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 :)

Slipping in a Wingback-Cottage Style

I am waiting....for the white cotton duck-it seems to be on backorder....everywhere. Who bought it all?????? I have a couple of chairs and an ottoman coming up for the Kappa Delta house in Troy-----meanwhile, back at the workshop---I had a call to slipcover a wingback. So, why not-I have time to "slip" :) it in.
And, was I ever surprised to see the fabric....a cute cottage-y floral matelasse. Now, I have enjoyed all the white and natural lately-but this sweet cottage style fabric was a welcome change. I think I will maybe change my fees to include "a list of your favorite fabric shops"...I would love to know where Kathy bought this fabric. Matelasse is such a great fabric-a little more difficult to work with when adding cording and sewing through multiple layers...but the texture and the quilted effect is worth it.
Kathy requested a gathered skirt...and, I hope she was thinking a short, gathered skirt...adorable, I think :)

Plans to wash some white cotton duck in the next couple of days and start the slipcovers for the Kappa Delta chairs and ottoman.

Coming soon...natural and cream linen ruffled ottoman slipcovers...

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 :)

Shaunna's Slips ( Intro and Part 1)

So, to tell you the truth, in the beginning this new chic had us sort of "shakin' in our boots"...I mean-I started hearing "have you seen Shaunna's blog?"....not once, not twice, but lots and lots and lots. And the only Shaunna I knew of at all had been in school with my children...Could it be that Shaunna? She was painting furniture and decorating? She kind of appeared suddenly and with great reviews...and I looked her up and was quite impressed :) And I told Bobby to take a look at this blog-look what she's doing...and what did he say? First of all, he said "she looks like her momma, doesn't she?"...well now, if you have any knowledge of history in our county, you know that's a compliment-and in more ways than one :) And I said, "look at her furniture, Bobby, it's good, isn't it?..."
And so the word on the streets was that the antique store where we house and hopefully sell our painted and repurposed furnishings would probably close and we would all go broke :)...blah, blah, blah, drama, ...Anyway, then Bobby (the wise, good man) said, "y'all be nice to that little girl..."
And I thought...you know, he's right...we want our artsy town to be the best....and to have lots of great artistic people-all different-with his or her own unique talents...there is room for all of us. We do all have somewhat varied styles...from a little rustic and primitive to refined and fresh. So if you haven't had the opportunity to meet Shaunna, do it now...she's charming and it's great to have a new artsy friend....any day :)
Now that we are finished with the introduction...I am truly honored that Shaunna contacted me to make her slipcovers!!!! And what big furniture pieces she has-on the scale of small to large, Shaunna's pieces are HUGE! They are comfy, cozy, oversized and THE PERFECT PIECES FOR SLIPCOVERS!!!!! I love the style-all separate cushions...and great arms! Shaunna's fabric of choice...well, if you know Shaunna, you know that answer-WHITE COTTON DUCK!! The transformation to this casual, beachy look is perfect for summer...take a look at the photos. Hey Shaunna, please share photos on your blog, pretty please-my space (even my new workspace) does not do these oversized beauties justice....the photos will be much better taken in a larger space, I am sure.
So, this is the sofa....we decided to start with the largest piece and work down to the chair and a half and ottoman. Shaunna prewashed and dried her fabric (THANKS FOR SAVING ME LOADS-pun intended- OF TIME :) And I know you did not have time to do this laundry, either, Shaunna...really-thanks! Oh, and a word about washing slipcovers. I serge all raw edges so...if your slipcover fabric has been pre-laundered, that should take care of shrinkage issues for later, but they are kind of like your jeans....so if you dry your cotton slipcovers totally...they will fit tightly, but they will stretch and be fine. (So especially on the cushion covers...the big ones, you might feel as though you are arm wrestling a bear to get them on, but it is worth the effort :)
And my, how I wish that before I had priced the labor for these great pieces, I had seen that beautiful turquoise dresser in Shaunna's entryway (see it HERE). Now that would have been the swap :) I LOVE THAT PIECE!!!!! I love what you are doing with your home Shaunna. I love unique pieces of old furniture...and remade pieces of furniture...and pieces that Bobby builds...and well, I love furniture with a story.
OK...so the sofa is ready, Shaunna-call me when you are home and we will deliver this one and pick up the next pieces. I hope you love them, my new "artsy" friend :) I truly appreciate your business and I am so honored that you considered me for your project! Talk to you soon!!!

White Duck Slipcovered Loveseat

Just in time for Spring Break! A small loveseat slipcovered in white cotton duck featuring zippered loose cushions, self-cording, and a tailored floor length skirt. All fabric was pre-laundered...making sure there will be no shrinkage issues. This loveseat finishes at 60" long x 30" high x 32" wide.....perfect for a playroom or large nursery, family room, sunporch...or just about anywhere. All inside edges have been finished with a serger.
Let me know if you are interested in this piece... or if you have a special chair, loveseat or sofa that I can slipcover for you.