A New Lease of Life for an Old Lady!

This fairly ordinary c1930's chair had been sitting in my project pile for a few months, waiting for some spare time and a little inspiration. Knowing what I now know from having my shop, I can guarantee that if I were to paint it, someone would prefer it in its original state. If I were to leave it as-is, then someone else would prefer it with a coat of paint(!)...but what colour?

So what I've decided to do with this old lady, is to just disguise her!

Firstly, I tacked on a white damask fabric to her seat! Then it was time to get the sewing machine out...

A vintage doily here...

A lacy embroidered tray cloth there...

Some sections of damaged, but still beautiful, hand crochet edged tablecloths all joined in a row to finish, petticoat style!...

Here she is revamped and dressed to impress!

I had to be a bit brave using so many of the vintage tablecloths that I had been saving (they make wonderful petticoats for my larger rag dolls), but I'm pleased with how the chair looks and it gives me the excuse to go out and find more lacy linens for my dolls. ;-))

Its easily removed for laundering, and should wash well, as all the items I have recycled were designed to be washed regularly.

I shall be taking her with me to the Vintage Bazaar, as she will be ideal to display the three rag dolls that I have made so far...

For now though, I am enjoying looking at her in our living room, in all her frou-frou glory!

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Niki x