Put Your Feet Up #2 - Custom Ottoman Slipcover

Ta Da!

Goal: Custom-fitted slipcover for a 62" wide octagonal ottoman on wooden legs.

Original condition: The original top was constructed in eight wedges and tufted in the middle with a self-fabric covered button. The wooden skirt mounted below the upholstery ends in four tapered legs connected underneath by an x-stretcher.

Fabric: Three yards of lime green vinyl "leather" (100% PVC Face/100% polyester) for $3 per yard, originally priced as $29.99 per yard. (Purchased at the same time as four yards of green, brown, teal and orange Ikat print* heavy upholstery for $2.70 per yard, orig. $9) from Hancock Fabrics during their liquidation sale.

Construction: The fabric was just wide enough to cover the ottoman with a few inches of overhang. I arranged it over the ottoman so that the two selvage edges hung down equal.

Turning the fabric inside out, at each point of the octagon I pinned the fabric into a dart, creating a snug fit. I basted the darts and retried the slipcover. I re-pinned some of the darts till I liked the fit and then trimmed the length, trying to cut it all even to the shortest hanging section.

Because I did not want to apply actual heat to the fabric I held steam above the vinyl, making sure not to get too close and then pressed the seams allowances to the side using my quilting ruler. I really must buy a clapper soon!

After I placed the darted cover on the ottoman I realized that even though the darts fit snugly, the edges were not as snug as i wanted and were slightly sticking out from the sides. I needed a way to cinch in the cover and realized a simple horizontal band like the one on the tapestry version would not work in this more stretchy vinyl.

Using the selvage from the remainder fabric I cut lengths of 3 inches deep using my quilting ruler and rotary cutter and cutting enough fabric to go around the sides. I measured the circumference of the ottoman and seamed the sections together to fit that measurement exactly.

I now needed a way to cinch in the cover and realized a simple horizontal band like the one on the tapestry version would not work in this more stretchy vinyl. So I had to think of a way using elastic that would work.

My elastic sample

I used another piece of the fabric and created a channel that would just fit 1-inch wide elastic. I found it would be the best choice visually.

I also wanted a way to attach the band to the base cover and allow me to add the elastic in a way I could then hand sew the opening closed easily. I decided to create an opening in one of the seams that would allow me to pull the elastic through and then out of the "keyhole".

 There is a keyhole opening near the top of this topstitched seam.

I connected the strips of vinyl into a loop that matched the circumference of the ottoman and attached one side of it to the base cover.

Then I thought to make it easier, I could stitch one end of the elastic into the seam so I could place the elastic into the seam before I finished sewing the band to the cover. This way I wouldn't have to thread the elastic through the channel at all.

Folding the other side of the band up, enclosing the elastic.

I then stitched the other side of the band to the base and started to gather the band by pulling on the unattached end of the elastic.
 

Band attached: inside.

Band attached: outside.

As I pulled the elastic more and more, I started to get disillusioned as the bunchy mess I was looking at was not going to work and looked atrocious. But I kept pulling and pushing the gathers along, bit by bit, until the covered band started to naturally pull and curve under the wooden apron lip. Basically it's like a mushroom cap and I'm pretty proud of how the finished product looks.

 

*Note: I couldn't get the colors to come out accurate on these photos. But the fabric is amazing and coordinates with the existing sofa, loveseat, and throw pillows even though I chose the fabric purely from instinct and memory. Hurrah!

Put Your Feet Up #1 - Custom Ottoman Slipcover

Goal: Custom-fitted slipcover for a 62" across octagonal ottoman.

Original condition: The original upholstery is constructed in eight wedges and tufted in the middle with a self-fabric covered button. A wooden skirt mounted below the upholstery ends in four tapered legs connected underneath by an x-stretcher.

Fabric: Four yards of green, brown, teal and orange Ikat print* heavy upholstery for $2.70 per yard, originally $9 per yard (Bought along with three yards of lime green "leather" (100% PVC Face/ 100% Polyester) for $3 per yard, orig. $29.99 per yard) from Hancock Fabrics during their liquidation sale.

Construction: The fabric was just wide enough to cover the ottoman with a few inches of overhang. I arranged it over the ottoman so that the two selvage edges hung down equal. 

Turning the fabric inside out, at each point of the octagon I pinned the fabric into a dart, creating a snug fit. I basted the darts and retried the slipcover. Re-pinning some of the darts till I liked the fit I then trimmed the length around as even to its shortest side as I could.

Because of the thickness of the fabric I catch-stitched the darts down, making sure they all faced the same direction. Amazingly, the fabric print is such that the stitches seemed to disappear.

Can you see the catch stitches? No?

I pressed the darts from the wrong side with a little steam and used my temporary "clapper" (my quilting ruler) to press down and distribute the heat throughout the dart until it cooled. As you can see the dart is now as flat as possible.

Now?

Starting from the selvage on the remainder fabric I cut lengths of 7 inches deep believing this to be a good length for the cover. I used my quilting ruler and rotary cutter, cutting enough fabric to go around the sides. I pinned the fabric on and took a few days to debate what would be the best length. Floor is out of the question as there is a small ledge underneath that we keep magazines on that needs to be reachable. So the choices were halfway down the legs or tucked up to the length of the wooden apron.

 

Oh, look what I found after I was completely done...

*Note: I couldn't get the colors to come out accurate on these photos. But the fabric is amazing and matches the existing sofa, loveseat, and throw pillows exactly even though I chose the fabric purely from instinct and memory. Hurrah!

I'll Miss Having A Choice, Hancock Fabrics!

A few week ago, I visited another retailer going out of business, Hancock Fabrics. I'll truly miss this store. Though fairly similar to Jo-Ann Fabrics the quality and variety of their fabrics had been steadily improving and I found myself finding more interesting options there as Jo-Ann became more and more focused on their Prom/Cosplay and craft supply departments. Also most of the good Jo-Ann fabric, like the recent Nicole Miller collection, doesn't seem to make it to my local stores and is only available on the website.

However, Hancock's sale came at a great time for me because I'd been tasked by my Dad to cover our "coffee table," actually an unusually large hexagonal ottoman with a radius of 62 inches. It is currently covered in a scorched coppery brown vinyl. The goal was to construct a removable fitted cover and the sales were so good on upholstery and drapery fabric that I bought enough for two covers plus some extra for coordinating couch pillows. The first cover will be in a chartreuse green vinyl, originally priced at $29.99 per yard which at 90% off became $3; therefore, I bought three yards for only $9! The fabric for the second cover is a gorgeous muted green textile that was 70% off of $9.00. So for only $2.70 per yard I bought four yards of fabric for a total of only $11!

In addition, as a bonus, my Dad let me throw in a bolt of winter white ponteroma knit also severely discounted at 80% off. I got a bolt with 3 3/4 yards remaining on it for $3 a yard and I am envisioning some white tops for the fall. I don't have enough white tops to coordinate with my skirts and pants especially since some colors didn't quite work with the mass of striped knits that I made. I just wish I'd made to the store a week or so earlier to pick up some black or brown ponte but I'm sure those were the first to go. Half the store's fixtures were empty and for sale!

While there I also scooped up some patterns, now that they were finally on sale too. I picked up McCall's 7381, New Look 6244, Butterick 6221, Butterick 6178, and Butterick 6031. Amazingly, Butterick 6360 was also included. This is the first swimsuit pattern I have ever bought! Who knows when it will be made though because I have no need of one at the moment. But I couldn't pass it up (just a $1!) because it's similar to the Closet Case Bombshell and I feel more comfortable with Big 4 instructions.

Streamlining The Slipcover

"In a mad fit, I wrenched the slipcover inside out and cut into it with a vengeance!"

The right side and the extra fabric supplied for fitting purposes.



Can you believe all of this was to be tucked in underneath the cushions?



After the extra has been trimmed off and pinned.



The left side surplus fabric.



All of the fabric now lying across the seat was also supposed to be tucked up under the cushions, but that was far too much fabric. I slit the slipcover two inches away from the elasticized portion that actually encases the cushions. Now the cushions will sit on top of the seat and the elasticized part will be brought up and over them. After this, the back portion should not ride up whenever the cushions move.

Well, at least that's the goal.



Because the surplus "tuck-in" fabric is gone, this is how the back should look like from now on. Before the fabric would come up from under the cushions and pool over onto the floor. What a mess!

Next step: Hand basting the slipcover.

Slipcover Finale!

Here is a corner of the slipcover after it was basted and turned right side out.

I am happy.


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This is how it works. Cushions are placed on top of the fabric that used to be tucked behind it.




The elasticized fabric portion is pulled up, over, and around the cushions.



Minimal tucking is required for it to look like this now.

Note: Even though it looks separate the slip cover is still one big piece, all sections are still attached to each other.



Bolster pillows are now in place, adding style and color.



 
The love seat made over and my inspiration photos.

I Have A Problem With Committment...

The Facts: I had three sewing projects I needed to work on. That was the goal.


However, I recently finished the bolster pillows from last fall and wanted to photograph them on the love seat for the blog. But that would mean I had to readjust the slipcover again.





The Truth: I hate to admit it but the above refit from months ago doesn't really look like that all the time, especially not after I take a nap on it.

So, while I'm gearing up to do the 'pull this here and tuck that there' stuff I think of a new and drastic way to refit the slipcover. And before I know it out comes the scissors (!) and pins.


The Problem: I now have to finish this new thing I started before you see the bolsters from last fall on the love seat and before I finish those three sewing projects. This is why nothing gets finished in my home. Except the bolsters, see the lovely bolsters below.





Seriously, somebody help me.