Posts Tagged ‘second hand’

Alright Buster!

Sunday, January 17th, 2010

This is Buster. A beautiful 1985 B Reg Toyota High Ace Camping Vehicle.

…and he needs some love and mending

Its almost too sad to look at Buster like this but an amazing transformation awaits… After all the holes are patched up, there’s a spraypaint job booked in to make him all shiny again, the insides will get a fresh coat of paint and maybe even some curtains!

I find during the odd spare moment I have comparing camping toilets on various online sites… its a perverse world this camping, but I’ve been biten by the bug again and in a big way!

Ok here is my shopping list so far:

1. New side slide door (I’ve been reliably informed we can pick one up quite easily)

2. Paint for the inside of the toilet – I want something bright in here, may stick with white, but I have been drawn to the idea of some retro wallpaper (something unexpected, which I’m not sure is a good thing or not for a toilet)

3. New bit of sponge for the long side bed piece (this will all make sense when I post some inside shots)

4. Materials for curtains and recovering the seating.

5. Some new tyres.

With design and beauty  high on the agenda I want to use as many recycled, preloved, second-hand, vintage, and eco-friendly products as possible (I welcome any links!) in his transformation.

I forsee many lovely times to be had this year and lots of travelling, festivals, fetes and new found lands to discover…

Make-it Friday – L.O.V.E

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

This is what I worked on this Friday. I’ve been wanting to make up some Alphabet letters for some time now. I LOVE that I can use these Friday Make-it days to really concentrate and get on with some unfinished projects and explore new ideas.

I LOVE the vintage fabrics but would LOVE to have some more (see what I did there)

Its so easy to do too. The bigger and chunkier the letters the better. Using easy to cut materials that don’t fray help too, like this left over pink soft brushed cotton and heavy upholstery material.

1. Either using a template or freehand (don’t be scared!! Just try you’ll be surprised how easy it can be) draw out your letter.

2. Fold your chosen material and cut out 2 of the shape (Sharp scissors are a must always – a good sewsmith knows you can blame your tools) Remember to cut 2 notches* -V shaped cuts in a straight part of the letter to help you line up the 2 pieces when stitching together.

3. Rights sides together pin & stitch leaving a gap between the 2 notches.

4. Turn letter right way round, stuff and sew!

5. Finish off the rest of your letters to make up a word or a name and you are good to go!

*A Notch is another word for a narrow pass between the mountains – s0 you can see where the shape comes from. I love knowing the origin of these words, especially if it gives me a visual as its easier to remember!

Huiamoa

Wednesday, October 8th, 2008

The beautiful Huia bird, now extinct.

In honour of such fleeting beauty I invite you to post pictures of you in your extinct vintage best, your favourite household items or even your most beloved scrap of cloth!

Every piece will have it’s own story, whether it was handed down, stumbled upon, bought for a penny or discoverd after discarded – share them here!