Friday 29 July 2011

Smile

Well, here it is - 'The Chair' - completed.



I have to say that the anticipation of making it was far worse than actually making it (like a lot of things).  I did make sure I constantly checked, pinned and tacked which made a huge difference.  The back is by no means perfect, but on a scale of 1-10, I'm at a 9 so feel very satisfied!





My slight gripe was when I was sewing the patchwork rows together, I didn't notice that there were 2 squares in the same place on 2 rows - grrrhhhh, but as it's on the curve of the chair you don't actually notice too much.






With regards to patchwork - there's an awful lot of it in the house now, so better stop in my quest to patchwork the entire house!

I hope everyone is enjoying the summer holidays so far (or not?).  We've had lots of scrapes, bumps, cuts, falls off scooters down big hills etc etc etc.  Plasters have run out and TCP is running low but apart from that all is good!

Have a good weekend!

Wednesday 20 July 2011

The Chair

Well, day 3 of the summer holidays, and all seems OK at the moment!  Plans are afoot and I feel somewhat more relaxed than I did last week.

Do you remember my post about the chair I was planning to revamp and patchwork? Well, it's moving on quite nicely.  I managed to get the seat completed at the weekend so will now move onto the back of the chair.






To an upholsterer I've probably made 101 mistakes, but considering I've never upholstered a chair before, let alone in patchwork, I feel mighty pleased.



The front part was a little tricky and required a couple of 'hospital type corners'  and then trying to get the lines to line up was somewhat interesting.





Unlike various other projects where I tend to bulldozer my way through, I took my time and even tacked where I needed to, and it paid off tremendously especially when trying to get it straight and even.






I'll keep you posted with the back and will hopefully have one of those tra-la la moments very soon......!

TTFN.

Thursday 14 July 2011

Chapters

I apologise about my lack of posts and comments at the moment - it's been a whirlwind and frenzy of activities these last few weeks, and more so with the end of primary school for Toby.






We all know that at some point our children leave the comfy confines of primary school to move onto bigger pastures, but I didn't quite realise how traumatic the whole experience was.  More so for parents I think.  Having been to a talk by the head of Yr7 at the new secondary school, he highlighted the anxieties the children might have.  In actual fact, they were more about my anxieties rather than my child.



I don't mean about making new friends, getting lost in a big school, homework and all of those things (although they are present in the back of my mind).  It's more about my little boy growing up and becoming independent.  He doesn't look like a primary school boy now - he's definitely ready for what secondary school throws at him.  I only wish I was at the same level.......



Don't get me wrong, I will rise to the new chapter in his life with him, but I think we as parents' can feel a little sad about the transition.



I'm ready to wind down now - fortunately we finish on Friday (all our teacher training days are in 1 week, which is next week).  Reports are out, SAT results are back (no complaints, phew), leavers service is over, leavers party done, music concerts done, sports day done.  Just got to get through today and half of tomorrow, teachers' presents to give and then we can slob out!

Enjoy the day!

Friday 1 July 2011

A bit of a boy thing

Hooray! the sun is out and the weather is set to be good for the weekend.  Hopefully summer is here....

Toby went on his first residential this week (albeit for 2 nights and 10 mins up the road - don't ask).  Prior to him going, I ran through all his bits and bobs explaining don't put wet clothes next to dry, all dirty clothes in a carrier bag, and flannel etc to go in the plastic bag to save getting everything else wet. 

Well, he returned after having a great time.  I unpacked everything and at first glance I thought he had done really well as he had done exactly what I asked. I unloaded the toilet bag, and guess what.........nothing had been used...apart from brushing his teeth which only got done once..........I didn't investigate any further as I didn't really want to know.  Let's just say he had a really good shower and a long session with the toothbrush! BOYS.....

A couple of weeks ago, FIL came round with a big plastic box full of cars.  We left it in the garage until last night when I thought I'd have a rummage to see if it was worth keeping any of them.  Now I know you ladies are probably not into toy cars! but I thought you might appreciate this little beauty.










I'm definitely claiming it for myself - loving the little plastic plant on the table.



Just to finish off with something girly - my next project -




We've got a chair in our bedroom which could do with a makeover.  I've always lusted after the patchwork chairs in Cath Kidston but I don't lust the price. 







Having never done upholstery before I thought I'd give it a go - starting off with the seat and then going from there.  It might require some mathematical logic to get it right so will rope in  hubby for that one!  I'll let you know how I get on.

Have a great weekend!