Scrap Happy

A little project that I've been working on over the last couple of weeks...

And I really do mean that(!)...this cabinet has been sat in my kitchen for a while, along with my basket filled with fabric scraps, and whenever I've had five minutes to spare in between cooking the family meals etc. another square of fabric has been added.

I used this technique, which I used a few years ago to cover some old lampshades. I gathered some of my most favourite C19th French fabrics for a cohesive look. It doesn't matter if they would be too frail to sew with, or if you only have a tiny fragment of some, as it's the overall effect that matters. By adhering them in place with PVA glue, smoothed with a paintbrush, they are held together for a fairly robust finish.

If any become worn, or soiled with time, another patch can be added over the top. I was going to cover all the edges in the same way, but decided to use this striped cotton tape instead, for a slightly smarter finish.

A beautiful French floral fabric covers the two door panels, with a patchwork border to tie in with the rest of the cupboard.

I use a lot of red in our home, as I find it has a cheerful, friendly feel to it.

It just needs putting up on the wall now, somewhere in our living room.

I've also been painting the built-in cupboards in this room with a fresh coat of white paint. They need another coat yet, but you get the idea...I've also put back the red gingham behind the glass, which I had in there a few years ago...maybe I should stop faffing and just keep things as they are!

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On Sunday I took my daughter and her best friend to a vintage fashion fair that was held in Bristol. She bought a lovely Fair Isle hand knitted cardigan and a plaid skirt...sadly she doesn't want to model them for you here!

I bought some beautifully soft, cosy mohair scarves, mostly from Lizzie, which I shall turn into fashionable outerwear for my rag dolls!

There was also a fabulous stand, where the stall holder had bought all of her stock from the BBC's costume department. She said that much of it dates from the 1940's and the sheer volume of stuff that she has to sort through is incredible. Apparently, only a tiny sample of what she had was at the fair, as it will be a mammoth task. I bought these beautiful faux pearl stamens, which will be pretty embellishments for fairy folk.

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Well, this week is half-term, so we shall see how much gets achieved...but I won't hold my breath; I am already booked as a taxi for this afternoon and a shopping trip for school supplies is also on the cards...hope you have a great week,

Niki x