DIY project. Bench seat cushion.

This weekend I had a DIY project to finish. I have been procrastinating for too long.

We have a bench seat that sits in our dining area and has beautiful light coming through the windows which makes it a perfect spot for reading, playing guitar or catching some zzz's. But since moving into our home five years ago it has just become a spot for dumping school bags, work bags and washing that needs folding.

This weekend we hosted a Birthday party for my father in law and I decided it was time I made this bench seat into something a bit special.

After a bit of researching on Pinterest for styling and googling on "how to make a bench seat cover" I headed off to Clark Rubber and Ikea.

I went for a high density foam which wasn't cheap but so worth it.

I opted for a charcoal fabric as I really liked the look of this Norwegian style bench seat.

It also fits in with the splashes of red I have through the kitchen/dining area. I have a Florence Broadhurst Ikeda design splashback in red and a New York print.

Mark Tuckey Stool

This is the tutorial I used by Pretty Handy Girl. This tutorial adds piping which I didn't use but it's pretty easy to follow and I whipped it up in an afternoon.

I am so happy with the bench seat cushion. It's come up really well and was used straight away at the party that evening.
No more washing or school bags for this seat now! It's just created a beautiful area to socialise or relax.

Dotty

Life has been busy lately but the sewing room has been calling my name. I pretty much knocked up this skirt in a day, give or take a few kiddy breaks in between. You know like when you are in the middle of sewing a button hole and you hear "mum, I need a drink" or "mum, I'm hungry....now". Gorgeous little  munchkins they are but frustrating at times. Anyway, I did manage to finish this cute little vintage polka dot skirt and wore it to School pick up on the same day.

The pattern is what I am calling a vintage (from the '80's) Style 4773 which I picked up from a thrift store for a mere 20 cents! Bargain. When I'm shopping for vintage patterns, I always look at the line drawings because sometimes the styles are very similar to what is selling now. I new this skirt would be perfect for the retro style of skirt that I have been admiring lately. 

The fabric is a really light weight cotton I purchased a while ago at Damn Cheap Fabrics in Glenhuntly. I was originally going to make a blouse but decided that the polka dot was too big. Definitely a skirt type of polka dot. Could look good in a sleeveless top though and I do have extra fabric left....

The skirt has a pocket opening and pleats all around. I shortened it significantly as the original skirt was more a midi length which would look great if I was about 5 inches taller! 

Girls gotta have some fun!

It was also necessary to add lining as the fabric was a bit see through. I found a great tutorial on how to draft lining here. http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/t00196.asp

Such a simple skirt to sew and so much fun to wear. I will be using this pattern again for sure. 

Highly recommended if you can get your hands on a pattern like this.

 Jewellery is from Carlisle accessories. Ring and Bracelet by Samantha Wills

     and here are the crazy cats that interrupt my                        80's Pattern Style 4773

     sewing and photo shoot.  xox