{pretty} |
To explain, a before.
This is my deck furniture after I got it (for free, as I told you before, in the case of that wicker, and pretty darned cheap for the iron) but before I did something about that jungle vibe going on there. I do mightily try to work with what I have. But besides that I just don't like it, even after washing it all it still looked rather dirty. Rather. (These pictures are from when it was all fairly new. It got gross.)
So I thought and thought of how I could a) get new covers b) not work too hard because sewing giant things isn't my strong suit — there's just something about it that makes me very tired all over; and c) not spend too much, although I was willing to spend a little, considering that the furniture itself was free and all.
What I came up with was that I would replace the jungle-do and keep the brown/brown plaid, chiefly because it's a) not as offensive and b) not dirty, which I think helps me to hold on to a). The fabric (and I use the term loosely — it's really a sort of woven plastic) simply doesn't get grungy and doesn't stay wet. I don't know what it's made of but I'm loathe to replace it right now. Do you have any idea how much fabric it takes to cover furniture cushions? Way more than you think….
{happy} |
….but, apparently, not way more than I think, because after I also further determined that I only had energy and money to replace the bottoms of the wicker cushions, I ordered, after careful calculation, enough fabric to do bottoms and backs! I never said math was my strong point.
{Although I'm mad at myself for taking only one picture with the sofa looking crushed, just as if someone was sitting on it before hopping up to take a picture. It's my professionalism that drives me.}
Now, another issue is that Sunbrella really does seem to be what you want for this job. (All the fabric is from Fabric.com and I only wish they were paying me to say that. But I thought you would like to know.) But it is way expensive. And the prints tend to be very jungle-esque also. What is it with that?
So I further decided to get something neutral to go with the other stuff, especially since the fabric I found was on sale — less than 10% of what it normally costs. Can you believe it? Normally it would be over $50 a yard, and I got this for about $5. With free shipping. That's right. The frugal gods were with me.
So the fact that it might be a little austere, in that dark brown kind of way, can't stop me from trying to make it work.
The blue (which isn't Sunbrella but does seem to be weather-proof enough for pillows — it's Bryant Indoor/Outdoor in Morgan Tile Seagrass) would be what takes this all from a little dark and dismal to fun and deck-worthy. So there you have it. My whole thought-process.
{funny} |
{real} |
After years, YEARS, people! of having this furniture with its messy coverings out here, just take a wild guess as to when some varmint decided to gnaw at the fabric. Here and on the bottom cushion too. And of course it's after I made the command decision to toss the scraps, because what use could they possibly be to me? And this isn't on a seam, either. So I just turned the cushions over and hopefully no one will notice.
The varmint gods were not with me. Sigh.
And speaking of professionalism, take no note of the maple “poop” all over everything. I've kinda stopped seeing it… |
So — Whatcha think?
lena says
the blue looks great. it give's it a nice Marian quality.
Lisa G. says
Oh, good job! I'
Nadja says
I so admire your nice patio set, even with the hole! We have an antiquated set, no table, that came with the house, and we have to store the cushions when not in use so that the muddy and frequently manure-spotted dog doesn't lie all over them!
Linny says
*Sigh* I wish I had your talents. I can't sew to save my life. I mean, I really can't sew. I admire your various talents!
Mamabear, JD says
That's a big project for sure. I am working on cushions for my husband's new porch extravaganza, and I was thinking red. You totally sent me in the blue direction, I love it! I spend stupid amounts of time on Fabric.com just looking at things.
Barbara says
The cushions look lovely. Really. I could just take a nap there on your patio. (Fray check that bad boy hole and hand stitch it closed so it won't get worse.) I wonder is there some sort of nice-smelling-to-humans-but-repugnant-to-critters stuff you could spray on them. Like bug repellent but for dumb animals. He wants to make a nest, you better believe it. Love, love the bottle opener — must look for one of those.
Jamie says
Your patio furniture is lovely. You have definately improved it and misordering the fabric amount is something I would have done. However, I would have seen it as a Providential mistake and kept the scraps of that fabric. On the other hand, how many times have I regretted tossing scraps! We try not to horde or take up more space allotted (how do you spell 'regretted' and 'allotted'? Two 't'? Two 'l'?) to something because space is a premium around here. Maybe I would have tossed the scraps in one of the cushions and before I sewed it up…
Can't wait to see the lovely patchwork-mending…Your quilts are gorgeous and you could just start covering critter holes with other scraps…
It's always fun to read your posts. Your Mothering a 13-year old Boy post is still sounding in my ears. Truly excellent wisdom.
freckled hen says
It looks wonderful, or as my youngest says WahnFull. If it's not maple trees it's the neighbors cat or a nesting flock of doves. Patio furniture has a tough life!
I just watched Ina Garten make an outdoor breakfast…your patio looks perfect for that.
Hope you are well, friend!
PNG says
Love the fabric on the cushions.:) Blue always makes me happy…enjoy summer!
Melissa says
Great job Leila! It looks so nice!
I hear you about all the jungle-themed stuff for anything outdoors. I mean, really, we're how many thousands of miles from any tropical climate? I often get frustrated looking at catalogs and magazines with homes decorated in beach themes, because let's face it, a GIANT portion of the population doesn't live within 500 miles of a beach or big enough lake to call it that, so what sense would it make to decorate with a coastal theme? I mean there's always room for imagination, but my logical side says it's just wrong!
Deirdre says
Nice!!!
Bummer about the hole… what a spiteful little varmint! Can you patch it?
Kh. Patty says
Love the pillow patterns! Maybe someday I'll conquer my fear of sewing. Right now, I'm working on baking. 🙂
nt12many says
Every time I read of one of your projects Leila, I think to myself ,”Self, you must focus your energy and tackle sewing!.” When I read that something about sewing large things makes you tired all over it made me feel better because thinking about sewing makes me tired all over! I wish it didn't! Maybe it was the traumatic experience I had in 7th grade Home Ec class…who knows? I do know the cost of fabric is very intimidating because I feel like I must do a perfect job in order to justify the cost. I will, however, check out fabric.com sales!
Beautiful furniture with cushions and a very pretty patio space Leila! Good job (in spite of the squirrels contribution!). I love the bottle opener as well. My dream has always been to have an outdoor drinking fountain but since we live in the far NW of the US where summer is over in a blink, I can't justify it. Still, it would be such a conversation piece!
Jill Farris ” target=”_blank”>http://www.generationalwomanhood.wordpress.com
Mary says
Oh Leila! Those little varmints need to be taught a lesson! Hiding it works for me! I LOVE the bottle-cap opener! That will be added to our deck this weekend. Fabulous idea! Thanks once more for hosting this great little party!
Sue says
Oh my goodness! I love, love, love those colors! I can just imagine all the relaxing that will be going on out there. Too bad about the hole. I was wondering the same thing as Barbara. Maybe you could find some kind of repellent at Home Depot? Or, get your sweet doggie to stand guard?
Pippajo says
Just wanted to say that in addition to admiring the make-do patio furniture (bravo), I also enjoy that you write satisfyingly long explanations to go with your p.h.f.r photos. I always feel pressure to be not-so-wordy on Thursdays but then posts like yours remind me that I'm in good company.
P.S. I have a varmint a lot like yours, Fell Beast!
Margo says
I try to be reasonable, but I HATE varmints. They mess up my little place too.
Actually, I think your cushions/set turned out beautifully! I love the dark color – looks elegant and think how practical it will be – never show the dirt! GREAT find on the fabric – I've noticed that outdoor stuff is wicked expensive.
HollyElise says
love the new patio furniture! very elegant color choices.
and thanks for the comment on my blog, Aunty Leila – but I wasn't on vacation!
I'm blessed to actually make my home in Hawaii, on the island of Oahu 🙂
Lori says
What a beautiful space with a lovely view! And hole? Totally unnoticeable – looking instead at all that gorgeous fabric on the pillows. We are currently in the process of trying to find cushions that work with our outdoor furniture – I really appreciate the time that must have gone into recovering your cushions. 🙂
Jo C. says
I found that same blue pillow material at JoAnn's for a steal and used it to cover my hammock, Love it!!
Ann Marie says
I think you are a woman of many talents….alot more than I seem to have. (no self pity, I'm just sayin'!) And I hope you kill that eveil varmint! It looks wonderful…congrats on that amazing bargain! 🙂
JCh says
Oh Leila, I can't tell you how much I love your blog. I feel like you are a kindred spirit but one who is so much wiser than I. Where were you when I was raising my brood? i had 6 children in 11 years and my youngest is now 25. I was totally cluless about taking care of a home but I did my best and my children all turned out wonderful. I can honestly say that I am learning so much from your blog and I truly mourn that I was so cluless. All young couples should take a Leila course before they get married. My heart aches for the fact that my children are all grown and gone and I yearn for them to be back in my home. I would have run my home much better if you had been there along the way. I have told my daughters about you and sent them to you to learn the things I would have told them if I had only known.
thefisherlady says
Shoe Goo is a wonderful 'patch' friend… if you are going to just flip the cushion anyway, Shoe Goo will seal all the threads from fraying or from allowing critters to enter your hole… seals anything…
_Leila says
I mean, it's not fraying. The fabric is super sturdy, and, I would say, *inedible*.
Not that I'm bitter.