Once upon a time, late last summer, I was taking a stroll through the old village store. You know the one, it's where they sell treasures that other people no longer want or see value in. Something in that store caught my eye that day. Actually, it was TWO somethings. The most amazing chairs, except for one thing - they were covered with green eagles!
What is a maiden to do? The chairs had lovely bones, but those eagles . . . ?
Then I thought about the good sewing fairies of Blogland, Miss Mustard Seed and Anita from Cedar Hill Ranch. They would help me magically transform these chairs into something of beauty, I felt sure of it!
I called Prince Charming to come to my aid with his trusty steed, the minivan. I paid the storekeeper the fee for the eagle chairs - $70 (for both chairs) and they were loaded and carted safely home. There they sat in the dungeon, my garage, for several months while I got up the courage to try some sewing magic.
I read and re-read Anita's slipcover tutorial and watched and rewatched Miss Mustard Seed's slipcover videos; until finally, one fair day I found the courage to begin. It did take me three days, but this story has a happy ending! One of my eagle chairs has now been transformed into something of beauty, something I'm proud to have in my castle.
This story, unfortunately, is not finished though. You see, I now have to work some magic on the other chair. Alas, this maiden is waiting until after this Merry Christmas season for that!
I hope you enjoyed this tale and that it will give you the courage to transform a chair for your castle!
Blessings,
Sharing today post at:
Coastal Charm
Savvy Southern Style
Uncommon
Elizabeth & Co.
Primp
Miss Mustard Seed
Funky Junk Interiors
Redoux
Savvy Southern Style
Uncommon
Elizabeth & Co.
Primp
Miss Mustard Seed
Funky Junk Interiors
Redoux
You did a great job with the slipcover! What a difference a little fabric can make.
ReplyDeleteYou really did do a fantastic job! I have two chairs waiting that are waiting for slipcovers. They don't have eagles on them but they still need some freshening up! I tried once with no tutorial and no idea what I was doing but that was a failure...you have given me the courage to at least think about trying again....
ReplyDeleteWhat a great job!! Wow! what a difference.
ReplyDeleteI have two chairs like this one (different fabric) I bought last year at the thrift store for $25 each. I am also planning to cover them in fabulous slipcovers. You have inspired me. LOL. Now I need to get busy!
Thank you for sharing your lovely project with us.
Elizabeth
Seriously amazing job on that transformation, Doreen!!! Wow!!! I love it!
ReplyDeletexoxo laurie
Thanks for the giggle :) Your slipcover is just beautiful! I have a "dungeon" chair too. After seeing yours I MIGHT be inspired to give a try to making a slipcover also! Thanks for sharing, it's just lovely.
ReplyDeleteJeanette
wow! your slipcovered chair looks amazing. so cute! you relly did a great job.
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job, your chair looks amazing. That Eagle fabric...really? lol.
ReplyDeleteDoreen; that was a fabulous investment in those gorgeous chairs--love the white slips; you can change out your decor color easily with your lovely pillows and throws. Great eye on those eagles! Have a blessed and creative week. Patty
ReplyDeleteWonderful work! I have been hoarding beadspreads to do the same to my dark blue sofa in time for Christmas. Thank you for the fine,brave example!
ReplyDeleteOh seamstress extraordinaire
ReplyDeleteyes I enjoyed your tale !:)
That is quite an undertaking and you did a beautiful job!
Is this the first time you've made a slipcover? You did an AMAZING job!! It looks beautiful.
ReplyDeleteMary Alice
Your chair looks great. It is a daunting task but you did it. The one piece of advice I can offer you after doing two wing back chairs, do both at the same time. Yes, it can seem like too much, but it helps to stay with the project. I cut all of the pieces at the same time and then sewed one chair at at time. I think it took a week, but I was done with both. I am not saying this is super easy, I have another pair that I too am doing after the holidays.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great looking slipcover, and on your first try -awesome. Two will be even prettier :)
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, they are gorgeous Doreen!! I'm featuring these on the ranch's FB page right now. So grab a featured button if you like!!
ReplyDeleteAnita,
DeleteThank you! That's high praise from "The Good Sewing Fairy"! Seriously, I couldn't have done it without your tips!
Thanks for the shout out!
Blessings,
Doreen
I am thoroughly impressed! You did an absolutely amazing job! I am totally in love with your chair!
ReplyDeleteYou did an amazing job! The chair turned out beautifully!
ReplyDeleteI nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award, come check it out if you want to pass it on!
http://www.thegoldensycamore.com/2012/11/blog-awards-take-2.html
WOW how lovely Doreen. Those are some fantastic looking chairs. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to try this! You did a wonderful job on it!
ReplyDeleteWonderful job on the chair! Love it!
ReplyDeleteWow Doreen! Love that slipcover! The lines of those chairs speak to me too. What a bargain at $70 for both. The ruffle is the perfect finishing touch.
ReplyDeleteWe found you at the {Primp} Wednesday party and love your blog. We are joining you and would love it it you would visit us and do the same.
Linda and Jeannie, the French Hen's Nest
you give me hope :) maybe one day I will have the courage to try one! You did a great job, love the chair!
ReplyDeleteDebbie
magic indeed! i wish i had your skills.
ReplyDeletehope you can stop by when you have a moment.
smiles and sunshine to you.
michele
http://www.hellolovelyinc.blogspot.com/2012/11/hello-lovely-paris-apartment.html
So pretty--great job! I wanted to feature you but for some reason the I kept getting an error message when trying to save & post it, so I pinned it instead. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGreat work! It turned out so beautiful. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis gives me some courage for sure .....I just bought one at the Salvation Army for $27 and in perfect condition, dark green with a little red in it. Found out later as I brought it into the house that it is a Lazy Boy and also a recliner, thought it was a chair......made me happy! I like the material but think I will cover it to protect it and will check out this info on tutorial, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSorry, did not share my name, Shar
Delete