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| Image: Serena & Lily, Hero bed with Wyeth duvet |
Blogger friend Carol Beck and I took a ride up to Zimman's Fabrics in Lynn last weekend. She's working on a new project that I'll tell you more about later and I wanted to find some fabric to make the "suit" to slipcover my bed. I've heard people rave about Zimman's for years and it didn't disappoint.
There were plenty of really gorgeous fabrics that would have fit the bill--in fact, a little overwhelming--but unsure I'm going to be able to pull this off, I was a little hesitant to spend the $40 to $80 a yard.
I did a little searching on ebay and found this herringbone plaid for only $8 a yard and there's a few extra yards that I can remake something if I mess it up.
Here it is draped over the headboard next to the new drapes and a white
pillow cover just for reference.
I think it will be perfect.
So I'm disassembling the old cover so I can cut similar pieces
that I'll pin together on the piece before sewing it.
It's this end piece that has a slight curve to it that will be the biggest challenge I think.
If I sew this label in to my piece, will it give it more credibility?
I had hoped to have this done by Thanksgiving but a terrible ear infection has left
me feeling like I should be kicking back a little bit.
I should be on the mend soon.
That is going to look amazing! LOL, I think you should sew the 'made in France' label in...tres chic.
ReplyDeleteHope you feel better soon.
Hope you are feeling better soon.
ReplyDeleteI have wanted to do a haberdashery inspired room for years. I think the fabrics are familiar and cozy, which is always my aim in a bedroom. Can't wait to see your result. I don't blame you for passing on the $$$$ fabric.
Bed clothes...so Dickensian.
ReplyDeleteLove the plaid "suit weight" fabric...wool? I think you will do a smashing job whipping it up!
I do.
I think you should sew a Made in Boston label in it.
Hope you feel better soon. Love the fabric you've chosen - smiled when I read the comment about the tag! Happy Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteSteve, Ear infections can be such a nuisance. I do hope you feel better soon. I have truly been channeling you this weekend as I have been reassembling my family room. If only Boston and Little Rock were closer you could find the perfect accessory needed....sigh. Have a wonderful week.
ReplyDeleteOooooh, that does look nice.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it will look fabulous, everything in your home always does.
I plan on "someday" covering the upholstered bench and also the chair in my bedroom but I'm scared. I'd like to do it in that Sunbrella fabric so that the dogs can't easily ruin it. (or white duckcloth so I can bleach it!) so I will look forward to reading about your sewing adventure.
(I like those layered paintings in the first photo and of course ADORE the French Bulldog! I'll have to check out Serena & Lily!)
Hope you feel better soon!
:) - Cindi
I've always wanted to go to Zimmans, it just seems so far from the Woo...
ReplyDeleteAnd I've had the idea of wool flannel or plaid drapes in the back of my mind for a couple years now...but needing 20 yards puts me off. I need a thrifty option LOL!
I hope you feel better soon!
ReplyDeleteI love that plaid. You're right...it will be perfect! Hope you feel better.
ReplyDeleteOh I wish I could send you some hot soup and a couple of extra kittens to help you feel better.
ReplyDeleteIs there anything you can't do?
Can you sing?
xo Jane
You timing is impeccable for this post...my chair slipcovers are due to arrive tomorrow--and the fabric I chose is a wool and cashmere suit like fabric. I love your glen plaid. It will look great for a headboard. You have plenty of "cred" on your own, what with a book and a magazine feature. I finally got a copy last week. The only change I would have made....your dining room on the magazines cover...I'm just sayin.
ReplyDeleteGeez, sounds like we all have ear infections. I had one and talked to about 3 other people lately who've had them!
ReplyDeleteYou are a braver soul than I taking that headboard cover apart. I love your choice of fabric. Wonderful choice and I cannot wait to see the room. You always have such original ideas.
You must come by and check out my latest blog post - a store that will make everyone want to come shop in Calgary (although it will likely close in a year since no one with any money here has any taste, and I certainly can't afford to shop there).
Regarding the tag, yes, Made in Boston doesn't have quite the same ring to it...now Handmade in Cambridge has a posher ring to it.
Sorry to read that you are not feeling well Steve-do you take vitamin D? Everyone above the Mason-Dixon needs it all the time, and especially in winter. We also stir fry garlic gloves in a bit of oil, then use it as a spread on toast-not recommended for work/close situations, LOL, but hey-it helps.
ReplyDeleteThe fabric is indeed perfect, as are the drapes.
Are they a suede type of fabric?
That modern artwork you showed us all a while ago will be stunning in that room!
First of all ear infection? OUCH! I haven't had one of those since I was a kid and they were terrible. I hope you're on the mend quickly
ReplyDeleteSteve you're a man of many talents and I think it's great you can sew. I've taught my husband but he only really likes to go fast on straight edges on the machines. I can't wait to see your finished product!
Enjoy your Thanksgiving and feel better!
XXX
Debra~
I'm so sorry that you've been sick! I've been down here in North Carolina scouting some fabric. You would think, with all the furniture manufacturers around here, that there would be some fantastic places for remnants. Hmph. Yet to find one. Maybe one of your readers has a special haunt? When I opened this post and saw the bed fabric next to the gray drapes, I first thought it was your room and gasped at your success :) I'm sure yours will end up as lovely. Let me know when you are ready for another trip -- I'm always game.
ReplyDeleteIve always wanted to try making a slip cover...cant wait to find out how it went. If its not to hard I just might try it. Hope you feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteIm dying to see how this turns out. I love the suiting idea. And Im terribly sorry about your ear infection. I keep getting them year after year, too, and I always thought you were supposed to out-grow them? At any rate - rest up - those things can be WICKED. HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU!
ReplyDeleteHope you feel better. I love the fabric you have chosen. Have a great Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteI love that fabric, Steve....great find! Will you be doing a welt or cording? I always have such a hard time sewing that. Feel better soon. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Loi
Dear Steve - I hope you are fully recovered by the time you read this.
ReplyDeleteMy suggestion is to name your sewing room "France," and then sew the label in!
I love your herringbone tweed! (I'm English, so I can't say "plaid" - just can't say it). Your headboard cover will be beautiful, but here's a tip: if you are slightly disappointed when you first sew it it is probably because it isn't tight enough. Pin it 1/2" tighter and if it improves miraculously, take one end apart and cut the centre section only, then sew it together again.
ReplyDeleteHeavens I sound like your granny!
Hi Steve
ReplyDeleteLove the plaid! I think you'll whip it together in no time at all...it should be pretty easy to match the pattern somewhat at the front seam too..are your panels linen? I think they're wonderful...especially for winter in New England...what are you using for blinds/shades?...can't wait to see the big reveal...hope you feel better soon :)
am
I admire your courage and sense of adventure! Your slipcover is going to be very stylish!!!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
John
LUV your bed "suit cover" - it will look smashing! My great grandmother, neighbors, etc (30'40's) used to cut apart their "men folk" (Sunday) suits and make tied quilts. I use mine to cover an easy chair cushion.
ReplyDeletethis is gonna look good steve. and that's pretty cool that you are gonna sew it yourself!
ReplyDeletefyi - this post did not come up in my reader. dammit.
I often have wonky ears. If you put a wet washcloth in a ziploc baggie, zap it very briefly in the microwave, wrap it in a cotton hanky and place it against your poor ears, it feels really nice. I hope you feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteTHe herringbone looks great on the headboard. Good for you for tackling such a project.
ReplyDeleteSorry about your ear infection--they can be brutal. Hope you are feeling better.
i am so in awe of this project steve. my personal design aesthetic leans towards masculine and this will be smashing! love the mix.
ReplyDeletetake care of yourself!
debra
Feel better soon! Meanwhile, that plaid is wonderful. It's going to be gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI don't sew. Not even buttons. So to take on a project using material that demands your attention both vertically and horizontally is way beyond my imagination. You're my hero! And don't push yourself if not feeling strong. That's why there are early sunsets.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're feeling better! I love your ideas for the bedroom. I'd put that made in France label on it quick smart.
ReplyDeletelooking forward to seeing it! hope you feel better soon.
ReplyDeletejess
Steve,
ReplyDeleteI found myself at the NY showroom for School House Electric yesterday and your project reminds me of everything in their store. Gorgeous menswear fabrics mixed with buttons and patterns...Hope you are all better!
annie
I adore that menswear look and feel. now feel better. wishing you good health for the holidays. your friend, donna
ReplyDeleteThe first photo is killing me with goodness!
ReplyDeleteYour bedroom is going to look fab, cannot wait to see the finished project. Hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving and the ear infection is gone!! xo
Haha--love the tag! Wish I could sew....and I hope your ear is feeling better soon! Ear infections are the worst--blah!
ReplyDeleteThis is going to look fantastic, can't wait to see the final results! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving and are feeling better!
ReplyDeleteSounds great! The curved edge isn't difficult. For smaller pieces like this...it's almost easier to trace your pieces ( still intact) on brown craft paper. Or do it like you would a slipcover and just drape, pin and sew. Have FUN!
ReplyDelete**Tami
Have you ever made a trip to Lorraine Fabrics in Pawtucket RI? The entire second floor is $1.99/yd. I got a great ikat for living room drapes there.
ReplyDeleteMan...we have a pretty awesome fabric place here in Atlanta that carries all of that suit fabric. It is not a home dec store but a fabric place for apparel fabric. You can get some dane good bargains in there. I love what you got and like you said for 8.00 @ yard....if you mess up who cares :)
ReplyDelete