Saturday, August 4

Saturday Sewing 101.



I had a fun sewing session at my friend Leigh's today. I was the inexperienced novice, and she was the educating task master - she made me make a zipper! I've never done a zipper! I'm so glad she challenged me, because now people, I have actually sewed my first zippered cushion for my new Ikea Skruvsta desk chair. I wanted to funk it up a bit and add some color with one of my new Amy Butler Nigella fabrics, Water Lotus, and I think I accomplished just that. I am obnoxiously proud!! It came out very nicely for a first effort, AND...the best part? The pattern we made from the existing chair cover, almost perfectly fits the new Tulip Chairs! So, with some minor adjustments (it sticks out just a tad far in front), I no longer need the upholsterer I thought I'd need to seek out, and can make my own darn cushions! Attempting to be a domestic goddess is so much fun! Thanks for all the help, Leigh!





17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Right on, Victoria. A zipper. So brave; I have yet to attempt that. I love the cushion covers and the gorgeous Nigella fabric. How do you like the Skruvsta? Is it comfy?I was looking at it the other day and am considering it for a desk chair. It has such great lines, but maybe it's too big. Dunno.

And oh my, is Leigh's work beautiful. Does she sell orginals or prints?

sfgirlbybay said...

grazie, alicia! i do like the Skruvsta - i didn't go to ikea looking for it, but the comfort was a major selling point. and, i think it would be fairly easy to make a slip cover for the who thing - somewhat like these chairs. maybe not quilted, since i just got started with the zipper!

Making it Lovely said...

Nice! I'm so intimidated by sewing, and so impressed by your good results!

sfgirlbybay said...

me too nicole - terrified! but it's very logical once leigh showed me the way.

kim. said...

WOW!! I adore that fabric and your covers look fantastic! I don't know how to sew, so I am totally jealous.

sfgirlbybay said...

me neither, kim! leigh recommended the Vogue Sewing book.

ChiGirl said...

That looks great! I can't believe that's your first attempt at sewing it looks amazing. I was wondering what you'd do with those chairs, and think that fabric is so beautiful. Nice choice.

Suzi said...

FANTASTIC! The chair looks beautiful and your pride is totally justified. I am in the fortunate position of having moved to beautiful San Francisco just 3 months ago, so my apartment is delightfully under furnished and un-decorated. I can't tell you how great your blog is for decorating and design inspiration. Thanks!
Suzi

design*sponge said...

i can't get over how different everything looks from when we stayed there only a month or so ago! it all looks fabulous, victoria- i lvoe the new chair cushion :)

grace

72 and sunny said...

those look great. good job! zippers are so hard!

Anonymous said...

What a grest idea, my husband has these chairs in his office, I think I have to take your idea & make slips for the cushions. Thanks, and by the way, the photos at Moma were great even my teenagers were impressed.

sfgirlbybay said...

thanks you guys! i am so happy yo have learned the zipper thing - it's so liberating! :)

grace - next time y'all come back, it will hopefully still look like this - i'm happy with it (for the moment). and coop send his love.

and robyn - you gotta steal those chairs right out of your husband's office and bring 'em on home!

Bhavna Bhatnagar said...

Its awesome to be able to do these things yourself!! I don't know how to sew, and this sure is an inspiration to start learning!

marbargarbo said...

That's so fun you learned to sew. :) I learned the other day too. Isn't it easier than you thought? It all seemed like a mystery before, for some reason. For me it was a bit addictive, I couldn't leave my machine alone for awhile afterwards, I just had all sorts of ideas I wanted to realize. :) Best of luck with your future projects!

Anonymous said...

fabulous! i have to learn zippers!

Jillian Frances said...

Delurking to say...I totally love the combination of the chair and print. I think that Amy really outdid herself with this latest line, but I particularly love the pattern and colorway that you chose. I am a novice sewer myself, and this project is terrific inspiration. Thank you for sharing as always.

Jill

Anonymous said...

lovely! did you paint the bottom or is it just the lighting? on the ikea site the legs look chrome. also, is the white chair a faux leather or fabric? I love the idea of a white chair but if it's fabric and my two black cats get anywhere near it...well, that would be bad. If they're vinyl then that would be perfect!