Ideas and suggestions for window treatments, slipcovers, nursery decor and bedding...and other thoughts and inspirations for your home and garden...

Saturday, August 29, 2009

White Linen Slipcovers
















White linen...the fabric of choice for slipcovers in the latest issues of home decorating magazines. I recently completed a slipcover for a sleeper sofa using a medium weight white linen-prewashed and dried (this is a definite must do--otherwise, your investment will shrink with the first cleaning).





I think the finished slipcover looks beautiful in its new space...and, although this project almost did not happen-my client is thrilled with the result.





The problem was my client's fear of having the sofa moved from its location-a second floor bedroom. And, as I stated earlier, the piece is a sleeper sofa....very, very heavy. It seems that there were issues when the sofa was first delivered to the home--there was damage to the beautiful hardwood floors.





But, I require the furniture piece in my workshop. I'm not willing to travel and set up shop in someone's home or beach house....I prefer my own space. It may not be the most efficient use of time or space, but it is my time and space and I work best when I am happiest. And, I am happiest at home in my shop.





So my assistants, Bobby and Joe (my husband and son-in-law), were able to remove the bedding hardware from the sofa and deliver the piece to my workshop. After I completed the slipcover, I was able to go along for the installation. Bobby and Joe re-attached the bedding hardware, I added the slipcover and took a few photos...and, there was no damaged flooring. A perfect ending with a happy client!

Monday, August 3, 2009

The Show (or in this case, "Work") Must Go On




My latest sewing project " for pay", my real job, has been to make slipcovers in navy blue duck canvas for a chair and ottoman, and as well for a two piece sectional. This has been an odd group to slipcover...not the standard pieces to which I am accustomed. But, I think they are coming together and will make the young client very happy. The chair and ottoman are antique pieces with cute wood feet and arm details-which of course need to be exposed! I made the skirts short and tailored, and for the arms...a corded opening with ties.


The sectional, on the other hand, is a new upholstered La-Z-Boy sofa. It is actually two loveseats separated in the center. And, it has two unique curved extra large seat cushions and a slightly curved back . I am working on "part 2" of the sectional now and plan to finish it today or tomorrow. One other thing about the sectional is the semi-attached back cushions...I usually try to talk my clients into allowing me to separate these, therefore having a separate cushion to slipcover with a zippered closure. This piece, however, is brand new with tags still attached. I hate to ask the client...well, I did ask, but she said "no". So, I proceeded and made an allowance to encase the puffy semi-attached cushions into the back of the slipcover. All said and done, it turned out great...at least part 1 turned out great. And, part 2 is on its way to the finishing stages.


I must hurry now and finish! And, as much as I want to go to my grandson's homecoming, "...the show must go on." I will visit with the baby this evening.

Sweet Baby Grayson











The baby is here....the baby is here!!!! "Honey and Poppa" welcome our first beautiful grandchild. We are so happy to have him to share and love. Baby Grayson will come home today with his wonderful parents wearing his baby bunting and this baby boy bonnet. He will be wrapped in this lightweight white cotton blanket with cotton trim detail. Much, much love to our precious little one!