Well, my new sofa was supposed to be delivered tomorrow. I received a call from Pottery Barn today to get my “delivery time window.” I answered the phone with bubbly anticipation. Will it come early? Will I have to wait all day? Instead of getting a time frame, I received the disappointing news that they had overbooked the route for tomorrow, so they couldn’t deliver it. Bummer. Okay, well, when can it be delivered? It seems they only deliver to my area on Wednesdays. It quickly hit me that next Wednesday is Christmas and the following Wednesday is New Years. I’m not going to get my new sofa for at least three weeks. It’s not a big deal, but I gave away our sofa yesterday and we’re hosting Christmas this year. I took a moment to remind myself that it’s a small thing. Some people have to go through the holidays without loved ones, their health, a home, a job, or even basic things like food. I can get through without a new sofa.
There was nothing they could do to get the sofa to me before Christmas, but Pottery Barn did refund the shipping charge, which was $270 and I was pleased with that. So, we’ll all have to wait to see the new sofa in my family room and I needed to figure out where everyone was going to sit until then…
Fortunately, one thing I have plenty of is furniture.
I thought about moving the newly upholstered sofa in from the living room, but that one still needs some work on the frame to make it sturdy. The only other option is the French daybed which was in the basement waiting to be upholstered to go back in its place once the Christmas tree is moved. So, I spent part of the day working on it.
…and got it all finished except for the cushion and the trim.
We moved it up into the family room to act as an understudy until the real deal arrives. Surprisingly, it’s pretty comfy…it does have a down cushion, so I guess it shouldn’t be too surprising. So, with a down cushion and a bunch of feather pillows, you sort of sink into a snug little nest. Well, it’ll do for a few weeks, anyway.
I’m finally getting my act together and have started adding more things to my online shop. I listed some hemp grain sacks, hemp sheets, ironstone and boxwood wreaths today. I’ve been sharing when I list things on my Facebook page and many things are selling within hours…sometimes minutes. Here’s the deal. I’d love to fill my online shop with hundreds of things, but right now it’s just me photographing, listing, packing and shipping everything, so I have to work in small quantities to keep it manageable. I know I should hire someone to manage it, but, believe it or not, I really struggle with growth in my business and how to make it all work. When to take giant steps forward and when to shrink back. So, just hang in there with me as have a waffling ongoing conversation with myself to try to sort it out.
As of the time I’m posting this, there are still a few more things in stock…
…some preserved boxwood wreaths…
…and a few antique hemp sheets.
These have become my favorite fabric for upholstery…
I have ordered some more from Hungary, so don’t fret if they sell out. I will also be listing more ironstone tomorrow.
And I have some more furniture from my house to sell.
I’m really in a mood to get rid of things, so look out!
29 Responses
So where will this one go once you get the new one? 😉
Marian — make sure you figure out what makes you both money AND happy. If it’s not running an online shop, it’s not running an online shop. We’ll survive.
I admire your patience. I would think that PB would have done a little more to get the sofa to you before the holidays. Not a very good gesture of customer service especially since you’re a businesswoman and home design blogger and have a strong following. Not to mention that you’ll have to explain to all your guests how long you have to wait for the sofa. Which also sends a negative message. For the price of the sofa I’d expect them to do more to get the sofa to you instead of refunding the delivery charge. How about calling an outside delivery service to get it to you other than a Wednesday. However, your temporary sofa looks wonderful too.
My thoughts exactly!
Wow girl, everything in your shop is sold out…congrats lucky lady!
XOXO from NYC
Hi I know that a present the small wreath is out of stock but if you get them in again how much to post on to Adelaide Australia thanks Nola
I totally agree with Debbie. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
Now see, if that was me, I’d be freaking. But I also don’t have a stash of fabulous temporary alternatives in my basement either. 😉 I love how casual you made it sound – happened to have another one in the basement so you just re-upholstered it and voila, problem solved. haha…made me smile. I have a question about the hemp sheets. Can hemp be laundered? Would they make decent slipcovers that could be washed?
Ha, yeah, I’m a solutions girl!
Yes, the hemp can be washed in the washing machine and dryer. And yes, it makes great slipcovers! The ones that are currently listed are heavier and suited better for upholstery. The ones I ordered are a little bit lighter weight and I used similar ones for the dining room chair slipcovers. I would suggest waiting for those if you want to make slips. I will list some in my shop when they arrive.
Your daybed is looking good! I could use a snug little nest about now. It is disappointing about your sofa delivery … good thing you have all of those chairs! Have a wonderful Christmas.
Maggie
Hi Marian– could you tell us how to care for preserved boxwood to keep it fresh-looking and green? All the boxwood I have has dried out and faded :-(. I would love to get one of your wreaths but am afraid I will just ruin more boxwood!! Help!!
Thanks so much and I LOVE your blog– your tutorials taught me how to slipcover and I have COMPLETELY changed the look of my house!!! I am so happy to have learned something so practical, gratifying and transformative!! Thank you so much for all of the teaching that you do!!
I believe preserved box wood is good to go! It should be dyed and preserved using a glycerin solution. The dye makes it keep the green color and the glycerin allows it to stay pliable…aka not crunchy and falling apart! You can do this to your own fresh boxwood to preserve them (supplies can usually be found at any craft store). If your boxwood haven’t been preserved then when they dry out they turn brown and fall apart.
I don’t know the case with the boxwood you’ve had in your home but anything with color that is placed in direct sunlight (sometimes even indirect) will bleach out over time.
I don’t do anything and I’ve had a wreath for over two years that is still green and it was even hung in front of window! Are you using professional preserved boxwood? Or are you using fresh or boxwood preserved at home? Is your wreath somewhere where it is exposed to heat? Those things can make a difference.
Bummer on the sofa! Good thing you had a backup though! I guess you could have gone with plan c and made everyone sit on the floor. 😉
Marian,
I had a similar problem with the delivery of a sofa but thankfully it wasn’t near Christmas. Its great that you have a backup. Its always disappointing when you are counting on something to have it delayed. However, you have the right attitude and like you stated during this time of year with so many people not having a roof over their heads, basic food or worst their health its a very small price to pay. Have a wonderful Christmas!
Delayed shipments seem to be status quo around my house. It makes their arrival that more special :). Your “sub” sofa will be fabulous and a beautiful addition to that space. Enjoy your compnay!
Guess I need to be faster to get on computer! It is only 10 AM ( MST) here and I sat down to read your blog and check out your online store to find that just about everything is sold out! You had some beautiful things. What a blessing for all 🙂
Merry Christmas!
When I think of you, I don’t think of the word “slacker” so don’t worry about your Etsy shop! Congrats on the motivator to get your other project done, and the $270 saved!
Hi,
Where did you get the checkered blue fabric you are using for the french daybed? Love it!!
I love your daybed and I have a similar one.
Tell me, where would I go to get the “mattress” replaced. Mine is lumpy, sturdy…but lumpy.
Thanks!!
Marian, About 4 years ago my husband and I were hosting a dinner for 25 people for our first granddaughter’s baptism. Our couch was out to be re-upholstered (I don’t have those skills myself) and it was not going to be done in time for the celebration. Not having a spare in the basement (like Miss Mustard Seed) we took a rectangular folding table layered it with some of my husband’s grandmother’s linen table cloths and borrowed six white folding chairs to which I tied tea towels (also grandmas) to the backs. Her baptism was in November so my centerpiece was white boo pumpkins and white pip berries. We set this up where the couch would have been and it worked out beautifully. We actually had more seating and everyone sat around it for coffee and dessert and conversation. It was a great day of family and sharing. That day was full of great memories just as your Christmas celebration will be too. Your home is so beautiful with or without the new couch and won’t it be fun to have something to look forward to after the holidays? I’m seeing some more furniture rearranging in your future! Have a very Merry Christmas.
I read some of the comments regarding your delivery from Pottery Barn. I know how disappointing it is when things expected don’t show up in time. I think reimbursing the delivery charge was great customer service. I know they contract out for their deliveries of items not able to be shipped UPS so it’s the local delivery people who won’t budge on these issues. I can honestly say I have never had a company go out of there way to please their customers like Pottery Barn. I love your replacement piece and your guests will have another treat when you invite them over after your new couch arrives…
Well I would have been upset. Not because of the shipping but they should have know of possible errors occurring that could have then caused people to be put out for two additional weeks and did not plan accordingly. Then when they had learned they had over booked they let her know the day (or maybe day before) . The problem is the management of their system , regardless if it is theirs or a sub contractor company. It is their reputation that is hurt. In this case they lucked out and the person was able to work around the issue. I usually order stuff in advance when I can for this reason. I know you have events out of the companies control like weather that can come up but this is not that. They are overbooking and figure they will give some financial bonus to those effected but they will continue to overbook. Causing many people who may be dissatisfied to in the future shopping somewhere else. Luckily , that is not the case here as she really likes the company and has said so many times.
Hi, Marian-your daybed looks beautiful! Just love that blue check fabric!
Any idea when you might be posting more ironstone? I have been checking your shop constantly today hoping to snag that 4 pc. tureen set and maybe a pitcher or two!
Marian-
a couple of things … I laughed out loud at your “understudy” comment ! then, I sobbed just a bit when the baby boxwood wreaths were sold out. My house has large rooms and high ceilings so even the biggest of things that look huge in a store look small in my home, but I’ve been coveting some baby boxwood wreaths *sigh* .
I’m wondering if perhaps you could consider listing things later in the day so that us ladies who work outside the house and are just getting caught up about dinner time could have a chance at getting some of your goodies? just a thought!
best wishes to you 🙂
This a negative mark on Pottery Barn. It sends the message that they have very poor customer service. When you are a blogger and blogging about a company, it seems to me they would not want to send that message, even though you are taking it all in stride….bad on Pottery Barn, I would be getting my money back and purchasing somewhere else. Their sofas do not hold up…they start looking sunken and worn out within a couple years. Personal opinion is you are paying for a name and not quality.which is sad for the money you pay. Hopefully yours will be a happy satisfied purchase for all you went through to earn the money! I sure hope so.t, I know too many very dissatisfied buyers especially on their soft seated furniture!
What a great solution! Disappointed that you didn’t get it in time, but it might be for the best (less possibility of damage to the sofa if they aren’t packed in a rushing around). I bought a new leather sofa from a local store some years back. I waited eagerly for the delivery and when they backed the truck up, I saw they had stood my sofa on END against the side of the truck, and instead of carefully lowering it down, they released the thing holding it, and it slammed down so hard on it’s legs, I thought they had broken them-the delivery truck BOOMED! Having GOOD delivery is more important than speedy sometimes…let’s hope slower means better in your case:)
I love everything in your house and all of the other things you do!! I really would like to have some of your things in the shop but it all says out of stock. Will there be more?
Marian,
Good for you for realizing that not getting your couch on Wednesday wasn’t the end of the world. It is a disappointment for sure, nothing more. Stuff happens. If there was any way they could have remedied it I’m sure they would have. Unfortunately, too many people, (see above) “sweat the small stuff” and can’t see that the important thing is to celebrate the holiday with family. Like you said, so many people don’t have basic needs in this country let alone a brand-new couch to sit on.
I know you and your family will have a wonderful Christmas, even if they are sitting on pillows on the floor!
So that’s what it’s called. I have a cousin to yours in my garage. Not quite as French, but definitely a ‘daybed.’ I keep moving it around. Along with the other furniture in waiting (for re-hab). Mine has four holes in the cane on the back, so I’d planned to reupholster it, as you did yours.
The latest move was because I had to leave my car outside and we had two days of rain then freeze and the doors froze shut. But now my daybed is parked between the two cars and is handy for holding the small items i pick up to re-do. It would break my bank to replace the cane, but eventually someone will own it who can afford that work……I hope.
I’m sorry about the sofa not arriving and when it does, i hope it holds up to your standards, when it does arrive. But among your qualities is that of handling such situations with good grace. And thanks for a posting this story….it’s been so helpful.
Have a great holiday season, with love and laughter…..and a break in routine that leaves you refreshed and revitalized.