I finally bought some beautiful fabric to recover the chairs (Stamped from Kokka) and with the help of my visiting mother-in-law, my husband, and my older two daughters, we got all six chairs covered. And I LOVED them - yes LOVED them --- until it was time for us to sit down to dinner. What was I thinking using light colors for these chairs - and linen?!?!?! I immediately covered all the chairs with dishtowels before we ate but needed to find a more permanent solution and re-covering was not an option.
The next morning with everyone back to work and school and my littlest in for her nap, I started pulling all the dark fabrics from my stash (and scrap pile) and assembly-style, made four patchwork chair covers - that is four removable, washable covers! I basically made four mini quilts and then hand-sewed fabric straps on the back to attach them to the chairs (and yes, I plan on making 2 more - after working on these for the week, I needed to switch projects for a while.)
So, yes, I know I am totally ridiculous but what can I say?!?!? Oh, and I used this opportunity to practice some new FMQ techniques (well, after I did the straight line quilting on the quilt in the above photo!) They actually didn't take too long to make since I strip pieced - I didn't take any photos of the process but I will when I make the last two cushion covers and then I'll share how I made them.
Linking to Finish It Friday and Really Random Thursday.
Haha, brilliant! Do you know what? As much as I love the Stamped fabric, I think I like the patchwork covers more! These are so cute - I'm looking forward to seeing how you made them.
ReplyDeleteI like both so much! It's really smart to make the removable ones, dining chairs get dirty so quickly!
ReplyDeleteI am not sure which I like better! I love that your patchwork covers are removable so you can go dressy if you're feeding grownups. I might have let my husband talk me into upholstered chairs if I'd thought there was an opportunity for patchwork. :)
ReplyDeleteThose are so cute, Beth. What a great idea!
ReplyDelete:) Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation
Ooh, then you can make different covers for different seasons...smart idea with the piecework to camoflauge any stains.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that just an awesome idea! I would feel the same way about the other chairs as well. You should see how my 2 year old eats!
ReplyDeleteGenius! Haha - we ALWAYS put a towel down for my son when we eat at the outside table with the nice cushions (the inside ones are just wood). This is a fabulous solution and very easy on the eyes too, much better than a having to put down a towel!
ReplyDeleteYour chairs must be the smartest around now Beth :)
ReplyDeleteI think these are perfect! And add an awesome punch of color!
ReplyDeleteI like both versions - and great idea to make them removable for washing.
ReplyDeleteBoth versions are stunning especially with that beautiful dark wood!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant idea! I've been thinking about making new cushions for my dinning chairs. I like both versions, but I love the idea of removable covers.
ReplyDeleteThose are so cute! I really wish I had upholstered chairs just so I could make some covers :)
ReplyDeleteWe use something similar to these with more batting on our wooden chairs for decoration and to have more cushy seats.
DeleteThis will work perfect for you. When you have guests and want to be fancy, you just take off your patchwork.
ReplyDeleteVery cute!
ReplyDeletefantastic idea, Beth. Your double covered chairs look gorgeous both ways. I have the same dilemma with our dining room chairs, but I just keep threatening my kids not to stain them. I like your solution better :)
ReplyDeleteHilarious, love that you covered them twice, you crazy woman! Both look absolutely gorgeous, well done! :o)
ReplyDeleteBoth facelifts look great but I really love the scrappy ones and it's a great idea to make them removable :)
ReplyDeleteBrilliant covers, amazing!
ReplyDeleteNow I want to copy them, but bigger, for a quilt :)
Ahhh, I love them! So cheery! I would love to see how you made them. I love my chairs (they look a lot like yours), but I'm pretty over the tan fabric on the cushions.
ReplyDeleteLovely, really lovely. I have just bought a pale map fabric chair cushion for my littlest boy, who is 5, and after I brought it home I realised that anything pale wasn't a good choice! Maybe I need to do a little sewing...
ReplyDeleteI love both sets!
ReplyDeleteI love both of them! I can see what you mean about using light colors though, I have decided not to make something like this until my kids can actually move food from their plate to their face without spilling half of it :) I am looking forward to your tutorial!
ReplyDeleteCan you Scotchguard the light ones? I love the patchwork ones.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely not ridiculous - I think it's a great idea! You can use the lighter coloured ones when you're entertaining, and the patchwork ones when the kids are about! ;)
ReplyDeleteI really need to do something about covering my chairs. I even have a staple gun so don't know what I'm waiting on!
I think it's a great idea too! I love the bright cheery feeling of the patchwork covers but how wonderful it would be to have an adult dinner with the triangle fabric.
ReplyDeleteVery clever momma!! I like the patchwork. You will have happy cheeks when sitting down for dinner - or anything else you sit there for!!
ReplyDeleteGenius, Beth! They look beautiful too!
ReplyDeleteLooks good Beth! You should have stuck with the original plan of consulting with me first. ;)
ReplyDeleteYour new chair seat covers are beautiful. The washable patchwork covers are a great idea. Thank you for the inspiration ... :) Pat
ReplyDeleteI love this! I need to do something similar for my mom's dining room chairs. Looking forward to the 'how-to' post.
ReplyDeleteThese are so cute, well, both of them! I had a friend recently recover her chairs using laminated cotton and that totally seems like the way to go. Cute, stain resistant and wipeable. I also recently covered my chairs and didn't think and after only about two years they are NASTY!
ReplyDeleteThese are great cushions!! I can see why you made them;)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea, and super cute!
ReplyDeleteI like Pomegranate Quilt's idea of copying, but larger. These are awesome!
ReplyDeleteThe stamped fabric is gorgeous though - go Japanese and make people eat on the floor looking at yur amazing chairs ;)
ReplyDeleteFun! We grew up on the theme of wooden chairs, tie cushions for the chairs and "don't you spill anything on the nice/special occasion/company apholstered chairs!" Part of the charm of childhood :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic idea, they look gorgeous! Beautiful and practical too!
ReplyDelete