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The Project Pile

May 19, 2015

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There are times in life when everything chugs merrily along, perfectly according to plan and schedule. I have found that in my life, those times are precious few and far between. 

The last several years have actually been filled with one unplanned event or circumstance after another, some good, some not so good, some downright terrible. 

I suppose that is the nature of life and fighting it is futile...or so I have learned, deeply entrenched here in middle age. Like the sign in my kitchen so eloquently says, "It Is What It Is" ~ I may not like it, but now that I am...ahem...older and supposedly wiser, I don't really fight it anymore. I do what I can do and let the rest go, until I can get to it.

That's just the way it has to be if I would like to remain semi-sane. 

Thus we have The Project Pile.

That is my endearing name for all the pretty little projects, I would love to focus on, if only I had the time. Here are a few on the list. 

If you have been following along for a while, this chair may look familiar to you


It had an unsightly rip in the seat and I was able to repair it with a partial slipcover. It worked like a dream. For a while. I wasn't counting on a new tear in the arm and now I am stumped. 

I am all about the super easy, quick fix. Nothing short of reupholstering the entire chair (not gonna happen) or making a slipcover for it (also, not gonna happen) comes to my mind. 



I have no brilliant brainstorm for this one. I am totally stumped. If anyone out there has a creative fix for this mess, I would love the suggestion. I don't want to toss it and really want to find a way to bring it new life and cover up that nasty hole. 

My next lady in waiting is this half finished scrap fabric valance. The idea came to me when I replaced the fabric on my glass cabinets. I really liked the fabric, had enough left to piece together for a curtain and got to work. 


It was a problem from the get go. I started without a plan ~ as I very often do ~ and I ran into design difficulties almost immediately.


I was originally working with two fabrics and then decided to add a third to create more interest and a rod pocket. Of course, in classic Kim fashion, I had already stitched the majority of things up, so I had to rip and add. I also had to sew small pieces together. 

That's ok though, I want a scrappy look and when the fabric is shirred, you'll never see the seams.

However, this project is not cut and dry. I cannot whip this one up with my coat on, in between carpooling. So, it sits. And it waits. In the project pile.

Lastly, I have this lovely chair that I pulled out of the trash years ago. Funny story actually. I'll save it for another day, but let's just say it involves the garbagemen, a bush and a lot of running. Oh boy.


I really want to cover it with this checked fabric, but again, it requires lots of sewing. It will be a time consuming task for someone who has never done this kind of work before. Not a quickie project. Not at all. Did I mention that there is trim and zippers involved. Um, yeah. 

So this is where I am. I am in need of a few large blocks of time to really think my way through these suckers. In the meantime, the fabric sits in a pile on the torn kitchen chair, taunting me. 

From the project pile.

Oh well. It is what it is, right?


Damn sign. 

Do you have a project pile?


Kim Signature


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  1. Love it! You did a great job pulling it all together. So bright and cheery!

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    1. Thanks Kim! I would love to get it all finished! :)

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  2. Yes, project piles, Kim. I love your various fabric choices! I wonder if RH is still selling perfectly ripped furniture? xoxo Su

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    1. I have to look into that, Su! Can you believe I never saw it? Haha! Off to google it now. I guess I am more in style than I thought! :)

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  3. Hi Kim, Love your project piles! I have those too and some have been waiting a long time. Your kitchen is gorgeous and the fabrics are gorgeous. Can you make a contrasting piece to fit just that area on both sides of the chair? Just a thought. It is an awesome chair.
    Have a great and creative day.
    xo

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    1. Thank you for the very sweet compliments and that's a great idea, CelestinaMaria. I love the patchwork furniture idea and I think I may give it a try with a technique for fusing fabric that another reader suggested! Best thing about being a blogger...access to the world's most creative minds! :)

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  4. Kim, I don't have ROOM for a project pile. I have a sort of idea for that first chair. You know those little embroidered pieces women used to make and you put them on chairs about where that rip is? Usually rectangular sized pieces. I'd either lay one across either side, or I'd kind of stitch it on in some fashion to hold it. At least it would be covered, have one that matched on the other side so it looks "intended" and wait till another great idea hits you.
    Brenda

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    1. I do like that idea, Brenda and I am sure I could find something pretty and fashion it to stay. Thanks! It’s on the list…especially since the longer it stays uncovered, the more it rips!!

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  5. Hey Kim,
    Yes, indeed, I have a project pile. Or two. Or ten.
    The rip in the chair arm: check out this Hometalk solution! It might work for you, yes?
    http://www.hometalk.com/3822057/a-flea-market-chaise-turns-elegant-with-easy-technique-secret

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    1. Nancy, I could just kiss you!! This is a great idea. Truth be told, I was waiting and hoping you would respond, you always have such clever ideas for me!! Great solution. Thanks so much...and my wallet thanks you, too!! ;)

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    2. lol! And I love your ideas!
      I have a chair that I deconstructed last summer. It's still in that condition, and may stay that way. It's in vogue now, ya know? I saw it on Prodigal Pieces, and Larissa is brilliant, so it MUST be so! I wonder if I could cover a cushion or two using that brilliant idea above??

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  6. I don't sew so those projects you have are quite heady to me, Kim!! My project piles are always about cleaning up and clearing out---the basement, the garage, an empty bedroom. So much to bag and donate or simply put at the curb. I have closets to organize as well as cabinets (have you ever checked expiration dates in the back of all your packaged or canned foods...scary!). I wanted to make a dent in all of this before the weather got warm. Now I'm consumed with cleaning up the gardens, planting, mulching and maybe having 5 minutes to sit down and enjoy it. Where do I find the time?

    Here's wishing us both good luck!

    Jane x

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    1. Right there with you! I have a long list of those projects, too, Jane! The sewing ones are just more fun!

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  7. I don't have a pile because I'm not crafty. There is a long list of projects I'd like to do though (they are in my head) and I never get to them. My excuses are not having supplies, don't want to go to the store, don't like to goof up, etc.

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    1. I have a list of those projects, too, Stacey. They include necessary repairs, redo’s and cleaning out…none of which I really want to tackle!

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  8. My "to-craft" list is always longer than my time and talents, lol. I also have a pile of abandoned projects either due to time constrictions or frustration. Both are there waiting for an "I"m bored" period. HAHAHAHAHAHAAA If and when that happens I think I just might sit and enjoy the boredom.
    For the ripped chair arm: maybe a good place for a throw blanket? Just kidding.

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    1. You just made me laugh out loud, Audra! Thank you...and don't think that that blanket was not my first thought. I'm a quick fix girl and if the kids would just leave it all the chair, I would be set! ;)

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  9. Oh, yes, a big project pile!

    Have you thought about putting little arm pads on each side so that you can cover the tear.

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    1. I think when you’re crafty, you must always have a pile!

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  10. Oh pshaw...project pile...I've gotta project room. ;) I'm not a fabric person so I am no help with the chair but I thought CelestinaMarie and Nancy had great ideas. I do love the shapes of the chairs though. I know they'll look great whenever you are able to finish them.

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    1. I wish I had an extra room to expand that pile, Kristi! Imagine how big my crafty dreams could get then! I can't wait to see what you pull out of that room! ;)

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  11. Kim, I need another house just to fit my project pile in it. LOL You are so right, as I got older I also don't stress as much about what needs to be done or finished. I just do a bit at a time and take as long as I need. I love the red check fabric. You are right, it sure will be a big job, but you can do it. :) It is a beautiful chair. xxx Maria

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    1. Thanks Maria Elena! I bet you could fit quite a pile into that beautiful craft room or yours...and then it could spill out into your husband's work area! I am not sure I really know what I'm getting myself into with that checked chair...but maybe that's a good thing! ;) Thanks for the vote of confidence!!

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  12. I need to get a project pile going - too much empty time on my hands on my days off! Your kitchn makes me sigh every time I see it - so clean and fresh. (:

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    1. You're so sweet! Good luck with that pile!

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  13. I like project piles, keeps me busy. I am looking forward to observing how you repair the chair.
    Enjoy the afternoon! :)

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    1. Thanks Kathy! It might be a humorous post…I am a wing it kind of seamstress! ;)

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  14. I have a roomful of unfinished projects!
    Regarding the chair with the rip....... What about little arm caps. They would be easy to fashion and you could use the same fabric as in the seat, or something to contrast.

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    1. I love that idea and I’m working on it! The chair is kind of a wonky shape, so I’ll have to play around with it, but the wheels are turning! Thanks! :)

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  15. I loved this. I have a project pile too. Just when I think I am making progress, it grows and grows in just a few days. Part of it is my own fault. I just love to putter with stuff, create this or that. I come with a new idea and need to try it or design or grow it or bake it or cook it...you get the idea LOL :-)

    I look forward to the rest of the story with the project pile.
    Carla

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    1. I'm with you, Carla, I tend to get caught up with the shiny projects. When something else, easier or more fun, comes along, I pick that up...and the project pile grows! Can't wait to see the farm stand!

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  16. I too have a project pile. It started with that stupid stool and has been growing ever since. There's the stool; an unfinished board....primed, painted and distressed waiting on a stencil that intimidates me; three jars begging for their paint and labeling; an empty frame; some vintage math cards waiting for something, I'm just not sure what. All of these are piled in the garage. So that I don't feel so crappy about not completing these projects, I just walk by and kick the pile occasionally. If something falls off and breaks, then I don't feel bad about tossing it in the trash! And we won't even discuss the 3 new cook books I ordered for those wonderful "blog" recipes! You can always take the sign down and accidentally drop it in the fireplace. :-)

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    1. You are funny, Benita and I am right there with you! When I was little, my grandmother used to call me occhi grosso, which means big eyes in Italian. She would say it whenever I took too much food…I bit off more than I could chew. I think that describes my project pile, as well! Seems like I’m in good company. Who would’ve guessed it? ;-)

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  17. Hey Kim! I was going to suggest arm "cuffs", but someone else has already suggested it - I remember my grandmother always having them over her chairs, probably to cover something up, just like your chair, lol! I certainly have a project pile, and I'm not brave enough like you to post them... they will probably continue to gather dust, lol! I look forward to seeing what your creative mind comes up with to deal with the items on your project pile :)

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    1. Well, I figured if I posted that pile for all to see, I would have more motivation to do something with it! I’ll let you know how that works out! ;-)

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  18. The chair with the rip brought to mind the old-fashioned homes with doilies on the head rests ...so perhaps those sort of sleeves that go over the arm, if you can make two of them, OR just some sort of little decorative round covering of sorts, similar to doilies that you'd put on each arm? It would be cute if you had some old hankies or embroidered pieces from a vintage store or flea market or something ?

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    1. Yes, I really like that idea, Deb. What has me perplexed is that the arms are not really arms...they are more like slopes, so I have to figure out a way for them to stay anchored. Argh!

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  19. You have some lovely items and fabrics in your project pile, Kim! I like Brenda's suggestion for the ripped chair.....like the lace edged antimacassars people used to have on the back of chairs in times past, little arm covers are often supplied here when you have a chair reupholstered. I love the red check fabric...I have a sofa waiting to be re covered in something similar (one day).....
    Helen xox

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    1. I am certain that with your skills, your sofa will turn out lovely! I'm afraid that my chair may be a big mess!! As far as the torn chair goes, I do like that idea. I just need to find a way to anchor them on the arms. They are more like slopes than actual arms. Ugh!

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  20. Oh Kim, I am in the middle of trying to get my house organized for spring/summer and I always have a project to catch up on! Enjoy the long weekend.
    Julie xo

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    1. Some project piles never go away, do they Julie? Ha!

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  21. Do I have a project pile? HAHAHAHAHAHA....... Darlin' my list is so long on projects in general, I'll probably never get it done. Oh well... It is what it is :p

    xo

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  22. Love the fabrics you have.
    Projects or even tidying things up ... I often find that sometimes you just have to be in the right frame of mind and then if you are everything goes much more smoothly and your achievement so often looks good and is rewarding.

    Have a good weekend - it's a longer one here in the UK, keeping fingers crossed for some good weather.

    All the best Jan

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    1. I totally agree with you, Jan. The right state of mind makes all the difference!

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  23. Do I have a pile? Sure do! Problem is I have too many irons in the fire. lol! Wanting to work on a basket quilt that I have all 12 blocks sewn, but need to strip it together. Then today I found a huge linen table cloth for a steal so silly me bought it thinking I will make some cushions for my kitchen chairs. Plus I bought two pillow kits. Heavens, it never ends! lol! I adore your kitchen and both chairs are so cute. The only thing I can think of doing is to tack a doily or a piece of a coordinating fabric to cover the hole. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Hey Jann, thanks for the hint, I am still thinking...hmmm. That pile does have a way of growing doesn't it? I think it's the only downside of creativity!

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  24. I always have a pile of "stuph" going......
    For starters with your chair, you need to run a ring of white glue around that hole....one close to the edge and one out side the hole about 1/2". It will dry clear and then when you have time to repair it, you can fasten your repair right over the glue rings....meanwhile the glue will stabilize the fabric and keep it from tearing further.
    I also have an idea in mind for repairs, but I am out of time...I will be back on Tuesday and will email you.
    Big hugs, and be blessed!
    J

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    1. You are amazing!! I will glue this weekend and wait to hear about your fix! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

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  25. What a beautiful kitchen. You're blessed.

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    1. Laura, you are so kind. Thank you so much. It is my favorite room in the house! ;)

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  26. With 3 boys? Yes, I have a project pile! I avoid it until absolutely necessary! Thanks for joining Home Sweet Home!

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    1. Haha! I can only imagine, Sherry! I have one of those piles, too. It's way less fun to dream about! ;)

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