Well, despite having the flu, I finally got well enough to finish this chair that I started to slipcover last week.
Here’s how it started. It was a leftover from an auction, so it was free. Can you believe that no one would even pay $1.00 for this? I mean, it’s dated, but it’s sturdy and the upholstery was in pretty good condition. I guess they didn’t see the potential in it. There loss is my gain!
The first thing I did was remove the frilly skirt, so I could have a skirted slipcover and you wouldn’t see the old one underneath. I swapped out the frilly skirt for a more tailored pleated one. I made the slipcover out of my bargain fabric ($2.50/yard) from Wal-Mart that resembles linen or hemp. This fabric was great to work with and I love the nubby texture of it. It really is an economical substitution. I would not suggest it for a piece of furniture that gets a lot of wear, though, because it is thin.
The fabric was easier to sew because it was thin and had give to it, but I did have to back the skirt with muslin to give it more structure.
So, you want to know how I did it? Well, that’s for another post. (Such a tease, I know.) I took pictures all along the way, so I’ll write up a full tutorial to share with all of you who want to tackle a slipcover.
As you can see…a free chair + $12.00 of fabric + 2 hours of time is well worth the effort! This one is headed to our shop, which is having it’s grand re-opening in our new location November 14-15, in downtown Gettysburg. For directions and hours click here. Also, if you can ever make it to our store, mention that you read Mustard Seed Creation’s blog and you will get 15% off any MSC items. This includes my hand painted furniture and accessories as well as my vintage and antique pieces! If you live too far away, no worries, an Etsy store will be opening soon.
41 Responses
You stinker! You didn't mention you were working on a slipcover too!! It looks great and I can't wait to read your tutorial, because I definitely hit a bump when it came time to attach my arms, etc. to the seat of my slipcover.
I know what fabric you're talking about at Walmart. It's awesome … and I never see it anywhere else.
Looks great! I can't believe it only took two hours. Hmmm…. maybe I can tackle mine.
You are simply amazing! I found your link through A Soft Place to Land last week and have been addicted to your site ever since. Hard to believe that so many different and absolutely wonderful blogs link up in one place every week.
I have so much to learn. 🙂
-Francesca
I couldn't slipcover a chair while perfectly healthy, let alone after getting over the flu. You are superwoman!!
Glad to hear you're feeling better! That turned out great! I can't believe no one else saw the potential in that chair.
I would give ANYTHING to be able to sew like this. Do you think I could pull it off with my hot glue gun? 🙂
so funny! we both posted slipcover projects today! I am totally embarrassed to report mine took ONLY 10 times longer than yours…..argh….. 😉
I dunno know what happened — well yes I do—you'll have to come over & read all about it… :-O
Your's looks very nice. I'm thinking about doing a skirt like yours on the one I do for my wingback chair. I really like the fabric you used.
Shellagh
Hello Friend…
You are a tease, Girl! Hehe! I love the lines and style of this chair…can't believe that you got it for just a dollar…great treasure find, my friend! Oooh…and I love the slip cover…it turned out beautifully!!! Can't wait for the tutorial! I also can't wait to browse your new etsy store…yeeehawww!!!
Well my friend, so glad to hear that you are feeling a bit better! Loved this post today!!!
Warmest wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design
That turned out great! My old chair needs a new dress too…just gotta find the time to sew it.
SCORE! on the free chair and the fabulous make-over! Really lovely work! The chair is perfect now! Glad you saw its potential! Great post…thanks, Deborah
LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! You have to post a tutorial…. I have several things I want to slipcover…It looks marvelous darlin'!
Beautiful chair! Great job! I wish I could make one for our couch…but considering all things (I don't have much sewing experience and a couch is a HUGE undertaking)…I think not. Our store bought slipcover is constantly messed up and drives me crazy because I want/have to fix it all the time.
Anyway, been to Gettysburg once on a high school trip. However, it's over 20 hours away from me. Hopefully, if I do make it up there again, I will check in on your shop! That'd be so exciting! Looking forward to your Etsy shop!
-Sierra @ Creative K Designs
Love it! Wow an awesome chair for 12 dollars!
I just found your blog today. It's nice to meet you. Gettysburg is my other favorite little city. We saw it last fall. Come to Florida and do my house.
Girl is there anything that you can't do? You are one talented lady that's for sure. Love the chair.
get out of here. two hours! wow. that is impressive. i can't wait for your tutorial. thanks for the info on the wal-mart fabric. i'm going to have to look for it next time i'm there.
Looks fabulous! I need to get better at sewing so I can have a fabulous chair like yours!
SMiles!
Michelle
Loving this chair! And in the spirit of Halloween…you have been Boo'd on my blog! Check it out!
~MB (DownHomeDIY)
I've got to get off my butt and do this! You girls make it look so easy, I just need to start 🙂
wonderful job – love it – the chair has a super shape – congrats to you!
troy
Great Blog! I'll be back to visit!
Love the casual look the slip cover gives the chair.
I made a slip cover for an armless chair. It was easier than I thought, but I know it took me more than 2 hours….not great at sewing. I'll be checking back to see how you did it.
You did an amazing job on that! I don't see alot of slipcovers that I care for, but this one fits so perfectly! And the style and color are perfect!
The tease is KILLING ME! It came out great and I have a bout a million needs for a good slipcover tutorial. You never cease to amaze me!
Wow – it is beautiful. What a great transformation. I love it!
XOXO
Jen
So amazing!! Looks great!
m ^..^
Looks great! You often mention picking up things at auctions. Where are these auctions, and how can I get in on them?
teri @ acraftyclan
great job, love it! I used the exact fabric for my slipcovered chairs, it's so inexpensive and has a great look for a great price.
You did that so fast – I love slip covered chairs and am on the look out for some to cover of my own!
Woah girl, you're fast. I was still editing. We're all artists, we just "paint" with different things. I like your style and taste. Let's be friends, ok? LOL
Have a blessed day.
two hours? if i did this, i would have to report that it two weeks at least — so impressed!!!! this looks great – i have two chairs i've been wanting to make slipcovers for but i am a beginner sewer so i have a ways to go before i can tackle this — love this though – what a find and what a save!!!
Looks great!! I can not believe no one would buy that chair for $1! I love getting deal like that! I have bought 2 steamer trunks at auctions for .25 each because no one would bid on them! It a shame! Some people have no vision!! lol! But its good for us who do!
Great job. I can't wait for the tutorial! Glad that you're on the mend!
-Grace
That is a fabulous makeover, and I will look forward to your tutorial on making it. Traci at Beneath my Heart did one, too, and you two are giving me inspiration (and courage) to try this myself! Oh, also loved the red desk with blackboard top – gorgeous! Linda
Amazing! You did such a beautiful job.
Fabulous! I love Wal Mart Fabric! That's where I buy my white cotton duck to do my slipcovers…but mine take a bit longer than 2 hours. Can't wait to see your tutorial…i have one on my site too!
Great job! I posted a pic in my blog…
This looks awesome! and with a pleated skirt? Is there anything you can't do? 🙂 Great job!
pk @ room remix
WOW! Awesome job.
quote – I couldn't slipcover a chair while perfectly healthy, let alone after getting over the flu. You are superwoman!!
Lisa took the words right out of my mouth. 2 hours?!? That would take me 2 weeks to accomplish!!
Awesome! I too look forward to the tutorial as I have a few things I'd like to try and tackle.
Donna
Wow your chair looks fantastic – you are soooooooooo clever 🙂