Our New Slipper Chair Slipcovers

When I first spoke of doing new slipper chair slipcovers, several of you emailed me, in horror, that I would consider covering our red chairs in a neutral color (you can see them here). Trust me, I haven't completely lost my mind! There's really a plan behind this madness.

 

Here's little history on the chairs. They came to me in 1997 when a friend pulled up in front of our house unannounced, carried them in, and said "I bought these chairs at a sample sale today. You need them. They're your color. And by the way you owe me 80 bucks." Seriously, I got both of these for just $80. 

 

They had really brightly striped cushions, and the red cotton that you still see below was on the base. I lived with them for a while, then decided that I was done with the stripe. I bought what I thought was enough fabric to slipcover both chairs, but never got any farther than the cushions, as I had not gotten enough fabric. Of course, when I went back for more,  it was sold out. These two fabrics matched at that point, so it was okay. But too many years sitting in west-facing windows led to this

They're gross. Seriously faded, and filthy. Aren't you glad I never showed this before ? :) 15 years of kids, animals, and family living will do that. It's really time for an update! When I realized that I had pinned white slipcovers over and over again, I knew I was ready to make the change. 

What a difference! I love them!

And again, this neutral base gives me more opportunity to change my pillows and accessories on a seasonal basis. They look great with the Christmas plaid pillows

And the Pottery Barn knock off sweater pillow (from a $2 thrift store sweater!)

 

Ticking stripes and toile would be an option, too.

How fun will it be this spring to make some vintage tablecloth pillows! I have wanted those forever, but they would never have worked with the old fabric. I can't say enought about how crazy I am about this fabric, the washed and bleached canvas drop cloths. This entire chair was done with a two-pack of drop cloths, purchased for $15. I was initially concerned that they wouldn't be light enough, but once on the chair, they appear lighter than the fabric actually is. It's a great cross between white and ivory. I really could not have chosen a worse time of day to take these photos, but I hope you get the idea.

Ugh, now the rest of the room looks horrible! I think I just created a few more projects for myself  :)

 

And while I do have a good amount of sewing experience, I truly feel that even those of you with just basic sewing skills could do this. I photographed the entire process, and hope to complete an organized tutorial in the next few days. Once you all see how simple it really was, I hope you'll be tackling your own slipcovers.

 

Thanks so much for coming by to see my new slipcover! I'll finish the second one tomorrow, then you all will probably get bombarded with more photos of these chairs than you ever thought possible.

 

News Flash! Part One of the Slipcover Tutorial is up, you can find it here!

 

I'm joining:

Diann's Thrifty Things Friday at The Thrifty Groove

Debra's Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

Farmhouse Friday at Laurie Anna's

Courtney's Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Heather and Vanessa's Inspiration Friday At The Picket Fence

Karen's What Have You Redone at Redoux

Honey's Potpourri Friday at 2805

Sherry's Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home

Cindy's Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

Furniture Feature Friday at Miss Mustard Seed

Jen's Weekend Wrap Up at Tatertots and Jello

Donna's Saturday Nite Special at Funky Junk Interiors

Tisha's Show and Tell Monday at Delectable Home

Susan's Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

Kim's Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Paula and Patti's What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants

Judy's Winter Blues Wednesday at DIY By Design

Sherry's Open House Party at No Minimalist Here

 

Comments

[Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions]

That looks great, Andrea! I love how they came out and the color is so versatile, you'll be able to prop any pillow on them. Great job!

[Lynn @thevintagenest]

You got those pleats so pretty. I could never do that. I am in the process of trying to redo a chair too. Sure hope mine is half as great as yours. I am going to look for fabric tomorrow. The dropcloth idea looks like a good choice. xo

[Des]

Your chairs are so gorgeous in the linen color! I just adore those pleats...so pretty!
~Des

[Susan Freeman]

Fabulous job! I have 2 drop cloths ready to go, but no courage to proceed. I'm such a pansy.

Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

[kim]

How cute. I like the ticking and toile pair with them.

[Marty@A Stroll Thru Life]

It is funny how when you change one thing then something else looks a little tired. Love the slipcovers. Hugs, marty

[Honey]

Gorgeous slipcovers! Thank you for sharing at Potpourri Friday!

[Sherry @ No Minimalist Here]

Beautiful! The slipcovers are wonderful.
Hugs, Sherry

[Katie Mansfield]

I love them. Did you get the drop cloths at Lowes or Home Depot?
Katie

[Vickie]

It looks like it was professionally reupholstered! Very impressive.

[Judy]

That is the most beautiful slipcover. I totally thought it was professionally done. WOW. Very impressive.

[Kim @ vintagepretties]

They are just beautiful! They really freshen up the entire room. And, like you said, so versatile.

[Joy]

Very pretty, love the pillows too.

[Deana]

looks beautiful. I love the pleats.

[Barbara Sullivan]

I can't wait for the tutorial! Hope you'll show the back of your piece, as well.

[Jenny]

That is amazing. The pleats are perfect! I am in love with these! Would you link up to my party?

http://daysofchalkandchocolate.blogspot.com/2012/02/latest-greatest-friday-20.html

Your piping is so straight too. So well done.

[Audrey Zumwalt]

great job Andrea. Love the pleated skirt on the chair. Thanks for stopping by Timeless Treasures and leaving such a sweet comment and joining up with me.
Hope you will come again.
Blessings.
Audrey Z.
http://audreyzumwalt.blogspot.com/

[May]

Looks great!

[Shauna K]

visiting from The Delectable Home party- what a fabulous change!! hehe and love all your pillows! :D we're getting a neutral couch soon, and I too am excited to be able to showcase fun pillows year round, hehe :D

[Courtney]

Love these - will be sharing them at the party this week!! Thanks for linking up at FNF! :)

[Cindy]

You did a GREAT job! They are fantastic!
XO Cindy

[Martina]

LOVE them!!

[Pam {simple details}]

Oh my, what a beautiful job! I'd be trying every pillow in my house, too! :)

[Tisha @ Delectable Home]

So pretty - I love the box pleats! I've got a special affinity for slipcovers, so I'll be featuring you at the next Show & Tell. Thanks for linking up!

[Scribbler]

Well I am certainly impressed! I like the look of box pleats and the piping -- my mother would have said, 'Now that's a proper slipcover!'

I can do it, I just get a little impatient and maybe TOO creative sometimes.

[Gypsy Rose]

I love em and you've given me inspiration to try a similar project. Thanks

[bj]

I love 'em to pieces...you did a wonderful job on them....

[Sherry]

Very nice! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
Sherry

[Gerry Bossier]

I think the pottery barn knock off sweater pillow is the best partner for the chair. I mean, the combination of the two is mild, but it gave a vivid design. I'd love to see that in my own bedroom sometime. :D