A Pair of Barstools with Cottage Slips

Enough of that hiatus...what have I been doing???? More of the same...working-sewing-it seems that sometimes you can get behind with orders even on Etsy.
I am so thankful for Etsy...it stepped into my world when I needed it most! And, one day...maybe I can retire to only Etsy. I started my Etsy shop when after the Christmas holiday, there was not so much work...I had been thinking about how I could ship window treatments and pillows and other specialty items, but to who?...nobody across the country knew that I could sew. I did not realize that I could just "plug-in" to Etsy...the clients are already there-looking for quality handmade items.
Well, it has been great! The clients are kind...but they want their slipcovers and pillows and nursery bedding as soon as possible, too! And, as I have repeated many times, I have no elves...that show up at my workshop and sew all night long. That would only be me...and, I try not to sew past midnight. I think people in general do not realize the amount of time it takes to make one ruffled pillow...much less the time it takes to make a complete nursery with ruffles.
You know, one order is one order, but each one order combined...throws my world into a "free for all" race to the finish.
I really have not had the time lately to do some of my favorite "one of a kind" pieces. I love to find those certain pieces of furniture and change them up a bit.
I took a little time away tonight to do just that. These barstools (probably from the early 2000's) ...whitewashed rattan type bases...that part is ok for me. But the cushions were bright plaid...and dirty bright plaid. So, I covered them in natural cotton duck. And already an improvement I think. But to add a little interest, I made burlap slips with an ivory cotton ruffled edge. I love the simpleness of the color...the texture...and the ruffled edge-its just a cute thing...
So... simple, cute, classic barstools...a pair of them... 16" x 16" and 29" tall. Great seating with or without ruffles.
OK, now tomorrow...I will finish that Etsy ottoman slip-promise!

A New Bench with Personality

Bobby and I added a new bench to our booth at Old South Antique Mall. This one sort of took on a Sundance look-and it is our "go to" look....a little rustic and primitive, but it would mix in most any space. It has loads of personality-and the neutral color and fabrics allow that "mix-it -in" style to work for most anyone.
The bench is somewhat oversized...and with the great chunky spindle legs and distressed cream finish, it would suit as a coffee table-add your tray to the top if you wish. With or without the prewashed muslin slipcover, this piece adds a charm to the utilitarian bench.
We added a four inch upholstered foam cushion to the top-covered in a rustic natural burlap-to add a good look and texture. I love these versatile pieces-so many uses- and practical furniture with good looks, too :)

Ottomans and Etsy

Take your existing ottoman and give it a new look!!!! Use a slipcover-and this summer-make it using burlap and a little natural cotton ruffled edge-very sweet and casual.
A lot of the older ottomans, you know the ones-with the fitted upholstery and cording-skirted with the stiff crinoline inside, are great pieces to start. First, take the skirt away. Let the legs show-and really, most of these have the square stained post legs-the really older ones. The legs are usually not fancy, they may be even a little rustic-even better. And, the legs are probably stained a dark walnut or similar color-PERFECT!
After removing the skirt...and revealing the cute little legs, add your updated slipcover for a simple new look.
My latest Etsy interests have been these great little slipcovers. The burlap gives great texture and mixing the natural cotton ruffle sweetens and softens it a bit.
Add a couple of matching pillows to complete your new look.
Not such a big deal...but a super summer, casual look.

Let me know if I can help update your ottoman with a burlap slipcover :)

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.

Cozy Rustic Pillow

Clearing out a few "odds and ends" pieces of fabric-before my next "real project"-Cooper's Nursery. I made this pillow sham using some leftovers--great for a sofa or loveseat...or, as an added accessory pillow for your bedding.
The damask print in robin's egg blue on burlap colored cotton is a Robert Allen fabric; and, I used a 6" lightweight cream linen with a ripped edge for the ruffle-giving a relaxed look. The back of the sham is a utility natural chevron stripe cotton fabric with a single shell button for the closure.
The sham is shown with a down insert...very comfy and cozy.

OK...now on to Cooper's Nursery...pictures of the nursery bedding..., and Cooper, arriving soon!