Well, I said I would attempt to make a skirt for my console table using this picture as inspiration from Domino: The Book of Decorating:
There’s something wonderfully therapeutic about sewing even though I don’t do it anywhere near often enough. That initial cut in a large unspoiled piece of fabric always feels a bit like blasphemy and I always do it with a measure of trepidation.
I’m not actually a particularly good seamstress if I’m honest and I’m still very much a beginner. A lot of what I’ve done in the past year since I received my sewing machine as a gift has been simply trial and error. I’m sure there are a million better ways to do things but I learn better when I just get stuck in and learn from my mistakes.
So here’s my console table before the addition of the skirt…
And here it is after.
What do you think?
I think the eyelets are a nice touch and it’s not something I would have considered using without that initial inspiration pic. A little kit from Hobbycraft and using (or not as the case may be) the tools included gave me the results I was looking for.
The linen fabric was pretty inexpensive (I paid £8/metre at my local Terry’s Fabric) and to be fair, I chose it more because I liked the colours (soft yellow, grey, black and a natural stone colour) than the pattern itself. I get impatient looking for fabrics that don’t cost a fortune and work with my colour palette. The UK offerings seem to me to pale in comparison with what’s available in the US (it may just be fabric envy/grass-is-greener syndrome) and everything on offer in my local shops seems to be stuck into a beige/red/gold rut circa 1999.
I struggle to find any geometric designs as well which I really like and I haven’t had very good luck with ordering fabrics online. I’ll order a load of samples and not like any of them which makes me wary of ordering larger quantities without seeing them first. I prefer to see fabrics in person, to touch them and see them in day light. And I like to go somewhere, find the bolt and just buy it then and there. I don’t want to have to go through a million books and order it or ask prices of the staff. I know, I know, I’m impatient. Probably not the foremost quality you want in a seamstress, eh? It’s okay, I’m not for hire. Thank god.
For a bit of variety, I decided to use the pattern fabric on one side and the plain fabric on the other. So when I tire of the floral pattern, I can just reverse the skirt like so…
I thought the black and cream polka-dot ribbon added a little whimsy and I like the idea of changing the ribbon out whenever I want a change.
I still have some fabric left so I may make a new table runner as well so a project for the future! Another project? That tray is likely going to get a bit of spray paint treatment…
Any sewing projects you’re working on? Do you also have US fabric envy? Where do you get fabric that doesn’t cost £80/metre or do you find your local fabric shops are also stuck in 90’s fabric hell?
Hey you, nice job!!! I can imagine it must be frustrating to come to a much smaller country fabric-wise. <br /><br />My favourite places for fabric are Romo and Cabbages and Roses. Have you tried ebay for cheaper deals on posh fabric? Definitely worth a try….I've nabbed a few bargains in my time!! Oooooh, yes!<br /><br />Sarahx
You totally did an amazing job – it looks brilliant!! I have that book – i absolutely love it. I'm a novice seamstress too and i dont think i'm as good as you!!<br />Rachie xo<br />PS: The fabric choice is lovely xo
How cute is that! Little Miss Creative. Great choice on the fabric and love the eyelets with the polka dot ribbon – so charming! xxx
Table looks great. <br />I use online stores for fabrics but if you fancied a trip into Derbyshire there is a great shop called Fabric Designs in Matlock Bath(check opening times on website if you decide to visit). Also there is a fabric factory shop for Nouveau fabrics in Doncaster (maybe a bit too far).<br />When I worked in the Lancashire area, !6 years ago there was a shop called Aberkhan
You've done a great job on the table skirt! I know exactly what you mean about that first cut into a new piece of fabric. I think its great that you're not afraid to try different things out.<br />I agree with Sarah about Ebay bargains – I think particularly if you don't want to buy a lot of the fabric, because some end of roll pieces are often offered very cheaply when there is only
i love your skirt! wow! i wanna try one even though it's my husband that does the sewing (bought him a new machine for his bday!). i'm afraid of machines. pathetic. that detail with the eyelets is sexy and CORSET-Y, yes?<br /><br />i just stumbled on fabric.com which has such reasonable prices. here's a sample i liked:<br />http://www.fabric.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=
Awww thanks everyone for the compliments on my wanna-be-seamstress attempt :) <br /><br />@Michele, oooh corset-y! Yes indeed! Hmmm now I'm wondering if I should add a couple more eyelets and criss cross the fabric? Love it! What do you reckon??<br /><br />In terms of fabric ideas, thank you for all the suggestions. I like the idea of finding one I like and then trying to find a bargain
love that criss cross idea. the detail looks so cool on the back of a slipcovered chair so why not on a console?<br /><br />that sux it's not free shipping for fabric to UK!