I was chomping at the bit to test out my new sewing machine, so I decided to try my hand at making a book sling for Sammy's play room. Armed with this awesome tutorial as my guide, I ran out to my local Hobby Lobby and picked out some cute green gingham fabric and some other assorted notions to get started on my first sewing project.
I was actually surprised by just how easy it was to make this, especially as it's been a long, long time since I've done anything with an actual sewing machine. I think it turned out pretty well, all things considered, although I may have to rethink my fondness for all things gingham--sewing this had me going cross-eyed at times.
The fabric sling is suspended by two 5/8" wooden dowels and then hung using two double-curtain brackets that I picked up at Lowe's for a couple of dollars. All in all I'd have to say that this project cost me about $15, including fabric--not too shabby for a custom book holder!
The installation process was made a lot easier thanks to my little helper--Sammy watched intently as Captain Husband and I mounted the hardware in place and then mimicked our every move, complete with "drill"noises; he also did this with the level and the drill's battery. (Don't worry--the drill was unplugged when he started playing with it, and I had removed the chuck.) I think I know a certain little boy who's going to be getting his own tool kit for Christmas this year.
While we're on the topic of Sammy's play room, I thought I'd share a little before and after; another project that my dad tackled while he was here was refinishing this adorable vintage 1930s oak children's table. As you can see from the before photo, the finish was really degraded and there was water damage to all four of the legs. I found the table and chairs in Hancock, Maryland, on one of my trips to visit family in Pennsylvania last year, but somehow never found the time to do the refinishing myself.
My dad spent a few hours sanding the table down to the bare oak and then gave it a couple of coats of lacquer to finish it off. I honestly couldn't be happier with how it turned out and I think Sammy feels the same way--he loves to climb onto the chairs and use the table to work on his puzzles or play with some of his toy cars.
8 comments:
Way to go on the sewing, and the table turned out lovely! I was just thinking we could use a table for Maeve, but will probably get her the $7 IKEA table!
I love that sling! It's super cute. Maybe I should create one for the bathroom since a majority of our magazines some how end up there.
Good job L! And can't believe Sammy is sitting at a table to look at books, etc. He's getting to be such a big boy. [Skype date soon? Pretty please!]
Great job on the book sling. The table looks fantastic. Send your dad up to me, please!
Love the table, looks great!!
(Is that a moving sticker I spy on the chair?? I find those things all the time on my stuff)
The book sling is such a great idea. I wish I could do that for my boys, but they'd probably hang from it, causing it to rip from the wall and leave gaping holes, which we'd have to repair and try desperately to color-match, and end up painting the whole room so it all matches.... too much effort. :P But I really like the idea!!
Really fantastic...love the sling. Love the table...wanna come "finish" my house???? ;-)
Oh wow. How cool. :) I love the table. You are really encouraging me to break out the sewing machine.
Beware, sewing can become quite the addiction!
Post a Comment