The Linen Slipcover for an Old Chair

Hi Everyone,

*I apologize for the "Valentines Post" that was erroneously sent this morning.  I cannot explain, either my error or google.  Either way it is far to early for Valentine Posts.*

I may have hinted at a slipcover for my worn chair several weeks ago.  I had  completed the ruffled ottoman, but several other easier projects had taken precedence.  Well, now I can finally say the chair looks, I think fabulous.  The old chair had several "fittings" lots of ripping out thread and starting over, but it was well worth it, the best part being, a mere  one hundred dollar makeover with a gorgeous slub linen fabric.  I did learn alot from this project, which I will be sure to fill you  in on later, but at this point I wanted to show you all the finished product.  I opted to use no piping for this slipcover, but I did need to reinforce my stitches with a decorative Zig-Zag pictured below. (See the other slipcover project~that one had piping).  I guess I wanted the Restoration Hardware look for the chair and ottoman~Look below for a picture of their product.  The fabric may not be the most practical.  I guess I am not sure how well it will wear and obviously it is not a slipcover I can throw in the wash and put back on the chair...So Dry Cleaning may be the way to go although I could probably just dab with a wet cloth and coat the fabric with a stain resistant spray.

The arm of the chair was probably the most challenging to slipcover and fit perfectly. I just could not get the correct curve of the arm.  I must of tried least two times, before I sewed a decent curve.  Slipcovers, my friends are time consuming.  



 

Below is a picture of the arm detail with the  decorative stitch, that really serves more as a binder than a pretty detail.

My home looks nothing like Restoration Hardware.  We really don't have much industrial elements to our home and I do like a little color splashed here and there.  I do, however, love the linen fabrics and tufted furniture they offer.   It looks very comfortable, inviting and casual, don't you think?
It was this comfortable, neutral look that I wanted for our chair and  I think I achieved it.

 

 

This was  my small pile of linen scraps.  I think I might need to use them for my next bunting project.

 

 

Thanks, my friends for reading this blog today and following along.  Have a fabulous rest of the weekend.

 

 

XOXO,

 

SK

 

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All about Smocking

Hi Everyone,


I am a big fan of detail, whether it be decorative stitching or manipulating fabric to fold in beautiful patterns.  Honeycomb Smocking is one of those timeless "trends"  so popular among childrens' clothing is now  more frequently used within the home.  I tried smocking by hand the other day following one of the many tutorials offered online.  At first it was a little tricky, but once I got the hang of it I was able to complete my project in no time.   Next Smocking Projects just may be panels.

I smocked in slub linen then sewed the piece to leftover dropcloth fabric.  I used a simple backstitch to form the honeycomb with 6 thread embroidery in mint green.

Other Beautiful Smocking I have seen on other blogs and websites~
These panels are gorgeous in KariAnne's Dining Room

Source

Source

 

 

Great idea to use Gingham for smocking.  The markings are already in place.

This dress is Gorgeous! Don't you think?

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Source

A pretty Scarf~ Source

 

 

 

Curious~  Does anyone have lovely ideas for smocking? Smocked lampshades immediately comes to mind.

 

Huge thanks for reading!  Have a great rest of the week.

 

XOXO,

 

SK

 

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Chevron Lampshade Cover and a Doll Dress

Hi Everyone,

My daughter's lampshade was in need of a makeover.  It is a little worn and faded and maybe needed updating from her nursery decor.  I choose the super popular chevron  in an effort to  mix more patterns in her current room and make it a litttle more relevant for an young girl. 

The tutorial for this lampshade can be found here.  Before I started the project I added  sweet decorative stitches every few lines to dress it up~ it's all in the details, right.

 

 

 

Another closeup of the stitch on the fabric.  I think this is an easy way to dress up cotton fabric and add fun threads to coordinate with a spaces color scheme.

 

After completing this super quick project I had a little more fabric left to pull together doll dresses for my three favorite girls and their sweet cousin.  Tutorial on doll's dress coming soon~

A huge thanks for reading~ Have a great rest of the week.

XOXO,

SK

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Pressed Flower Artwork

Hi everyone,

I love pressed flower artwork seen in high-end stores.  Especially a large grouping in the same frames with a tag describing the plant or flower pictured.  I am sure there is an elaborate method used to press flowers and frame, but today I am going to show you my knock-off version.  Here is a picture of the end product with identical frames, matting and similar plants and flowers~ all to create a cohesive look with a big impact.

Below is another example~

Source

Admittedly, I did press these flowers for several months between wax paper in a heavy book with a weight, but I would say there are several posts I have seen around the blogosphere that suggest you put the flowers in the microwave to dry and press for a day or two and the same effect can be achieved. I am definitely planning on trying that DIY. 

  Step 1~
The Supplies pictured below.
  Just a note, I purchased  four sheets of quality stationary paper from the craft store with a bit of texture in an off-white.

Step 2~I wrapped the paper around the canvas cutting on a diagonal on each edge and glued each side down with Mod Podge.

Step 3~ I dabbed a bit Mod Podge to secure the flower/plant to the canvas.

Step 4~ Secure the canvas and frame.

I tagged in the corner on each where I found them, since I had no idea the name of the flower, or the  genus/species (often labeled on the pricier versions).

Four frames together is a perfect spot for a large open wall.

I hope you are all inspired to complete an easy, pretty project for a wall in your home.

Thanks for Reading and Following~

XOXO,

SK



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Easy, DIY, Shabby Chic Placemats

Hi Everyone,

Back to school week here...It was a great week, busy and productive.  I was able to fit in a quick sewing project, easy and perfect for a beginner.  I am a big fan of details and linen so I opted to use ruffles and trim to dress the  linen placemats.  I think these placemats will dress up a table beautifully for a simple supper or a big gathering.  Below is a picture of the completed project~so let's sew these cute placemats together.

 

Supplies Needed~
Fabric (1 1/2yd for 2 completed placemats)
Trim (1 1/2yd for 2 completed placemats)
Matching Thread

Are you ready...

Double hem the ruffle piece (cut to 4in in width-you probably will need to stitch 2 long strips together for extra length)
Stitch to rectangular piece (I used an placemat I had on hand as a template for size)

I like to ruffle by hand, as seen in the picture below.  Personally, I think it is easier that pulling threads, but that is just me.

Now you can see the ruffles in the below pic~
Measure 2 inches inside the ruffle  for the trim placment.

Pin the trim in place~ lots of pins so there is no movement.



Closeup of the edge and folding for the corners.

Stitch on both side of trim  straight  and as close to the edge as possible.

There you have it, a cute placemat, unique, pretty and so easy to complete.

I hope this was easy to follow~ I generally forget to take pics of each step during my project. So let me know if you have any questions~

Have a Great Week and Thanks for reading.


XOXO,

SK

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Here is a fabulous Back to School Coupon

       

Guest Bedroom Projects

Hi Everyone,

We use this room as a guest bedroom in our home, although, I think it was intended to be an exercise room or craft room by the builder.  Admittedly, I have struggled to decorate this space over the past couple of years, I think because of the size and we tend to put toys in here for the girls.  I will spare you the pink clutter and just show the bed for now.  Of course, there are several DIY projects here.  The most recent being the pillows on the bed.   The end tables I purchased about 15 years ago from a consignment store and really haven't done much with them.  I guess I just like them the way they are, for now, at least.  The pictures on the left are prints I took from an old Modern History book.  The colors in the prints were perfect for the room and well, inexpensive.  So here are a few pics for you.  Maybe you will take away a few ideas for your home. 









A closeup of the DIY Prints and the pillows



This summer we picked up from the beach a fun memento, driftwood, which I hang above the bed. It adds to the modern rustic feel in the room, I think.



Here is a closeup of the pillows on the bed with a pretty decorative stitch around the perimeter. I love the shades of green in the thread~I think it pulls in all the shades of green around the room.

Hopefully, I will have the slipcover completed in a few days to show on the blog.   I hope you are all having a great weekend and thanks for reading.

XOXO,

SK


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