CUSHION SLIPCOVER

I would like you to meet my other two dogs - Jasmine and Dusky. Strider was previously introduced in an earlier post. Please note where these dogs enjoy spending all their spare time lounging.

Jasmine (isn't she pretty) is a Whippet. Dusky is only 8 pounds. He is a Toy Manchester Terrier. We don't see many of this breed in my area.

Jasmine and Dusky have always been allowed to be up on the furniture. And really, why not ..... they are very important parts of our family. And they have been taking advantage of that luxury for over a decade now.

Unfortunately, as a result of this, my lovely couch cushions are starting to look like this!


This is one of the reasons I have been so motivated to learn to sew. I could make myself slipcovers for the cushions. It would be easier to go out and buy new furniture but why??? We have always loved this furniture and it is oh, so comfy. And how about simply being conservative? Reduce, Recycle, Reuse.

This is the fabric I decided to use. The strip I already had in my fabric collection. Yes, I have a large fabric collection. I adore fabric so I think I was destined to learn to sew.

This is all the fabric together. The original green, which will still be the back and arms of the loveseat and couch plus the 2 new fabrics that will make up the seat cushion slipcovers.

This is where women create (okay, I'm really attempting to create with a lot of assistance from Ms. Brenda).

I have now been to 3 sewing classes and I have learned much. This is my invisible zipper (which I could never duplicate again on my own).

I sewed like a maniac to ensure I would finish my first cushion during my last lesson. I had the foot petal to the metal!

And this is what I accomplished! My very first cushion slipcover. And I am PROUD!!!

I think the colours blend nicely with the rest of the floral cushions.

One down and three more to go!

When you have a moment please go visit my friend Chris at Red Gate Farm (http://redgatefarmcuster.blogspot.com/2010/08/giveaway-to-celebrate-50.html) to enter a terrific giveaway!

Have a great weekend - Cheers ~ Lisa ~

SEWING CLASS

I recognize and acknowledge that Blogland is filled with many superbly-talented and gifted seamstresses. Sadly ... I am not one of them. Therefore, I signed up for sewing classes. Now ... this is not the first time in my middle-aged existence that I've attempted to learn to sew.

Here is the result of my first effort.

Hubs still wears them out of some kind of twisted, pitiful obligation because I chose to make something for him as my first ever sewing project. I even carefully selected a 'themed' fabric with him in mind (golf balls as he loves to play).

This class didn't go so well as we were confined to stay within the parameters of the course outline. We were restricted to sewing only clothing garments as opposed to home decor items ..... thus, this result! Pathetic - and whatever happened to my elasticized waist band? Eeek!

So I sorely relegated my sewing machine to the 'place under the stairs' for several years.

And then I discovered decorating blogs. I couldn't help but drool over the talents of others. I too, wanted to be able to have these glorious items for my home. So I started making purchases through Etsy.

I adored this one .....

LOVED THIS .....

Had to have these .....

You get the picture. Then there came a time when I didn't want to be limited to others' creativity. So once again, it was time. I dug out the sewing machine, wiped off the dust and took the plunge and attended my first sewing class last night. My instructor, Miss Brenda, is fantastic as are my classmates AND we're all working on different projects - whatever strikes our fancy! These ladies are so inspiring. One is actually making her sister's wedding gown!

And here is my first ever cushion cover! I ADORE the fabric!


Now some may question, is this worthy of its own sole blog post? It certainly can't compete with some of the alluring craftsmanship out there. No ruffles nor feathers or bows - no buttons or zippers to close.

And the answer is YES ..... it is worthy, as this was proudly made by me with my own two hands!

Cheers - Lisa