Homespun Style and The Vintage Bazaar

Last week I attended the book signing fair organised by Selina Lake, the author of the inspirational Homespun Style.

It was a great day and I got to meet some wonderful makers who I had only corresponded with by email.

Firstly was the lovely (and camera shy) Polly of Folly and Glee.  It was so good to see her beautiful work in the flesh. Polly is the lady responsible for my buttons and made stunning lampshades from the scraps that were left over.  I think I need one for my workroom, don't I?

Next to her was Emma Lamb.  I have adored Emma's work and her use of colour for a very long time now, so it was a thrill to see her and her beautiful creations too.

I treated myself to one of her garlands, made from colours selected by Selina to go with the colours of her book.  As the colours have also inspired my work room it seemed fitting to add one although I was so spoilt for choice and could have happily given a home to any of Emma's creations.

Emma is also featured as a seller on Etsy so do pop over and read her interview.

Another lovely (also camera shy) lady  was Rachelle of Ted and Agnes fame.  Again another blogger/maker who has been on my radar for as long as I can remember and I have loved reading about her life and admire her work enormously!

She has just announced that, together with Tif Fussel of Dottie Angel fame, she is writing a book to be published this Autumn about Granny Chic.  Now that will be a book not to miss.  I can't wait!!!

It was a great event and I had such a great time in London but this week my nose has been firmly on the fabric grindstone once more.  I have been preparing for the wonderful Vintage Bazaar to be held tomorrow 9am - 3pm at The Cheese and Grain in Frome, Somerset.

This is always a huge event, the very best of vintage dealers all under one roof!!

Here is a sneak preview of the stock that I have prepared and will be taking along

 

Lots of Spring loveliness I think you will agree?  Hope to see you there x

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Sewing Room - Homespun Style

Another month has whizzed by and here we are in April, my favourite month. It's Spring and the time for renewal, rebirth and regeneration.  This must be why I am frantically cleaning up the house, sorting out paperwork that has lain in piles for months, sorting through bags of clothing and sending things off to the charity shops. 

This wonderful book came through my letterbox last month and I have been poring over the pages ever since.  Homespun Style by Selina Lake.

I love Selina's previous books, Bazaar Style and Romantic Style, and this new one is just as delightful. 

It is full of colour, shabby, well worn furniture, cosy spaces and inspirational interiors. The styling is just delicious and I love almost every page.  I look at the book all the time and find new little bits of inspiration every time!

This yellow just sang out to me!

Do you remember my pledge to make myself a workroom so that I no longer have to sew at the Kitchen table?  Well slowly the space has been taking shape and Selina's book came along at just the right time!

Using pieces of furniture I already had, with some wallpapers collected over time, long since discontinued paint from Cath Kidston and some new work surfaces and trestle legs from Ikea, things are starting to come together.

It's a work-in-progress but here is a little preview:

My wooden crates used to look like this

Using some of my wallpapers 

They now look like this

Just waiting to be filled with lovely piles of fabric!

I had an old wooden cabinet that was given to me. 

It was dark and a bit smelly before (I think the previous owners used to smoke and this was lingering!)

Using a favourite yellow plate for inspiration I had some paint mixed up

and painted the cabinet until it looked like this

I added a new glass handle and some vintage wallpaper in the back to give it a fresh new look - Homespun Style!

It is the perfect place for my DAB radio and my Barsony lamp!

Next I had some work surfaces made using the cheap and cheerful Ikea wooden surfaces and their trestle table legs

Then I turned my attention to the next 2 pieces of furniture, a dresser, which I had previously painted grey, and another shelving unit  with little drawers

I have painted the shelves pink, an old Cath Kidston furniture paint, and the dresser  I started to paint blue

Now here's the thing.  I'm not sure if I like the blue.  Actually I do like the blue, but I'm not sure about it next to the pink, and with the yellow cabinet opposite I am a bit scared that it is now too much.  

What do you think?

I'm starting to think that I would prefer to paint it a chalky white (Annie Sloan) and rub it back to expose bits of blue and grey.  The back is going to be a patchwork of wallpapers.

I have fixed an old printers drawer to the wall and filled it with cotton reels

An old unit that was standing upright in  my study now lies on its side and has been given the wallpaper treatment. It just needs to be filled with fabrics and maybe some castors on the bottom?

I have stacked my yarns in one of my crates

Which might help me to find the wool and finish one of these 3 blankets that I  currently have on the go!

I have a new inspiration board just waiting to be filled!

So, as you can see, I have been very much inspired by Selina and her lovely new book and am really enjoying putting this personal space together for myself, a place where I can go and create knowing that I can leave my mess out when it comes to dinnertime!!!

Watch this space, I shall keep you updated with developments.

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