White Denim Chair Slipcover

Thought I'd share about a chair that I just finished for a client...The chair was comfortable and useful, but she had never really been happy with the color or fabric. Could I make a slipcover for it? Of course, would love to!

Before

Why the original chair didn't work for her...

too dark, hard angles, too modern, style didn't match the casual shabby cottage look in the rest of the home. This chair was usually covered by a quilt to protect it from the pets (one cat, one dog) and to camouflage the burnt orange tone that clashed with the soft whites, creams, and pinks that she favored.

Why slipcovers were a good remedy...

Slipcovers aren't necessarily the best solution for all situations. They worked here because:

she already owned the chair, she used seating often, it was right size and shape for her other living room, it needed to be cleaned easily because of pets, and it had always bothered her.

After

Light, ruffled skirt, removable for cleaning in the wash, durable denim to stand up to claws of pets, and in a fabric choice she loves!

Cost of Labor: $220

Cost of Fabric: $10/yard

Total Yards: 10

Total: $360

Can't wait for her to see it!

New this week...Linen pillow with monogram, Linen pillow with embroidery

I wanted to share with you a few new designs that I made this week for pillows. 

16 by 24 tuxedo pillow with vintage buttons

16 by 24 ruched pillow with embroidered crown and bee

20 by 20 picture frame pillow with ruffles and monogram

They are done in linen, pre-washed prior to cutting, and personalized with embroidery or vintage buttons. The cases have a zipper and are proudly wearing an authentic Cottage by Design label. They are shown with a down and feather insert. 

Now if you are new to Cottage by Design, let me give you a little filler information...I have the ability and resources (embroidery fonts, etc.) to create anything you can imagine from scratch. I carry about 30 shades of linen (currently in stock) with access to a rainbow of hues if you so desire. The majority of my work is custom ordered and made after I have a chance to consult with you personally. The typical rundown of questions I ask...

1.   Where is it going (bedroom, living room, nursery, outdoors)?

2.   Who is it for (couple, child, gift, male or female)?

3.   What is your design aesthetic (modern, feminine, clean lines, frilly, sophisticated)?

4.   How will it be used (seen but not touched, kids and a dog)?

5.   Anything else I should know (moving soon, hate/love a certain color, need it yesterday)?

From there, I can get a feel for who you are and what you are going for...So, need a room spruced up? Not sure how to pull it all together? Give me a call! Let me know how I can help.

Pale Pink Linen

My good friend Jeni asked me this morning if I wanted to go into LA to do a delivery. "Maybe we'll have time to hit the fabric district...wanna come?" Sure. Why not? I could always use more fabric. Those of you who have visited my Cottage are probably thinking to yourselves..."How in the world can she pack any more into that little studio?!?"

Well, there's always room for more breathtakingly gorgeous textiles. So off we went.

My dear readers, you may want to sit down while I tell you this... 22 yards of the most perfect shade of pink was brought home to live with me today. Not only is the color spot-on perfect, in my opinion, but it's [gasp] 100% pure linen and super heavy weight (at least 13oz.). And you know what else? I almost passed it by! It was Jeni who pointed it out to me as we were rushing out the door. Sometimes, our friends know us better than we know ourselves...



Lesson # 453
Be open to the possibilities in life. You never know when or where blessings will reveal. Whether it be true friendship, or, heavenly pink linen!

Rainy Days

Perfect weather to sit inside with slippers on and coffee in hand. It's been raining here in southern CA. Barely ever happens... I didn't want to make the long commute (really only 50 feet) to the cottage to sew, so, I've been cozy at the computer.



I've been dabbling in Microsoft Frontpage, trying to figure out how to build a website, for a few years now. My attempts have been in vain, never making it very far before I throw up my hands in frustration and walk away in a huff.

Cue angels singing and clouds parting.

Let the rejoicing begin! Armed (again) with google, I found a website that is teaching me how to use Frontpage! Simple, to the point, LUV IT! I had NO idea how off I was. Stay tuned you guys. Will let you know when I have something updated for the website.

I love the internet :)

French Market Tote

We all have to shop for groceries, right? And we should all reduce our carbon footprint. So why not do it in style with these adorable tote bags?

They are roomy, cute, and durable. Do your part and "go green" with these reusable French Market Totes.

Only $40

Pushing through the "next phase"

So, for the longest time if been thinking about taking the leap into technology. You know...all things etsy, twittering, facebook and being more committed to blogging. I was talking about it with a close friend who suggested that I hire someone to help me get it going. So I'm dusting off the laptop and my digital camera. Gonna prove that I'm not too old, too set in my ways, or too easily distracted.

So what if I make mistakes!

This is me being committed to putting in the time!!





Wish me luck.

I'm famous!

Not really... : )

But I did get a "shout out" in the Orange County Register this weekend!


Jennifer Palmquist's gorgeous home was featured in the Saturday Home and Garden section. She was kind enough (thanks Jen!) to mention Cottage by Design in Fullerton as her "go to source for slipcovers." How exciting! Hope you get a chance to check out the article and the yummy pictures seen here. Be sure to click on the more pictures link too!

Send me an email if you have any questions about get slipcovers made for your home!
(mrslemon@sbcglobal.net)

Super ruffly sofa slipcovers

I've been working for a while with Melissa, sewing slipcovers and pillows for almost every room of her house. This last assignment was to slipcover her sofa and loveseat. The original fabric had seen better days and she was wanting to change the style to something softer in color, a solid, but with lots of detail brought in with layers of ruffles. We chose a solid cotton canvas in a perfect shade to compliment her freshly painted walls.

The big reveal...

and what we started with...




Melissa asked for lots of ruffles. There are two rows of short ruffles on each seat cushion, longer ruffles on each of the square back cushions, and a fully gathered skirt gracing the bottom. We both LOVED it. With fresh inspiration, we worked up a sweat rearranging the room. It took four or five tries but we found a great flow that solved a few issues:

1. opening up the view to the fireplace
2. pulling the furniture off the walls (aka "spin art" decorating)
3. making the room feel less like a long bowling alley and more like a conversational group
4. brought in a textural rug that was larger and fit the space better

What a great day...I love what I do. And Melissa couldn't be happier!

Parsons chair ruffled slipcover

Hey guys!

It's been a while. Though I haven't been posting lately, I've been busy working in the cottage on some fabulous things. I've been taking pictures as I go, waiting until I can post the results. I just finished an adorable slipcover for a parsons chair and wanted to share the pics.

The big reveal...

cabbage roses on tea stained background with a gathered skirt!

As compared to before...
a well-loved chair that needs some TLC





Thanks for visiting my site!

Tell me what you think!

So, yeah. You won't be confusing me with anyone who knows the technical doings of computers...Just figured out how to enable comments on the blog. Only took 5 months.

If you've browsed before and had something to say but had no avenue to comment, please do so. Thanks for looking, (and commenting).

Long Beach Market--The next day...

Well...we did it! It was an adventurous, and as my Dad would say, "character-building" experience. My daughter Abbey (8 years old) and I woke up at 4:20am to drive down to the market in a 17 foot u-haul. We were both super excited. I wasn't sure that it would be a good idea to take her with me on such a long day, but it was a blessing to have her there with me. She worked so hard and took her position as "co-pilot" very seriously. Setting up was a feat--not my favorite thing to do. But it was nice and cool for most of it.

It's a scary thing--putting yourself out there to show your creations. You never know how you will be perceived. Even this morning, when all is done, I still feel butterflies in the pit of my stomach.

I question myself...Did I do OK? Did my prices turn people off? There's a whole culture to the flea market system. Did I commit any foux pais that I am unaware of? Ahh...breathe in, breathe out...So, in thinking over my first flea market showing, it begs some questions...

Would I do it again? Well the answer to that is "yes." I am already signed up for the next event, in two weeks. The people who organize the market rangled me in for that one at the same time I booked the first one. I'm kind of glad that I committed to the second showing without any prior experience. Not sure if I'd be ready so soon...

Was is successful? Hmmm...it depends on how you define success. I learned some things in the process. First, pack lightly in the "props" department. 8 foot sofas and heavy iron furniture sets aren't necessary for display. Second, pack heavy in the drinks and food department. I think between Abbey and myself, we spent $16 at the snack bar for 4 fountain drinks over the 10 hours we were there. Third, keep it simple...

Next time, I'll have a better idea of what works. In that environment, people want inexpensive, unfussy shopping. Pull them in with the simple and hope they'll keep your card and hook up with you later for custom work.

My highlight of the day...I got to meet one of my design idols! I don't want to divulge her identity for the sake of being discreet. I will say that she has been featured in several nationally published magazines and has an incredible style that I have long admired. She bought some of my things to see how they will sell in her store for the price point she needs to make it worth her while. I hope to hear from her again! What a goose bump moment for me...

So for all of those reasons and more...A definite resounding YES. It was successful. I loved it. I love what I do. And to those of you who follow and support me and my endeavors...thank you for being in my cheering section. I'll keep "livin' the dream."

Long Beach Antique and Collectible Market

Hey there! Guess who's signed up for a Flea Market! Me!

Can you tell I'm just a little excited?

So, I finally took that next step to get my name out there. In less than 2 weeks, I'll have my own space at the Long Beach Flea Market. (Check out their website for directions, etc. www.longbeachantiquemarket.com)

I've been letting ideas swirl around in my head, trying to figure out how best to represent what it is I have to offer. There will be a TON of shoppers, collectors, and boutique owners. My shameless self-promotion includes giving away adorable flower pens with my contact info attached.

It should be a fabulous day, lots of eye candy for all you shoppers! Come say hi and get your spring time flower pen before they run out. :)

I'll be there 2 days this month:

Sunday, May 17th (Space E-446)
Sunday, May 31st (Space D-537)

Relaxed Roman Shade with Ruffles

Hey guys! Just wanted to share with you how this window treatment came out.

It's called a "relaxed roman shade." It's constructed similarly to a roman shade, but without the dowels. This allows soft curves and "swooping." It is made out of a gorgeous pure white linen and finished off with a 2 inch ruffle along the bottom. Perfect for softening a window without blocking too much light. Love it!

Pure White Linen

This bolster was made for a pair of adorable newlyweds looking to add some softness and elegance to the boudoir. The over-sized bolster lay in front of three squishy floral pillows and gave just the right finishing touch to their master bedroom ensemble. The joining of their lives as man and wife is symbolized by the joining of their initials-- "M" for Michael, "K" for Kelly, and "C" for Chiriatti. How fun!

Buttercup

Meet Buttercup our resident bunny! Isn't she cute? Buttercup has the run of the surrounding homes in my neighborhood. There's nothing sweeter than to see her nibbling on the foliage. She reminds me to "stop and smell the roses."

Outdoor Seating

This week I had the pleasure of making some cushions for a friend who has a fabulous outdoor living room. Her color palette includes vibrant yellow, limey greens, and deep reds and pinks. The multicolored stripe sets the backdrop for a fun mix of throw pillows.

Do you have a hankering for a garden oasis? Let me help you create a destination for relaxation in your own back yard!

General Information and Pricing Guide

Jenie's White Slipcovers

I love slipcovers!

I love them because they can be taken off
and washed...a necessity for most families with kids, pets, or a
casual way of life. Who wants to be worried about
keeping a house pristine when there's living to do?

Enter the slipcover...

Breathe new life into your home with a custom fit, custom designed
slipcover just for you. Whether you like clean lines and
cording or prefer a softer look with ruffles and gathers,
I'd be happy to make it for you.

This little chair and ottoman were made just this week. Jenie, a
lover of shabby chic style and the proud mother of two adorable
doggies (enter dirt) wanted white slipcovers with clean lines and
a pleated skirt. Super fun!

Give me a call or email me with any questions you may have...

Bedding for my sister

My sister Connie asked me to make some bedding for her master bedroom. She and her husband Jim have three little ones and wanted a sanctuary that would be light, airy, and soothing. After showing her some pictures of the floral fabrics of Pine Cone Hill bedding, she gave the OK for me to go ahead and surprise them.

When starting over in your bedding, I think it's a good idea to get all new "guts." Feather and down are my preference because they are so much more cozy than fiberfill. For Connie, her foundation of new insides included:

2 king size pillows (20 X 36)
3 extra large square pillows (26 X 26)
1 eastern king duvet (100 X 90)
1 eastern king sheet set (80 X 76)

Now that she has a blank canvas...the fun stuff comes next. Her palette of colors was based on a solid linen. She asked for a blue color that "looked like Dad's oxford cloth shirts." To that, we added a beautiful rose print with a pale blue background to pull in the feeling of the bedding from Pine Cone Hill. Add to that generous amounts of pure white and we were set.

The picture below is of the 3 extra large square pillows.
They feature lots of ruffles in white and a soft poplin print of cabbage roses on a pale blue background. They are constructed with three sides and a zipper opening for easy removal. All seams are overlocked.

The next image is the two king-size pillows that will go in front of the above set. They are made with 100% pure linen in a gorgeous soft blue. Although they are made of only one fabric, the details of rouching, top stitching, and embroidered monogram give these pillows an understated elegance.




And pulling it all together...



Notice the detail on the duvet cover of the repeating ruffles.

Pillows

Hey there everyone! Just wanted to add some pictures of pillows I've been working on to give you some ideas about what can be made. I have a TON of fabrics that I've collected over the last 5 or so years. If you are looking for a certain color, style, size, etc. , give me a call and we can come up with something original that works for you.