Saturday, October 15, 2011

A CDLV Chair Revamp

I think we might end up having several of these "Revamp" posts on the blog in the next few days. A limited budget has me rethinking pieces we already have, and like the coffee table post from yesterday - so today lets take a look at the revamp I did on our old dining room chair:



And this is what it looked like a long time ago:

I didn't hate the old chairs, they just weren't going to work with the overall new look. So initially I had made tabbed slipcovers for the backs, and burlap covers for the seats like the ones they were selling at Aidan Gray for $1K a pop!

But it didn't quite work in the grand scheme. So, I spent some time at the sewing machine ... a lot of time ... and presto chango.

What I love most about it, is the way it works in the room overall. I got the fabric inspiration from this room by Dan Carithers:


The linen stripe fabric from Calico Corners is beautiful with the neutral tone of the linen slip on the chair, and I even used the same fabric to make this custom ottoman with a french welt.
Given that I'm not a fantastic seamster, this is quite an achievement - I'd love to hear what you think!

27 comments:

  1. Way to go!!! Iisn't that room by Carithers timeless!!!

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  2. I love your striped slipcover but the first one not so much so you were wise to change it and the ottoman is perfect!!!! But what struck me most of the room is the wood stacked in the non burning fireplace -- what a clever trick -- so much better than "lights" and so much better than candles. It's so organic and real!

    Regarding Dahlias -- aren't they bulbs and don't you plant them and then have to dig them up because they (the bulbs) aren't winter hardy?

    I may have to include them in Linderhof's garden next year (with your help!)

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  3. i think this is amazing. it took me 2 weeks to make 2 pillows and i had to wash my mouth out with soap about 40 times. i think you are a seamster!

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  4. Perfect! Love this revamp and like it better than the original chair...:-) You did exactly what was needed...
    **Tami

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  5. This looks great!!!

    Jenny
    www.simcoestreet.blogspot.com

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  6. Great job my friend! As with anything 'practise makes perfect' and you are well on your way to being a bonfide seamster. :)
    Hugs, hugs -Brenda-

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  7. I consider myself quite experienced as I have taught fashion design and textiles for many years - YOU DID A FABULOUS JOB!!! and I love the fabric!

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  8. I liked the first revamp, but it was more of a British Colonial look. The striped slipcover is much better for that room where it is staying. If you make a second slipcover I bet you will be fantastic because this first one is great!

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  9. I believe you ARE a fantastic seamster!

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  10. I love it, Artie! You're so frickin' talented!
    Barb

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  11. I really need to start sewing again! Your covers are inspirational :)

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  12. I love what you did. What an amazing transformation. You pulled it all together on a budget. Love the striped fabric with the zebra rug.

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  13. I wish SO much that I could SEW!!!! The chair and ottoman look gorgeous, perfect fit on the covers! You are amazing, Artie. XO, Pinky

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  14. I love what you've done, including the coffee table. The chairs and ottoman look great...I have a hard time believing you're not a great seamstress, your work looks perfect.
    I love Dan Carithers work!
    Karen

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  15. Could not love it more! I adore Dan Carithers, and adore your new slip. I have my grandmother's sewing machine in my attic, without a clue as to how it works. If we were neighbors, I'd be at your front door--now--hot brownies in hand, and would beg you to show me the ropes! Job well done! Amanda

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  16. The new slipcover looks fabulous, and you did a perfect job. Congratulations.
    Best...Victoria

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  17. *** WOW, the changes you have made are truly, and honestly, FABULOUS!!!!

    And to oh (!), have the TALENT/SKILL/ABILITY to sew a slip-cover???... To-die-for!!!

    Your home has changed sooooo much since our RMS days, & I like it B*E*S*T the way you've done it now~~~ Isn't it FUN to switch things around a little (or alot!) and see remarkable results?!?!?!?!

    Warmest wishes,
    Linda in AZ *
    bellesmom1234@comcast.net

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  18. That looks so much better. Very clever indeed. You inspire me! Fiona

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  19. What a transformation of the chair! I love the ottoman as well. I've been doing upholstery sporadically since the early 90's but sewing is my least favorite aspect of the business. I've got to get some slip covers made before the holidays. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  20. Artie! Wonderful work! Those slips are perfect! Such a good job on that ottoman! That Dan Carithers room is Joni's fave of all-time and I agree completely! You cannot go wrong emulating a master!

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  21. Oh wow, I'm impressed. As a seamstress, I can say you did a fabulous job! Seriously. I do like the unfussiness of the striped cover you made. It's perfect for the chair. The french welts are great on the bench too. Great job and I love love the look! xo marlis

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  22. wow. love it. love the ottoman too. keeps looking better and better. i see the old coffee table is back!
    J

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  23. The ticking looks awesome and you so deserve props on the sewing skills! P.S. I am having major zebra envy right now.
    Lori Cropp
    Fabric Buyer
    Calico Corners

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  24. You have a good eye for design to realize that this would work to update the chair. Great job. Makes me want to go to a class and get a new (working) sewing machine.

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