Do you know that feeling when you see (or hear or smell or feel) something that reminds you of a favorite memory or time when things were simpler? It may be a scent that takes you back to grandma's kitchen, or maybe the sound of a truck roaring by to make you think of dad. For me, finding things like this vintage gem below reminds me of my childhood and being at my grandparent's house. This particular find is damaged, but who says we take an upcycled chenille bedspread and have some DIY fun?
I found this bedspread a few years back while thrifting. It was definitely worn with love to start, but my daughter's used it on their bed and continued to love on it. Unfortunately, it began to fray at the top edge. That's when this mama gets excited because I've always wanted to upcycle a chenille beauty. I just needed to wait.
Yes, call be crazy this thing excites me. However, consider what I'm going to to do with it for my
Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION time today. Yup, it's already the last Tuesday of the month, so it's time to get crafty. woot!
CUTTING TIME
Truth be told, I'm actually a bit nervous to take my shears to this. eep! I truly respect the past which is why I want to save this thing from the fate of the landfill. Also, for some odd reason I've always wanted to turn one into chicken. Maybe my yearning for my own acres filled with trees and life is the root of it all. Either way, let's have at it, shall we?
First, I draft my pattern on an outdated desk calendar (the large paper is perfect for my patterns -
SEE HERE)
You may be wondering why in the world I see chicken when I see a vintage chenille bedspread? Well, I've always been a bird lover, in any form. My kids and I enjoy bird-watching, and simply God's creation. A blog I've that's always inspiring me for nearly a decade is
Ikat Bag and her creations, even her hens. Likewise, I've so been enamored with the handmade creations of
Ann Wood.
Additionally, I just
love to create toys and things for kids of all ages (1-99 baby!) You can see
my sock dolls HERE or my other toys
HERE. So, I head down to my scrap stash and I whip out some wool I have leftover from making my daughter's coat. First, I trace all parts onto fabric.
STITCHIN'
Then, once I have all my parts cuts and I think this is actually going to come out as I envision, I begin to sew.
This is the fun part because you can finally see your vision coming to life. Isn't that a hoot?!?
I think the chenille looks like chicken skin, if not feathers. haha. Now it's time to stuff. Every girl's dream view, am I right?
You can see I've used a bit of salvaged wire from
my garden Conestoga wagon. It was perfect in patina and the
exact length I need.
Finally, once I have the form full of stuffing, I need to add more dimension with the final details. This remnant tulle I hoard is a fluffy butt waiting to happen.
In addition, I use chenille with batting to create some texture as well.
CHECK OUT THE CLUCKS
Ladies and gents, I excitedly introduce you to Bernice and Charlotte - my sweet little biddies (aka. hens).
Bernice is a sassy gal up on her feet ready to take on the world. Likewise, you can see how I made mini birds with felted wool sweaters
in this post.
Then, there's Charlotte. She's a sweet biddy resting on her nest waiting her next accomplishment.
And finally, the best part...fluffy butts!!
Sweet sisters that are melting my heart in every way. You too?
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While I may not have my brood of hens I'm always dreaming of, however, I can enjoy my creative jaunts to make my friends for myself. Maybe one day...eh? Meanwhile, you need to tell me which is your favorite. Also, do come adopt on of my gals from
my online store.
In addition, let's spread the inspiration love and encourage others to give DIY a try with my upcycled chenille bedspread chicken. Pin and share!
Before you head off, take a look at what I spied while out on my run...a barn! haha. Go figure.
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Also, more fun projects like this upcycled chenille bedspread:
