Tuesday, January 25, 2011

The Great Coverup!

It's great because it's finished! I'm talking about my very first slipcover. Mama gave me this chair that she bought back in the early 80's. It's in great condition but needed to be brought up to date color-wise. So, I bought two painter's canvas drop cloths at Walmart for $10 each and got to work. First I washed and dried the canvases.



Then I took the old cushion cover apart and using that for a pattern made a new cover.  I was able to use the zipper from the old cushion.  I couldn't believe there was a white zipper in the old orange cushion!


I checked out several library books for help with making the slipcover.  They ended up confusing me more than helping.  I ended up just using the seam lines on the old chair as pattern guides.  I drew the patterns straight onto the fabric and added 1/2" seam allowances when cutting them out. I draped the pieces over the chair in their spot as I cut them out so that I wouldn't get confused when it was time to sew them together.


I pinned it all on about 100 times during the construction. I would pin two pieces together, take it off the chair, sew it, then put it back on the chair to check the fit and pin the next two pieces.

I had to pick out many seams after sewing them in wrong. Waaaaaaay too many! I dropped my bowl of 10,000 straight pins once. Well, it seemed like that many to me. I have pin-pricked fingers. I had to walk away from my project many times out of frustration. Okay, I'll quit whining now but I just wanted to let you know why it took me 1 1/2 weeks to make the slipcover.

But, in the end...I'm quite pleased with how the slipcover turned out.  Here's my proud chair in her new dress:


...and the back...


...and here she is in her new spot in the living room. She just fits right in like she's always been there.


Just one more peek at her in her new corner.


If you've never made a slipcover and are thinking about it, I have some advice for you.  Don't do it!  Take the $20 you would spend on the drop cloths, add $10 to it, go to Big Lots and buy one of their Sure-Fit slipcovers with it!  Yes, I found them AFTER I'd already started my project. And to top it off, they sent me a 20 % off coupon for all my purchases there until January 30.  I could have (and still could) get the ready-made slipcover for only $24!!! 

Moving on.... 

After doing my household chores for today AND tomorrow!!!! and finishing my huge slipcover project, I decided to reward my guys and myself with a little Southern comfort food; pinto beans, fried potatoes, and made-from-scratch biscuits!  Oh yes, comfort doesn't get much better than that.  I even made my biscuits the old fashioned way.  In case you care, here's how I make them:

Cut 1/4 cup coconut oil (or butter) into 2 cups self-rising flour.  Blend until mealy. 

Gradually stir in enough buttermilk (around 1 cup) to make a stiff dough.

Knead 2-3 times, just to make it all hold together pretty well.  Then pinch off pieces, roll them into balls and flatten into your pan or cast iron skillet.


Bake at 475 degrees about 25 minutes, until they are golden brown and making your kitchen smell heavenly.  Slather them with real butter and enjoy! 


Well, the kitchen's cleaned up, my chores are all done, and now I'm going to bed .  I plan to get up earrrrrrly in the morning and start a batch of soap.  I hope to make pictures of my process.  Be sure to come back soon! Oh, and don't forget to leave me a comment!  I get lonesome for girl talk living in this house with only guys.



I'm so excited to have my slipcover featured here:

 

This post is also linked to: Whatever you want Wednesday, Frugal Friday, Transformation Thursdays, Show and Tell Friday, Making the World Cuter Monday, DIY Show Off, Life Made Lovely Monday, Metamorphosis Monday, Take-a-Look Tuesday


Bubbly Nature

29 comments:

  1. Your slipcover looks wonderful! Big Lots slipcovers are probably OK but not as detailed as you made yours surely. And if you ever wanted to you could always die the slipcover another color but I like the white myself. I'm going to try your biscuits too. They look so yummy.

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  2. Congratulations on your new slipcover,you did a great job!
    And those biscuits!!!! Wonderful post.
    God Bless,
    Shirley

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  3. Congrats on your slipcover! That's a big project, it turned out great! Lovin' the cute buttons on the back:@)

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  4. The slipcover looks way more professional than a cheap one you would buy. Excellent job.

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  5. The slipcover looks great! I don't know about ready made being this good. Yummy biscuits!!

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  6. The end result is a beautiful chair.I used to try doing things like this myself,but have resorted to buying instead..
    Ruth

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  7. oh wow what a difference xxxx

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  8. Brave girl and a great job! ♥

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  9. Beautiful! Love the button detail!

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  10. I've always wanted to make one but now ill just buy one!! You did such a wonderful job though!!

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  11. Well done on your slipcover! I've got to make two slipcovers, I'm torn between using the painters tarp or some shiny fabric that I just bought. In the mean time, all the fabric is wadded up in the closet lol

    Now, your needing to get a large magnet to help you corral your pins. Works like a charm!
    ~Cheryl

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  12. I think your slipcover looks fantastic!! The buttons are a great touch!!

    I don't know why I've always wanted to try to make one...even though I hate sewing. So, I'll probably never actually do it. ;) I guess I just love the THOUGHT of slipcovering an old chair. LOL

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  13. I have two chairs similar to this. I recovered one about 2 years ago but the other one hasn't been done yet. Talk about procrastination! I keep wanting to get it done but my husband has to take out some of the million and one staples in it first. My Mom says just go right over them with fabric. I'm considering. Your slipcover looks great. Good job.
    Linda

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  14. Your slipcover turned out great! It's very rewarding when you can do something like that yourself!

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  15. Your slipcover came out great. So much better than anything ready made. I linked over from the Shabby Nest. I'm glad I did...I am your latest follower. I would love if you would come and check out my blog and follow me back at www.diybydesign.blogspot.com. Thanks. Looking forward to keeping up with your blog.

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  16. You did a wonderful job on the slipcover. I really like the buttons on the back.

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  17. Bless your heart and to have found a slipcover for $24 after you'd already started yours! But you did a wonderful job on your slipcover! Probably fits better than that ole bought one would have anyway! :)
    Yum, those biscuits looks so good!
    be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  18. But I bet yours was more detailed and with the buttons down the back etc. a better made slipcover! I am not sure what I was drooling over more the slipcover or the comfort food, those were the prettiest biscuits,,,,,,now I am hungry! Nice to meet you!
    Sherry

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  19. hi there! Thanks for stopping by my blog! I love your slipcover but it scares my silly too! Happy week!

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  20. Gasp! That's your first slipcover? I am impressed--great job! Your room looks absolutely beautiful. And the biscuits look perfect, too. Lovely blog!:)

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  21. That is a fantastic slipcover!! I wish I could sew! Here is a post about my slipcovered kitchen chairs:

    http://cathymarquardt.blogspot.com/2010/11/slipcovers-painted-white-kitchen-table.html

    can't wait to try these biscuits!! hugs, Cathy

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  22. I think you did a great job! I'm too chicken to give that a try, but maybe someday I'll get over it! Or else just go to Big Lots!

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  23. WOW! Slipcovers aren't easy & you did a fabulous job! love the button detail, too!

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  24. Your slip cover looks amazing (as well as your living room)! I admire anyone who can make covers for furniture, let alone sew zips!!

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  25. I think you did a great job, especially if it was your first time. That's how I slip cover something too, by draping the fabric as you did. Those biscuits look delicious.. nothing like home made bikkies.. take care, Maryann

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  26. Stopping by from MTWCM and saw your blog, great job on the slip cover... Well done!

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  27. That slipcover is gorgeous... really looks great!!!

    Please share this over here: http://www.bubblynaturecreations.com/2011/02/project-party-weekend-flavored-lip.html

    We would love to have you join us!

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  28. That slipcover looks great and I hate that it gave you such a hard time! But, you didn't give up and your hard work def. paid off! I want some of those biscuits and I love your header! New follower from the Bubbly Nature party! Drop by sometime!

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  29. You did a great job! I am considering slipcovering a sofa...I am very nervous about the attempt!

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I'm so happy you're leaving me a comment! ~ Sherry