Sunday 6 January 2008

Out with the old in with the ... old



No not me, although I am 100 today!!! More about that later ... Look at my lovely new/old chair. Born from one of my newest addictions, freecycling . I joined our local freecycling group last summer and have given a camera and photography equipment to an art student and have acquired a very old and very pretty sewing machine, a pair of wonderful old wooden sledges that would have been perfect for the snow that didn't happen last week and this beautiful old Victorian Prie Dieu or prayer chair.



The freecycler wanted it to go to a good home and the rest, they say, is history! It had been used as an upholstery project by the previous owner and needed some TLC and was small enough for me to able to afford to buy some of my favourite Cath Kidston fabric without feeling extravagant. I was going to set about it with my old trusted staple gun when a friend mentioned that they were retraining as an upholsterer and would love to have a go at the chair for us, purely for experience. Purely in the name of friendship I agreed, much to the relief of the rest of the family who find my attempts at upholstering to be good on the eye but sore on the bottom! So in return for supplying an old chair as work experience we gained this beautiful creature, with waxed legs, its porcelain castors polished and it's bottom repadded. All dressed up in a new Spring coat too!


The cats also love it! In fact I'm not sure if I've yet had a chance to sit on it! Placed next to the Christmas tree in our bay window, the cats were able to laze luxuriously whilst batting the tree baubles. sit on top and peer at the squirrels digging up our window boxes and, best of all, given the chair's very long back, it provided them with the perfect scratching post!!! Yes holes, already, amongst the roses.
The chair has now been on a mercy dash up to our bedroom where, finally, I might get a chance to enjoy it. It won't be long before they sniff it out (sometime around midnight tonight I expect to hear the sound of claws being finely chiselled on my gorgeous throne!)



Just before Christmas, and that does seem a very long time ago now, the lovely Michele gave me an award! It will be placed somewhere high out of the reach of my marauding moggies! Thanks Michele I have really enjoyed visiting your blog and am so happy I found it. I think I have to list 7 random facts about me. Well I have listed quite a few already so these are 7 festive facts that you might not know about me.
1. Our oven died two days before Christmas Day so it was takeaways for us in the runup to the big day. No baking no nothing. Fortunately a very nice engineer was able to fix it for us late on Christmas Eve! We thought it might have been stilton on toast for the next day!



2. One of our cats lost her voice just before Christmas. She opened her mouth to ask for her dinner and nothing came out - she just stood there mouth open, blinking at me. The vet thought she might have swallowed something (a severe case of pink baublitis I feared, having seen the amount of baubles they had stolen from the tree). But it transpired to be laryngitis and by the end of the week she was walking round the kitchen screaming as usual (the cat, not me!).
3. I really don't like mince pies, Christmas cake or pudding. I LOVE Stollen and had eaten a whole one before the holidays had even begun. A cup of tea and a slice of stollen ...
4. I love watching everyone open their presents. We all take it in turns to open the pressies and it's a very long drawn out affair!
5. M always accompanies the pressie opening with either Bing or Nat King Cole singing White Christmas, which always makes me think of my mum and cry! Everyone has got use to it by now and I do feel daft for doing it but always feel better for having done it (if only she'd seen her beautiful granddaughters, she would have been so proud).
6.I love Christmas nibbles. Could eat and pick at the nibbles for weeks on end.
7. Christmas has to be accompanied by a mound of chocolate. Even if it's not all eaten I'm only happy when I know it's there and it's been stockpiled for any disaster!
I'd like to pass this award on to Thimbleanna , Anna I'm looking forward to reading what you come up with, but please, for old time's sake, no mention of mash potato!

And finally, I'm a century old today. 100 posts ago I very nervously pressed the "publish post" button and the fun began! Thank you all for your comments on my last post, they really meant a lot to me, and thanks to all of you who have found the time to leave a comment at any time. Please leave a comment on this post and I will put all names into a prize draw, yes it's giveaway time! As usual I have no idea what I'll be giving away, but leave a comment you'll find out and it'll give me a reason to get busy again!!

60 comments:

pinkgreen said...

What a great chair. You ought to spray it with pepper or something else to keep the cats off! I love freecycle too - I gave away an old sofa and some other bits and bobs, and I picked up a brand new deckchair because the owner was worried her children would trap their fingers in it. I am obviously a bad mother, but have comfy seating for the Summer!
Congratulations on your 100th - please enter me in your draw!
Cathy XX

Cowboys and Custard Mercantile said...

I really loved reading this post Kim..
It made me laugh reading about your deliquent moggies.. as you know I have one too.. he loves to claw my Kilim covered armchair!
It was a real treat to read about YOU and we seem to share more than one of your seven facts..
I miss my Mum too... v much at Christmas.. I know just how you feel about the grandchildren..
Chocolate.. my great demise!
I can hear it calling to me in the night..
Last but not least..
Congratulations and Thank You for writing such a heart warming blog... it is such a delight to read!
Here's to the next 100.
Michelexx

French Knots said...

Perhaps our prize could be to come round and sit on your wonderful chair!
I'm a big Freecycle fan too. a great way to pass things on to someone who will use/love them.
Have to agree with you and C&C re missing Mums even more at Christmas and wishing they had met their Grandchildren.
Keep up your blogging for hundreds more posts, I enjoy reading it. X

Just Original said...

Freecycling sounds a great idea!

The chair looks great, nice and comfy good enough to read a nice book on a cold winter day!

Congratulations on your 100th post.

Thimbleanna said...

Aw gee Kim! Aren't you so sweet! Thanks for the award -- it will take me a few days to come up with my randoms LOL! I loved reading about yours. Wow, I would have been in a big panic if my oven died so close to Christmas! I could really relate to you on all of your other Christmassy things -- it all sounds just like our house (except for the music!) We all take turns and I think we finished at 2 p.m. this year -- long and drawn out indeed. Love LOVE that new chair -- so pretty!

Anonymous said...

What a stunning chair - I signed up for that freecycle and have had no luck with anything exciting. Yes we must meet up for that coffee ASAP! I confess that I giggled when I first read about your puddy and her lost voice! Sweet. Happy New Year to you all, lets hope its a fun one. xx Emx

Janette said...

congratulations on your 100th post. Your chair is wonderful it looks amazing. I've never heard of freecycle I wonder if they do it around lancashire too. I understand what you mean about having a good cry at Christmas for your mum. My dad died on Christmas eve 14 years ago, I also listen to the same song each year and remember him and cry and then feel much better afterwards. It's such a shame he never saw me get married or met his grandson but on Christmas eve I always feel close to him and have always managed to have a happy and fun filled christmas day... anyway, enough maudling, please enter me into the drawer, and please continue posting as they make really interesting reading.

Janette
xx

Lucy Bloom said...

Hi Kim, congratulations on your 100th post, hope you keep going for many many more! Absolutely love your chair, looks like your friend did a wonderful job on it. I'd love to be entered in your draw, but please don't enter me as I've just won 2 more giveaways and couldn't cope with winning another one just yet!
Hope you have a good week,
best wishes,
Lucy x

Tracy x said...

oh how i miss freecycling down South.
we gave away a whole heap of stuff before we left and met some really lovely folk - we also were very lucky to rehome a few bits.
happy 100th to you - looking forward to another 100!
tracy x
p.s - don't you just love cats!!!!

Anonymous said...

Love the chair...and that rose fabric is beautiful. Hope the cats don't wreck it for you!
Margaret and Noreen

Gill said...

The chair was a great find,it looks so pretty...typical cats, they don't care that it's your newly covered chair!Mine would do the same. I joined my local Freecycle group a few months ago but haven't picked up anything yet. I've got a few bits to give away,I think I should do that before I make a claim for anything!
Happy New Year
Gill

mollycupcakes said...

Wow free stuff, I must have a look at that. I think that's the same place we put our old bed onto.
It's nice to just give things away and receive something for free.
It looks just gorgeous and the cat looks very happy.
Great radom things I enjoyed reading them, as I do everyone of your posts.
It's been great to find you Kim.
Heres to another 100 posts sweetie.
Happy new year.
Hugs
Catherine x

Curlew Country said...

Oh my word that's divine! What a brilliant thing freecycle is - I haven't joined yet but some good friends swear by it. Its fabulous. Loved your festive facts, woman after my own heart - especially on the chocolate front! My mum drives me crackers sometimes but I do treasure her and love our bonkers relationship so much. I really feel for you missing your mum. Sure she'd be very proud of you and your family. Warmest wishes
Stephx

Janice said...

What a beautiful chair you have now. I would have been curious to see a before picture. Congratulations on your 100th post. I have you in my bloglines so I never miss one of your posts.

andsewtosleep said...

Hi Kim
the chair is very pretty - and so is the cat! Congratulations on your 100th - but I'd better get a move on since we started blogging around the smae time!
Mary x

tess said...

what a lovely chair, and great festive facts! glad you got the oven fixed just in time!
congrats on 100 posts, you have an inspirational blog!

the tattered nest said...

Happy 100th!!! I love that chair! and I really love the black cat sitting on it..it looks just like my kitty!

Betty said...

That fabric on your chair is beautiful!! If the cats won't leave it alone, send it to me and I will "take care" of it for you. LOL
Congratulations on your 100 post Kim! I think I've read and enjoyed them all!

Anonymous said...

I love your new old chair! I'd want to hide it in the closet so I could enjoy it all to myself. :) Congratulations on your award, Kim! And more congrats on your 100th post! I so enjoy your blog and am looking forward to reading many more entries from you. ~ ♥ Lynda xo

Cape Cod Washashore said...

What a fun post... and a GORGEOUS chair! Your cats sound very much like mine (wherever I DON'T want her to sit, is the onlt place she WILL sit)! Hubby saved and bought himself a nice big brown leather sofa (you can probably tell where this is going)! lol Let's just say I bought a nice fluffy blanket for that nice leather sofa.

Your 7 random facts were fun to read! Congratulations on 100 posts and your award! =)

Peg said...

Just found your blog tonight and really enjoyed my visit. The chair is beautiful, your home is like ours only our busy bodies are 4 Shih Tzu's and a Lhasa, nothing comes in to stay without their checking it out :o)

Chookyblue...... said...

congrats on turning 100..lol.....
your chair is beautiful.......

Rowan said...

The chair is absolutely lovely, naughty pussy cats to use it as a scratching post:) Glad it safe now anyway. Congratulations on your 100th post, your blog is always worth reading and has such wonderful pictures too. Long may it continue.

meggie said...

I seem to be coming in late for all these posts. Never mind, I am still here & still love your posts!!

That chair looks divine. I fell in love with the Chaise Lounge, & it is my dream furniture item. A friend had a beautiful one, which she reupholstered & restored, & she said it was all down to me, inspiring her! I felt really happy.

Heidi said...

I love that chair and the photos of the cat on it! It really turned out so pretty with the roses fabric.

Congratulations on your 100th post. I would love to have a chance at your give~away even though I never win them. I feel like a winner everyday that I am in contact with my blogging friends. How corny is that?! :)

Congratulations on your blog award also Kim!

Hugs ~
Heidi

Nonnie said...

Oh, love the new chair. It's gorgeous. I wouldn't be letting any cats anywhere near it if I was you!
Congratulations on 100 posts. Looking forward to the next 100! x

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness, I want that Chair!!! It is adorable!! Why can't I ever come across anything like that?!
Congratulations on your 100th Post, and also for the award.
Glad to hear that your Cat is also better,
Andrea x

Louise said...

What a glorious chair - yes definitely keep it away from the naughty kittys. I love long drawn out present opening which we do with my family - we love to see what everybody gets. This year it was handmade and we even had applause - fun!
Congrats on 100 posts - I think it's going to take me a couple of years to get to that point at the rate I'm going. I am a big fan of your lovely pics, words and creations - keep it coming!

Samantha said...

You lucky thing. Beautiful chair. Definitely too good for the cats!

x

ShabbyInTheCity said...

That chair! That fabric! "freecycling" What a great idea!

Heidijayhawk said...

way to go with 100 posts!! i am ever so impressed! and that chair? stupid awesome.

AC said...

Hi Kim,
You don't look a day over 21!
Congratulations.
Take care,
Alison x

kathyann said...

Kim, Well done on your 100th post! I too end up in tears when I hear White Christmas as you know from my blog my dad died on Christmas day and this was playing,and i used to like it ,not any more!..
I just love your chair ,the material is beautiful.Congrats on receiving such a wonderful give away,freecycling is great.I have given away many things and have also been given a fridge freezer,tv,outdoor plant pots,shredder and pattern books!
To Janette from Preston you do have a freecyle in your area ,just type in,Preston freecycle group and it will get you there ok!
As always lovely posting Kim and I look forward to many more in 2008.Take care ,Kathyann and the girls

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your 100th post, I always enjoy reading your posts. Fabulous chair by the way and what a great idea, I think I'll have to investigate freecycle!

Anonymous said...

That chair is so lovely I'm deeply envious. Congrats on the century.
Carolyn
http://willowhouse.typepad.com

PurpleFlowerFairy said...

you lucky, lucky girl! that chair is absolutely GORGEOUS!!! e*n*j*o*y it =) debbie

Garden Girl said...

Hi Kim, the chair is fabulous! I did a restoring course a few years and my project was a victorian sewing box on legs..never did get handy with a staple gun though...you have inspired me to have another go! That CK fabric is my favourite, I have just bought the eiderdown in the sale in the same white roses. Lovely stuff (and particularly good for snuggling under when feeling poorly, I have found)
100 posts? My goodness you have been a busy girl...well done!
anna x

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your 100th post. The chair is lovely no wonder the cats want to nick it, cats always want the best!
Happy New Year to you and your family.
cd&m
http://catondarlingandmoore.typepad.com

Tracy said...

Such fun to read your list, Kim! Glad you kitty has her voice back. And I'm with you on the Stollen! Your chair is a work of art, it is so beautiful. I wish we had freecycle going on in our area...hopefully one day! Happy week ((HUGS))

Anonymous said...

what a pretty old chair...I did a similar thing with my Nana's chair that was pretty ragged...reupholstered it with some new fun fabrics I found at ABC carpet in New York...even added tassels to the chair arms...the old chairs were made so much stronger than the new ones today.

love England..have visited there many times... check out my blog...

best,
carol

hannah said...

I love your chair, it looks really pretty in that fabric too. Freecycle is great, we use it often, although sometimes hubby gets rather carried away with enthusiasm(that resulted in the arrival of a large piano at our small house!).
congrats on your 100th post!!!

Naturegirl said...

The photos of your black cats delighted me as I have two black beauties of my own! It amazes me how they can perch on just about anything and get comfortable..looking at how yours perches on that not so wide back of the chair!! I have never heard of laryngitis in cats!! Thank you for informing me!

Anonymous said...

Hello! I am a new reader of your blog and I love it! Congratulations on your 100th post :) I was drooling over your photos the other day of your walk in the countryside...wanna switch for a while and live in the desert? lol The chair is absolutely beautiful...I upholstered my couch and chair...I'm glad I did, but it was pure torture! lol I would love to be entered in your drawing. Thanks for a great blog!

coolblondemother said...

Hi,

I have just discovered your blog and I love it. I love it for being pretty and for it being sooo English. I am a bit of an Anglophile (studied English and am an English teacher now). I will certainly return!!!

Petra (The Netherlands)

OhSoVintage said...

I absolutely LOVE the chair, what a find! I would be overjoyed if I managed to take that off someone's hands. I had never heard of freecycle till a few days ago when a friend told me about someone giving something away that I might want. I then joined one of the groups, I think it's a great idea.

Louise said...

Hi Kim, will read through your facts slowly next visit. But in the meantime just to say what a lovely throne and a lovely lucky black cat sitting on it, I did wonder whether you were going to get to sit on it? I really must look into this freecycling business, it is a great idea. x

tea time and roses said...

Congratulations on your 100th post, and the winning of your award! You so deserve it, you have a beautiful blog and I always enjoy my visits!

Wow, what a pretty chair, and I love all the beautiful roses and I see the kitty does too! :o) I have never heard of freecycle before, it sounds great!

Smiles...

Beverly

Rhondi said...

Congratulations on 100 blogs! I think the chair is wonderful, love the flowers on it. Our cats are a disaster with clawing the furniture. Our daughter moved to her own home recently and took the cats with her. She bought a sratching post and they are using it!! Wonders never cease! So the new furniture she has isn't getting destroyed like mine is. You might rry one. Rhondi

Mary said...

I love the chair and congrtas on the 100 posts PS Happy new year!

chook said...

your new chair is beautiful .
congrats on your 100th post
hugs Beth

No one is you ...& that's your power said...

Hello I think I have visited your blog before, I love it . Your home is so beautifull. I say move other cath kidston , when are you opening a shop , mail order!. I think you should definaetely write a book with your style tips & projects. Thanks for letting me look! I will put you on my blogroll x

Rhondi said...

Hi Kim Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment. I like a cup of tea and a good book too, especially on a dull rainy day like we are having here today. Rhondi xo

david santos said...

Very nice posting, Rgged, thank you.
The Kat is very nice.

Have good day

Anonymous said...

I happily discovered your blog today and am adding it to my favourites! Very inspiring creativity going on here. :)

Cornflower said...

Lovely chair, and though I've never had cats, I can see how they 'decorate' whatever they're sitting on! Congrats. on your 100th post.

The Crafts House said...

congrats on 100th post..love the chair,I am patchworking my sofa and only at sewing the squares at the mo...could take for ever!
sandra

The Polka Dot Pixie said...

Oh the chair turned out just beautifully!!! Congrats on the award :-)

Jenny

carol pink cottage said...

hello there
wow what a fantastic chair
I joined freecycle last year but so far I havent gotten anything but im still looking. I would love to find a chair like that
carol

dottycookie said...

Ah, I'm sorry I missed this post - it's been mad recently - but many, many congratulations. And here's to many more posts!

MelMel said...

I love your chair!! oh my gosh...its so gorgeous....the cat looks so sweet sat on it!
I'm so enjoying reading your posts!!
x