Di Mill

Patchwork Chair

I love a good recycle story and this one is no exception. Jody at Craftnik picked this chair up on the side of the road and decided to give it a makeover. Although she hasn't used traditional patchwork techniques, the end result is stunning:

From this:

 

to this:

 

 
image source via design sponge

 

Pop over to Jody's blog and read her tutorial and see more photos. It's great to see an old once loved chair be given a second chance and with the chevron pattern so popular at the moment, it was a perfect choice to bring a modern touch to this once contemporary design.

Take care....Di

 

 

Trends to Watch

Today I'm focusing on the current trend of using old or new crochet doilies for purposes other that what they have been used for in the past. I'm really enjoying this trend as it's lovely to see items that may have been made by relatives and kept in the linen cupboard for years, be brought back to life and used again. Whether they are used as art work, lamp shades, table runners, table cloths or clothing - doilies have a charm about them that is soft, pretty and feminine.

 

 

1. Image via pinterest
2. Image & tutorial at Bijoux Bride
3. Vintage doily garland tutorial at Urban Scarlett
4. Image at sfgirlbybay
5. Large doily as artwork seen here

 

1. Doily Dress seen here
2. Doily rolled into a rose instructions at Country Living
3. Doily Garland via pinterest
4. Doilies embellishing curtains & cushion
5. Table runner at Country Living
6. Vintage doily headband

 

And of course you can always use your doilies as bunting:

 
image via etsy

 

And the ultimate....a bridal dress - made by the bride! This is not a dress that I could wear but I adore it! The bride has created a beautiful original design that oozes creativeness and originality.

 

 

 
images and story at 100 layer cake

Just in case you need a little more persuasion that doilies/lace are a trend...I just saw these cute Ikea containers  that are in the new 2012 Ikea catalogue (US version). They are so sweet.

 

 
image via Poppy Talk

So have a look in your linen cupboard or ask your Mum or Grandmother if they have any vintage doilies stowed away...and give them another life. Have fun!

Take care....Di

Trends to watch

This is a new column that I've started on the blog, bringing you trends that I've seen in interior design and how they can relate to the Patchwork industry in relation to either fabric or the art of patchwork/sewing. I've been studying with Holly of Decor8 in her Blogging Your Way course which is fantastic if you want to take your blog to a different level. I highly recommend and as registration is closed - keep an eye out for the next one. Anyway...this is one area of content that I am focusing on over the next 12 months.

This week it's Recycled denim. This is not a new concept by any means but it has made a bit of a resurgence lately. Recycling fabric, clothing, furniture etc is in vogue. Not only is it great for the environment but it's gentle on the budget as you can achieve a modern look with a vintage edge at minimal cost.

 

If you don't feel like visiting a heap of op shops to collect your denim, but like the denim palette, try using denim coloured fabrics such as Maywood's Shadowplay - gorgeous soft marbles in the perfect denim shades, or take inspiration from the colour of denim and give a bedroom or living area a makeover with some denim shades in paint.

 

   
 

1. How to sew a patchwork curtain from old jeans - tutorial at Homelife

2. Denim cushion with flowers - tutorial in March issue of Better Homes and Garden

3. Denim cushion made from waistbands - from Deco-blue designs

4. Denim Quilt - photo via Quiltville, pattern is Yellow Brick Road by Atkinsons Designs

5. Paint Swatches via Housebeautiful

6. Shadowplay fabric range by Maywood Studio

 

Take care....Di

 

Noosa here we come!

My last week of holidays and I am going to be spending it here on the beautiful Sunshine Coast. This is a week that I love as we go with two other families. Emma and Luke are both taking friends ...and I am looking forward to lots of relaxation, reading and sewing!!! I'm working on a quilt called "Gidget" by Moonshine Designs but I'm using these fabrics. I'll have some photos of the work in progress when I return from holidays.

While in New Zealand I did manage to find a fantastic China Shop near Dunedin. I picked up some bargains and much to my father's surprize - I carried them all the way home without any breaking. Below are a sample of some of my goodies.

I hope you have a lovely week and I'll catch up with you all when I get home.

Simple little treasures

I was driving past a charity store the other day and there was a car park right outside the front door...well you just have to stop then don't you? I mean it's like fate isn't it? There wasn't very much in stock that thrilled me but just as I was about to leave I found this little bundle for only a few dollars. Someone has spent hours gently stitching each design with deep red thread. I wonder if they just changed their mind about finishing the project or if their owner just ran out of time to complete all the WIP that she had started.

Well they have found a good home! There are seven sweet blocks and I am now wondering how I can add to these charming little squares with sashing and borders tetc. o "complete" them? Any ideas anyone? (sorry for the poor lighting)

I have found the border fabric for this quilt, So I should have the top finished soon. The Daiwabo fabrics that are used in this quilt are just beautiful to work with. I just wanted a plain border to keep the simplicity of the quilt in tact. It's a blue/grey fabric with small brown stars on it.

I'll be having a parcel of fabric arriving tomorrow and I have the weekend to make a quilt top using this particular range. I'll take photos as I go so you can have a sneek peek. It will be just a simple top as it will be a free downloadable pattern but the fabrics are so lovely that they don't need anything fancy!

Recycled Sweater

Well - here are the photos of what happened to this pink sweater. I really love my stocking. It was going to have a cuff on the top but I couldn't bear to cover up any of the embroidery style design on the front. I just finished off the edge with satin ribbon. It's just simple but I adore it.

I also made some of those gorgeous soft trees that Stephanie of little birds handmade has made a free pattern available. Mine are a bit wonky but cute. I was really lazy and just pushed pearl headed pins into the tree form (not a good idea if you have small children who might want to squeeze it!). Heaps of fun and quick and easy!

 

I love Christmas!