We're Still Waiting.......

And since we are, I am taking advantage of the time to do more deep cleaning in the workroom.

With Tessie supervising, it is a slow process. Whenever we come to something that she wants fixed for her use, I stop and do it. I guess it is a good thing in a way.

While we were rummaging around, she found the gift bag/sewing armoire that I did a couple of years ago. It was much the worse for wear, what with Mookie thinking that it was a toy I made just for him. Fun handles to bat and tiny things to fish out with his paws. No. I never got around to cutting a piece of plexi or even plastic for the front. Anything that is reachable is his. OK. Don't nag. I will do it now.

I thought that, while I am at it, I would explain a bit about how it was done.

As you can see, Tessie is standing inside a box made of foam core that is exactly the interior size of the bag that I used. I figured out how big the front opening would be and then lifted the floor to be even with the bottom of the opening.

The whole box can be decorated outside of the bag if you wish. Then when it is slipped into place it is easier to finish.

For this one, I edged the opening with antique lace. Sometimes I use ribbon or other decorative trim.

In this particular bag, I decided to do a sewing armoire ala Mac Kenzie-Childs http://www.mackenzie-childs.com/ If you aren't familiar with them, do go look. They have some of the most original furniture around, and the most expensive.....I can't afford it in real life, but I can make it in mini.

This time I took a lesson from their armoires. They have one that is a complete kitchen. If I ever get rich, I am going to have one of those.

Anyway, the sewing cabinet is loosely based on that idea. I cheated and used one of the $1.oo armoires from Michael's. With a bit of alteration here and there and a LOT of hand painting, I think it turned out pretty good.

I cut out some of the bars in the door and replaced it with a hand painted scene on either side. I did faux marble on the outside. I added feet to make it a little taller and then I used a lot of quarter round molding, painted gold to finish it off.

Tessie has confiscated the bag. She says that she needs it to make curtains and other necessities for the new house.

As you can see, it has everything that a seamstress would need, all in one place. There is a tilt down ironing board. All colors of thread are at hand and even a lot of fabric on the shelf. She should be ready to go as soon as the townhouse arrives.

I am going back to sorting now. Maybe I can toss a few unnecessary things in the trash without her catching on to what I am doing while she is occupied with the fabric.

See you tomorrow.