More White Slips

After learning that white cotton duck was sold out EVERYWHERE- I suggested to Elizabeth (Kappa Delta Sorority in Troy) that we should maybe try the white hopsack fabric for the chairs and ottoman slipcovers. I had already requested samples...and, it would have great texture as well as durability-14 oz as opposed to the 10 oz duck...
As usual practice, I prewashed and dried the fabric before beginning the slipcovers-only with this fabric, I cut smaller yardage per wash load. I normally cut 6-7 yards, but with this fabric having more bulk, I think I probably cut and washed about 4 yards/load. I also serged the ends that I cut to keep them from fraying in the washer and dryer. The hopsack washed and dried beautifully- and it does have this super texture and body...which adds a lot of interest and design to the white fabric.
I think the chairs and ottoman slipcovers look great in the sorority house...along with all the other new and/or restored pieces.
Elizabeth also ordered fabric yardage for lumbar pillows for the chairs and a large 48" square ottoman from Tonic Living. These fabrics are some of the cutest contemporary prints I have seen lately. It's always nice to learn about new fabric sites :)
As you can see in the before photo of the chairs-they are in perfect condition...so, how do you go from perfect to better??? And, really-I guess you don't so much...but the slipcovers in white simplify and unify the new look...and with slipcovers, you have options :)
Have a great weekend!! I have a little work to do :)

A Vintage Ottoman Remake and a Slipcover

Somehow you just know...the age of a piece of upholstered furniture. And usually the outdated fabric is the giveaway. Remember the big plaid with the rubber backing....yes, that is it...as a matter of fact-big green plaid with a rubber backing. This ottoman was covered in it-head to toe. So, for a little update-I first persuaded Bobby to remove the box pleated floor length skirt that was attached with lots and lots of long staples....obviously, the manufacturer did not want this skirt to fall off:)
Next, to remove the hints of that plaid fabric, I made a fitted cover of a basic drapery lining fabric.
That was enough to show the piece of furniture nicely and make a decision of how to make the slipcover.
I decided to use burlap as the main fabric with a 2 inch ruffled skirt detail of a lightweight cotton fabric in cream-allowing 5 inches of the cute wood legs to show. This project created a great accessory simple enough to fit any casual decor...and the burlap gives a great texture to mix with most other fabrics.
The ottoman measure 20 x 26 x 17 inches tall.

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.

Getting Started...A few items for the "nook"

These are samples of things I enjoy creating...some on my own, and some with the help of my talented husband, Bobby. These items are for sale at On the Square Antiques in Troy, or use your imagination to design something for yourself....we will be happy to create your design especially for you.

The slipcovered ottoman is extra large, and can be used as a coffee table in front of a sofa....it would look great with the "adapted" crewel work framed tray sitting on top. The tray features a removable glass inset to protect the handwork. Handles for the tray are actual antique spoons, hammered and bent to shape.

Three sweet reversible baby bibs are made from prewashed fabric scraps...fronts are cotton prints that reverse to quilted cotton. Velcro closures and added detail of bias edging.

Also from fabric remnants, a fun shoulder bag of brown and blue floral with self straps, lined with a contrast check. Bag features two interior pockets.