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Monday 14 October 2013

My made.com wardrobe and other stories


My parents kindly offered to buy me a new wardrobe for my birthday this year. The only proviso was: it must not be an old one. Mum had tangled with my previous wardrobe a year or so ago when I was in hospital and she came to collect some clothes for me. She was assaulted by an avalanche of jumpers, shirts and pyjamas which were straining behind the door (a wonky door that had a latch which needed a special twist to get it to shut). The only wardrobe I'd ever owned before that had collapsed due to a severe case of woodworm, so I had to agree that it might be nice to own something silky and new. It took me a long time to find a contender: the high street tends towards flat pack MDF or something with a huge price tag, neither of which would have worked.



I heard of the website www.made.com via a friend who had bought some great chairs. I liked the modern take on classic design, and when I spotted this solid ash wardrobe, very plain except for a little French-style curve along the bottom edge, I really liked it. I held on for about six months, thinking it over, before deciding to go ahead. 
It only took a week for the wardrobe to arrive in two ENORMOUS boxes which the helpful delivery men insisted on carrying upstairs for us. Over a weekend, my husband, son and I assembled the wardrobe. I won't say it was easy: it wasn't. But luckily Perry is much better at this kind of thing than I am and he persevered. Apart from two screws which sheared off during the assembly, and a few holes which were not drilled out properly, things came together pretty smoothly.



The bliss of re-homing my clothes and being able to see what I've got! I had a huge clear our, took one lot to a car boot sale, put some on ebay and others went to the charity shop. It gave me chance to sort out the rest of the bedroom too. This is my  little chair, which was a present from Perry for my birthday. We found it at a boot sale for £10 (he spotted it), and I had the seat rewoven.



I love the heart shaped back and the delicate legs. 
This last weekend, my cupboard and pine chest got a coat of Autentico chalk paint in Gris. 



I've de-cluttered a lot  but I have kept my little mannequin and shabby roses mirror...and I've been very busy with my patchwork quilt too. In fact, I have become a bit obsessed with it. Here is how it is looking:



That piece is all sewn together. I can't use the machine so it's taking forever to stitch it by hand. I've been carrying it with me everywhere. I've even contemplated whipping up a sneaky square while sitting at my desk waiting for phone calls for work. I've stabbed my thumb and finger more times than I can count, and I seem incapable of using a thimble to protect myself. But I do love it :) Even if it is a bit uneven in places.



What do you reckon? I think I've done about a third of it now. I'm sure you'll be seeing it again...


21 comments:

  1. Love your new wardrobe and the colours of your quilt are just so beautiful!
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  2. I reckon your patchwork is gorgeous. I love the wardrobe too and how lovely of your mum to buy you one. My parents are generous like that. They say they can't spend their money so would rather see me and my brothers enjoy it. Great that it gave you chance for a good sort out!

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    1. Hi Anne, yes it was very generous of my parents :)

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  3. It's all looking fabulous, quilt will fit perfectly into your bedroom! :) x

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  4. Your new wardrobe is lovely, and the quilt is looking beautiful.
    Julie xxxxxxx

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    1. Thank you, it's nice to get a bit of feedback :)

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  5. You have lovely taste, the wardrobe is gorgeous and so is your quilt. Amazing you've done it by hand...it's so neat.

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    1. Hi Fiona, it isn't really very neat when you look closely! But thanks for your very encouraging words.

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  6. I love your pretty chair and the new wardrobe is perfect. I cannot sew with a thimble either but handsewing is so relaxing and your quilt is so pretty and cheerful I am sure its worth the pain. Karen xx

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    1. It's so relaxing (apart from the odd pin prick), I really love that aspect of it.

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  7. Love the new wardrobe and the quilt is looking great. Jacqui x

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  8. Love the new wardrobe.. and your lovely little chair. Your quilt is very pretty, it is going to look gorgeous when it's finished. I would love to be able to make one.. I will have to have a go one day but I'm not too good at sewing!
    Julie :o)

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    1. Don't let that put you off Julie, nor am I! I'm really not, but it is very straightforward. You can't use a machine, because of the backing papers on the bits of fabric. My friend Lucy encouraged me to give it a try, and it's great...

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  9. What a lovely wardrobe, it is just right not to fancy and just enough style, you must be very pleased,
    such a pretty chair too, your quilt looks fab , I may have a go one day
    Thea x

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    1. Thanks Thea. I tried to leave a comment on your blog recently but I couldn't make it work. I'll try again, I did enjoy seeing your makes.

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  10. I love your patchwork. Such bright jolly colours. I do like to stitch by hand too, though only when I use templates (like hexies) and have never learned to use a thimble. It always seems to kind of in the way.

    Love your new wardrobe too. Nice modern take on a traditional style. Lucky you.

    Mia

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    1. Hi Mia, thanks for your lovely comments. Yes I know what you mean, the thimble does seem to get in the way, I feel very clumsy with it, yet some people make it look so deft.

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  11. Ooh so much loveliness on this post! and a peek in your wardrobe at your pretty frocks! Delightful...Of course I love your patchwork quilt, I am thinking you are one very patient and calm lady....and your work will display this at the finish.....Wish I could settle me self to one project like this....hehe! hugs Maria x

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