This is something that I have been wanting to do for a very long time. Well, let’s just say NEEDED to do. We have these two chairs in our bedroom, purchased separately at either Goodwill or garage sales – I was so delighted that their color and shape went so well together.
Over the years the fabric began to wear and some stains darkened the fabric. Slipcovering was the answer. I had recovered some easy chairs before, but these gave me pause. So, I waited.
I was aware of Marian Parson’s (our Miss Mustard Seed) six part video demonstrating step-by-step instructions on how to custom make slipcovers, but I hadn’t watched them through. So, one day, I sat and viewed all six of the videos and felt inspired that I could do this.
I chose what I thought was going to be the hardest chair, the barrel-shapped chair. It’s curves and lines had me a little bit intimidated. Following closely Marian’s instructions the slipcover came together quite easily. I was so pleased and Dearest was quite impressed.
Then I tackled the second chair. This one wasn’t easier at all, actually, based on the lines – this one was more detailed. That didn’t turn out to be a problem. I just took it one step at a time. I realized that making the piping ahead of time, according to Marian’s instructions, helped in shaping the design of the chair and giving it a more ‘finished’ look. I would definitely recommend making piping for your slipcover projects. Also, follow the lines/seams already on your chair – they’re ideal for aiding you in creating your slipcover.
Marian demonstrated making slipcovers with drop cloth. This was for ease in making the panels and for hem for the skirt – saves a lot of time. I did not have drop cloth, but I did have a lot of fabric – this does take a lot of fabric – it took two drop cloths for Marian’s project. I’d overheard someone say that she thought it took five yards to make a slipcover for a chair – that’s a pretty good estimate.
I knew I wanted the back to be a contrasting fabric – I had just enough of this light blue floral fabric to do each chair – I did not have enough fabric for the barrel-shaped chair – really didn’t know when I started. So, I substituted a different fabric for the seat cushion. I think the overall look gives it a soft, romantic, Cottage feel. You know how I love all the Cottage styles.
Having done these two chairs, my confidence is up and I have more chairs in mind to finish – I have plans to paint the bedroom furniture – they’re showing signs of age – not the cute, chippy kind, I am looking at Marian’s Milk Paint – plans are stirring in my mind at this time. I think in the end, when I’ve finished our Master Bedroom makeover, I’ll look back and say, ‘Thank you, Marian!”
I am going to tweak the skirt to the chair on the right – do you think I should make ruffles to match the other chair – I tried to somewhat follow the lines of the chair.
Do you want to give making slipcovers a try? I’d highly recommend viewing Marian’s 6-part video thoroughly before beginning and follow her instructions completely. You too will be quite pleased.
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I am living my dream. Blessed with a wonderful husband I call Dearest and three amazing children, plus an awesome son-in-law, I find joy in creating a Delightsome life for us all. Now an 'Empty Nester', I find my passions in decorating, gardening, crafting, cooking and woven throughout the fabric of my life is my faith in God and my LORD Jesus Christ. 
Saw you link up at The Lilypad Cottage. Those look lovely! beautiful home.
Your chairs turned out quite lovely. I just love the floral fabric at the back. Just beautiful ~
They are beautiful! Great job! I love the size and shape of them, too.
You make it sound so simple!
Blessings,
Leslie
Kathy:
I think you did a wonderful job and what a glorious bedroom – love the fireplace too!
How lovely! You did a wonderful job.
Beautifully done! That is one project that I have not gotten up the nerve to attempt. I’m afraid someone will get hurt – and I don’t now that my sewing machine will survive.
I’m so impressed – I know this was no easy task!
I think they are beautiful, well done. I don’t mind the two slightly different pleated hems,maybe live with them a while before deciding. The furniture would look really shabby chic if painted. x
Wow Kathy, you did an amazing job! Your chairs look so good and I love the mix of fabrics…good for you!!!
Blessings,
Cindy
I’m not going to make slipcovers, but I sure like yours. That’s a lovely room, Kathy!
Very pretty! I love slipcovers. I can’t get enough of them. You did a fabulous job.
Your chairs turned out so cute! Great job!!
Mary Alice
You did a great job! they look so nice. I’m inspired to make my own.
You did a great job! The chairs look wonderful.
Oh my gosh, what an amazing job on those chairs. I’ve been putting of recovering one for years. I’ll watch the videos and see if I can screw up some courage, too!
If I can do it, anyone can!
I’m very impressed by what you did. I can barely hem. Your slipcovers look like they’ve been made by a profesional! I love the fabrics you chose. The blue floral fabric adds just the right touch of colour and of cottageness!
I love these chairs the fabric is beautiful!!
Cynthia
Hi Kathy,
You did a wonderful job creating your slipcovers. I know it took a lot of time, but so worth it because yours look so beautiful and perfect! I have a wing back chair in my bedroom that I have been wanting to make a slipcover for, maybe I will tackle it this spring.
I bet you feel so happy now with your new chairs, you should be patting yourself on the back, I give you two thumbs up and a high five….
Have a sweet day, Elizabeth
I do! Finally having what I have imagined come to fruition is marvelous – Marian demonstrates on a wingback chair I think, hope that’s helpful -
Way to go Kathy…very nice results! Stopped by to say”hi” and check in during our moving process!
Hugs, JP
I really want to try this! I remember watching some of her videos when she first put them out. Yours came out fabulous!!
I only watched it through once and her directions clicked! Following the seams of the chair and making the piping made all the difference. Give it a try!
oh my goodness, great job! they turned out beautifully!!
Thanks so much!
Hi Kathy,
What a great post. Your chairs look wonderful and just in time for Spring. I love the floral you included and the soft pleated ruffle. I have slipcovered a few chairs, too…and, I agre the curves and sloping lines are a bit intimidating.
Thanks for sharing.
Blessings,
Carolynn xo
My aunt once made a slipcover for her sofa while I was staying with her for the night. I wished I had paid more attention. Thanks for the tip about Miss Mustard Seed’s tutorial. Yours turned out spectacular.
Beautiful job! I should think you’d have confidence after a feat such as this. I can’t imagine having such skills.
Liz
i love the ruffle on the left!
stopping by via frenchcountrycottage and hope you’ll have a minute to pop over too. http://hellolovelyinc.blogspot.com
happy weekend to you.
michele
I am so impressed! They came out really well and look beautiful. I like the ruffled bottom of the chair on the left and would make them both match, but I’m kind of OCD and prefer symetry!
That’s what I feel! I thought I’d make them different – but I have a bit of Monk in me too!
Hi Kathy,
You did a wonderful job slipcovering the chairs. A totally new look! Beautiful! I’ve been wanting to make slipcovers for my two wing back chairs I have at the little farm cottage. I did slipcover the couch in painters dropcloths a few years ago and that was quite a job. I didn’t bother with making the piping, but it does make the slipcover look so much better. Thank you for the tip on watching the video! I’m sure it will be a great help and hopefully give me the initiative to start the project when I get home from Florida.
Nancy
What a huge undertaking! You did a beautiful job!
Thank you, Sharon!
A job well done Kathy and don’t they look fantastic. Thanks for linking up at Shabbilicious Friday this week.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne