Seal of approval

Ruby has adopted the new arrival as her own...

She's frequently found in her new chill out spot looking very smug and regal.

So close, but no cigar yet...

It is the end of the summer term for upholstery and the start of a six week break. The little lady was tantalizingly close to being finished and I couldn't bear to leave her behind.

So home she came.

If you look very closely you'll see flaps sticking out either side. That's the back panel of fabric that still needs to be attached.

To do list:

• hammer home temporary tacks holding back fabric panel
  
• add piping to tops of back feet
  
• trim, tuck and ladder stitch back panel
  
• piping around arms to hide tacks
  
• bottom fabric to hide springs
  
• sit on, drink wine, enjoy handiwork
  

Ps. The cupboard behind the chair that still needs painting a year after if was fitted? Move along now. There's nothing to see here!

The best finds are free!

Saw this chest of drawers outside in a front garden a couple of streets away from our house. After cheekily knocking on the door, it turned out that it did indeed need a new home, so home it came. Funny what people throw away.


These drawers have definitely seen better days, but they are solidly made complete with dovetails and honey oak veneer. No flat pack here! A couple of hours spent with a sander and a little wax, and voila!


The mark on the right hand side is where I treated a single suspect hole with woodworm treatment. Hoping the mark fades, but I'd rather that than an infestation of wee little wood-munching beasties.

I think there's a bit of history with this piece as well. On the back is a brand mark - a crown with W.D. beneath (will take a picture soon). I think the W.D. stands for War Department... what were they doing building furniture?!

Bank holiday = rainy weather = jobs to do inside

Tentative to do list for the long weekend of good old British weather that's anticipated...

Utility room

1. Caulk & paint utility room worktop frame
2. Finish cleaning up the old brackets for utility room shelves
3. Make curtain to hid washing machine

Misc

1. Fix squeaky dining room door
2. Sand stair rail
3. Find & fit new radiator for hallway
4. Put up shelf in kitchen, caulk & paint
5. Clean sofas, put one on gumtree!

Top fabrics...

manhattan fabric - Central Park Noir over at Designers Guild