On the home improvement front, I have so much to show you today. Since I like to change things around often, I have to do it on a budget. Frank and I recovered the chairs a few months ago and I still love them, however with three kids and a dog we quickly realized that slipcovers are the best thing for our dining room chairs right now. The fabric underneath is still in pretty good shape and I want to keep it that way so I can change the look of the room really easily.
So, instead of going to the fabric store and buying ivory denim, or linen (which is what I really wanted) I went on eBay and got a 100% cotton drop cloth for eight dollars. They are about four yards of fabric! And, it is double hemmed around the edge already! Gotta love that! I washed it with fabric softener, and I am so happy with the result.
Now, I can handle small slipcovers with no problems. Piping, and big slipcovers? That is another story. I know I have shown your pictures of my sofa before, and at first I was pretty proud of myself. After time, and lots of washing they were not holding up. Pieces this size really need to be made correctly, and have piping to keep them strong.I emailed Mary, a lady in my neighborhood who makes the nicest slipcovers I have ever seen. She was able to fix mine right up. She took them apart and made them the right way, and I only had to buy a few extra yards of fabric. They are perfect, and they are making me so happy.
I am so in love with them. Denim gets better every time you wash it. I love the way it gets all wrinkly. I know that might drive some people crazy but I love it. So much.
I also got a new book shelf, while antiquing with my best friend. I needed more space to put magazines (which are now in the white baskets) and books. It was originally green, and I liked it, but I have a thing for white paint so the green did not last very long.
So if you ever come to my house, beware! If you stand still too long you might get painted and slip covered!
I am so in love with them. Denim gets better every time you wash it. I love the way it gets all wrinkly. I know that might drive some people crazy but I love it. So much.
I also got a new book shelf, while antiquing with my best friend. I needed more space to put magazines (which are now in the white baskets) and books. It was originally green, and I liked it, but I have a thing for white paint so the green did not last very long.
So if you ever come to my house, beware! If you stand still too long you might get painted and slip covered!
17 comments:
It looks so pretty! Great deal on getting the drop cloths from eBay. I'm sure it would have been much more expensive buying the yardage!
your home is beautiful! it could totally be in a magazine.
amandajean is right. your house looks like a photo spread in cottage living or something. beautiful work.
Wow!!! All of the home improvements are looking fantastic!!! I love the 'whoopie pie' recipe from the previous post, I've never heard of them before and am dying to give it a go just to know what they taste like.
Your home looks so inviting and CLEAN! I swear, with all of my little ones I just can't keep up with the clutter. Beautiful work and on such a budget! Fabulous!
It's so chic Katie! I love all of it! I also love how much you change things up, truly inspiring.
beautiful home!!!!!
i love the crisp clean look you have going.
Katie, I love the slip covers. I have to be honest. When you recovered those I was wondering how you keep them clean. I pictured my mom who seemed to run after us with a washcloth when I was young. Would you ever consider consulting some of us who are decorating challenged? I need some help with window coverings on a budget. It never hurts to ask? Please consider!
annoymous,
yes the slipcovers...a lot of people ask me that. I love white and ivory, but I went with the white denim so I could bleach it. I don't freak out about the stains, and there are some stains, but the hot water and bleach do a really good job. I like my kids to relax, and eat some things on the sofa's so I don't really sweat it.
I would love to help with the window treatments. Ask away! I do everything on a budget. I hope I can help!
I love your slipcovers on your chairs. I also plan on doing my dining chairs. I did something similar to you in that I bought 2 cotton table clothes on sale after Christmas. They were much cheaper than going to the fabric store. Now to find the time.... I do like the way that you did yours with no backing. I may just "steal" this idea!! :O)
Katie, we had our whoppie pies tonight- thanks!
I think your a little more south in maine than we usually go- family has a cabin on branch lake, north of bangor.
your home looks so cozy and beautiful!
I dream of having a white slipcovered sofa. I bought my current red sofa with that in mind. One day I'll get around to it.
Your house is beautiful!!!
Oh thank you for helping. I have black leather furniture, a walnut armoire and walls painted a light yellow/green. We have one large window and one small window. This room serves as a living room but used to be a garage. The windows don't extend to the floor and they currently have white mini blinds. We have one picture which says synchronicity with two dolphins. It has some blue with black frame. I would like to make some curtains until we get to this room. Any ideas for something casual? So much thanks for your help.
annoymous,
since you have a black sofa, and a black frame, I would work with the black for your window treatments. It sounds like your walls are light enough so the black would look nice. I might go with a black and white print. Nothing too frilly, maybe a black and white stripe? If you have a Joanne's near you, they always have 50% off coupons going.
Since you have two different sized windows, I would make the curtains just touch the window sill.
I hope I have helped!
Same thing at my house LOL! At least the paint part :-) I love those slips on your chair I've been meaning to make some for mine so you'll have to give me some pointers. Did you use a pattern or did you just use your seat cover and attach a skirt? Love the bookcase and the sofa's are beautiful. I love a white couch - there's just so much you can do with it to change your whole look.
Manuela
Thanks for your help. I will check out the coupon at Joanne's. I love the cable pillow.
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