Monday, June 14, 2010

Vintage Linens Chair-Back Slips



About six weeks ago, I decided it was time to "lighten up".
So I've had one project after another
to try to lighten and brighten my interior spaces.



A few weeks ago I did chair slip covers
 for my bergere chairs in the Living Room.
I surprised myself at getting them accomplished,
because...
I really don't like to sew.
Sorry to say, I'm sort of a klutz when it comes to sewing.



But since I redid my Dining Room,
my heavy wood dining chairs seemed to be
 bigger and darker and heavier than ever.
(Oh My!)

They taunted me to start another "project".
It's taken some thought,
because I wanted to recover the seat cushions.
(a relative easy job)

So I didn't want to do a seat slip,
even though it would have been
flirty with ruffles.




Two kitties with gray fur,
who love to lounge, talked me out of that idea.
I need to find some heavier flax or linen upholstery fabric
for the seats themselves.

What I have here is too lightweight,
but the right color and texture.



I had three "must haves" in choosing the material for these chair slips.
1. needs to be lightweight and somewhat transparent.
2. needs to be easy to work with.
3. Has to be inexpensive,
 because I have ten chairs to eventually slip.



So... I just chose a plain white cotton.
Then to dress them up,
I added pieces of vintage dresser scarves with crocheted lace,
that I found recently at a barn sale.
(see my header photo)



Depending on the time of day and the light,
you can see the silhouette of my chair backs.



I made a template pattern by tracing the backs onto poster board.




Then to add a little fun,
 I used a vintage button in back to tighten up the fit.



I have another project I'm working on,
so I'll show you soon.
This involves paint again,
just not on the walls.
(thank goodness!)

I'm linking to










Linda at Coastal Charm

Happy One Year White Wednesday!

with Kathleen at Faded Charm



Show and Tell at My Romantic Home




And if you haven't entered my
1 year Blog Anniversary Give Away

to have a chance to win this wonderful
soon to be released book
by Carolyn Westbrook!


Thank you everyone for the great response,
remember, there will be two winners!

love,
Debra

48 comments:

  1. Hi Debra,
    Your dining chairs look so sweet and vintage. I love that you are lightening up your diningroom, it's going to be so beautiful! I love everything you do and when I see you have a new post I almost break my neck getting here! LOL.

    hugs
    Sissie

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  2. I love the slipcovers! The vintage linens added a beautiful touch to them.

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  3. I love this. I want to work the vintage towel you sent me into something like this to put over a chair in my work area. Love the look!

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  4. Gorgeous!
    But I didn't see any helpers in these photos?
    Surely you don't expect us to think you got these done without HELPERS!

    ;-)

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  5. Those are so cute. I love, love them.

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  6. The chairs look great! I really like the details...those buttons are so cute!

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  7. These are really pretty. I'm a sucker for vintage style linens. Great job. It lightened up your living room so beautifully! Lisa~

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  8. What a good idea to use the vintage linens and also the button!!

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  9. Debra, we must be on the same wave length! I was just thinking about making slips for the back of my metal counter stools, just for a change of pace. I wondered what to use as a template.... I like the idea of the poster board. Like you, I'm not a whiz on the sewing machine, but think I'll give this a try. Lucky me, there are only three to make, instead of ten! xx Suzanne

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  10. What a big project for someone who doesn't enjoy sewing!! Well done!

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  11. I think you have graduated far beyond the degree of "Klutz Sewer." You did a fabulous job. Kudos!

    Suzan

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  12. GORGEOUS Debra!! I adore those old lace edged scarves :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  13. Great idea Debra, they look so much lighter now and I love the vintage dresser scarves! They add so much to the beauty! Enjoy painting whatever it is you are painting:) Have a blessed day! HUGS!

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  14. The lace linens add such a pretty touch, and I love the sheer fabric it looks like chair lingerie! They look so pretty and I hardly believe your a klutz when it comes to anything! Theresa

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  15. Do so love those chair slipcovers! I'm with you when it comes to summertime I want to lighten things up. Take down the winter heavy curtains (it will get cold here in the south), and put up lace or sheers. It makes the house fun again. I'm glad I am able to get back to blogging so I think I'll check out your giveaway!
    Ulrike

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  16. What a great idea! They are so pretty and fresh looking. You did a nice job! Connie

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  17. Debra,
    You did an awesome job on those chairs...luv how you covered them! Thanks for coming to my NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAYS party...hope you are having a FUN time!

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  18. Debra, what a great idea. The vintage linens are an interesting touch. Good job Debra...sandi

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  19. Hey, I'm a new follower! Found you from the Sisterhood over at Some Days Are Diamonds. Love your blog!

    Kathleen

    http://charmbraceletdiva.blogspot.com

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  20. You so inspire me..I have been wanting to do this with my chairs. You make it sound so so easy. I thank you my friend. xoxoxo

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  21. Crikey but you are crafty! The chairs look light and airy. The button is a delicate detail. Well done. I have you know I painted a table white in 103 degree weather yesterday cause I am a knutt.

    hugs,
    olive

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  22. I love how those are all just a little different. Very, very pretty!

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  23. Oh My Stars Debra! I nearly died laughing at you comment! I think it WOULD be hysterical if we DID do an event "Where Hoarders Create!"

    I'm thinkin' August......when the creative "dust" settles from Karen's event! I'll show you MINE if you show me Yours!!!LOL

    Hugs and Love,
    Shell

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  24. Ooh they turned out lovely~ the addition of the vintage linens is perfect!

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  25. these look beautiful!!! This is a project I need to do!

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  26. Looking so good! The button at the back drawing the cover snug via the pleat is a lovely finishing touch.

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  27. Debra these are so beautiful!! I am so not a sewer (ha)...but may try this one day!

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  28. They are just gorgeous. You certainly seem to know your way around a sewing machine, despite your disclaimer!

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  29. Debra - those are GORGEOUS!!! I think you did a fantastic job!!! I LOVE the button detail - I'm sending you my chairs this afternoon. LOL

    Your dining room is just as gorgeous as the rest of your house!!!

    :-) xoxo
    robelyn

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  30. Debra...
    Beautifully breath taking charm! never a surprise for beauty over here!

    Will wait to see more beauty, so hurry girl :)
    xx
    Dore

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  31. Hi Debra...

    Ohhh...I just adore your new chair slips! They look marvelous in your dining room, my friend! They really do just "sing" summer...light...and airy!!! I think that adding the vintage dresser scarves with the beautiful crochet edging is pure design genius! Sooo very beautiful!!! Love them!!!

    Warmest wishes,
    Chari @Happy To Design

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  32. Your chair back covers are just what I needed to see. I now have a plan to pick up the fabric on Thursday when I go to my favorite fabric store. My chairs need to be brightened up also. Thanks for sharing.

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  33. Thank you Debra
    for your visit...You are a gift from God and I am blessed to be one that you take the time to comment.
    Thank you for all your dear comments, and support that lifts ones heart.
    Trusting in him and you are blessed.
    xx
    Dore

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  34. your slipcovers are wonderful and perfect for the room. The dining room came out great and keeps getting better!!!

    Karen

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  35. Your dining room is divine... with or without dark chairs I am sure. You did a lovely job on the slipcovers.
    Blessings~
    Gwen:)

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  36. I love how the sunlight comes through them so softly! Very lovely.

    Blessings... Polly

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  37. They look fab! Love all the details you added!

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  38. What a great look for your chairs! You know how I love vintage linens. Another nice change for your dining room--I know I still have a sewing machine somewhere. . . XX Jacqueline

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  39. Such beautiful elegance you've added to your chair backs! Great job.

    Big TX Hugs,
    Stephanie
    Angelic Accents

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  40. Hi Debra!
    Oh wow those slipcovers are gorgeous!!
    The perfect touch for your beautiful formal dining room!!!
    I think I'm inspired to give one a try :-)
    Thanks for sharing your creations!
    Hugs and Smiles,
    Lynn

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  41. These look lovely. I am going to do the very same to mine. I was also debating the fabric. I agree with you the cotton is lightweight and looks very elegant for a fraction of the price of linen. Very nice job you did.
    Sherry

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  42. Well, for somebody who claims that they can't sew well, you did a fantastic job on those chair covers! They definitely lighten and brighten your dining room. I know how it is when there's a project that needs doing, and you won't be satisfied with a room until it gets finished. I'm very impressed that you made these by making your own pattern!
    Happy White Wednesday!
    Carol

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  43. Well those are just too cute Debra!! Great job and I love how they lighten up your room!!
    Blessings~

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  44. Hi Debra, Your dining room chair slipcovers turned out lovely! Great job!! Your dining room is beautiful!
    Happy WW!
    Hugs ~ Jo

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  45. I think you did a wonderful job on your slipcovers. Your chairs look perfect. I love the linens, very beautiful....Char

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  46. Gorgeous slip covers Debra..I had been admiring the vintage linen in your header.. or should I say lusting after it... lol! Love the touch it gave the chaircovers...
    Lou xx

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  47. What a delightful change! I love the little buttons.

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  48. Love the slipcovers.... beautiful !!!!

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