Under the arches #2

One of the selling points of my new flat was two old coal bunkers that had been refitted and made waterproof by the agents. We couldn't get over the time and care that the agents had taken over reclaiming these arches which had been bricked up for year — it seemed too good to be true, to be able to have your own "cavern" in central London. Obviously my cavern is destined to be a perfect craftroom, which I'm so excited about I can hardly believe! Over the last couple of years, I've really enjoyed looking at  photos of other people's studios, it can be really interesting and refreshing to see how other people arrange every day spaces.

The last couple of places I have lived, having my own craft room hasn't really been possible so I'm dusting down things I have bookmarked or written in notebooks and am enjoying spending time making it my own. We painted the floor with concrete paint, it is a joyous colour (egg blue — but I have to say concrete paint is really horrible and I'm sure toxic, so use it well ventilated or find a better alternative!). I am determined to use furniture that we have already or from freecycle so I think it is going to take a while to get it exactly how I want it, but I'm so happy with it so far.

Obviously to fully celebrate the room, you need bunting. So I finished up some bunting which I had started in February, the fabric is from Eric Carle's book, The Hungry Caterpillar and I love how bright and cheerful it is.

I hadn't made bunting before and this is quite rough and ready, I cut out the triangles with pinking shears and then used ribbon as the backing.

I also made a cushion for my chair. This was a simple design which I started on an afternoon sewing course in Dulwich and I'm quite pleased with it. The fabric is one of my favourite from Rowan, I think it is a Kaffe Fassett design called Paperweights.

Its very simple design but I'm pleased with it. I've decided the way to improve my sewing is just to keep doing it, some of the finishing might not be that good but over time I'm sure I'll get better at keeping in straight lines and its fantastic having space to be able to do this in! 

Comments

[Clemkins]

The craft cavern looks lovely - very homely. I hope you enjoy spending time in it. xxxx

[Liz T.]

Wow - your crafty cavern looks amazing, I was imagining something more like an alcove! The Kaffe Fasset print is indeed called Paperweight - I've got a metre of it in a very vibrant yellow. I might bring it out this week for some artificial sunshine.

[Felix]

It is wonderful to see the amazing craft-space taking shape! Hurrah for personal workspaces and for having a place to create x

[katieh]

It looks brilliant! Congratulations on having a work space! :)

(sorry i missed your call on saturday. we were having our aniversary meal.)

x

[Aliki]

I'm so jealous - it looks fab! I no longer have any spare space at all for crafting stuff. But then I no longer have any time to do any either!

[Lara]

Thanks for all your lovely comments - there will be more pictures coming as it takes shape!

[Annabel]

BUNTING!!! Hurrah! Beautiful caterpillar bunting - well done Lara, it looks lovely :DD Want my own craft cavern now (gonna be tricky living on the first floor...)

[skirmishofwit]

What a beautiful work space you have made. I adore that cushion!

[jane]

Hello! How are you getting along with your lovely and beautiful craft room? I've just tagged you on my blog, hope you will play along!