Lighten up: Metamorphasis Monday

It's time for another Metamorphasis Monday at Between Naps on the porch. New relaxed shades in off-white burlap (only $3.99/yard) let in plenty of sunlight, but still provide some privacy.

A new slipcover (I made it, so forgive the imperfections) in cream cotton provides protection for the sofa from the beast, Cleopatra.

Here is my living room as it looked when we moved into the house in Oct. 2007 after completeing the post Katrina renovations:

Not bad. A warm, masculine room, but heavy. Definitely a little heavy with the dark chairs, the black faux leather on the sofa (doesn't faux leather just sound so much better than pleather?). I did enjoy it for a while, but it started to oppress me. And quite frankly, two cats and a large dog had taken their toll. The rug became one of Cleo's favorite chew toys, and quite frankly, Todd Oldham's pleather was no match for pet claws. I also lost the two Nate Berkus burlap pillows in separate housebreaking and foster pet incidents. The cloth on the the side chairs was defective and frayed at the seems. And as for the dark trim--what was I thinking? It seemed like a good idea at the time, but it always reminded me of a 1970s McDonald's. And it's not clear in the pic above, but the glass panels in to the door were covered with old-fashioned shirred panels in a woven fabric that resembled bamboo. (Those panels were a major point of contention--I say leave the doors bare and let the light in--the house is dark enough. Thomas hates the lack of privacy.) Any way it was time for a change. The first change, as seen in the opening photo was to paint the trim a deep cream and change the door color to a fresh green. Then, in the spirit of compromise, I made relaxed shades for the door panels out of natural burlap. It lets in much more light than the bamboo panels, but it provides enough privacy for Thomas. So much for the easy part--now the sofa needed to be tackled.

Replacing it was not an option. Number on4, we can't afford it. Number two, we both really like the sofa and find it comfortable. So, then came the question, "Recover or Slipcover?" Honestly, I would have preferred to recover it in an outdoor fabric--one practical way to have light coloured upholstery. However, I really didn't want to spend the $700 or so dollars it would take, and I could slipcover it myself, so slips it was:

I did as fitted a slipcover (including back zippers) as my limited sewing skills would allow. I don't mind the rumpled look at all, but I didn't think a really sloppy look would fit the retro lines and tight upholstery of the sofa. I also did a short, tailored faced hem to show the legs and keep the sofa from feeling too heavy (please ignore the pins in the hem and the hanging threads--a work commitment prevented me from finishing completely, but I was anxious to show the makeover). I found the cream cotton twill for $7.99/yard and bought during a recent sales tax free weekend.

I finished it just in time...the little fellow in the back showed up on our porch that same night.

It's not the first time I've had slipcovers. I've lived with them off and on for the past 15 years, so if you're not familiar with living with them, here's the whole truth:

1. Making them is not difficult (especially if you are naturally precise), but it's very tedious. For a first timer--a large chair with separate back and seat cushions might take a whole weekend. Professional labor starts at about $350/chair and goes up depending on the workroom and the complexity of the design. Honestly, to do it yourself, all you need is a good sewing machine, basic skills, and a good set of instructions which are readily available. And pins....lots and lots of pin. And thread...lots of thread....much more than you ever think you can use...because if you don't overstock the thread---you will run out, after the store is closed, with only one cushion left to make.
2. Unless they are extremely well fitted and made out of a stiff fabric, they will rumple and wrinkle somewhat. Deal with it--that is the nature of sleepcovers--they are inherently casual. It's like wearing linen--if the wrinkles bother you, it's not the fabric for you.

3. The washability---the truth is that it is nice to be able to wash the covers. you can get rid of lots of stains, everyday debris, and pet hair. If you pick white, the ability to bleach does make it fairly practical. That said, there might be stains that cannot be removed. Slipcovers make it easier to get out stains--but it's not foolproof. On a previous sofa, a guest fell asleep with make up on and left a mascara stain that managed to persevere through numerous bleachings. Like all stain, regular maintenance and quick action make the difference. In other words, if you see the red wine spill and can immediately strip the slip and tend to the stain--you'll probably get it out. If you find it the next day, probably not.

All in all, slipcovers are a good option for kids and pets, especially if you want light-coloured upholstery. But most importantly, it's a look I love and a great way to prolong the life of a piece of upholstered furniture that's seen better days.