It's been on my list of things I wanted to do, forever! I finally did it. Not without the help of Mitch. Whenever precision is needed, I get him in on the job. He made my pattern pieces out of some heavy masking paper he uses for his paint jobs. That was the hardest part of the project. Once I had a pattern, cutting and sewing wasn't bad at all.
I made it from a drop cloth that I pre-washed (in bleach) twice. I made the piping from a slightly darker linen like fabric, just for a hint of contrast.
I gave it a pleated skirt.
I love it. I won't say it was an easy project, but it wasn't difficult either. Just fiddly and time consuming. I'll definitely be making more. Under this baby is a really ugly red chair, but it's comfortable. It rocks and swivels and cost me less than $20. Add about $15 for the cost of the drop cloth and piping materials- for less than $40, I've got a pretty cute chair.
It looks wonderful! I've got two chairs I've been needing to slipcover forever, but it's such a daunting project. I'm so impressed!
Posted by: Lise | December 12, 2009 at 07:46 AM
Looks a lot better than my first slipcover...it had a wonky arm!
Posted by: Beth | December 12, 2009 at 08:21 AM
Wonderful. I have two wing chairs that were my great aunts. They are covered in a wonderful wool crewel fabric that has SEEN BETTER DAYS---I just ordered right before reading this from Home Style Book Club a book on how to make slipcovers...want to slip cover those chairs...probably be eons before I get up nerve to try it...
Posted by: Elaine | December 12, 2009 at 08:27 AM
You two are so talented! I get such inspiration from your projects :)
Posted by: tricia | December 12, 2009 at 08:38 AM
You did a superb job on this and the coffee table! I'm not brave enough to attempt upholstery so I really admire those who are and who do it so well. Cindy
Posted by: Cindy | December 12, 2009 at 08:52 AM
this is just fantastic!!! Excellent job! Love all your projects :)
Posted by: Tracey@sewsimplycreative | December 12, 2009 at 09:23 AM
You should love it! It is wonderful. I have beend trying to get up the courage to learn to do slipcovers and I have a vintage couch that needs to be re-upholstered, but that seems so, so, scary! ~Kelly unDeniably Domestic
Posted by: Kelly | December 12, 2009 at 09:55 AM
I love it! I got heart palpitations when I saw the title of your post :) The contrasting piping is stunning, and the pleats are fab! I will be attempting 2 sofa slipcovers in January...I'm already nervous! Do you know of a formula for figuring yardage needed? I'm planning to use canvas at $5/yd....
Posted by: cindy | December 12, 2009 at 10:16 AM
Hi Autumn,
So glad I stumbled across your blog ~ you have a lovely home. LOVE the slipcover!! You did an awesome job.
Posted by: Cara | December 12, 2009 at 10:25 AM
I have a very similar chair in the basement in desperate need of a slipcover, but I have not been brave enough to attempt it yet! you did a great job though!
Posted by: kris | December 12, 2009 at 10:29 AM
I love the slipcover, you did a great job. I have 2 wingback chairs I'm going to tackle with a dropcloth too. I hope mine turns out as good as yours. Blessings, Debbie
Posted by: Debbie | December 12, 2009 at 10:54 AM
Bravo!! Absolutely adorable, and so professional! I love that you used a dropcloth too. I think I'm going to do that with my sofa.
Posted by: teresa | December 12, 2009 at 11:35 AM
NO WAY! I can't believe you made that. I am totally impressed. That seems like one of the most daunting sewing projects ever. It looks amazing.
Posted by: Jennifer Tyler | December 12, 2009 at 11:54 AM
Oh man... I envy this! Will you come do one for me? Or maybe Mitch can make me a pattern too! LOL I've got a couch and loveseat that I'm sick of... wanted to do the same thing for ages, but so chicken to start it. I love the idea of a drop cloth! (:
Posted by: Vicki's Bit-o-Earth | December 12, 2009 at 01:24 PM
This is fantastic Autum! - as always you inspire me, and I know what you mean about precision and the husband - they seem to go hand in hand!!
Hugs to you!
Jen
Posted by: Jenny | December 12, 2009 at 01:36 PM
Wow! I've got a red wing chair that I've been crazy to cover but am afraid to get started. Glad yours came out so great! The piping and pleated skirt really make a big statement. -- michele
Posted by: Michele C | December 12, 2009 at 01:39 PM
Wow, that is really impressive! I have made slipcovers and piped upholstered dining chairs before but nothing so complicated! It looks fantastic, it must have been quite a project! Love the contrast piping.
Posted by: Adventures in Dressmaking | December 12, 2009 at 01:42 PM
Give yourself a pat on the back! Wow! Awesome job, if you can do this, you can sew anything now. : )
Julie Andrea
sundayschild1966ATyahooDOTcom
Posted by: Julie Andrea | December 12, 2009 at 01:44 PM
You're so talented - I just love the light contrast between the piping and the main material. Really good to have you back, I've missed you!!
Posted by: Caroline | December 12, 2009 at 03:30 PM
Awesome! the slipcover looks great. You are so talented.
Thanks for sharing.
Peace.
Posted by: Lynne in NC | December 12, 2009 at 05:03 PM
Thank you Caroline!!
xo Autum
Posted by: Autum | December 12, 2009 at 07:09 PM
You did a fabulous job, it looks really beautiful. And, for $40!
Posted by: Kim | December 12, 2009 at 07:49 PM
Wonderful job. Um, I don't suppose you want to come here and sort my chair out, do you? My bloomin' son put a hole in the seat of it yesterday. I think that he might be getting a lump of coal in his stocking this year...
Posted by: UK lass in US | December 12, 2009 at 08:35 PM
that looks great..good job!!!
Posted by: Nina | December 12, 2009 at 09:48 PM
Autum,
your slipcove rocks. I think you did a great job on it.
Posted by: Cheryl | December 13, 2009 at 02:52 PM