Shabby Chic Thread?

babyblooz

{What a great idea to buy a cheap cushion!! I just spent a fortune on a small bag of stuffing for my hearts!!}

Can't claim the credit for this one I am afraid, it's one of my mum's tips. Years ago, when money was v-e-r-y tight due to Dad being ill, me and mum used to make rag dolls. We used to get old fashioned printed fabric from jumble sales for the dresses and the bloomers, and then buy cheap cushions for the stuffing for them. A lot of the old lady dresses we bought had lovely trims and braids on them, so sometimes we got extra value for money. The dolls were very well received as well, as we used to match them to the little girls they were made for, so for example, if the little girl was a brunette, they had dark woollen hair, and if their bedroom was pink, they had a pink dress etc.

Maybe one day, we might do a few more, but I think the pattern will be long gone by now. I did have a girl myself, but she was a real tomboy and would have thrown a hissy fit if I had made her a doll!

Seakay

Georgeous wooden high chair converts to a table and chair - I reckon it would be great in a shabby chic style nursery

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Antique-wooden-high-chair_W0QQitemZ250231432842QQihZ015QQcategoryZ2986QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

HoneyPie_2

vintagepleasure wrote: »

I don't know anything about google blog but on typepad there is a section for typelists and in there is the option for adding links etc in your sidebar,maybe google has something similar?It will probably be on your home page I would imagine.

Thanks to Vintage Pleasure and Pipkin for the advice on blogs... I have managed to add my fav bloggs (yipee!) on to my home page.. :rotfl:

My next problem is that I am trying to get a 'hit counter' on there... I have seen those on quite a few blogs.... Can anyone help with this?, I am using Blogger...

Thank you guys... Am still loving this thread.. :A

bibbly

facepainter wrote: »

Bibbly - ask on Freecycle for a sewing machine. Honestly, people have them sitting around and never use them and you might jog their memory into getting rid of it to a good home. There were six on our freecycle a while ago from a kite-making lady so it's def worth a try.Otherwise search locally on ebay for one - they go for about £25 or less for an ok model.

Would never have thought of asking on Freecycle - I hate asking for anything but have given quite a few bits away, so I have taken the plunge! Thank you for the suggestion. I'll let you know how I get on

Bibbly
x

Pipkin

Honey, you can choose a free counter you like the design of here:

http://www.histats.com/allcounter.php

It will give you a line or two of html which you just need to paste into your blogs html template, you will also be able to sign into your account (with hitstats) and see how many people are looking at your blog, from where, ands who is referring people to you.

maypole

vintagepleasure wrote: »

They are very impressive for a first try well done!
When you turn them the right side out use a knitting needle or similar to run around the seams from the inside.Then give it a quick iron before you stuff.It makes the edges more defined.
When you cut the pieces leave a section of the seam allowance (a straight length by the point is easiest) slightly larger than around the rest of the heart.Then when you come to slip stitch it shut it will be easier to handle.
For stuffing you can use polyfil which is easy to find in haberdashers and sometimes called toy stuffing.There is also wool stuffing if you want to go natural but it is more expensive and can only be found online in the UK I think. Try adding a little musim bag full of lavender inside too.makes them smell gorgeous!

Vintage, you always know the right things to do, have you studied or done some sort of training in this craft or do you just have a natural flair?

MoneyHoney

Definitely try Freecycle for a sewing machine. I gave mine away on my local one and there's usually one on offer once a month..

Bit of an old school tip for shabby chic ideas: cover shoe boxes with fabric, wallpaper samples or wrapping paper. Mix the fabrics (gingham, floral, spots) on the lids and boxes and they can look really effective as storage on top of a cupboard.

Great thread!

jamtart6

MoneyHoney wrote: »

Definitely try Freecycle for a sewing machine. I gave mine away on my local one and there's usually one on offer once a month..

Bit of an old school tip for shabby chic ideas: cover shoe boxes with fabric, wallpaper samples or wrapping paper. Mix the fabrics (gingham, floral, spots) on the lids and boxes and they can look really effective as storage on top of a cupboard.

Great thread!

Oh now, I thought I had a passion for papers, but BOXES sheesh I love them! I would buy something just because I liked its box. I never know what to put in them, I just like looking at them (my OH thinks I'm crackers!) and now THIS is a fantastic idea!!! Can use up old material (a 2nd favourite to paper!) by covering BOXES! :T How come WORK is getting in the way of me trying this idea?! Is it too soon to retire and become a full time crafter?? (I'm 23!)

sandieb

Snap - bought some curtains in the charity shop today - small print lightweight cotton specifically to cover boxes with! Bargain amount for £1

Pipkin

I found these - yummy!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Shabby-Hot-Pink-Velvet-Rose-Pillow-Chic-Cushion_W0QQitemZ360030009863QQihZ023QQcategoryZ20563QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/ANGELAFRE