Once Upon a Time there was a pale blue Lloyd Loom chair. She was a little drab and old-lady-like when she first came to live with me in March. A tad sad, a tad neglected. This chair has a great deal of sentimental value because of the very special Lady that once owned her. So I really wanted to feel good about the chair, to love her and adore her and make her pretty again. And I think there's something really special about breathing new life into a sad old chair, a chair that has had so many bottoms sat upon it over so many years.
So I started out thinking about how to prettify this chair, and a couple of inspiring images had really firmly lodged in my mind. The first one was a post on Vanessa's blog. And the second one was a post on Jane's blog. Both inspiring ladies, showing us inspiring chairs. Chairs to make yourself comfy in. Chairs to relax and create and dream in. And as I badly wanted my own comfy-relaxy-dreamy chair, I set about creating just such a thing. With yarn and fabric and love and joy.
First up, my chair needed it's own blanket. Without a doubt, it had to be cloaked in colourful hooky goodness or else it just wouldn't be my chair now would it? And so the circles-squares throw was started....
....and it grew....
....and grew some more...
...and then to dizzy appreciation, it gloried in it's ta-dah moment.
My chair also need a cushion. And so the whirly, stripy, circular cushion was started...
....and it grew....
....and grew some more....
...and it too enjoyed it's Ta-dah moment.
But even with her crochet cloak and her plumpety-plump cushion, the chair was still sporting her dowdy mucky velvet seat. And I just knew that One Piece of Fabric would never ever do. I had a vision, and to me it was as clear as day. I could see this chair so perfectly in my mind that it was as if it already existed. The seat would be made of patchwork.
Yes, patchwork!! It has to be this way, I can see it so clearly!
So I gathered the fabrics....
....discovered the delicious joy of cutting and piecing....
....and a Patchwork seat cover was made, Ta-dah!!
I am rather pleased with it. Well no, that is an out and out lie actually. I am not pleased with it, I am absolutely THRILLED with it!! It gives me palpitations, makes me hop and skip and clap!
I introduced The Patchwork to The Crochet.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh so harmonious!
Such Perfect Partners!
They will be so Happy together.
Now considering that I've done no patchwork before, and no upholstery before, I think I did pretty OK with this, wouldn't you say? I made a calico template and cut the seat top to shape, then made a loooooong length of patches to fit all round the sides of the seat in one continuous strip. Then simply stitched the two together, keeping the calico as backing for extra strength.
Ahhhh I really love love love love love love love LOVE this seat!!!!
And I really love love love love love love love LOVE how yarn and fabric, crochet and patchwork all come together in a rather whacky, lovable concoction of Attic24-Lucy-stylie creativity.
Slightly bonkers it has to be said.
But oh so very me!
I had a vision for this chair, and the vision was as clear as day in my mind.
And this chair became exactly as I imagined it.
Exactly, yet more so.
I hope we shall live Happily Ever After together, Me and Chair.
The End.
xxxxxxxxxxxx
Color talks to me the way it talks to you! SO good to see! Thanks for posting these lovely pics!
Shelly
Posted by: Shelly | May 24, 2009 at 12:27 AM
That is simply amazing! AWESOME job!
Posted by: Anita | May 23, 2009 at 03:15 PM
What a lovely journey you've had with your chair - it looks amazing! I am now in the process of making a path towards my buried sewing cabinet, cos I want to try patchwork again!!! You are such an inspiration.
Posted by: Alison | May 23, 2009 at 10:20 AM
You are most inspiring. The blog - abeachcottage also recycles,but all white as opposed to your love affair with colour. I have a bet each way depending on mood, and change my decor to create different moods. Like you, who needs drugs to hit the highs. There is so much to create and explore, and that's just in the realm of textiles.
Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm. Enjoy the patchworking but remember it's as addictive as crochet.
Posted by: Lee | May 23, 2009 at 08:50 AM
OH! I LOVE the patchwork! The whole chair is fantastic!!!!
Posted by: Michaela | May 23, 2009 at 06:19 AM
Fantastic colours - what a joyous creation and also wonderful writing. You could say I was 'hooked'. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Cal | May 22, 2009 at 10:00 PM
Well done! Chair looks amazing. x
Posted by: Tracey | May 22, 2009 at 08:08 PM
You are right to be proud - it is stunning. And so you.
Posted by: bakeandsewblog | May 22, 2009 at 05:43 PM
Oh my Goodness!!! You´re so fast!!!! I love all of your fabrics!!! Beautiful!!! :)
Posted by: Susana Alves (mundoacores) | May 22, 2009 at 02:38 PM
I am always eager to look at your blog every morning to see your colorful inspiration. I sure was delighted to see your beautiful patchwork cover! How delightful your chair looks. Everything goes together perfectly. Looking forward to a patchwork tutorial (wink)
Posted by: Jenni | May 22, 2009 at 02:19 PM
Ahhhhhhh. Now *that's* a chair. You can really brighten up a room :)
Posted by: susan | May 22, 2009 at 02:11 PM
You did it!!! I wish I could make my visions come to life this way.
Posted by: Barbara | May 22, 2009 at 02:04 PM
Pea-Green with Envy! Signed, The Golly Green Giant
Posted by: Sarah | May 22, 2009 at 01:57 PM
I can feel your excitement! And I totally share it and relate to it.
Congratulations, you've made a great job.
Posted by: Julie Alvarez | May 22, 2009 at 01:52 PM
I love the patchwork seat, it fits perfectly. Very inspirational, time I got going with some projectsl Love the colours.
Jacqueline
Posted by: Jacqueline | May 22, 2009 at 12:56 PM
Gorgeous! Stunning! It's just beautiful and hard to believe that's your first attempt at patchwork.
I have to say though ever since I saw your crochet chair by your window, I've coveted it. It's such a cozy space.
Posted by: Melissa | May 22, 2009 at 12:40 PM
I love it! You are amazing, jump right into the whole patchwork thing and create a masterpiece on your first attempt. Well done, it looks fantastic!
Posted by: Rita RC | May 22, 2009 at 12:16 PM
Beautiful! Inspirational!
Posted by: Kaarina | May 22, 2009 at 12:10 PM
Beautiful! The chair is absolutely beautiful!!
Posted by: Sandra | May 22, 2009 at 11:52 AM
Best looking chair in all of blogland I have ever seen! Love everything about, except for the fact that it is at your house and not mine!!
Rita
Posted by: Rita | May 22, 2009 at 11:41 AM
That is absolutely brilliant. You are a talented lady, for sure! I love it!
Posted by: Claire | May 22, 2009 at 11:12 AM
I love stories with a happy ending! Your chair is perfectly beautiful and perfectly you!
Posted by: jo | May 22, 2009 at 11:12 AM
What a triumph! What a delight! Those colours, patterns and textures sing together. So, what next?!!!
Posted by: Sue Krekorian | May 22, 2009 at 10:46 AM
Fantastic job Lucy. I'm so excited that you've tried your hand at patchwork. I look forward to more fabric loveliness from you.
Posted by: Mandy | May 22, 2009 at 10:35 AM
Love the chair, patchwork, crochet and your blog. Thanks for the inspiration. x
Posted by: Penny (Aust) | May 22, 2009 at 10:02 AM