My sofa needs to be slipcovered or re-upholstered. Much to my dismay, Connor loves to sleep on it, and while I am gone during the day, it’s his haven. 
Additionally, the pattern is dated and I wanted something I could take off and chuck in the laundry with a lot of bleach.
After checking around, and realizing how incredibly expensive it would be, and how long it would take, I decided that I would make the slipcover for my sofa. It was a moment of complete insanity, fuelled by watching some videos on-line and reading a local blogger’s EZ instructions for making one. I mean, if Pam can do it, so can I! 
The first thing I did was head over to see my friends at DeBois Textiles, and check out what they had on hand. I already had an image in my mind, put there by Joni at Cote de Texas, who is the world’s leading proponent of white slipcovers, preferably in linen. I have sewn with linen many times before, and find it to be difficult to work with, and at my amateur level, I need all of the simplicity I can possibly get.
As I poked around in the nether regions of DeBois, I happened upon the perfect fabric for the sofa. It’s a pale cream colour and is a nice weight cotton. To make it a little more interesting than just plain fabric, it’s got a diamond pattern woven into it. The wonderful people at DeBois were kind enough to make a gift of the fabric and I appreciate it tremendously!
The pattern’s small enough that I don’t have to worry about matching repeats and lining up edges.
After a lot of pondering and thinking, I realized that the first thing I needed to do was to make about a mile of cording or piping for the pillows and the edges of the sofa. I bought 20 yards of cord, but soon realized that that wouldn’t be nearly enough. I am sure I need at least double that amount. 
Actually, the first thing I did was have the fabric laundered in a commercial washer. It had to be cut in half to fit into the machine, and having it washed and dried before I start cutting and sewing ensures that it won’t shrink the first time I wash it. 
Next up, measuring the two T-cushions and the three pillows along the back! Stay tuned.
OMG This is a HUGE project. The very best of luck with it. Looking forward to seeing the finished product.
ReplyDeleteI love your fabric. I just made my first slipcover for a chair by following the free tutorial over at Miss Mustard Seed. Her tutorial is very helpful. Good luck. Looking forward to seeing your completed cover.
ReplyDeletehttp://missmustardseed.blogspot.com/2011/03/slipcover-video-tutorial-series-part.html
Parts 1-5 of tutorial are at link above.
Monique
I love slipcovers so I hope it works for you.
ReplyDeleteI will be watching for your posts on this...I would love to make slipcovers for several pieces of furniture I have and have been afraid to try.
ReplyDeleteThis brings to mind that oft used adage: fools rush in, where angels fear to tread! You are awesomely ambitious! I wish you happy sewing!
ReplyDeleteYou are so brave! I can sew but I'd be terrified. The fabric looks perfect. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteGreat material. I love Joni's white look and sisal rugs, but then I think: blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, pizza, chocolate chip cookies ... and all the other threats that come with 9 year olds boys. I already do at least two loads of laundry a day and I can see that slipcovers would be #3! Patterned upholstery and oriental rugs hide a multitude of sins.
ReplyDeleteMeg...I live in an area with not much to showcase on my blog. I am always pining for the glamorous city locations and all their options. This is one time I think that I have a good deal. I could NEVER make a slipcover! You are a brave soul. Luckily, I don't have to. I have a fabulous slipcover/upholsterer ( her slipcovers look like upholstery) that would do you sofa for $350. I am putting a little aside in the cookie jar each week for a petite wing chair that I'm dying to have done. Good Luck...and don't forget "show and Tell"....k
ReplyDeleteYOU ARE MY HERO! I can't believe you are doing this! Looking forward to the progress reports. Check out Miss Mustard Seed for tutorials as well.
ReplyDeleteYou brave and talented girl. I have slip covered my sofa several times ( meaning PAID to have several made over years, not all at once) and they are wonderful for true lounging on them, as your Conner and my BUDDY do! Good luck and can't wait to see how you do. Conner will love whatever you end up with I am sure!!
ReplyDeleteI often take the "if someone can do it, I can do it" route. You can totally do it. Luck!
ReplyDeleteMeg - You go! Love the fabric - it's neutral and interesting. Connor looks pretty happy by the way.
ReplyDeleteWow - I hope Connors claws dont pull the fabric (which looks lovely) looks like antique tablecloth fabric that my grandmother had - (and that's a compliment) Keep us posted please - Jan
ReplyDeleteIntrepid soul, I salute you.
ReplyDeleteBut wait, have you cut the upper 3 cushions yet?
I'm just looking for a short cut for your labor, so do consider matching your bottom pair of seat cushions to an identical pair of back cushions, which makes you end up with two over two, instead of three over two.
FYI technically, just redistribute the innards of your three upper cushions into two, so that your bottom pair lines up with your upper pair.
Or not, you decide -- because, with that fabric and that classic sofa, you're in a no-lose position.
Slipcovers are not as hard as you might think. Just measure twice and think about it before you cut!
ReplyDeletewow - you are brave! i cant wait to see the results. thanks for the shoutout - pleasant surprise to see my name!!! don't listen to the negative comments - you will love it. just put a throw down, still, so you don't have to wash it every other day. but it's like washing jeans, you wouldn't NOT wash them, would you? that's how i think of sofa fabic. there is nothing greater than a freshly washed and dried slipcovered put back on. heaven.
ReplyDeletebrave soul - can't wait to see and hear about the process. i am not sure i could tackle this project. love the fabric.
ReplyDeletelove, love, love that fabric and now I know that what I imagined to cover my grubby club chairs exists! Thanks for the flashback on the chintz; my family had that EXACT pattern on our sofa growing up, and ooh, how I miss that piece of furniture. Recovered I don't know how many times, it was the ultimate Nap Magnet. Evidently, Connor agrees!
ReplyDeleteSmart move to pre-wash your fabric. And smart to do it in white -- it will stand up to a little chlorine bleach if it needs it! You can totally do this. I always use iron-on adhesive to make cording.
ReplyDeleteWhat a brave undertaking! But I am pretty convinced you will make it!!!
ReplyDeleteCreate a paper lay out and then go for it!
Can't wait to see the result!
xoxo
I've just found a cute, boxy settee today that I might just have to buy and now you have me thinking about recovering it! You don't want to know how long it has been since I've sewn. And my living room sofa is a creamy white muslin-y ribbed fabric. I never dreamed I would be happy with it but I love it.
ReplyDelete