Easy Patio Chair Cushion Recover. DIY

So, as I cleaned up the deck, the one day the weather was nice, I noticed the chair cushions were nasty...nasty ....nasty...

The female that I am headed to the Home Depot to get new ones.

They were anywhere from $18.00- 32.00 each!!!!

Holy Heck.

So just like I did when I covered the swing chair cover, I decided to cover these old things, again.  This is the 3rd time I have recovered.

I wanted to do an easy tutorial because , even though I sew and read and follow a ton of tutorials, sometimes even the most "simple" ones are not so simple.

I guarantee if you can cut a shape (no pattern needed), sew a line with a sewing machine...you can do this one

junk you need:

2 yard+ fabric.  

I needed 2 yards of large bolt upholstery fabric

 and this was actually weather resistant.

I purchased it from Hancock Fabrics, on sale, in the crap section, for 9$ a yard.

Thread

Sewing machine

Scissors 

pins? 

OOOH yucky 

 Step 1: lay out your fabric (doubled) and figure out how those cushions will fit so that the shape can be cut.  

 Step 2: Cut out leaving about 3/4" or so all the way around.  no need to be perfect.  just cut out the shape, like kindergarten.  Remember, the fabric is doubled so when you cut you are cutting out 2 at one time.

Step 3: Probably cut out all at once, but I cut out one pillow at a time, because I like instant satisfaction and I want to see what it will look like.  

Once cut, put RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER.  You can pin at this point almost all the way around , but leave one side open so that you can get that ugly cushion inside it.  

Step 4: I start my sewing, with right sides together, about 3 inches up and head south, turn and go all the way around then stop about 3 inches into the las side.  that way it leaves the opening for the cushion cramming.

Remember! right sides together... and I sew about a 3/4 seam, but we aren't picky.  Just sew! we don't want difficult.

Step 5: put the ugly cushion in the new cover.  

Oh my, that is a lot of pattern going on there.  Sorry, its the ironing board cover clashing with the cushion cover.   

 Step 6: OK...the hardest part.  Now that the cushion is safe inside take the opening and iron the area where you are going to sew it closed into about a 3/4 fold.  it will match with what is all ready sewn. 

This just makes it easier to sew it closed in a few.  If you are super crafty feel free to put a zipper in, but if you know how to put a zipper win, you won't be reading this simple tutorial. 

Open....

 Step 7: This is where I pin the opening closed.  see?

Closed

 Step 8: Now take it back to your sewing machind and sew it on the outside at about a 1/4 inch topstitch.  I just line the outside of my presser foot with the fabric and sew that hole closed.

Don't worry if its a little wonky, your rear end is going to be sitting on this. If one of your friends looks that closely, they need to be scolded.

Step 9:  Pat self on back and go buy a 20$ bottle of wine because you will still be ahead on cash flow after the wine!

good job!

I'll take final pictures when the snow melts from my patio chairs.

Write you later,

m

feel free to share.

Quick Fix Candlestix :Urban Outfitters Faux

Oh what a can of Spray Paint can do!.

I've had these things since we moved in 5 years ago.

they have potential but are just too Ugly

 Ugly, not even anything close to cool, except for their actual "make-up"

Washed, sat out to dry, then went to work....

Poof...Purple Spray Paint in a nice flat color 

So easy and so rewarding.  

Now just like Urban Outfitters minus the 75$

They match my Shag print perfectly, now to do the frames I have been stockpiling.

 On a side note:

I forgot to post this from Halloween, Synda and me, assuming the position on Halloween; beer, masks, scary noise, and candy.

constructive behavior

I took my lunch break and used the time to cut out a dress for Olive using McCalls Pattern M5796...I hope she loves it. I'm sure she will, the girl LOVES dresses.
I need to whip up some bloomers and buy leggings for the school year, because modest she is not and I don't think all the other little kids in her class really want to look at her Hello Kitty Panties.
I love to sew...I just hate the long process of it and I hate that I never get it right on the first round. you know?

The carpet cleaners come tonight (thank god), so we are eating veggie burgers outside, then I can sew in the sewing room.

If anyone knows of a good look for curtains I need it. I bought some fabric to curtain up my windows (yes, I just used curtain as a verb) if the craft room.
I was looking at the new BH&G and they had a little spread on the color coral.
I never liked coral, but then again, i guess I do like coral because it revved my engines. I knew Bobby wouldn't go for a room of coral so I picked my craft room aka the laundry room.

I can't wait.
but I have to, because I am a slow mover...
and occasional shaker.

crafty...semi crafty

Last night I went home and decided to sew. I attempted to make some Oilcloth lunch sacks and totally screwed them up. I need to go back and get more fabric today so I can try it again. They are cute. I just didn't measure well. (because, people like me have no time for measuring) I'll post the pictures when I'm done...I'm not putting a bunch of effort into them since they are for the kids and possibly a gift or 2.



the problem is the cloth I'm using from Hancocks has fuzzy on the inside, but I don't want to line it. (Lazy)I don't know...Maybe I SHOULD line it. Any suggestions?

Friday we are picking up my Hutch so that I can start making my craft room better. Well, If you have any suggestions on the little bags let me know. I'll post MY pictures of MY bags tonight.

Mod Baby Burp Cloth Tutorial

I'm one of those people who love to make things for people (when I have time.) You see I'd much rather give a gift from the heart than a gift from Walmart, so I started making these little Mod Burp Cloths for an easy baby shower gift.


what ya need for the project:
6 (comes in a package) prefolded birdseye diaper cloths
1/2 yard ( yard total) of 2 types of 100% cotton fabric (something easy to clean...washable)
thread
sewing machine
iron
***these would look great with How about Orange's new fabric***
a couple of podcasts and a beer if you like
This can all be done in about an hour and a half.


1. I like to wash everything first, so that it is clean and ready for the baby.
Plus the 100% cotton diapers shrink quite a bit.


2. After washing, iron the heck out of the fabric. It makes it so much easier to work with.



3. I started with a template of 4 1/2" by 20" because that is how big the center stripe of the diaper is...but after washing, the diaper shrunk about an inch...but this project is so forgiving you can fix it as you go. I like easy...so, we will adjust as we iron it and then sew it to the diaper. (remember, this is for a burp cloth, not for the Martha Stewart Show)



see, it has little lines all ready in it...just make sure your fabric fits in the middle of those.


4. Cut out, using the template. You need 6 total strips of fabric. I used 3 of each kind because it looks cute when you put them together...go ahead and cut out more...because you will want to make more.

5. Next iron 1/4 seam allowance around the sides. Remember, this is forgiving...so no measuring...just fold and iron. I start with the long side, then the bottom , then the long side then you can adjust the top to fit onto the diaper.


I mitered the corner by just snipping the corner and re-ironing to make it lie flat.
This is going to fit in the very middle of the diaper, which all ready has the lines laid out for you :) (told you this was easy.)



6. Now head to the sewing machine.
I picked a color thread which matched the fabric. It shows on the opposite side so you could even do white it you wanted nice clean looking backside, but I like the look of the stitch on the underside.


As you sew, sew close to the ironed edge and as you go along try and keep it on the middle area of the diaper (pin it). long side, bottom, long side then you can adjust as you go if you need to. You will be fine...burp cloth...nothing fancy .



7. cut thread..look and smile...now fold it into thirds and iron it nice and pretty.

5 more to go, a little ribbon and you are the star of the party ( I think anyways)

have fun, I love this project and after all the gifts are opened and in the nursery... you will be remembered every time there is a burp involved.

write ya later
m