Thursday, November 03, 2011

Couch Details

Thank you so much for your encouraging and sweet words on my couch reveal a few days ago. I'm guessing there were a few details some of you may have wondered about or if not, I'll just share anyway!

Let's see - how did this crazy project get started? Oh yes, there was this crazy piping poking out of the cushions in a few places - everytime it poked out, I just cut it off! But, then there was a hole where it had poked through. I bought these couches over ten years ago. Before moves and marriage and littles.



And, these couches have been just right for me/us for many years. But, when I was thinking about this change - I told my mom it felt like it was time for my living room to "grow up" a little bit. I mean, these couches were my first big furniture purchase. Yes, I'd bought one couch before. For $5 from a yard sale, but it had outlived its life long ago.

Even when I hadn't had these couches very long, I remember first reading of slip covers in an article about Rachel Ashwell founder of Shabby Chic. I tried to inquire about ordering some for my couches - but they were sold only to professional designers at the time.

So, I just set that idea aside for a while - years. And, then this. Yes, this started everything. The bug bit me and I thought all summer about what it would be like to slip my couches. Did I have the nerve? Would I finish? Were light couches really wise with my young crowd around here?

David was supportive and on a Sunday afternoon when my sweet friend, Grace, was on her way to our house - I ripped off the skirt to the big couch. Suddenly, I was committed. And, it felt ok!

I worked before Grace got here and then we finished the main slip for the big couch and I worked on a couple of pillows. This couch was half finished for weeks - but I finally got it done. Then, I struggled to finish the smaller one - but fortunately I'd had the wisdom to start on the biggest part. I do know myself well enough to know I have to do the hardest and biggest part of the project first.

Nitty gritty: I started this early August and finished about a week ago. I didn't keep exact track of how much this project cost - but I'm guessing it was in the ball park of $250 on all the canvas drop cloths (five - and it is VERY important to get them all at once!!! It seems there are tons of variations in drop cloths!), zippers, stuffing, ticking and new cording, etc...

This brings me to what I did exactly. I ripped off the old skirts, ripped out all of the old piping (didn't want it poking through my new covers!), ripped out zippers and reused the ones from the cushions, added zippers to the back pillows, added stuffing to mashed down pillows, etc... Everything is now removable except for the covers on the throw pillows.

As for the rest of the living room, I really just moved things around, spray painted my floor lamp ($1) and didn't buy anything for shelf. Oh, yes - and the $3 curtains! I still want to add more throw pillows - but haven't been inspired or found what I want yet - not sure what I want yet either!

Bless David, he has told me so many times how much he loves the new look, how it feels more comfortable, what a good job I've done. Such a sweet encouragement in the midst of a huge project!

19 comments:

Mary Ann said...

They look great! Your couches have served you well for a long time and with this facelift, they should be useful for a few more years--so good job!

Wendi said...

Oh, how brave your are! I love how it all turned out. Your room looks bright, cozy and certainly grown up. Great job!

peggy said...

What a nice job! When did you say you could come over to my house?

Christy Stanton said...

You have such skill and I love the new look! : )

Diane Hannon Allman said...

The slipcovers are awesome! I bought similar furniture when I first got married, except mine had More white on it. Moving and kids made the couches look terrible so I just bought 3 pc stretch slipcovers for them from target ( the expensive good quality kind in chocolate brown) and me and my husband love them so much! I just removed the covers from the old throw pillows and added new removable covers and added new curtains as well. The whole room looks so much better and I don't mind my two little boys touching the furniture now!

Lisa said...

I do not think I would ever have the nerve to start ripping my couches apart! You are brave! They look so warm and comfy! You should be proud of yourself!
Lisa

Jennifer said...

They look wonderful! You did a great job

Michele said...

About eight years ago I had my sofa and chairs slipcovered. I have so loved having furniture that can be cleaned! The chairs' slips now have holes and need replacing. I'm waiting on Lowes to get more of the same brand of drop cloths so I can get busy.

This time I'm going to have an extra seat cushion cover made so that if a dog or a boy jumps on the chair with dirty feet right before company, I can quickly replace!

South Girl in the West said...

the entire living room looks great! Your hard work and skill have definately paid off. and congrats on using your skills to make what you have work, that is such a good example for your kids to learn. we are such a disposable society, i love to see people reuse!!!

Julie said...

Beautiful.
And once again you've inspired me. I have two loveseats. One is still in good condition; the other is in desperate need of something. Now I believe I can make slipcovers for it -- if I ever get the nerve to start.

Shelby said...

Absolutely amazing Monica:) Love the room. Were did you find the chalkboard? I love that also.

Shelby

Anonymous said...

Great job, Monica! Indeed you were brave to tackle such a BIG project. Congratulations on completeing it. The new slipcovers certainly make your room look lighter and bigger.
Can't wait to see them in person.

Love you,Grandma

Echoes From the Hill said...

You are really talented! You should be so proud of this accomplishment!
The room looks so cozy and inviting.
nancyr

Unknown said...

I have the oversized chair that matches your couches! You've inspired me to be able to recover my chair now!

Annemarie said...

It looks great, and what a cozy and inviting living room you created. I would love to sit there in the evening!

Elise said...

I love the new look, Monica!! Amazing what a little{lot} of fabric and work can do, huh?!?! I visited that shelf at Hobby Lobby the other day, and I think it will be perfect for the area I want to hang it!!
So glad David likes it, too!! I think its important that our husbands feel comfortable at home!!
Elise

Mom said...

I love your updated living room! I agree that you were very brave to tackle such a big project (I don't think I would ever do that!) -- and I'm especially proud that you finished (even if I had started this, I doubt if I would have stuck with it). Good for you!! Love you, Mom

Catherine said...

So beautiful! Very inspiring and so welcoming - well done!

Julie Kreke said...

great job! It looks wonderful!