Tuesday 10 September 2013

Sewing and Painting

 Sewing and painting sums up most of what i've been doing over the last week though there are lots of other things too, but a lot of my time was spent on those two activities........and here are a few pictures of the results..........the dresser here is one i have loved ever since we bought it over twenty years ago........it was then stripped pine but would have been painted originally...........
..........i painted it with annie sloan old white, then distressed the already knocked about bits and waxed the whole thing............i love using annie sloan paint for old furniture, so you work with each piece and use its already distressed features as part of the 'design'..........
...........putting things on the top of the new dresser.....the shaker horse has been kept on there a long time.....i added a new lamp and some flowers......and a little fabric heart hanging on the handle............
 .........i know i am renowned (amongst family and friends) for painting things white, but this time i painted something grey :0..........this shade is called french linen and it is just like the colour of the cashel raw linen fabric that i have sewn many a sampler on and even made a bunny or two from as well.............
 ............i used the grey to paint an old twirly round desk chair that belonged to mr p's granddad....mr p used the chair at a desk in his boyhood room too, studying for exams............now it is in one of the rooms on the very top floor of our tall old house, next to the billy bookshelves from ikea.............
...........and this is some of the sewing i mentioned ..........i made a scrappy cushion with bits of fabric from my scrap basket and some nice text printed fabric too (i think the print is called how to make  pillowcase)..............it was fun to make this, i do love patchworking with squares and trying different combinations...........and i thought this would look nice on the book room chair...........
 ...........making it a bit more comfortable while we browse and dip in for a read here and there, sitting in the twirly chair..............
 ..............i added a small heart to the front and a loop of sew mama sew text fabric to the side seam, and luckily found some dear john letter print for the backing in my stash.....
............also this week i have been sewing things for magazine projects, adding lots more hexies to my seaside flowers quilt....... and i have had some lovely treats in the post......this pretty crochet doily was a delightful surprise gift sent to me by my kind blog friend tammy at t's daily treasures........tammy also sent me a pot holder which i will show you soon, in my kitchen - though it is much too nice to hold pots with! .............handmade gifts are so special, thank you tammy :)...............
...........sorting out the quilt cupboard, getting a few quilts ready for the chillier evenings now arriving and putting in some newer ones made recently......
..........today felt very autumnal, with the wind blowing the golden leaves about, and a chill in the air after so much warmth......i'm glad we had  nice hot summer here in the uk though, it doesn't seem so bad moving into autumn after having our fill of hot sunshine for once :)...........thank you for popping in to see me here, i always enjoy your visits and thank you for your sweet comments.............wishing you a wonderful crafty week........back soon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

52 comments:

Amy at love made my home said...

I like your cushion, every chair needs a little comfort! New here, but really liking all your lovely things.

Elderberry-Rob said...

I like your painted dresser, I have a rubber wood one - not sure if it would take to Annie Sloane paint but I am tempted to give it a try. lovely colours that you have an eye for, cusions pretty too - you have been very busy and have a really nice co-ordinated look to everything. Betty

Jane said...

I love that shade of grey Helen..and no I'm not talking about the book...LOL! The text fabric looks great on your cushion, a really lovely set there. It has turned so autumnal today but I'm off to sunny Rhodes in the morning so take care and "see" you soon,
Jane x

Ladybird Diaries said...

Oh your dresser is gorgeous, I love it. Your scrappy cushion is so lovely too...so bright and cheery.
M x

primrosesattic said...

Love the grey of your chair. It looks perfect with the cushion. A lovely place to read.
Dresser is really pretty in white.
Rosezeeta.

justpootling said...

Hi Helen
I just LOVE your beautiful cushion - it's so stylish putting the script fabric in amongst the regular prints - just gorgeous ! I love the pretty little ribbons tying the sides closed as well.
What a lovely crafty week you've had:)
Kate
justpootling.blogspot.co.uk

Crafty in the Med said...

Hello Helen
I've started to look for Annie Sloan paint here! I see so many wonderful makeovers on bloggy friends posts that I must really try and find it. I have this little side table that is crying out for a makeover. Now I see your dresser I am more eager than ever to find that paint. The fabric heart,that unusual horse and the splash of colour which the flowers add makes it all perfect!
I find that the grey you've used on the chair looks a little like pale mocha to me but goes perfectly well with the cushion.
Your patchwork cushion of course is lovely and I also agree with you .... handmade gifts are the best!

keep well

Amanda :-)

Ali said...

Just gorgeous xxx

Susan said...

How beautiful do you grey chair and cushion look together! The perfect reading spot!

Unknown said...

Hi Helen I adore your painting - my husband is a big fan of the colour grey you have used. When he first mentioned it to me a few years ago I was horrified as I am definitely a white person. But, after seeing the results I must say that I was won over - your furniture looks gorgeous and that cushion, what can I say, simply divine. I am going to have a go at your bag from your book this week Helen so wish me luck. A fabulous post as always, you are an inspiration.
Lots of love as always
Dorothy
:-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Unknown said...

I'm like you - everything white. I find it calms the mind, and provides the perfect background for any colourful crafts! But I do love your adventures with grey, ideal for the chair! Great cushion, too, I do like wordy fabrics... Chrissie x

Marianne said...

Love the cushion and the painting. I am going to make my own chalk paint with plaster of Paris soon. I don't think i can buy Annie sloan here in Sydney very easily.

forgetmenotsblue said...

It's starting to feel very autumnal here in Wales too. Soon be time to snuggle under your lovely quilts :) your paint works are lovely the chair colour is fab. Amazing how paint can lift items and make them just like new. Inspiring stuff I might reach for my paint brush soon x

greenrabbitdesigns said...

That is a beautiful shade of grey Helen, the chair does look great, love the dresser too! What would we all do without 'Billy' bookcases! ;)
Such a pretty cushion, your patchwork is always so inspiring, I really must give it a go!
Enjoy the rest of the week,
V xxx

tlcukjourney said...

Homemade gifts ARE the best and most perfect!
As usual... everything you touch comes out gorgeous, I love your design taste.
I love things white as well... it just gives things a crisp, clean & organized feel!
Have a great rest of your week,
Tammy x

Teresa Kasner said...

Hi Helen, I always enjoy a peek into your colorful life of craftiness! You always inspire me to want to do something.. love the patchwork pillow. Enjoy your artistic endeavors! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Jenn M said...

Everything turned out so pretty! I have never tried chalk paint but I am loving the projects I see all over blog land - yours included:)

Jenn @JennsCraftyWorld

homemade@myplace said...

lovely cushion Helen! I really like the text fabric!!!
xxxx Ale

SLR said...

that pillow is just darling and you did a beautiful job on the dresser as well!

alexandrea at two-forty-six said...

I really love that text fabric! It looks so great as a patchwork with the text going in different directions! Beautiful job!

koralee said...

oh my I adore your painted dresser...so so darling. My daughter works in this very cute little vintage shop that sells chalk paint...thinking I need to buy some and give it a go. Hope your September is off to a wonderful start!

debbie @ happy little cottage said...

Hi Helen!
Let me just say that there is NOTHING wrong with painting things white :) Your dresser is lovely and makes me want to try Annie Sloan paint, but I really adore that pillow!!! So cute!!! xoxo

Annerose said...

Hallo Helen, schön ist die Kommode geworden. Ich habe schon oft von dieser Farbe gelesen, ist sehr interessant und sieht sehr schön aus.
Auch dein Kissen ist wieder allerliebst. Ich bin immer begeistert von deinen Sachen.
Vielen Dank für deinen netten Kommentar auf meinem Blog zu den Fliegenpilzen. Ich habe sie mit großer Freude genäht und bestickt. Ich liebe dein Buch.
Liebe Grüße Annerose

Hannapat said...

Oh Helen I feel like I've stroked gold today, I'm a grey gal living in a grey world and even though I'm known to paint most things I can, I try to preserve some if the things in their original skin, but if I'm choosing a colour, yes you guessed it its grey. So thank you oh thank you for showing me that French linen, I will just have to get some. I love your chest of drawers it's such a beautiful piece of furniture with oodles of character and you've done it proud, it looks beautiful!! Your pretty cushion is so sweet. As for your quilt cupboard, I want it, oh my they all look so beautiful. You're so talented Helen and thanks for the visual feast. Wishing a very lovely week xoxo

Teje Karjalainen said...

Hi Helen! I love to paint, too and light grey is perfect colour! It looks great with white and with all the colours like your beautiful new cushion! What a beautiful wooden horse you have there next to those sweet flowers! x Teje

Caroline said...

Oooh I really love your white painted dresser, so pretty! Loving the grey chair too :)
I'm considering making some patchwork type gifts for Christmas this year...great way of blending different fabrics and colours.
Enjoy your week.
Caroline xx

♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM said...

Hi Helen...Your painted dresser looks beautiful and those bright cheerful colours in your posy of flowers look so gorgeous sitting on it (and you do always find the prettiest of flowers to put together!)
I love Mr.P's swingy chair...it looks lovely in the new grey shade and just right for sitting and browsing through all those lovely books..Love your patchwork cushion and the pretty quilt cupboard...The weather is definitely changing, isn't it? I do love autumn though and it's good that we will have good memories of a warm summer this year to look back on too...
Happy Crafty Wednesday,
Susan x

thriftwood said...

I'm a big fan of Annie Sloan, and you've inspired me even more ... I've a chest of drawers that definitely need a makeover! Lovely post as always, and I love the chicken wire cupboard!

Claire xxx

Thais said...

Hello Helen.
I m brazilian, and I love visit your blog, your job is great and lovely.
I love tildas too.
Kisses
Thais

Anonymous said...

I love your pictures, you always add a bright pop/s of color that melt my heart. The quilts are gorgeous, all stacked and ready for cool weather. You're my inspiration, Helen, and I recently received your "Simple Sewn Gifts" in the mail. Can't wait to learn your cross stitch ideas, make a bunny, more hearts in different styles, and oh my goodness - a gingerbread couple!!! You've taught me so much, I can't thank you enough, and brought such joy as I've learned from you and began to take baby steps in creating my own little sewing ideas. I opened an Etsy shop, it was so scary at first but I've sold some things which is exciting. Need to learn more about how to drive traffic to my shop, and that's another fun project!

Hugs ~ Mary

Clara {Clover and Violet} said...

Helen, I Love your dresser. Your chair is so lovely painted grey!! I have furniture painting to do too, maybe some will be done this weekend. I love your cushion and your quilts are always so inspirational!! Have a wonderful day!!

scrappyjacky said...

I love how your dresser looks...makes me think about painting my pine one.

Unknown said...

Hi Helen,Love your makeovers and your scrappy cushion is just lovely!!!Have a happy and crafty day!!!
Love
AMarie

Amy DeCesare said...

Beautiful stuff here! I love the chair and cushion especially. I'm reading so much about this Annie Sloan Chalk Paint lately...I think it's in my future!

vintage grey said...

Hi Helen,
Oh, I just love your grey chair!! Such a sweet pillow, too! And, all your gorgeous quilts ready to come out for fall are beautiful! Wishing you a very wonderful and creative week! xo Heather

Madelief said...

Dear Helen,

I believe we had the same weather in Holland! It feels so cold.....Only last week it was 30 degrees Celcius...

Such a good idea to paint your dresser white (and brave). I have a pine cupboard in the garden house, which I want to give a lick op paint as well, but I am still having doubts about it...

Love your colourful blankets!

Have a lovely evening!

Madelief x

Simone said...

It is lovely coming here Helen. The grey chair is a good choice with a slightly more masculine feel. Sorry I have not been commenting very much but I have been unwell. Lovely Nutmeg in previous post too. x

Annie Cholewa said...

I am a complete dunce with the Annie Sloan ... the only time I tried it it looked as if I'd applied white concrete and not paint. I shall just have to settle for admiring beauties like your dresser from afar :)

Christine said...

I love your painted furniture. It is funny how a little heart can make something so pretty even more special. And I love your cushion too. It looks wonderful on the chair.

J9sHappiness said...

Such beautiful colours in those stacked quilts - truly gorgeous. To me that is spring and summer wrapped up!! Love your painting efforts too, well done!! J9 x

Erna said...

Hello Helen, I love Annie Sloan paint.It really makes your furniture bright....
Hugs
Erna

Lillie and Moss said...

So many pretty lovelies! Love the color you chose for your chair...I've been thinking about tackling a few pieces of furniture before our summer is completely gone. LOve all your quilts staked up rather nicely in your cupboard.
Hugs, Shari

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Hi Helen, love the scrappy pillow. Looks great on your newly painted chair. You certainly do always manage to keep busy. So nice to see you using the little doily. I forgot to even take a picture of it and the dishcloth before mailing them off. :) Happy Friday! Tammy

Naturally Carol said...

Hi Helen, I do like French Linen, a lot. It makes a lovely soft neutral background for all of your beautiful handiwork! Autumn is wonderful after a hot summer isn't it?

Annette said...

Hi!
I'm a new follower...I love your works!

Baci dall'Italia

http://ce-que-je-aime.blogspot.it/

Gracie Saylor said...

Thanks for another good visit, Helen! I love to be invited into your world, and I selfishly keep hoping I will absorb your wonderful sense of design and industry and complete more lovely creative projects myself :)
I am still recovering from all the miles driven with my sister over the last three months...about 7000, I think! Wonderful times, but now I am diving back into meetings and catching up on need to do things at home. Happy weekend :)
Gracie xx

20 North Ora said...

Beautiful patchwork pillow and nice painting job!

Judy

Unknown said...

Hello my friend Hellen is Janine and i follow your blob as alwyas, love your work and the vintage images, you bring me nostalgic moments :)and inspire me always to create something new, thank you :)
If you like to make me in my new blog just enter in my blog secretfromthesea.blogspot.com, it will be nice to receive your visit or comment.
Wish you all the best
Hugs
Nina ***

Caramella said...

Such a gorgeous collection! So pretty!

www.hungrycaramella.blogspot.com

My Little Home and Garden said...

You are very productive with your time, Helen. I had so many projects to do over the summer and so few accomplished. I'd better get moving this week.

Art and Sand said...

I came across your blog via 20 North Ora.

I love your sweet quilts and the color combinations. I have been dithering back and forth about a new project. You make me want to make a sweet little patchwork quilt. And, it will free up some space in my work area.

Thanks for the inspiration.

Mia said...

Hello Helen,

What a lovely pillow case! Just beautiful! And white paint works always - and gives a perfect background for colors... and flowers!

Have a lovely September!

Yours,
Mia