Living Room Facelift

I'm back! I am so excited about a new project that will be launching next week (stay tuned!!), so I wanted to make sure I shared this project with you before moving on to other things ;)

My client had a wonderful furniture set from Pottery Barn (sectional and a chair-and-a-half with an ottoman) - it suited her space well and, with down everything, it was super comfortable. And, it came with slipcovers - perfect, of course, for grandkids and animals. However, when she washed them, they shrunk :(

So, rather than deal with the ongoing frustration of too-small slipcovers, she decided to start over. She found a great to-the-trade fabric - a low-pile chenille, treated with Crypton for stain resistance and durability. And this time she went with color!

To me, it looked like lavender with sage - pretty! The fabric was softer and lighter in weight than other Crypton samples I had seen, so it sewed up better than I expected. And this was my first time to have to do the pin-fitting right-side-out, since the sectional sections were asymmetrical. It was not as complicated as I had thought it might be :)

A key part of the project was replacing all the down wraps for all the cushions (the originals had flattened and were "leaking" some). Ronco Industries came to the rescue, with a new down back cushion for the chair and new down wraps for all the seat cushions. And these cushions were not small, so it was like wrapping them all in thick down comforters (the bench cushions on the sectional were each almost the size of a twin mattress)! 

This was so worth it - the pieces are refreshed and even more comfortable than they were to start with.

We did a mix of contrast piping trim and topstitching  - adds interest, but keeps the overall design simple.

I opted to construct one of the sectional cushions the "regular" way, with the zipper panel wrapping around both ends of the cushion (see below). But, since the end of one of the cushions is exposed when the sectional is assembled, I moved the zipper panel on that cushion around so that the exposed end is "clean". The length of the zipper stayed the same, it just puts more of the zipper length in a place where it is hidden.

Here's to new looks for the new year!

Sherri

Merry Christmas: It's a Twofer ;)

It's Christmas Eve and I really wanted to show you a couple more projects before Christmas. So, here we go, with lots of pictures :)

These projects were both completed for the same client. She had recently moved into this beautiful home with her family, so we were working to refresh her pieces for their new surroundings.

We started with her Restoration Hardware couch...

... a beautiful, classic piece. My client selected a mid-weight gray linen, and requested a short, tailored skirt...

... After (my client has the best selection of throw pillows!)

It's the perfect shade of gray for her space...

The original cushion covers had corner pleats, so I duplicated that detail for the slipcover - it gives nice space for the crown of the down cushions. We also opted for a micro-cord for the trim.

A classy new look!

Next up were her 6 kitchen chairs...

They had a great, classic Shaker style with a woven webbing seat. So, just a simple seat cover is all that was needed...

My client selected this beautiful linen/cotton blend in Sky (I used Spa for this project), and tabs with buttons for the closures...

The seat covers are fully lined, and all the edges were top-stitched...

We used a mix of vintage-ish buttons, just to add a little more interest. All the button-holes are functional, so when the tabs with the buttons are removed, the seat covers can be washed without the buttons banging around in the machine (a serendipitous design decision!).

And when we got them all installed in her room...

... they add just enough softness to the space, without being fussy. And, now they are ready for the holidays!

So, with that I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and hope the holidays are what you need them to be :)

Sherri

Craigslist For The Win

When my client first contacted me about a slipcover project, she had a particular chair and ottoman in mind. When it came time to discuss fabric options, she had found this chair and ottoman set on Craiglist and wanted it done instead. But this was no ordinary Craigslist find - these were Quatrine pieces, in like-new condition!!

The only issue were the red slipcovers - not my client's style. But, that's an easy fix ;)

She had another Quatrine piece that had a pique-type fabric, so she was looking for something similar. We landed on a beautiful white linen/cotton blend from Gray Line Linen. Once it was washed and dried, it had that great pique texture that she was going for!

She knew she wanted knife pleats all around the bottom. And, to mix things up just a little, we used white denim for the piping.

Here's a close-up of the texture of the fabric...

English roll arms are always a classic feature...

We finished off the project with little slips for a couple of footstools. This time we used the denim for the main slipcover and did the pleats in the linen/cotton blend (this shows the before and after)...

A new look more in keeping with my client's style :)

Sherri

P.S. Linking up here :)

A New Fabric Favorite

This project had stripes, and buttons, and great fabric...

It started out like this...

... In great shape, just red, in a house with all these other pieces. My client picked a great cotton-linen blend fabric, in Spa (there is a great Indigo version that I am determined to use in my house somewhere!). It washed up beautifully and covered all that red without an underslip - that is my kind of slipcover fabric!

Look at all that great texture!

Since the back of the chair would be facing the front door, we did something a little special for the back...

Actually, the buttons were a useful solution to the curvy shape of the back of the chair. And they tied in very well to the simple lines and buttons we used on the other pieces...

And a button close-up, because, well, just because :)

And here she is, ready to join the rest of the room!

I'll have quite a different project in this fabric to show you in the next little while :)

Sherri

For the Love of Ticking

I'm back! I took a bit of a longer-than-anticipated break from blogging, but as you can see from this new website/blog, it was for good reason :) If you have been following along on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter you have seen that I had the privilege of collaborating with Caitlin Powell Design to work through a re-branding process. And this new site is one of the results! Other pieces will roll out in the next few months. This branding project has been on my to-do list for some time, so it was great to spend some time and get it done right :)

And, now back to slipcovers!

I love ticking! When my client sent me this picture...

... and said that she wanted it done in ticking, I was all over that! She chose a black ticking from Fabric.com. So, when you change toile to ticking, this is what you get...

My client wanted a slightly looser fit, which worked great for the shape of this piece - no zipper closure was required.

The ticking complemented the track arms perfectly.

We chose to use a micro-cord for the trim - it was enough to finish the seams and highlight the lines of the piece, but not big enough for the stripes to make you cross-eyed.

A short skirt shows off the pretty legs.

This was a beautiful piece to work on; a little stripey update was all it needed :)

Sherri

P.S. Linking up here :)

French Mattress Cushion Tutorial

August Blues - French Mattress -style Cushions

I promised this post some time ago, after I did these cushions for a client...

... French mattress cushions! I finally got around to making my own, and now I have the tutorial for you as well :)

For this project, I made a new cushion for a bench/trunk that lives by our front door (you can see the space here, with the original cushion). As soon as I had a chance to work with the feedsack fabric from Decor Steals, I knew that was the fabric I wanted to use for this new cushion.

Please note: this is not a slipcover! You will not be able to take the cover off the cushion once you have constructed it.

So, here is the step-by-step...

Start with getting your cushion materials ready. For the "stuffing" I used the 3" foam cushion I already had (I think my client's cushions used 2" foam, so use your judgement) and 1" batting to wrap around it. I trimmed the foam down to be slightly smaller than the space it needed to go and cut the batting like this:

Foam and Batting

...the piece of batting with the notched corners will wrap around the sides of the foam, to meet the top piece. You can use spray adhesive to tack the layers together to make it easier to insert it into the cover later, but I managed fine without it.

Next, make a basic boxed cushion cover...

Pieces

... top and bottom, and four sides. It may be tempting to wrap the fabric around your cushion to reduce the number of seams you have to sew, but you do want the seams at all the edges - it helps get the right look in the end. Match your stripes if you need to. Sew your pieces together like usual, but leave one long side open...

Empty Cover

Now, insert the foam and batting "sandwich" into the cover. This takes a bit of work, depending on how big your cushion is. The important thing is to make sure that you have the batting covering all the way up the sides of the foam and that everything is lying smoothly. You will not be able to go back in to fix it after this point.

Stuffed Cover

Then, hand-stitch the open side closed...

Hand-Stitched Edge

Now comes the fun (but labor-intensive) part that makes these cushions unique - the hand-stitching and tufting!

You will need sturdy thread and a longish needle. I used the thread I usually use for sewing slipcovers, doubled. I also used a straight needle - it might be possible to use a curved needle, but it seemed like that might be more awkward. It might be worth experimenting with. Anyway, these stitches are what makes the cushion so here is what I did....

Start at a corner and firmly knot the thread so it won't pull through. The basic technique is a running stitch through the top and sides of the cushion. My stitch length was about 1/8" - 1/4" and I spaced the stitches on the top about 1 1/2" apart (with the stitches on the side staggered in between). My stitches were about 3/4" - 1" on either side of the edge seam. You can measure your stitches to start, but soon you will just be able to eye-ball it; and you will be thankful for relatively even stitches later on ;) Time for a picture :)

August Blues - Edge Stitching1

I put the needle straight down from the top in order to grab some of the batting (and maybe the edge of the foam) inside and then angled the needle toward the side panel and pulled it through.

August Blues - Edge Stitching3

Your top and side stitches will be staggered. Pull the thread firmly and continue down the edge. I started my stitches on what would be the bottom of the cushion to establish the rhythm/pattern of the stitches. The edge should end up looking wavy and kind of "fat". Depending on the depth of your cushion, you may want a stitch or two along the vertical corner seams, too. Lots of hard work for your fingers!

August Blues - Edge Stitching2

Once you have finished going all the way around the bottom edge of the cushion, flip it over and start the top edge. The stitching pattern will be the same, but the key to getting an authentic French mattress look is to line up the top and bottom stitches along the sides (and this is why you want your first row of stitches to be as even as possible)...

August Blues - Edge Stitching4

... This is what gives that "channeled" look around the edge. Go all the way around the top, knotting the thread securely as you go. Edge stitching done!

August Blues - Finished Edge Stitching

Now, give your fingers a rest - tufting is next!

First, mark where you want your tufts to go - I divided the cushion into three, to give me two rows of tufting. Yes, math is involved, since you want you tufts to be evenly spaced across the width and length of your cushion. I marked with pins on the top and bottom (because your tufts need to go straight through the cushion), but you can use chalk or pencil or whatever will be invisible once the cushion is finished.

August Blues - Marking for Tufting

I used a long upholstery needle (about 5" long) and strong thread, doubled (you could use upholstery thread, but I found it too slippery to knot securely to make the tufts). My thread was about 20" long, after doubling - this was enough length to go through the cushion twice and be able to be knotted. So, put your needle straight through the cushion, making sure it comes out close to your marking on the other side.

August Blues - Long Needle for Tufting

Make a 3/8" - 1/2" stitch and pull the thread back through to the side you started on. Pull thread/stitch firmly and knot it securely. Note: consider how much tension you put on the thread, since you will want all your tufting indentations to be pulled in the same amount. Get another length of thread and make another stitch through the cushion, making an X with the first stitch; pull and knot securely.

August Blues - Tufting Close-up

Continue with the rest of your tufts, being careful to pull each tuft so it looks like the others.

August Blues - Row of Tufting

Tie the last thread and rejoice that you are done!

August Blues - Finished Tufting

Here is what my cushion looks like in its new home...

August Blues - Finished Cushion3

August Blues - Finished Cushion1

August Blues - Finished Cushion2

Are you ready to add a little French style to your home?

Sherri

P.S. If you have any questions, or if there is anything I can clarify, let me know in the comments :)

Subtle Alterations Can Change Everything

This project required a simple slipcover, but we made a few other changes that resulted in a dramatically updated couch - makes for a great before-and-after! Before...

August Blues - Couch Before

... a well-loved couch, sturdy, but in need of an update.

As with any renovation project, we started with the structure, before we did the cover. The couch sat quite low to the ground, so, based on the starting seat height, we determined that the width of a 2x4 would be enough to raise the seat height to a standard 18". My client's father built three frames of 2x4s to raise the couch . Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture, but there was one for each end, and one for the middle that the frame of the couch rested on. It made a big difference, both in appearance and function!

Once the new seat height was established, we could construct the new cover. Dropcloth was the fabric of choice, which provided a neutral backdrop for patterned pillows to come. We decided on a simple, traditional slipcover style...

August Blues - Dropcloth slipcover after

A completely new look! The other "structural" change was the addition of new custom inserts for the back cushions. We increased the size slightly over what we started with and filled them with cluster polyfill for resilience. The smaller, rectangular cushions (not pictured here) were also replaced with new down inserts.

August Blues - dropcloth slipcover arm after

Just piping trim and a simple, tailored skirt (with a corner pleat that didn't get pressed quite right :/).

August Blues - Dropcloth slipcover after

Subtle changes for a fresh, new look for more years of comfortable use :)

Sherri

Going Girly

My client wanted a new look for this chair that sits in her home office. She wanted something "girly," incorporating pink in the design...

Cute chair! But, the tassels were showing some wear and the fringe trim around the bottom of the chair was disappearing. So, we talked about options and decided to go with dropcloth, with pink ticking trim...

August Blues - Dropcloth with pink ticking trim

The box-pleated skirt keeps it feminine without being over-the-top.

August Blues - Chair Side

And the tapered shape of the chair made it a natural for a special detail down the back...

August Blues - Back Lacing

I chose to cut the ticking for the piping and lacing on the crosswise grain, instead of on the bias, so it would look less like a candy cane and still take advantage of the stripe.

August Blues - Back Lacing

And a bow at the bottom to finish it off.

August Blues - Droploth and ticking slipcover after

A perfectly girly perch for a home office :)

Sherri

P.S. Linking up here :)