Wednesday 5 June 2013

Building a Home

Here comes a story of a little house, about 12" tall, that has - so far - taken several hours of eye-straining work. I can't say how many because I lost track. And  it's not even finished yet. But check out the details.


This will be a gift for a very special friend. The last time I saw her, we met for coffee right after my phenomenal afternoon in Liberty's, so I was on a bit of a fabric high, and also totally thrilled to see my friend.

So my very first piece was the cafe table. The construction was a bit convoluted, on account of me making it up as I went along, but it definitely began with a small oval of card, with white cotton fused to each side, which would help form the shape of the table.

The fabric for the tablecloth - Liberty's! - was cunningly cut on the bias to hang beautifully, which worked not at all. I eventually forced it into place by sheer will and determination. This whole cardboard-lined piece was sewn by machine to the backing fabric following the lines of the table top, and then I hand overcast the edge of the slippery fabric to slow fraying.


Do not try this at home. Really.

I created the flowers for the sunny-side window using lime green fabric with the thready bits from the selvedge showing, and some hand-cut red flowers.


The moon-side window has a Liberty's curtain (swoon!), and beneath the curtain, a window ledge of books.



I am waiting for the house to tell me what it needs next. Friendly suggestions are very much welcomed!


PS Looking for the Texty Giveaway? It's here!


Linking up with Quilt Story and Live a Colorful Life and Confessions of a Fabric Addict - go check 'em out!



7 comments:

audrey said...

Love your sweet little books and the red door! Looking great!

Lucy | Charm About You said...

oh so adorable! like a fabric dolls house :)

Stephanie said...

This is so adorable! All that detail is hard work but will be SO appreciated :)

Sara said...

The curtain with the books under it is priceless. I can see the table cloth being tricky but you faced it head on!

Thank you for leaving me your vote for my Black Hole Star block;)

Susan at TheBoredZombie.com said...

Wow! That is so cute, I love it! It's worth the time for sure. :)

Marla said...

That window box is darling. I love the time you have put into each area. So neat. It is like a book.

Live a Colorful Life said...

This is just fabulous! Lucky friend...