Did I mention that I'm off to Malaysia and Bangkok next week? Yay! My parents and brothers are all overseas at the moment so we're congregating in KL and going to relax by the beach for a few days. I'm soooo in need of a warm, restful break, and some quality family time will be great too. And then I'm visiting a good friend in Bangkok for quality girly time. 'Tis going to be awesome.
Anyway, the other thing I wanted to say was thank you to all the people who left really kind comments on my last post! The thing that excited me most was that so many people found my little quote from back in 2006 inspirational. I think it is so important to know that some dreams might take a long time to realise, but with focus and hard work you can get there in the end. Back in 2006 it really did seem like a pipe dream, but it came true not because I have the most amazing skills or did the right uni degree, but due to a lot of hard work.
Speaking of things that take a long time to come around, here are a couple of projects I've been planning/working on for AGES that I finally finished and photographed!
First up, my roman blinds!!!
Handmade roman blinds in my flat
I can't tell you how much time and research went into making these. There are soooo many different techniques outlined on the net, and so many contradictions. So I bought books. I questioned anyone I knew who'd made them for tips. I called Suzie Fry. I drove an hour across town to a blind making company. I ad-libbed. And the eventual result was great.
Handmade roman blinds in my flat - featuring Kangaroo Paw (available soon!)
I did take pictures of the process, and I do plan to post a tute eventually. But my #1 tip for now - use double sided fabric tape instead of stitching across. It'll be your best friend ;)
My other project that's been sitting idle since September last year - reupholstering my armchair!
Here's the before shot:
Armchair reupholstery - before
And after:
Armchair reupholstery - after!
Nothing fancy, just a nice plain fabric that allows me to decorate it up with different cushions and make it suit any room (how nice would it look if I had floorboards??). I went for a lovely warm grey Oatmeal fabric.
I won't begin to tell you of the disgustingness that awaited me when I pulled off the old covers. Ewww. New foam was definitely in order (thanks Suz for collecting it for me!).
Armchair reupholstery - closeup
It was the first time I've upholstered anything and it's far from perfect, but I'm happy with it :)
xx
I can't tell you how much time and research went into making these. There are soooo many different techniques outlined on the net, and so many contradictions. So I bought books. I questioned anyone I knew who'd made them for tips. I called Suzie Fry. I drove an hour across town to a blind making company. I ad-libbed. And the eventual result was great.
Handmade roman blinds in my flat - featuring Kangaroo Paw (available soon!)
I did take pictures of the process, and I do plan to post a tute eventually. But my #1 tip for now - use double sided fabric tape instead of stitching across. It'll be your best friend ;)
My other project that's been sitting idle since September last year - reupholstering my armchair!
Here's the before shot:
Armchair reupholstery - before
And after:
Armchair reupholstery - after!
Nothing fancy, just a nice plain fabric that allows me to decorate it up with different cushions and make it suit any room (how nice would it look if I had floorboards??). I went for a lovely warm grey Oatmeal fabric.
I won't begin to tell you of the disgustingness that awaited me when I pulled off the old covers. Ewww. New foam was definitely in order (thanks Suz for collecting it for me!).
Armchair reupholstery - closeup
It was the first time I've upholstered anything and it's far from perfect, but I'm happy with it :)
