Thursday 3 January 2013

ONWARDS & UPWARDS...my 2013 challenges

And so here we go again and more makeovers for 2013.....our first the master bedroom....


Inspired by this fabulous book 'Home Sewn' by Kaari Meng of 'French General' and my love of all things truly shabby chic, the colour scheme is all naturals with a touch of deep browny red.


If you like the French vibe this book really does have some lovely and practical projects and includes full size pattern sheets. These range from lavender filled heart pillows to pinafores and scalloped table cloths. It is one of my favourites and the photography by Jon Zabala is beautiful and really evocative.

Way back in 2012 I found this piece of unused French linen purchased from EBay.


Having nearly ruined it by not reading the brilliant instructions provided by the seller on how to deal with this old fabric (soaking first to remove the size) I now have a beautiful length of linen to create my bed throw.

I want to create a wide border with one of the natural and red patterned fabrics I have collected,


 to tie in with this cushion already made.



 I may then add some embroidered script, but am not certain about this yet.
We already have the new light fittings installed and the room will be stripped out and repainted in the next few weeks.
My beautiful half tester bed is to be painted cream and distressed, and hung with new cream drapes to keep the look light as it is an old house and can be quite dark.


We last decorated it in a rather rustic style with denim and red gingham and it is ready for its makeover!. The strange wall behind the bed is a false one as we have a large walk in wardrobe hidden in there, with a door each side of the bed. The room is still huge though and saved us having to buy separate wardrobes,(and the painting of them....phew!!).

An added element will also be a crocheted throw......That is of course if I manage to finish it. I got a copy of this book ....



written by Tif Fussell ( dottie angel)and Rachel Blondel (ted & agnes). It is full of quirky bits and pieces and is as much about the styling and the fabulous photographs as the actual projects included, though there are a few I would like to have a go at. It is definitely kitsch and possibly not everyone's cup of tea but I love it!
And among all the projects were the instructions for a textured crochet throw. The stitches are simple but the look is pure designer granny chic. However as it has taken me a whole evening to complete just 3 rows, I can see this being a year long project and my aim is to finish it come what may.....wish me luck.....



Oh no, a PS is needed here. Was just checking out my links to ted and agnes when I came across this post http://talesoftedandagnes.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/granny-chic-tale-of-2-comas.html It would appear that there is a small but significant error in the crochet instructions for both the tea cosy and the Granny puff blanket.
I will have to unravel my evenings work!!!! It is a plot to stop me achieving my goal....but I will not give in, I will complete my throw...you have heard it here!

What plans do you have.....or even any tips or projects you have found that would fit in with my scheme? I am always excited to hear others input......
Off now to do some more hooking........I will be back.......

TTFN
Jenny xx

15 comments:

  1. Good luck on your plans for the Master Bedroom. Your chose a beautiful colour scheme! I don't really made any plans for this year. I will just see what comes my way. Perhaps the stairs and the hallway or a sewing room of my own now that my daughter has moved out :-).

    Have a lovely weekend!

    Madelief x

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  2. It all sounds wonderful and I can't wait to see the bedroom finished, Lucey x

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  3. I colori che hai scelto per la tua camera da letto sono i miei preferiti... non vedo l'ora di vedere come verrà!

    Tantissimi auguri per un sereno, felice e creativo 2013!
    Laura

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  4. Well, that will take up most of 2013 then..... What a beautiful room, I wish I had a walk in wardrobe... My plans are much smaller, although our house is in need of a makeover, My son has agreed to help me empty the attic room, and put back only useful items!!! other than that I aim to cover everything in pom poms :)
    SueXxx

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  5. Oh your plans sound wonderful...I love all the French General fabrics...and your cushion is a great start!What color will you be painting? I can't wait to see your progress!

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  6. Good luck with the crochet! I can't wait to see it all finished. I've just started making a Christmas wreath because normally when it gets to that time of year I am far too busy - just thought I'd get a head start!
    Jille xx

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  7. Hi Jenny
    How exciting...it sounds a wonderful project!
    Can't wait to see the results hun.

    Have fun
    Tilly x

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  8. Your new bedroom design sounds absolutely gorgeous. Have fun with the crocheting!

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  9. I wish I had a walk-in bedroom!
    Our bedroom is probably smaller than your dressing area and I WANT IT DECORATED (3 years overdue) but whats a girl to do?
    Ted is a builder/decorator by trade so I'm banned from going anywhere near a paintbrush (ok, I do admit my efforts are more shabby than chic) and he's so booked up with work he really hasn't got time or inclination to do it at weekends...
    perhaps if you have a spare evening...???

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    1. Oh dear. Well that explains it all! One of my oldest friends here is married to a joiner and I can honestly say I get more done here than she ever has. He built the false wall and fittings, helped make my kitchen cupboards and built the whole wall of bookshelves in the snug...and she waits years for a single shelf! You know though if I was a bit nearer I'd be round in a shot. May bring my paintbrush but I bet we'd be talking too much to get anything done . Xx

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  10. Super plans! We did our bedroom last year in natural + burgundy colour scheme and it's lovely (if I do say so myself!) - very restful and cosy (even if I still haven't made and put up curtains! Have fun with the makeover...
    x

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  11. Although I don't get the "granny chic" thing the "home sewn" book looks right up my street, I'll have a gander on Amazon for it.I love the combination of red and white for the bedroom and can't wait to see how it turns out, Lucey x

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  12. Good luck!

    I received 'Granny Chic' for Christmas - isn't it fabulous?

    :)

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  13. Happy new year www.adoramehitabel.blogspot.com

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  14. Hello, Just popping by to tell you that you have won a giveaway on www.ooohbetty.blogspot.com.
    If you could email me your address emmabinka@aol.com, I will pop it in the post to you.
    You have first prize btw, A Badger in a Bag. I hope you will like him when he arrives and if you would prefer a kitty or a fox then that is no problem at all.
    Speak soon, Emma.

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