Mix and Match... a Pair of Wingbacks

My latest slipcovering project has transformed Jane's two different wingback chairs into a pair for her bedroom. The chairs are both great pieces, really...but totally different styles. It is amazing to see how fabric can totally change furniture.
Each chair has its own unique details-arm style, legs and feet, and seat cushion. With only their "wings" to unite the two-Jane left the rest to the fabric. And, the white cotton duck definitely unified and completed the pair. Jane plans to paint the legs and feet....I don't know if I could bear to add paint to those wonderful old dark ball and claw feet-I so love really old and worn, timeless antique pieces-untouched and left in their original state. But to each his own...I know people have different design tastes-and I accept that...and, after all, I am no decorator--just a seamstress really with a few artsy ideas of my own :)
But taking a couple of old chairs and creating this "pair" of wingbacks was a good idea...
Have a great and busy week!!! Hope you accomplish lots :)

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 :)

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!

Summertime Slips

Summertime...a great time for get-togethers and cook-outs in the garden and around the pool. A great time, too, to update worn outdoor furniture with fresh, new fabrics and paint. There are lots of websites and local fabric stores offering sales on outdoor fabrics. And, with so many designs from which to choose, you will probably find that your options are limitless. You can select companion fabrics to mix and match, or go out on a limb to create your own combination of color and pattern.

It is a lot easier to select your fabrics first, then choose your paint colors for accent pieces such as a second hand coffee table or side tables made using old windows.

These blue print cushion and pillow slipcovers detail self-cording and contrast print boxing along with zippered closures. The zippered covers allow the owner to remove these summertime slips to reveal brown cushions and pillows for fall and winter.

Call or email me to set up a consultation for discussing your outdoor space.

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.