 http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-An-Easy-Weekend-Patchwork-Quilt-Topper/

 http://imagingermonkey.blogspot.co.uk/2010/04/super-simple-patchwork-squares-quilt.html?showComment=1272022961650#c5373809399146277477

 http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-An-Easy-Weekend-Patchwork-Quilt-Topper/

 http://www.cherrymenlove.com/crafts-how-tos/2010/03/how-to-make-a-patchwork-quilt.html

 http://www.myhomemadehappy.com/how-to-make-a-patchwork-quilt/

There is no budget.

Maybe you can tell by now that we/I am trying to do up the house on the cheap.  Charity shops, Ebay, freecycle are great places to acquire furnitures and fabrics.  Curtains, dresses, clothes can be cut up to be made into something else.  A tin of paint and you'll have matching furnitures.  I could never bring myself to pay full price for anything these days.  MSE and HUKD are great for bargains.  I always manage to buy something I didn't know I needed until I saw it.  I try and not look at the moment cos I'm trying to clear the garage of stuff.

Chelsea-mad DS's room

The 2nd project when we moved in was DS's bedroom.  He was involved in the design and he wanted a Chelsea themed bedroom.  He plays for his school and football is what he's into at the moment.  He supports Chelsea and we won't be changing his room in the near future so he better remain a fan. 

 I didn't think of taking a before photos but he had a built in cupboard, the smallest bedroom.  DH knocked that and built a midsleeper.  I'm looking for a little sofa or maybe a couple of Z-beds underneath for when he has sleepovers or friends round.

Clock and lamp from CS for about £7 for both

Given by a friend

I will be changing these drawers once
I find some better ones.

£1 chair from a bootsale

Single duvet cover, some was used to recover the chair

The Shed

There was a small old shed in the garden so DH just had to build himself a bigger shed from scratch.  We took advantage of the B&Q's 20%off days for members.  It's 12x10ft with windows.  I will put another pic with the door.  The fence will be featured next.

This was the smaller one. Someone came and took it apart as his wife wanted him to build a chicken coop.

Wallpaper is up!

DH has just finished putting the wallpaper on the back wall.  Painted the bottom half too.

AFTER - Abbeyville Laura Ashley wallpaper and
Crown Period Box tree

BEFORE -  Plain white wall at the top and
darker shade of green

The rest of the wall is painted in very light brown,
2 free tins of paints

Nearly up to date...

About 4 months ago, we've moved to a 3-bed semi-detached house.  Our family have  outgrown our little 2-bed terraced.  Some good and not so good memories in the old house and I shall miss it all the same.  It's now been gutted and renovated by the new investor owner to be rented.  Next door, old grumpy lady, is not happy (I imagine) with all the hammering and drilling going on.  Running up the stairs (midday!), we used to hear her banging on the shared wall.  She was lucky to have us next door.  I hope she doesn't get a young couple into parties and rock music.

Now we're in a nice and roomy 3-bed.  DH said I can design and he will turn it into reality.  He is handy with his tools and I'm lucky!  it's so expensive getting someone to do something for you these days...

So I'm making bits and pieces for the house while DH is doing the construction part.

So far I have made a very simple curtain for the front  window in the living room.  I couldn't find a nice pattern but I found a king size duvet cover, very thin though.  I might make a lining for it.  I want to have a go at making a matching tie-back.

Pink cabbage roses in blue.  I painted the curtain pole in LA chalky pink. 

Peppa pig's fleece liner

I decided to make my own liner for DD's puschair and she (I, really) like peppa pig.  I made it from fleece blanket.

Fleece bandana bibs

I've seen bandana bibs in the shops but my DD doesn't wear it anymore but it would make a great scarf for the little ones as the long scarves are often too bulky.  You know when you can feel the cold metal zip against your chest/neck.  I like the feeling of soft and snugly fleece instead.  I made a few and gave some to playgroup friends.

Christmas

These was inspired ideas from the crafty ladies in MSE. In fact,  I started making things when I joined MSE back in 2007 so most of the things I made in the beginning was pinched from them.  I was so glad to have found the forum.  Friendly and welcoming atmosphere.  There's always someone to offer help and suggestion.

I made these to sell at the christmas bazaar in my son's school.  I loved making them and enjoyed selling them too.

Snowman's soup

Pot (cup) of gold

Reindeers

Slices of cakes

Chrismas yule logs!

The bottom 3 are made from flannels.

Easter chicks

Made from flannels.

Towel cakes

My brother-in-law was getting married.  I couldn't think of anything to gift, they have been living together for a while so just decided to give cash and made this towel cake.

 

Christmas present for a friend.

Nappy cakes

As well baskets, I also made nappy cakes for friends.  I was pregnant then so I loved buying baby things.  I have some more in the gallery.

Sweets anyone?

I saw these plastic box with little compartments and filled it with little sweets.  My very own pick and mix.

Thank you, teachers!

Little basket of goodies for my son's nursery teachers.

I made other baskets and hampers too, to give to friends having babies, cheese hamper for my sis-in-law, a basket filled with vegetarian biscuits and sweets for a bro-in-law at Christmas.  I didn't get to take photos of some before giving them away :( I have a couple in the gallery.