Last week, I shared about the hand-me-down recliner I slipcovered. You can read about that HERE. A couple of weeks after I finished sewing the slipcover, I made a cover for the matching ottoman. I’ve shared here many times over the years that I don’t particularly enjoy sewing, but I continue to do it because I enjoy the results. I enjoy the freedom it gives me to accept free furniture or pick up cheap pieces with good bones but dated or tired upholstery. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed being able to shrug off spills and dirt that come with having boys and a dog because I know I can make it look new again.
If I didn’t have sewing experience in my toolbox, I wouldn’t have accepted a burgundy chair no matter how comfortable it is. As I admitted in the last post, this was a tricky job, and I made it even harder by picking a fabric with a striped pattern. It isn’t perfect, but it fits my aesthetic now, and it’s kept a comfortable chair with a lot of life left out of a landfill.
If you haven’t made a slipcover before, an ottoman or footstool is a great place to start, since it doesn’t take much fabric and the sewing is mostly straight lines. You can find an ottoman slipcover tutorial HERE if you want to give it a try.
In hindsight, it would’ve been better to use a solid colored fabric or at least a pattern that was more forgiving than stripes, but I fell in love with this woven striped fabric and took the plunge. As with all things that stretch my abilities, I learned a lot and will be more confident working with stripes next time.
I’ll be sharing some more changes in this room soon! We’re getting a different slipcover for the sofa, which will be perfect for the cooler months. I’ve always loved the idea of changing out slipcovers with the seasons, and now I’ll be able to do just that!
10 Responses
It’s such a great feeling to work with your hands especially when it is slightly above your current skill set. Well done! And I want you to know that I just finished Fifty Russian Winters and I LOVED it!!!! Thank you thank you!!!!
Oh, I’m so glad! That book is special to me, so I am happy to hear you loved it.
I love the new slipcovers, the fabric is beautiful. It looks really good.
You always amaze me with your talent and design. I love the way the room is coming together.
Karen B.
This is the 2nd recliner I’ve seen you cover. Still doing a great job for sure.
But, I noticed the rug under that chair. What can you tell me about it? Where can I find one like it? I have hardwood floors and slipcovered love set and arm chair. And a 5 x 7 like your rug would be just right for my room. If you can tell me I’d be most grateful. Thank you. Just preordered your new book. Looking forward to getting it. Bye!!!!
Mary Syron
Sure thing! Here is the link for the rug – https://bit.ly/45Xd28I
WOW. I am not sure you are truly aware that most people – def speaking for myself – could never in a trillion years do something like that – and you did it SO WELL. You absolutely amaze me, Marian.
Thank you so much! Well, it’s not my first slipcover rodeo!
Why does a recliner need an ottoman? Doesn’t the bench you rest your feet on pop out when you recline?
It doesn’t have a footrest. The back of it reclines, and then you put your feet on the ottoman.