March 27, 2011

Slipcover: A Setback

It is interesting making this slipcover for several reasons: First, my sofa is huge, more than 70 inches long, so the amount of fabric I am hefting around is massive. Second, who knew that there were so many bends and curves in such a seemingly straight-lined sofa? Third, I love figuring out how to do this without a pattern and am delighted when it works.

Connor’s already making himself at home on the new cushion covers. 3-27 003 The interesting thing about this sofa, is that the covers on the cushions were removable, but the three pillow covers were not. So when I removed the three covers, luckily, I found that the pillows were encased in a light muslin cover. Unfortunately, when I tried to remove a little of the original fabric from the sofa, all I found was padding. No muslin.3-27 001Even more unfortunately, you could see the pattern of the sofa through the fabric I am using. I had to go buy a bunch of muslin to line the sofa. Since my sewing skills aren’t too good, I decided to bond the muslin to the sofa with a heat n’bond type material. It worked really well, although it took hours. I did the back and front and the arms. In the image above, the slipcover fabric is just draped over the back.

The stupidest thing is that I know I could go out and buy a new sofa with a new cover, but I am already in for a penny on this one! It’s a good exercise in learning a new skill.

13 comments:

  1. Congratulations on your fortitude, through all the setbacks! Looks great so far and if Connor approves it must be going well. Keep us posted.

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  2. Wow...you are a quick stitch! Very smart to use the heat/bond method. And I say your sewing skills are excellent.

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  3. This is a massive project and look what you have accomplished already. It's going to look fabulous when complete.

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  4. Well, the slipcovered IKEA sofa in white is just 349. oy.
    ok, this actualy looks realy great! my backspace isn't working, so excuse the typos.
    i was afraid you would see the patern through the white. i always recover in muslin before i have slips made for that very reason. but i do say - it loks great so far ! can't wait to see it finished!!!

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  5. Oh..my..goodness!!! Hang in there! After my battle with the wingback chairs I wouldn't do this again FOR MONEY!!!

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  6. Is this the woman who stated this task would be long
    ongoing? Wow, you're lightening!! It looks great. So you go girl!!

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  7. Meg -- I'm so impressed! Can't wait to see end result.

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  8. When I first read you were going to do this project I thought "Is she brave or just crazy?'. Now I think you are very courageous for taking on such a big endeavor! I am NOT showing this to my husband, who, every time I say I need to recover a chair, says "can't you do it yourself?". NO, I can't. Can't wait to see your finished product!

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  9. WOW! Looks great. I am impressed with how QUICKLY you have done this! Can't wait to see the finished product! (And i see Connor approves!)

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  10. Wow. I have a 1941 Duncan Phyfe sofa, and when I had it reupholstered I foolishly let them talk me into paying more and getting a down-filled seat cushion instead of poly-fill. I have been picking little white feathers out of my clothes, off the floor, and out of this damn cushion for four years now. Worst decision EVER. I am about ready to wrap the whole thing in teflon and call it a day. ARGH!!! Ticking is useless.

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  11. Meg, you're doing a fabulous job! Just think how easy the next project will be. Can't wait to see it finished.

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  12. I don't know from making slipcovers (unfortunately) but how sweet is that face?

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  13. Meg: I can't believe you are doing this! oh man, I would have chucked the entire project long ago!!!
    For sure, we are all eagerly awaiting the finished product....so nice that Connor likes it!

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