While browsing Toys R Us & Babies R Us last weekend, we came across a cute Tinkerbell canopy bed that Kaylee just loved. She already had a nice toddler bed, so we didn't give it much though, or at least I didn't. Daddy had other plans...
Derrick thought that it would be pretty simple to make her a canopy for her existing bed from a PVC frame. He is the king at PVC pipe creations...
(Just to name a few 🙂
And he was right. He was able to put this frame together in a matter of minutes and Kaylee was thrilled! She loved having just the frame, never mind having any sort of canopy attached. Kids are easy to please. I took her to the fabric store and she chose a couple of fabrics for the project. A pink kitty fabric and turquoise tulle.
After a couple of hours of stressing (I'd never done something like this before and did not have a pattern) and sewing, here is the finished product!
It fits perfectly, thanks to a few minor adjustments and an extra seam through the center to tighten it up a bit in the end. I've already had some requests for a tutorial. If I had any idea what I was doing(when I was doing it), I might have written down some dimensions and instructions, but it was a first time project for me that would probably turn out differently if I did it again. Basically...
You can see that both side panels are kind of a triangle shape. I followed the outline of the frame that Derrick made and added an ½" all the way around for seam allowances. I used a ⅜" seam and that gave it a little room for error. I used newspaper to make pattern pieces (taped it to the pipes) and then cut out the fabric shape. The top is one long piece that is the width of the pipes and stops where you see the crease on the front. That is a seperate piece so that it would fit the angle. It is also the width of the pipes, but only 4" or so in length. Then there is another piece directly on the front attached to the small 4" one. I made it long enough so that it was flush in length with the side panels. So the sides are each 1 panel and the top is 1 large panel + 2 smaller ones on the front and another 2 smaller ones (the same size as the front) on the back. This probably doesn't make any sense. Just use your frame as a guide. I'm not sure what it would have looked like if I just did one piece for the top and didn't use seperate pieces for the angles, it might have been fine. I'm not an expert so I just did what I thought would work. Then I hemmed it all the way around and sewed the little curtains to the hem. Total fabric for the project 3 ½ yards pink + 4 yards tulle.
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I used extra fabric to make ties for the faux curtains and a throw pillow. This is the reverse side of her owl comforter in the first photos. It matched the new canopy perfectly!
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I used extra fabric to make ties for the faux curtains and a throw pillow. This is the reverse side of her owl comforter in the first photos. It matched the new canopy perfectly!
She loves her kitty bed (although she calls it a Tink bed after seeing the Tinkerbell one at the store) and sleeps, not only in comfort, but in style!
Here is a close-up on the fabric. It was found at Joann's in the juvenile apparel selection at 60% off last week. I picked up several prints since it is so bright and cheerful, and nice and sturdy! So much better than calico.
thesleepyknitter says
I love this so much! Beautiful and brilliant.
Adrianne says
This is beautiful!! Oh man, when we get to big-girl bed in my household, it's going to be SO. MUCH. FUN. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
Happy to be your newest follower ~ Adrianne
happyhourprojects.blogspot.com
Rachel @ Pleased as Punch says
Your daughter must think she's in heaven! The ONLY thing I wanted when I was little, was a canopy bed. There's something so princess-y about it. 🙂
kasia says
Awesome idea! And I love the toy bucket stand as well. Thank you for sharing
Katie says
I would love the pattern for the Toy Bucket. Awesome job on the Canopy!!!
Amanda says
You both did a fantastic job, it looks amazing!
Amanda @ The Little Giggler says
What a sweet little bed! It looks amazing!
Ladyinwaiting35 says
How bout a tutorial on that Canopy Cover? Or post the dimensions of fabric needed. I sew but I'm not the best at "from scratch" creations. 🙂 PLEASE 🙂
Juli says
I love it! I would never think to make my own! Awesome job! -Juli
ahenandherchicks.blogspot.com
Amanda says
This is awesome! I love that it was a cheaper material & it is something removable, if needed.
~Amanda @ creatingamongstboys.blogspot.com
April says
I love it! You did an awesome job!
btanders says
Holy cow! How cool is this?!? My kids would go nuts!!
Katie says
What a genius idea! I'd love if you would join us over at Sew Woodsy and link up this project!
Cindy says
Awesome post! Thanks for sharing 🙂
TiffanyAnn says
This is so stinkin' adorable!!! Can I ask how you attached the tulle to the canopy? DI you just sew it on all the way along the top?