Refinishing the Dresser: Phase 1

I recently came across an opportunity to take an entire bedroom set from one of my very generous neighbors. It is a gorgeous set but needed a little face lift. That's where I come in. I am blessed to have as large of a workshop that I do in order to accomplish projects as big as this one but it can be very overwhelming. So I have decided to do it in phases. I have a dresser, armour, nightstand, foot board, and headboard to redo. I am starting off with the dresser and my first step was to strip all of the old stain, varnish, lacquer, and wax off. Here's how I did it:

1) Buy some Strip all 

This stuff is a nasty potion but it gets the job done! Make sure you have a well ventilated area and some sturdy rubber gloves. I poured some strip all into a metal paint tin (DO NOT USE PLASTIC) and grabbed some course steal wool and got to work. Since I had a large area to do, I had to go over it twice. The stain, wax, and varnish that is all coming off is really goopy so be generous with the stripper and let it dissolve the goop. After I had finished this part, I realized that I had some streaks to clean up so I got myself some fresh steal wool and stripper with fresh gloves and did my clean up. Now, what I learned is that wiping it down with the stripper will dissolve most of it but if you wipe it dry with a paper towel it will leave you with a clean streak- free surface which is exactly what you need. I disposed of all my used materials except my metal tin and put it all outside in a plastic bag far away from the house because the stripper is extremely flammable. 

Here is the original furniture:

And the after:

I did not accomplish getting the entire dresser stripped but that's okay! Taking this project in small steps (or any project) is a good idea because it allows you time to think and recuperate before you go back at it. So, do it in your free time and enjoy what you are doing! Have some friends over and have them help you or make it a date night! Big projects like this should be FUN if you are choosing to do them :)

Next week I hope to get all of the drawers and the sides done! Subscribe to us so you don't miss out! If you have any questions please leave them in the comments and we will get back to you!  

Love,

Tinsel & Tulle  

My Favorite Crochet Patterns

This thanksgiving break I want to point out something I am thankful for... and that is awesome crochet patterns that are fun and easy to do! I have only been crocheting a couple of months but it is a neat way for me to decompress after a long day. Based off of the patterns below I have been able to create some of my own which is also a really neat way to be creative. Okay so here goes:

The Waffle Crochet Dishcloth

This tutorial was awesome for introducing a new stitch to me as well as really making me count my stitches. This one takes patience at first because I know I had to restart two or three times just to get my edges straight. But overall it is really great for beginners who are looking to level up! Why not try the Waffle Crochet Dishcloth  

Headbands

I made on of these headbands when I was just starting out and it turned out great and I actually use it quite often! Not to mention you are able to embellish it any way you choose because it is such a blank canvas! Check out the tutorial here

Scrubbies

I didn't know that making scrubbies was even an option for crocheters but I was wrong! I have made a couple of these scrubbies and my family loves them and uses them. They are extremely cheap to make and another useful thing that you can make while practicing your crochet skills! Check it out here.

Boot Cuffs

So you have to be feeling really ambitious in order to accomplish this one but it is a great way to really test your skills and see what you need to work on! My first pair of boot cuffs I had to sit down and actually laugh because they looked like one of my grandmas mangled doilies. However, if you are able to master this one you might be able to make some serious cash. Try boot cuffs!

If none of these grab your attention, try checking out ravelry.com. It is a free site that has a plethora of free patterns and gives good advice on which yarn to use and what size hook/needle you need for the project. I would also recommend youtube for any beginners of crochet because I am a huge visual learner where if I don't see it, it can be really difficult to grasp. Also, following youtube patterns allowed me to have a tutor in reading patterns because most of them post the actual pattern in their description box and walk you through it so you aren't completely by yourself. But let me tell you what, nothing is more rewarding than seeing your finished product so push yourself and try things that you think are out of your reach because you will only get better by testing yourself. If all else fails, unravel and try again! 

Love, 

Tinsel & Tulle