I was about 16 years old when the décor in my room started to get me down. The mauve curtains that had made me ecstatically happy as a primary school child no longer had the same effect and the plain white walls cried out for a touch of colour. After prolonged negotiations with my father I was eventually given a five-litre tin of paint, a roller and a ride to the Plaza to buy my own fabric. The rest came out of my pocket and was my introduction to DIY decorating.
It was also my first sewing project that wasn’t for marks in needlework class.
The room had to look vintage and nothing less than a patchwork quilt would do. Afternoon after afternoon and weekend after weekend I sat sewing squares together to the rhythm of Richard Clayderman. (I still listen to music when I’m fixing up my house.) Seeing the finished product on my bed gave me a feeling that only other makers will understand – pride, happiness, satisfaction and an overwhelming need to show it to everyone. That patchwork quilt even went with me to university, and started falling apart shortly before my 21st birthday. Cheap fabric and lots of washdays were its downfall. To this day my sewing is still confined to household items. I love making
cushion covers from lovely fabrics and make all my own curtains – a rectangular drop without interesting textures and finishes was simply never my idea of a window treatment. If I were younger, the teenage room on page 38 would already be happening, but perhaps it’s time for a new challenge. Something like the wrap dress on page 20 – it’s a classic, timeless style that is always flattering. Or perhaps just the pyjama pants on page 43 to wear while I make more things for the house. Let us know, and show us, what you’ve made.
Many thanks to Amelia House in Stilbaai for providing the location for the photos in this magazine. For more information, go to the website at
ameliahouse.co.za or email
info@ameliahouse.co.za.
4 IDEAS 2015
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