Learning to Reupholster

So, two 40 hour classes later, I have finally completed reupholstering this chair!  This includes hand tying the springs and learning to sew at the same time.  I am proud but embarrassed it took so long.

 BEFORE

&

AFTER 

The fabric is a cherry red Richloom outdoor fabric w/a linen-type look.  Hope you like it! I have a twin chair that will get reupholstered next year maybe!  Throw pillows to come.

Sewing Projects-DONE

Trying to learn to sew is teaching me patience! I am definitely not a natural & when I think about the time it has taken me to make one pillow w/a zipper and cording/welting, it is humbling.  My first project was in a class & I ended up with this:

I finally made a matching pillow by myself weeks later & it took a few hours because I had to keep rechecking the instructions. So sad, but they turned out great! When you have 5 pets, zippers are essential so I can wash the covers. The chairs they are sitting on are a Craigslist find **love them** & I HOPE to make  indoor/outdoor cushions for them w/a fab Trina Turk fabric & put them on our patio.  

The next sewing project I attempted in class was making a sham for the guestroom. Hours later at home, I now have two! 

I bought Photoshop & am trying to learn how to use it. It took me a while to figure out how to get the date stamp off of the photos! Anyone who has a quick way of doing this, let me know!

New Prints!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/theblackapple

One of the first things I ever bought on Etsy was from  The Black Apple & I still love it.  I recently bought these two prints for some new art in the house & adore them!  I tend to gravitate towards whimsical, dreamy art so these fit the bill.  Hope everyone is having a great Friday!

Busy Sewing

 picture from Apartment Therapy

  
I keep thinking I will post on the weekends and for the past 3 weeks it just hasn't happened. I've been taking sewing classes on Saturdays at the fab Stitch Lab here in Austin. I am a complete beginner at sewing & it has been really fun!  I will upload photos of the few things I made this week. My fabric obsession is only going to get worse now that I can (kinda) sew.  I even bought this sewing machine http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02016231000P   this past weekend so..holla!

Bigger House=More Stuff

Lately I've been dreaming of a bigger home.  Not because I need one, but because I want to buy more furniture. I know, it is a sickness.  Here are some Austin Craigslist finds I would buy for my "new house".

$40!!! Reupholster with a fabulous fabric & put in the office.

$195 Henredon Dresser. Great quality piece & has dividers in top drawers.

$60 faux bamboo standing mirror. Who doesn't need one of these?!

$199. Not cheap for really nice. Chinoiserie beauties. I like the lines on these.

$800 Chesterfield Sofa! Great condition & timeless.

$75 vanity bench with awesome legs.

$60 bench for the entry. Make a pillow for the seat with cool fabric. Adorable!

$30!!!! Take white stickers off, give it a good cleaning & use in office or living area. So cool.

$150 70's Bar Cart. Talk them down in price. What a beauty.

$10 for all three chairs! Recover seats & possible repaint? Odd number but I like the look of mixing dining chairs. Plus, the price & the cute curve of the seats. I am a sucker for all things cane, bamboo, and cheap.

Ok, there is tons more on CL I could decorate my fictitious large house with, but I have to stop somewhere.

**Disclaimer: Did not list all great finds because want them for myself. 

The Powers of Paint

I am going to attempt to start painting the living room/kitchen area this weekend.  I've had the same yellow/gold paint on the walls for about 4 years & have really tired of it.  I want something that is more neutral & modern so that I can switch things up in there as time goes by.  I'm also in the process of reupholstering two chairs for that area in a cherry red fabric so with all of that in mind, I've chosen Benjamin Moore November Rain:

The color looks different on my monitor but it is kind of a greenish gray color that looked warmer than the other 3 paints I put on the wall.  I wish I could go a little bit darker & grayer but my house is pretty dark & I have dark wood furniture so I think this color will do the trick! Hope to post some pics soon.

Etsy Find

I have long loved this bird cage eco-wallpaper available at http://www.wandrlust.com (Woodson & Rummerfield online shop) but alas, could not afford right now.

So, I was looking on Etsy & found it in fabric form: http://www.etsy.com/shop/sewlola!  Much more affordable since I can just get a yard or so.  Can't wait to make some pillows...fabulous!