I realize you may not have left your computer chair since I started the slipcovers way back when and I apologize for my delay in getting back to you. I gave these so much time right after I blogged about them, and then lost steam with the one that I was the least happy with (there were two to be done). Yes, Melissa, it was the second one that got me, and did it ever. I usually do this with most projects, drag my feet around the harder parts, but the beauty of keeping a blog is that I will now actually go back and finish them...eventually...because I feel more accountable. (Having a husband and daughter who ask you when you're going to finish them isn't accountable enough for me, I guess.) So, thank you, my dear readers, for making me feel like I needed to finish these.
I have learned some things. I've learned that I love the idea of slipcovers. This chair has been transformed, quite literally, into a whole new piece. Our living room suddenly feels much lighter than it did in winter, ready for summer. It does feel as if the chairs now have on their summer sandals. (I didn't go with embroidering the giant mum across the back as I had planned. As I was making these, I really felt spare was better.)
I've also learned that I don't think I'm the right person for this job, for many reasons. I actually realized this the moment I bought the fabric, feeling my expertise didn't quite match up with the more pricey, gorgeous linens and canvases. I love the linen (on chair pictured) and linen blend (on other chair) I used, don't get me wrong, but I was on a budget for several reasons and bought accordingly. I'd never done this before, all that fabric felt like a big commitment, etc... But, moving on...
If you were sitting here with me, as you are, I would offer these snippets of wisdom (or lack of).
~ I didn't allow quite enough extra tuck-in fabric. There is a bit that can be squished down into the cushions and corners for a nice snug fit, but I would have loved a generous 4" or so, it would have helped keep them neater. These chairs actually don't get a lot of sitting time and I'm
thankful for that.
- Pay attention to the direction you lay your pattern pieces on the grain of the fabric (and the way you lay the piece over the actual furniture section~ the arm, the back, etc...). Cut something on the bias unintentionally, you're gonna get give and stretch in areas you want to hang straight. That's part of the reason you buy so much yardage for slipcovers. When I was placing and cutting, I was trying to be smart about using as little fabric as possible, as a result I've got something a little weird going on with the bottom hem which I need to fix (and that's why I'm not showing you here). It flutters a bit, and I want it to hang nice and straight, so somewhere I didn't cut a piece(s) straight with the grain.
~I should have been a little less in "let's just wing it" mode and actually followed some instructions. After I started (which was too late) I picked up a 50 cent copy of Sewing Made Easy by Dorothy Sara. It had some information that made me feel I was on the right track, but I could have used more. You should consider one of the many books available and at least flip through them if you're doing this for the first time. Kathy recommended one called Slipcovers, published by The Home Decorating Institute, which I couldn't find, but maybe you can.
~Know that if you're buying fabric from Joann's or a similar store, their fabric bolts in the store usually only hold about 10 yards. I estimated 5 yards per chair, and wasn't able to get enough of any one fabric for both chairs. Their home decorating rolls may have more, anybody know? If you order online, you may be able to get more. I needed to feel in my hand what I was going to use this time, and make sure it would basically cover up the upholstery underneath.
~Put the pieces on each section and baste together (essentially putting the slipcover on inside out) before you remove it to sew, don't just pin. Alexandra made a comment about this and it is much better than pinning.
~Fit, fit, then refit again on the actual piece of furniture. It may seem very redundant, but you won't be sorry you took the extra time.
So thanks to everyone who shared their words of wisdom in the comments section from the original post as I began these slipcovers. I took your advice to heart, and think my results were improved because of them.
I came across this image (May 2007 issue of Living Etc) of Atlanta Bartlett's home and realized my newly slipcovered chairs are looking much more up to date than I even realized. Her slipcovered chair looks to be an identical shape to my own. (And as a sidebar, isn't that the coolest name ever??)
Its a lazy Sunday here for us. A bit rainy outside, perfect for putting together Emma's quilt and hanging out with the kids. Off for another slice of the best bread ever from the loveliest foodie I know. Thanks again Molly, see you soon.
