3.10.11

checkered light



I found another vintage lampshade to cover recently, a larger version of this project.

As with the last, I used the original cover for my template. Only I added a little extra to the width, simply because the ones I have seen have been stretched tight, to the extent that they have torn.

I have been hoarding this wonderful antique German homespun, greedy with the knowledge there are endless possibilities for it but nevertheless reluctant to make the chop. It is gorgeous, real quality and quite weighty stuff, perfect for anything in my book, even dressmaking, or so I'll be finding out soon enough I expect.

When it came to embellishment, I really did think long and hard. However ultimately the shade is destined for the guest room which I don't want to be gender specific. By definition the shape errs on the feminine side so I'm hoping the checks balance it out. The button is a vintage one from my ever growing stash .. and I dare say you understand all about that!

By the way, one thing I didn't mention last time, if you make your own it is essential to coat the fabric with fire retardant and let it dry before putting it over the frame. I found an environmentally friendly one here.


Wishing you a lovely week ahead, wherever you may be.

18 comments:

  1. Sophistication with pizzazz, I love it. And beautifully made. I have no idea why but it made me think of Audrey Hepburn !

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  2. I love it! Red and white checks are one of my favourite combinations, and the button and trim you've used looks perfect. Thank you for the very good advice too about using fire retardant and where to get it.
    Enjoy your week. Helen x

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  3. Beautiful, I am a red and white fan and gingham is my all time favourite. x

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  4. You are so clever! I have always been way too scared of tackling lampshades to give it a go.

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  5. I am so glad you had the courage to chop! The lamp turned out beautiful. I have been hunting for a cage since you posted about your first lamps. That is a very good tip about the spray. I am going to see if it is available in Canada.

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  6. You gave it a new dress, eh?
    It looks fantastic!!

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  7. You are clever. It looks very cheery. Thank you for sharing the tip about fire retardant too. I have wondered what one does to avoid disaster.

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  8. looks great! well done you.

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  9. It looks great Kate. Really must do something about our lampshades!

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  10. What an inspiration! It looks so fresh and cheerful. C.x

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  11. It looks great Kate, good advice too on the fire retardant!
    Totally understand the stash. ;)
    Vivienne x

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  12. You've done a lovely job as lampshades are trickly, with convex shapes like yours among the trickiest.

    I promised a tutorial on the easier concave types on my blog what seems a million years ago and never followed through. Must get round to that...

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  13. I love that homespun! What a cheery lampshade, you have done a beautiful job!

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  14. When I caught a glimpse of your top pic I thought it was a beautiful cinched waisted dress, however it turned out to be a beautiful cinched waisted lampshade!

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  15. Kate,

    Your lampshade is all dressed up; red and white are such a beautiful combination and conjure up all sorts of beautiful images.

    Wow.

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  16. It looks lovely, very fresh and cheery. I have a couple of rescued lampshades waiting for a makeover but hadn't thought about making them fire retardant so thanks for the tip.

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There's nothing like a comment to stop me feeling like I'm talking to myself. If you leave one here I'll pop one back here too, so don't forget to come back and continue the conversation ..

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