Varina's Garden

a Vintage Barrell Chair restyle

2011-03-28T13:35:00.000-07:00

I've really enjoyed exploring the art of re-upholstering.
It's quite a process!

My first experience was, like most things, born out of necessity back in 2007. We had a comfy rust colored thrift store chair which I made a slipcover for to go in Luke's nursery. I decided to go ahead and recover the chair in a light muslin to go under a new slipcover for Julianne's nursery. You can see how it turned out here.

This particular project was commissioned by my brother-in-law last Fall. The chair was a sentimental piece his wife had, but needed some TLC.

Here are a few things I've learned from the two projects:

1. Supplies you will need: a camera, needlenose pliers, trash bin, a hammer and/or a rubber mallet, staple gun, good quality long staples made to handle wood and thick layers, cardboard and metal tacking strips, tacks, tack/staple remover, poly batting and foam, new upholstery fabric and trim.

2. Take thorough pictures of the entire piece (before), and throughout the entire process. It is very important to take plenty of step-by-step pictures, this will serve as a roadmap for putting the piece back together.

3. Remove all the old staples (as much as possible). And be very careful, as there may be old and sharp parts.

4. As you remove fabric, you may want to mark pieces with numbers to indicate order and/or adjoining pieces. Set aside upholstery pieces, including piping or edging, to use as patterns to cut new fabric. This is also a useful way to determine exactly how much yardage you will need of new fabric. I estimated mine in both projects. You can do whichever you are more comfortable with.

5. Reuse as much of the "insides" as possible. As long as you are careful during dis-assembly, the metal tacking strip and piping core should be in good shape to reuse. If the foam is in poor condition, was of poor quality, or dust/odor is a concern, go ahead and replace. You can use batting and foam pieces to refresh old foam, or to add body or cushion for style and comfort.

6. After removing the exterior, this is a good point to sand down and refinish, replace or repair wood or legs. After refinishing the wood, I polished the brass pieces.

7. Use old fabric to cut new pieces, paying attention to special cuts, curves, stitch and/or snip marks, make sure to give yourself plenty of room for pieces that will need to wrap around to secure.

8. Sew together seams if needed, to join sections, make darts or attach piping.

9. Reassemble in the reverse order. Taking a few progress pictures.

10. This is the opportunity to add your own flair. You may choose to alter sewing channels, piping or edging, buttons and you may choose to add decorative tacks (as I did above) which will also reinforce the fabric.

Voila! Although the process is intense, the finished result is incredibly satisfying! There is nothing like saving an old piece and giving it a new life.

the story of a comfy old chair

2011-03-26T21:35:00.000-07:00

We picked up this chair from our local thrift store, the Guardian Angel not too long after we bought our first house. Despite it's crazy rust-colored velvet fabric, we fell in love with it. It was super comfy, rocked and swiveled. You can't get better than that, can you? As baby number one came along, we found ourselves in need of a decent rocking chair for the nursery. The only problem was that rust wasn't really in the nursery color scheme. So I sewed my first slipcover out of an adorable blue and white toile and presto we had ourselves a new, and super cute rocking chair!

Several years later, the nursery became a big boy room and we began creating a new pink nursery. This time I decided to finally get rid of the old rust fabric. As this was my first venture into re-upholstering, I decided that it would permanently be a slipcover chair which took some of the pressure off. I decided to use a plain muslin and some scrap canvas to re-upholster the chair. I also opted out of the button accents and made simple X dimples to maintain the body of the chair. I made a new slipcover, this one out of a gorgeous cream upholstery. A couple of years later, I decided to dye the cover a pastel green to better match the room. It turned out really well. One of these days I'll have to find or take a picture of the end result.

wanna make one? i do!

2011-02-28T18:27:00.001-08:00

Vintage Love!

2011-02-15T10:36:00.000-08:00

Vintage on the Ridge contest!

Do you have love for a special vintage or antique piece? Maybe it's something you own or long to own? Tell us about it and you could be chosen as our Valentine's Day Love Affair with Vintage contest. All you have to do is leave a comment on the link, telling about your love of a special vintage or antique treasure (leave a link to a photo if you can) and on Feb 28th, they will announce the randomly-chosen winner. The winner will receive a Vintage on the Ridge gift certificate for $40.00; you can use it toward any items in their Etsy shop, any time, until it's all used up. It will be so much fun to read about your special treasures. Good luck!

Here is my submission:

A few months back, while visiting my dear friend Suzy, I scored these beauties at a benefit tag sale at a Greek Orthodox church in NY, and a book sale at the library where she works.

I have a lotta love for anything Royal Copenhagen. My grandmother has instilled a love in me for our Danish heritage. Her grandparents immigrated from Denmark. I hope to go and visit extended family in Denmark some day!

So, of course I couldn't pass up this fabulous vintage language book which includes Danish!

i love costumes!

2010-11-01T13:36:00.000-07:00

Halloween has long been a favorite holiday of mine - actually, make that my favorite holiday. I think it's because, aside from the obvious glory of Fall (the crisp air, the rustle of leaves, the beautiful colors, the smell of warm drinks, pumpkins...), I've always loved to dress up. I especially love costumes. Every Halloween, we get to choose new costumes. And I must admit that I've become somewhat of a purist in regard to costumes. I simply cannot pay money for poorly made costumes, made of cheap fabric and sad details. What's the point. I love the process of having the kids start dreaming of what they want to be months in advance, we decide if we'll do a theme and even a party, then comes the selection of patterns and fabrics. Oh what fun! I have yet to master the timing; procrastinating still runs thick in my veins. But, I guess I love even the frenzy of the last week before Halloween, as I finish up the costumes. My goal is to eventually have a closet or wardrobe full of past costumes. Not that I'll stop making them, but it will be a wonderful collection!

This particular Halloween, we decided on a royal Tudor theme. We threw a costume party a la Henry the Eighth. It was tons of fun! Luke, was prince Edward. Julianne, a fairy version of princess Elizabeth, I was queen Jane Seymour and Jeremy, none other than Henry himself.

Little Knight - red wide corduroy, black pleather, and silver woven costuming

Fairy Princess - baby blue satin, re-purposed baby blue sheer and white and silver cording

Queen - re-purposed costume - removed black lace, added white lace and gold decorative stitch accent

King - Black Jacquard, re-purposed black blend, gold buttons with lion accents

There were a few tweaks I would love to have made, but on the whole, was please with the result.

thank you Black Apple

2010-10-11T21:01:00.000-07:00

At a recent mommy get away trip to NY, my dearest friend and I worked on a charming craft from Black Apple, template found here. So, voila! My version of a Black Apple doll:We made ours from cotton scrap fabrics, used felt for hair, embroidered their faces by hand with embroidery floss, stuffed body with beans, rice and polyfill. (I actually got so excited, I made 7! Six girls for my girl, one to represent her, and an army guy for my boy) My daughter, Julianne, absolutely loves them! She has been playing with them non-stop since I made them. (My son loves his too!) Thanks Suzy for introducing me to these great dolls! And of course thank you to the original Black Apple (and to the queen of craft, Martha Stewart for hosting the template)!

Darling Picot Knit Hat and Slippers

2010-10-11T20:56:00.000-07:00

Knitted baby cap with picot edge and slippers in cream wool-ease, with chocolate wool-ease flower and cream button accent, chocolate button closures. Sized 0-3 months.

the Cat in the Hat

2010-03-04T19:59:00.000-08:00

a costume for a Moonlight reading at my son's school in honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday - promoting reading across America.

The costume wasn't nearly as daunting as I thought it would be. A good pattern helps tremendously. This is my first time sewing with such a high pile fur. However, it went pretty well - if I do say so myself.

I added wire to the polyfill in the tail, giving it a little bit of spring, and mold-a-bility (if that's a word).

The costume consists of black and white high pile fur for catsuit and hood with ears and spats, black lining for neck facing and hood. Hook and eye closures for hood, elastic gathering on arms, legs and spats along with elastic on the underside of each spat, and a 22" zipper. Red and white felt for the hat and bow. I took the time to finish the seams on the inside to reduce the fraying, and tacked the neck facing and zipper which finishes it off nicely.

little Strawberry cushion

2010-02-01T20:09:00.000-08:00

This is what I made while snowed in. Yes, something to check off my list! I got the rocking chair a while back for Julianne's birthday. I bought it off of craig's list, but it needed more work than I realized (surprise!). So I add metal braces along the bottom, to fully secure the glued seams. And made a strawberry cushion for my little strawberry girl. I love this rocker because it's unique and old, but also because it's a little bigger than most childrens' rocking chairs. She loves it. (She loves anything that's her size. ;)

the sewing room

2009-07-23T08:05:00.000-07:00

The sewing room is really coming along. I'm so excited!

Here are a few of the new additions.
A shelf I found at the Scrap Exchange ($3!) and painted

Yesterday I finished the French Memo Board I've been working on

A very unique wooden sewing organizer
I found this on craigslist for $10, I love it!
I added the casters on the bottom

tons of storage!
and perfect for rolling to the sewing table
for easy access during sewing projects

I also made a sewing machine rest to protect the table
I'm proud to say that the material did not come pre-quilted (I did that)

This is my sewing desk I've had for a while up in my room.
I love it. I've thought of replacing it with a refurbished sewing armoire,but I can't part with it yet. It is old, I don't know if it's an antique. It has green embossed leather on the top, dove-tailed drawers, and tons of storage.

funny

2009-07-13T10:50:00.000-07:00

compliments of electric boogaloo

Gavin's Georgia Bulldogs Quilt

2009-07-13T10:34:00.000-07:00

I usually wait to post pictures of a gift until after it's been given. However, seeing as how mom, Ana (my sister) has already had a sneak peak, I'll go ahead and post.
My sister, Jess and I made a baby quilt for our newest nephew, Gavin - whose nursery is done in GA bulldog style. We are both so pleased with how it turned out! The pattern is a 6 x 6 pattern, with 7.5" blocks, 16 of which are 4 pieced accent blocks.
Made of 100% cotton fabrics (red, black, white, black and white gingham, gray, GA bulldog print, red paw print, natural cotton/poly batting, 100% cotton gray backing, black cotton binding. Quilted with red quilting thread ("go dawgs!" "G" "baby" "bulldog" heart, shooting stars)

throw pillows

2009-05-13T09:01:00.001-07:00

Throw pillows for a Master bedroom
Pillow covers made from modified pillow cases, features easy removal pocket closure
Small Accent pillow features Green Frond Summer canvas with piping
Small roll pillow features ribbon ties on both ends
All cotton and washable.

Summer Bag

2009-05-05T18:33:00.001-07:00

Summer Bag in Cream, Pink and Green Floral Vine Fabric
with Bubblegum Pink Canvas accents
Cream interior with accessory pocket with velcro closure and cell phone pocket
Also features a magnetic snap closure

Knit Hat and Booties

2009-05-05T18:31:00.001-07:00

Knit Hat and Booties, in Cream Washable Wool Yarn
Accented with Picot edging, and Chocolate Sheer Ribbon

Flower Ribbon Crib Mobile

2009-05-05T18:28:00.001-07:00

Original Design for my daughter, Julianne
Various color coordinated ribbons, Paper Flower accents, and Decorative Dots

Preemie Knit cap and Booties

2009-05-05T18:26:00.000-07:00

Preemie Knit Hat and Booties knitted in baby blue 100% Cotton yarn

Chapaeu Marnier Knitted Hat

2009-05-05T18:23:00.001-07:00

Ladies hat knitted in a purple wool yarn
Scalloped edge with Cream Ribbon Accent

Flowers and Chocolate Tote

2009-04-15T08:51:00.000-07:00

Spring/Summer Tote Bag in Flowers and Chocolate
(100% Cotton, Craft Interfacing)
Pink Floral Accents on Sage and Cream Polka Dots,
Accents in Chocolate Cotton with Sateen sheen
Chocolate Cotton Lining with Sage and Cream Accents
Inside Pocket - Cell Phone Pocket and Larger Pocket with Velcro closure
Wood Oval Handles
Chocolate Satin Ribbon Closure

Julianne's Blue Easter Dress

2009-04-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

Girl's Easter Dress in Robin's Egg Blue with White Band (2T)

100 % Cotton
White Daisy Chain accents, and White Bow on front
White Invisible Zipper at back

Christie's Green Easter Dresses

2009-04-15T08:25:00.001-07:00

Ladies Easter dress in Pastel Green with White Mini Polka dots and Chocolate Ribbon Sash
Boat Neck, Invisible Zipper on side, Lined with White Cotton and Flare Skirt

Sophia's Quilt

2009-04-15T08:15:00.000-07:00

Floral Diamond Baby Quilt
100% Cotton (Front pieces and Backing), Batting 80/20 (Cotton/Poly Blend)
Pastel Pinks, Greens, Lavender and Blue, Chocolate and Khaki accents
Pastel Pink binding, Cream Polka dots and Sage Backing
Quilted Patterns in Natural: Daisies, Roses, Dogwoods and Tulips, Robins, V's,
and "Faith" "Hope" and "Love" along the sides

Fire Truck Panel

2009-02-11T07:48:00.000-08:00

Fire Truck panel for my son's room.

sunroom cushions

2009-01-18T18:52:00.000-08:00

This has been my largest special order project yet. It involved taking apart and sewing 4 large cushions, 3 medium cushions, 4 small throw pillows, and two lampshade covers. The old covers were taken apart as patterns and to reuse zippers, as requested by the client. All original interior cushions were reused, but were recovered in muslin. All cushions included a zipper, half included piping which was tailor made to match, and two cushions included pleats and darts. The patterns of all cushions were also reconfigured to allow for a longer zipper, for easier removal. The cushions were covered in a Sunbrella Crimson fabric, the throw pillows and lampshades were covered in a coordinating Sunbrella striped fabric.

Baby's Pinwheel Quilt

2009-01-08T09:13:00.001-08:00

Pinwheel pattern, with quilted stars, horseshoes, squares and B's. Pieced by sewing machine, quilting and binding by hand.

Flinstones Costumes

2009-01-08T09:10:00.000-08:00

Barney, Betty & BammBamm Rubble

costume capes

2009-01-08T09:07:00.001-08:00

We used them for James, Lily and Harry Potter.

Green Taffeta Costume Dress

2009-01-06T08:24:00.001-08:00

Knit Bunny set for Baby

2009-01-06T07:40:00.000-08:00

Knit cap and bunny booties for baby (100% cotton - machine washable)

Kid's Chair

2009-01-06T07:35:00.001-08:00

Kid's Chair: plush polyfill/muslin inserts, cotton cover (denim, brown star, cowboy fabric), pocket on back, piping accents and zipper on base
(machine washable cover)

Kid's Blanket

2009-01-06T07:32:00.001-08:00

Kid's Blanket: fleece, flannel and satin edging

Cable Knit Scarf

2009-01-05T18:58:00.000-08:00

Silk Panels

2009-01-05T18:56:00.001-08:00

Knitting Rolls

2009-01-05T18:49:00.001-08:00

Nursery Set

2009-01-05T18:46:00.001-08:00

Nursery set included: plush crib bumper, straight crib skirt, simple valance, and sheers.

Canvas Tote

2009-01-05T18:43:00.000-08:00

M.E. Canvas Tote

Caiaphas

2009-01-05T18:41:00.000-08:00

This is an example of one costume I made for the high priest character.

Costumes

2009-01-05T18:38:00.000-08:00

I supervised the costuming of an entire cast for a Biblical musical.