Do you know that feeling when you see (or hear or smell or feel) something that reminds you of a favorite memory or time when things were simpler? It may be a scent that takes you back to grandma’s kitchen, or maybe the sound of a truck roaring by to make you think of dad. For me, finding things like this vintage gem below reminds me of my childhood and being at my grandparent’s house. This particular find is damaged, but who says we take an upcycled chenille bedspread and have some DIY fun?
I found this bedspread a few years back while thrifting. It was definitely worn with love to start, but my daughter’s used it on their bed and continued to love on it. Unfortunately, it began to fray at the top edge. That’s when this mama gets excited because I’ve always wanted to upcycle a chenille beauty. I just needed to wait.
Yes, call be crazy this thing excites me. However, consider what I’m going to to do with it for my Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION time today. Yup, it’s already the last Tuesday of the month, so it’s time to get crafty. woot!
CUTTING TIME
Truth be told, I’m actually a bit nervous to take my shears to this. eep! I truly respect the past which is why I want to save this thing from the fate of the landfill. Also, for some odd reason I’ve always wanted to turn one into chicken. Maybe my yearning for my own acres filled with trees and life is the root of it all. Either way, let’s have at it, shall we?
First, I draft my pattern on an outdated desk calendar (the large paper is perfect for my patterns – SEE HERE)
You may be wondering why in the world I see chicken when I see a vintage chenille bedspread? Well, I’ve always been a bird lover, in any form. My kids and I enjoy bird-watching, and simply God’s creation. A blog I’ve that’s always inspiring me for nearly a decade is Ikat Bag and her creations, even her hens. Likewise, I’ve so been enamored with the handmade creations of Ann Wood.
Additionally, I just love to create toys and things for kids of all ages (1-99 baby!) You can see my sock dolls HERE or my other toys HERE. So, I head down to my scrap stash and I whip out some wool I have leftover from making my daughter’s coat. First, I trace all parts onto fabric.
STITCHIN’
Then, once I have all my parts cuts and I think this is actually going to come out as I envision, I begin to sew.
This is the fun part because you can finally see your vision coming to life. Isn’t that a hoot?!?
I think the chenille looks like chicken skin, if not feathers. haha. Now it’s time to stuff. Every girl’s dream view, am I right?
You can see I’ve used a bit of salvaged wire from my garden Conestoga wagon. It was perfect in patina and the exact length I need.
Finally, once I have the form full of stuffing, I need to add more dimension with the final details. This remnant tulle I hoard is a fluffy butt waiting to happen.
In addition, I use chenille with batting to create some texture as well.
CHECK OUT THE CLUCKS
Ladies and gents, I excitedly introduce you to Bernice and Charlotte – my sweet little biddies (aka. hens).
Bernice is a sassy gal up on her feet ready to take on the world. Likewise, you can see how I made mini birds with felted wool sweaters in this post.
Then, there’s Charlotte. She’s a sweet biddy resting on her nest waiting her next accomplishment.
And finally, the best part…fluffy butts!!
Sweet sisters that are melting my heart in every way. You too?
SHARE
While I may not have my brood of hens I’m always dreaming of, however, I can enjoy my creative jaunts to make my friends for myself. Maybe one day…eh? Meanwhile, you need to tell me which is your favorite. Also, do come adopt on of my gals from my online shop.
Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130
In addition, let’s spread the inspiration love and encourage others to give DIY a try with my upcycled chenille bedspread chicken. Pin and share!
Before you head off, take a look at what I spied while out on my run…a barn! haha. Go figure. SEE IT NOW. Now, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!
Also, more fun projects like this upcycled chenille bedspread:
SO “DARNED” CUTE!!!!! Dare I say it?? You are so “clucking” clever!! ???? Seriously, your talent for seeing the potential in something others would toss, AMAZING! ?
You cluck me UP! haha! I’m so happy that you enjoy them as much as I do, Rebecca. Thank you!
Those are adorable!!! The “fluffy butts…” – hahaha!!!??? You nailed this one!!!
Fluffy butts make me smile! hee hee! Thank you, Becky!
Ohmigoodness, those are the cutest, you are so clever!!
I’m glad you don’t think me crazy, Noelle! 😀 Thank you!
So very cute! And the fluffy butts are the bomb. Anyone who has ever had chickens will appreciate those fluffy butts!
They sure are! This chicken mama wanna-be totally is in LOVE. 😀
SO DARLING!!
Cutest chicks ever!?
You’re always an inspiration, I’m tempted to get out some scrap fabric and the old sewing machine and try something new!?
Yahoo! That’s the spirit, Jill! 😀 I’d love to see what you whip up.
OMGoodnes, I LOVE this!!! I know I’ve said it before, but you are so creative, and you make it look easy, to boot! The fluffy butts had me laughing out loud! I would literally buy a half dozen of these if they were for sale…..maybe you have extra fabric?? have a blessed day!
You are so fun, Michelle! And a gal after my own heart. woot! I have them listed in my shop with the two currently available and the option to backorder more. Feel free to email with questions. 🙂
Charlotte and Bernice are definitely the cutest fluffy butt chicks I have ever seen. I have a snowman my BFF made from a chenille bedspread. Is there anything you can’t do….I think not!
How fun is that?!? I just love when people think outside the bedspread. haha. Thanks so much, Rita!
Well hello Charlotte and Bernice!! Too funny. My grandparents had chenille bedspreads on my aunts bed and on the bed my dad and uncle shared., and they had an “aunt B” (Bernice). These cuties reminded me of my childhood on grandpas farm. It used to be my favorite place to be. Now there are just too many heartbreaks and bad memories so I thank you Larissa for the reminder of better times.
I have wanted a chenille bedspread forever and I found a place that makes them while watching Maine Cabin Masters. Lol! I have to save my nickels though because pretty for me goes hand in hand with spendy.
Awww…that’s how it was for me too. I sweet place to be and I need smiles and giggles. Sending you hugs! I hear ya on the cost. I make my own pillows using thread and needle with English knots. Fun stitching therapy.
Oh my goodness, Bernice and Charlotte are absolutely ADORABLE. Those fluffy little butts are just too cute for words!
I tell ya, Marie, this was hard for me to wait to create…I kept needing to get have-tos done and finally I got my time. woot! Thank you!
I soo appreciate your creativity Larissa! 🙂 So often we have the same things in our “stash” but mine sits there for lack of ideas…. These cute chicks had me laughing out loud with their fluffy butts! And I love the names and I think the chenille is just the perfect choice for them – with the “chicken skin” texture! So cute! And then the photo with the egg in the nest…ha! Love your creativity and your humor 🙂 So often I get bogged down in trying to make “perfect choices” for things…you inspire me to lighten up and create! Thank you for spreading joy! ❤️
I totally get it, Mary. I have similar things that I stare at for a time and eventually it comes to me or I will pass it along to someone who may see a better use. The blessing for me is the creating as well as getting to share my ideas with you. Thank you so much for making what I do fun and for your kind words. Hugs!!
Cutie patootie. Sweet chickens!!
tee hee! I had a blast creating them. Thank you, Deb!