December 26, 2009

{ I. Hate. To. Sew. }

This is truly an understatement. As all my sisters know, whenever I do a sewing project, I moan and complain throughout the entire project. This is not to say I can't sew, I can, I just REALLY don't like it. So why do I do it you ask? Because I'm incredibly cheap, and I'm on a budget. Plus, I'm kinda picky about what I want, and I have a much better chance of getting what I want by doing it myself. That, in the end, makes it (barely) worth it. Which leads to this post. This is the final installation of the "While Hubby's Away" saga. I started with two pairs of chairs. The first set I bought at a thrift store for about $8 each. I liked the clean lines, but as you can tell, they had seem much better days.I got the fabric from Home Fabrics, a discount fabric store. I love floral fabrics on brown backgrounds, so this fabric made me smile. I didn't include a zipper, as I typically would on a slipcover project, but since this had a dark pattern instead of the traditional white duct I usually slip cover everything in, I thought I could get away with it. Therefore, to make it work, I had to slip stitch the side seam once I put it on. (My kids better not get it dirty!)One of the chairs now resides at the computer center in my kitchen (shown), the other I have in my office at my desk.

The next set of chairs came from Laurel (again) although I think they started with Mom who got them at a thrift store. I actually really like the retro style of these chairs, but the green vinyl was hopelessly dirty, and no matter how much I scrubbed, they wouldn't come completely clean. I ended up painting them white, of course, then I recovered the seat and made a little slip for the top with a dainty ruffle to add a little detail.I found the fabric a while ago, and loved it, so though I had no idea what to do with it, I bought a couple of yards and tucked it away. I'm glad it found a purpose. A zipper hidden along the cording on the edge helped make a tight cover, yet removable for washing. I have one chair at my little computer desk, the other is looking for a home. The great thing about these chairs is I can put them all around my office table (if you remember my office post here) and turn it back into a dining table for company.

Now I have a question for all you smart ladies. You see the cute little table I have my computer on? (yes, another hand-me-down) I love the original turquoise color, but the paint job has definitely seen better days. Should I repaint it. NOT white, but some other fun/funky color (What?) or should I keep it turquoise? Please let me know what you think.

8 comments:

Jamie said...

You busy, busy bee! Very cute! How about painting the table a toned down blue? or distressed chocolate brown? I don't know. Your ideas are better than mine, I'm sure.

Mamacita said...

I had the same idea as Jamie. I'd do the distressed chocolate brown too. I like how you do that. I can't wait to see it done. Keep them coming. You are an inspiration.

Anna & Noah said...

You know, I share your affinity for loathing sewing. I don't know why I detest it so much, I just do! My mom is an amazing "sewer" and somehow it just didn't get passed down to me.

I respect and applaud your efforts for diving in and making things happen with your sewing skills. May you be my inspiration! ; )

brett and carly said...

I'm crying a little inside at the thought of that table being painted over. I LOVE the pop of color, I love that it's seen better days... it's perfect just the way it is!

Traci said...

Your slip covering has always amazed me... Your incredible. I'm not good with the ideas so I say go with what Mom and Jamie said. I'm sure whatever you do will look great! And how long was the hubby away. You sure got a lot done! :) Love ya.

Sheri said...

I love the original turquoise. I think it makes a home more interesting when everything doesnt't match perfectly. Chipped paint is in!

Sheri

Laurel @ Ducks in a Row said...

I like the turquoise, but it's a tad too bright for me . . . but that's just me.

sloan said...

I LOVE the turquoise.... it looks great and that look is in with it not being perfect! you guys have GREAT GREAT ideas....