Thursday, May 5, 2011

A Loveseat Finds Love or How to Slip a Hide-a-Bed in 200 Easy to Follow Steps

Hello friends...I love seeing your little faces back here again...yes, I can see you and you are smiling right now!
;->
this was my only 'before' photo
So I've completed my fourth slipcover and as Jim Carey said in the movie 'MASK'..."Somebody Stop Me!"

To start with, I need to assemble all the essentials.
Lot's of pins and lot's of coffee...in a vintage cup and saucer please!
My loveseat has one of those awful attached back cushions. I hate those things and have always wondered why they started that design. A loose cushion is so much more practical and stylish.
I started with my seam ripper and as I removed stitches, I was relieved to see that the underneath the back was covered in fabric. 
The back of the cushion however was not...I'll deal with that later.
So here is my hide-a-bed minus the back cushion. This floral fabric must have been popular 10 years ago, because I see it all the time at my Salvation Macy's.
So to solve the problem of the naked back cushion, I took a thrifted bed skirt and used the white base fabric to create a new skin for my cushion. 
This step took the longest..I hand stitched it so it would be super snug.
Ok..you guys know the drill by now. Fit and pin inside out and then add the piping.
I'm now purchasing this stuff in bulk. Yeah...I'm that serious about my slips now.
Here is my 'don't be afraid of piping' photo. Again, it's a simple sandwich of fabric/piping/fabric.... ladies, embrace the piping sandwich !
To solve the problem of the inside hide-a-bed aspect, I simply encased the raw edges in wide seam binding. Worked like a charm and so easy.
I have not bothered to secure the slip to the wood frame, because the seat  cushion seems to hold it pretty snug...no problems.
My back cushion is now reversible and removable. Much more practical and functional.
Soft gathered corners keep the skirt from looking too stiff or formal.
I closed the bottom of the back and the seat cushion with velcro also. 
I am so pleased with how the back turned out.
My new slipped hide-a-bed-loveseat. 
I had to really pay attention to lining up the birds evenly, which can be a challenge because the fabric is inside out. I think I did ok.
I just love her! Up-to-date and fresh.
As in my last slipped chair, I used sew in velcro on both sides of the back for closure.
The velcro is so easy to install and works great.
I fell in love with this pretty fabric that I found on Fabric.com for less than $6.00 a yard!
The side table is a $10.00 thrifted find that I painted and distressed just a touch.
Oh...surprise.. guess what I found at my Salvation Macy's!!!!
Yep, another great $40.00 find that will go through an 'extreme makeover' of the slipping kind very soon.
I'll leave you with a few very simple photos.
my collection of house sparrow eggs
This is a sweet tiny ceramic dish that my sister Maddy gave me. She knows I love my birds.
Thank you Maddy.

The blue feather is one that I found tucked in a house sparrow nest. These house sparrow eggs were gathered by me and the centers blown out to preserve them.
Ok...before you start a letter writing campaign about cruelty to birds, house sparrows are not protected by the law. They are an extremely predatory and mean species, that is known for attacking whole bluebird families. I've witnessed this first hand and it is very sad.
If you click on the photo caption above, you can read about them.
We have five Bluebird boxes and I am constantly removing sparrow nests and eggs.
Thought you might enjoy watching this little guy come in for a little drink. He is getting used to me and my camera.
Until next time...be kind and stay creative.

I will be away from my blog for a few days. My sweet Mom is undergoing some cancer surgery and I will be taking care of her for a while. 
I would like to wish all my fellow 'Moms' a very HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY this Sunday.

I'll be sharing with these creative blogs:

Transformation Thursday
Furniture Feature Fridays




41 comments:

Kathleen Grace said...

Oh my goodness Janet, your slipcovering skills are rockin! I love the fabric you found, it looks so fresh and pretty. I can attest to the meaness of the sparrows. Every year, just before my bluebirds hatch their brood, sparrows come in and break the eggs and throw them out of the box. They then nest in it themselves. I am always so disappointed. I love all birds, but I so want to see those little bluebirds hatch!

Jennifer Juniper said...

Oh. My. Gosh. Okay, I am totally hosting you at my house this summer to learn from the master! I will feed you and let you squeeze my boys to remember the good old days!

Anonymous said...

Wishing your mama well with her surgery. Take care and I loved this post... learned something about chairs and birds! How neat is that.

Di

Kelly Ann said...

a couple of things...
first..stop by chairs, I have a perfectly good chair for you to slipcover...
and second..
be safe...send prayers for your mom...
xoxo
KA

Anonymous said...

Your slipcover is fabulous; I love the fabric you chose.

I am amazed by your hummingbird photo. What a great shot!

I know what you mean about the house sparrows. I think that might be the brood that's currently in our bluebird house. I have given up on trying to kick the intruders out. As you know, it's a full-time job!

Sending prayers for your mom,
Tammy

Marie @ Chocolate-Covered Chaos said...

I used that same fabric for some faux roman shades in my kitchen. Love it! I know how hard it was for me to match up those birds on a seam...you did a fabulous job! The slipcover is gorgeous.
Praying for your mom!

Slipcovers by Shelley said...

Great job... I noticed the strategically placed birds before I even read what you wrote. Love it! Thanks for twittering about my article. You are the best!

Mar said...

Wish I had the time to slipcover....looks great...Prayers from TX for your mom, tell her we are thinking of her. : )

Travel With Lulu said...

Wow, wow, wow! If you can tackle that, I bet you could reupholster the seats inside a car - wouldn't that be cool? XOL

Claire said...

Right Janet, there's a book in there somewhere. You are just amazing I can't believe it another wonderful slip cover, love the fabric.

Love the little dish from Maddy so thoughtful. We have sparrows here, I wonder if they are the same as house sparrows, better check out the link.

Happy Moms day to you to and a speedy recovery to your mum. I'm sure with your TLC she'll be feeling better soon.

Claire X

Atelier Conti said...

Inspirational as usual! Your house must be one the most beautiful in the state! Goodness you are clever. And those birds. I do love them.

Lisa@Pickles and Cheese said...

Yes, you are very clever! I love the fabric you picked and your post was very inspiring today but I am not sure I am brave enough to tackle making a slip cover. I wish you lived near me and I could hire out your services! Very nice. And I wish you a Happy Mother's Day too and a speedy recovery to your Mom.

Aprons and More said...

Nice! I have been planning to slipcover my hida-a-bed sofa for quite a while now. I bought the fabric and everything! The only problem is that it still is in storage from when I moved here to take care of mom. One day I get to make it!

Hope everything turn out ok for your mom and that she is back to normal in no time! She and you will be in my prayers!

Katy :)

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

You make it all look sooo simple, although I know it is not. Great job, it is beautiful!

Screaming Meme said...

In love with that slip! Great job! :) Come by & sign up for my continual giveaway...this week a $100 giveaway! And a few of my recent posts anout furniture and bird cages...and a hilarious story about me! ;) Meme

Kimba said...

Oh my word. You are a slipcover goddess. I wish I could sit by your side and learn all your genius ways. :)

The fabric is beautiful!

sherri lynn said...

Wow! The transformation is amazing! That new fabric is so beautiful! I love this!

Maddie Kertay- The Domestic Anarchist said...

Lots of good thoughts for your mama!!!.. and loving your slipcover. I am still on the hunt for some fabric I can love at a price I can stomach!

Maddie

Melinda said...

I wish I had your amazing sewing skills!!! Your chairs turned out fantastic! I'd like to make a slipcover for my odd-shaped, dark blue couch that is always covered in white kitty fur...and it would be nice to cover up the weird country pattern with something more snazzy, like your fabric.

Annette said...

I will keep your mom and family in my prayers!

Wow, if you keep this up, I might just be inspired enough to tackle my own chair! The fabric is divine and your photos are fantastic!

Happy Mother's Day my friend! XOXO

Holly Loves Art said...

Hi Janet!
My oh my I am truly impressed! What dedication and amazing attention to detail you have! Just beautiful!!! Wow! Thanks so much for sharing the process. Enjoy!

Happy Mother'd Day.
Holly

Amy W. said...

You gave that loveseat a truly new and re-freshing look! Beautiful!! Your talents just amaze and inspire me!

Christina Kim said...

Great job done! It must have been a lot of hard work, but it looks really good after the makeover :)

The LadyBugs Garden said...

I love this makeover, she is beautiful with the birds on her.
xo
Stephanie

Christine Harding said...

Love the slip cover. I chickened out of tying to do new covers for two old sofas - I bought cheap throws and old shawls to drape over them! Thinking of you and your mother. I hope she is on the road to reocvery - take care of her.

Leslie said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!!! You are amazing. What a great fabric choice. Love you pics, the Mask clip (too funny!). Keep on keeping on Janet, you inspire me. <3

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