The Positive side of Sorting out the Cave In

The boxes are now in a more stable position than they were on Wednesday evening which is the main thing.  The bonus is that I have found a few projects which I had forgotten about which I think I will be able to get on with quite quickly.

There are two lengths of fabric that had been put aside for making a couple of ironing board covers.  I shall make those shortly to get them out of the way with and to make more room in the basket where the fabric is. (a large wicker picnic hamper basket). However the main reason for this is that I still have the new ironing board cover so I can use that as a template.  Preparing this now will save a lot of time.  I will then have a pattern to cut new board covers as and when I need them in my choice of fabric for the future.  One of them is a pretty cream and blue print the other is a turquoise blue medium sized gingham.  Both of these will go well with my ironing board as it is a French Navy colour.  Once the pattern is there they will not take much to sew up, but as a new cover costs at least £15 for the board I have it is cheaper for me to do this myself from either recycled fabric or fabric gained cheaply.

There is then a selection of cotton fabrics in pinks and blues.  I have some projects in mind like elasticated wrist pin cushions, heart shaped scented clothes and drawer sachets,  heart shaped garlands and maybe some coat-hanger covers and scented shoe stuffers.  I have already mentioned that I have a chair back cover with a very pretty piece of lace attached to it which I intend to turn into either a PJ case or an undies case which are plain cream linen with cream lace on.  I also have plans to make a hanging organiser as well also out of linen chairbacks and vintage lace. I also intend to make wicker waste paper basket covers (for the bedrooms), and a pretty cover for a wicker basket along the lines of a cover that would be used for a picnic basket with some pretty lace and ribbon.

There is then a selection of pink fabrics which may get turned into either a patchwork quilt or a couple of throws.  Mostly scraps which will be good to practice the patchwork on.

I also found the missing new tea towels that I had sourced in with which to make a table-cloth for my dining room table.  This is in creams and beiges.  I intend to get this done out of the way also.

I also found a selection of beads for bead jewellery and some Christmas decorations which I had also forgotten about.

The other week I mentioned that I had found a beautiful banqueting cloth which I had thought was damaged but on closer inspection it is not. It is in perfect condition so I am pretty pleased about that.  I was going to recycle it if it had not been in good condition.

I also have some other vintage embroidered linen which I also in due course intend to upcycle and put back into use.  Things such as cushion covers, crazy patchwork quilts, and some picture frames made out of the excess vintage linen from the chair backs but embellished with some fresh embroidery.  A pair of these might also make a lovely gift for some family photos.

I also like Victorian Tiffany style lamp shade covers which include lace and I had thought to make a cover for a shade frame I already have out of small lace and crochet mats. I also have some very small light shades which are ideal for wall lights and I might do the same with these as well. I am also keen to make a throw created from the same to drape over the rocking chair in my bedroom.  You can also make bunting and garlands in a similar manner.  So there will be a lot to do.  I need that desk clear and into the back room so that I can get the machines in there and I will then be able to get a wriggle on.  A lot of the items are destined to be presents in the longer run.

I also found a selection of my metal cake stands and platters which are silver or silver coloured and which will go well with my Mercury glass collection for Christmas.

There was also a box of Christmas decorations.  Pine cones that had been turned into hanging decorations.  They were expensive and particularly nice.  However due to age the glue is drying out on one or two of the trims so they need tidying up a bit with the glue gun.  Nothing drastic just need a little attention.

So for a good couple of hours last night I managed to do a lot of sorting (although I still have a load more to do); and I have re-found items and projects I had forgotten about and chucked a big bin liner of rubbish out as well which was particularly pleasing as each time I manage to do something it is thinning things down. I also now have a rough idea of where certain items are, which is a big part of the battle for me.

Will try and get a bit more done this evening.

So an ill wind has in fact done me a big favour and I feel a little happier that I have got something done (not where I have been concentrating) but actually something done.  Just got to keep at it.

Catch you soon.

Pattypan

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