ITS DONE!......WELL ALMOST.....

The bedroom that is.

I say almost because I still have to make the main curtains and have yet to find some interlining. The big bay window is only single glazed and although we now have blinds which have been fine during the summer months, the windows can be really draughty and cold in winter and so I want to make the curtains pretty substantial, without having to pay out a fortune for them.

Window seat before its new top....

and after..... we decided against another padded seat cushion as it gets the full sun in the morning and the old one faded in no time!

roman blinds recycled from old dining room curtains.....

 I also have to source the backing for the métis linen sheet which I want to make into a throw. I am looking at another toile and can't make up my mind whether to go for a pink or perhaps a natural/ taupe colourway of this little cushion... I want to back it and create a 6 inch border all round .

Finally I have to finish the crocheted  granny puff blanket from the Granny Chic book......

The colour is nearer the second photo.....so it does go with the scheme really!

However I can see this becoming my winter fireside project as at 7 foot by 7 foot it's going to take me some time to complete it. Still it will keep my legs warm while I'm at it. I see all these lovely blogs where talented ladies are turning out throws in what seems no time and I am in awe!
Still at least we are now back in our room and it is so restful and calm. I am so glad we were brave enough to paint the bed

When we bought it 30 years ago pine was very much the thing, but it looks so pretty now and with the pale walls it has really lifted the whole room. I painted it with simple old emulsion, sanded it back and then waxed it with a medium brown briwax to age it especially in the details and corners. I am more than happy with the result.

It's become my little sanctuary, I often sit in the Lloyd loom chair and read......but then I get itchy and off I trot back to the sewing room, which is just as well if I am ever going to completely finish this project!

Have a lovely week whatever you are working on......

TTFN

Jenny xx

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