How To Dye Slipcovers & Fabrics The Right Way: Simple Yet Careful Steps Produce A Perfect Job
A while back, I wrote a post showing off the dying expertise of textile artist, Candy Glendening. She turned her Ektorp (IKEA) chaise from blah to beautiful by dyeing the slipcover a beautiful green with a water-colored look. I received a request from a reader asking what color she used. Turns out, it was her own special mix. I asked Candy give us her secret ingredients and instructions so we can reproduce the lovely effect. First, a note about Candy. She dyes her own fabrics (I’m truly amazed at what she can do), and uses them to create beautiful quilts, scarves, and bags – just to name a few. You can check out her shop here. Take it away Candy! Read More…
Before & After: Dying An IKEA Slipcover
Fellow blogger, Candy Glendening, sent me this photo of her chaise DIY project. Candy bought the white slipcover to go with her Ektorp chaise, then dyed it the perfect color green with a water colored mottling. Cold water dyes work best to prevent shrinking.
Here's a photo of the chaise in her family room. I love the red curtains with those dark blinds. You can read the details of her room makeover on her blog by following this link.
Do you have a DIY project you’re proud of? Send it my way. In the meantime, lets all pat Candy on the back for her project. A job well done – and brave! But then, Candy is an expert in the art of dying fabrics.
Instant Room Makeovers: 3 Ways To Do Slipcovers
We’re well into summer, but it’s never too late to bring the feel of summer into your home. Paint is one way to accomplish a new look. But you have to live with that all year round. A better way to makeover a room instantly, and one that can change with the seasons, is to throw a slipcover over the sofa and/or arm chairs. Even the dining room will brighten up with a set of relaxed slipcovers.
In a few months, when winter rears its ugly head and you’re longing for something more cozy, simply remove the slipcovers and you’ve got yet another instant room makeover. Plus, the original upholstery will seem new again after living in seclusion for several months. Here are some slipcover ideas and resources to guide you. Read More…
Spray paint for fabric
This sounds too good to be true, but from what I’ve heard, it is. Spray Paint 4 Fabric has introduced a new spray paint that works on upholstery – even car seats.
Yes, even your favorite recliner (eeeeww). If water soaks into your fabric, the paint will too. So go ahead and paint that grungy old plaid sofa bright red! The product is priced at $13 per can. They also make spray-on blood for those of you who are into the new trend, Crime Scene Decor.
Has anyone had direct experience with this product? How well does it work?
Chair of the day: Wisteria’s slip-covered armchair
At the end of a busy day (like mine was today) who doesn’t enjoy the comforting arms of a slip-covered chair? I like this one from Wisteria (starts at $399 without the ruffle).
Slip-covers are great for a variety of reasons. Here are just a few:
- A custom cover is less expensive than re-upholstery
- They cover a variety of sins like faded wood and stained fabric
- Slip-covers are an excellent way to create a seasonal look. White for summer, stripes for winter.
- To cover a chair like this (but with welting and the bottom cushion separately covered) takes about ten yards of fabric.
I’m having a chair slip-covered because I love the existing fabric, but it won’t go with the new design I have planned for our bedroom.
Have you ever thought of using slip-covers for the summer?
