I agree. Huge improvement. Great job!

Wow, those are nice slipcovers and a good price, too.

They look great! And considering that you might have paid at least 2/3 of that for Surefit non-custom covers, it makes them even better.

You might try a place like Pier 1 - they have a lot of pillows on sale right now, and this time of year will have more of the strong colors that your bird pix have.

I would also love to see a tropical floral arrangement on the coffeetable, something with the same strong colors and lush feel that the birds have.

They are beautiful and a vast improvement over the old sofa cover. I wouldn't take anything in until after you've washed them a couple of times. Surely they'll shrink just a tad.

I'm sorry, did you say who made them? I didn't see it.

kswl-- can you use those deco pins with (young) children around? I seem to remember Oceanna mentioning something about clips for slipcovers, but saying they might be dangerous if children were in the house. Not sure if they are the same thing . . .

Did Todo Es tell you that, when you wash your covers to wash them in a big commercial machine on cold, and spin dry several times. FLUFF only in a dryer or just hang them until they are mostly dry, then put them back on the furniture while slightly damp. You can smooth out any wrinkles with your fingers and it looks as though your fabric is not going to wrinkle badly anyway.

I had two sofas slipcovered in green mattress ticking for 20 years and they are still usable because I never put them in the dryer or washed them in hot or warm water. I still have one slipcovered club chair in our bedroom (because our old dog likes it) and several parsons chairs we use for desk chairs that have a variety of slipcovers from Ballard Designs.

Yes, you can certainly use those with little children around, because they will not be visible and will be underneath the cushions. IF you have a very curious child who takes the cushions off and is likely to pull at those pins, I wouldn't do it, but a normal active kid wouldn't ever even know they were there. We had three children, two dogs and a cat, and no mishaps.

Thanks, kswl! My children ARE the type to take the cushions off (to build things with-- they prefer real objects for play vs. designated toys). I think my youngest would pick at them, but that phase will be done with before too long. I'll get them then!

Sorry, I did read right past it.

They look great. I've been longing for a Todo Es slipcover for my sofa forever. I just haven't been able to part with $500 to get mine made. I think the price is good, I just don't have it to spare right now. I want washable matelasse.

Red

Thanks so much for posting pics. I've been thinking about getting slipcovers from them for ages. They look great to me and with the closeout fabrics I can cover 2 chairs for under $300!

Wow. What a difference the slipcover make. I love the look

Nice job. Not sure I could measure correctly myself:) Especially love washable!

They look great! One teeny tiny thing that bugs me (and I'm not even sure you can do anything about it) is that the grooves between the back cushions are visible under the slipcover. I wonder if you could stuff those grooves with batting and pin another layer of batting across the entire back cushion area under the slipcover to smooth everything out. I've never had a slipcovered sofa and have no idea if that would work or not, but if that were my sofa and I had enough free time (with, since I have 2 active little kids, I probably wouldn't!), I'd give it a shot.

Big big improvement!

I am going to get the deco pins asap. I was so excited to get them on that I did not take my time. I also agree about the grooves on the back of the sofa and I will try to fix those too.

Thanks!

Robyn, I've been sewing slipcovers for friends and family over the last few months (after I did my own sofa, it seemed everyone I talked to needed a slipcover made). Even if I got the fabric for free, I could barely do it for that price - especially with the welting - and I charge the bare minimum since I'm just learning. Great job. I think they look wonderful.

Wow, those look great! I think I may look into one for my sofa.

They look lovely. All of the seating in my family room is slipcovered. I have white which might seem crazy to a lot people but it was the best decision ever. I have 3 kids and a dog who jumps in our pool daily. I throw the slipcovers in the washing machine every other month sometimes more and tadah!! They come out looking like brand new. What a great choice in fabric. It's such a pretty green you should have no problem finding pillows. Do you have a Home Goods store in your area? I've also found great deals at Kohls. Happy shopping. Please post pictures once you find your pillows.

I stand alone. And I'm OK with it.

Those slipcovers don't remotely meet my standards, the skirts are too long and the overall fit is too "sloppy".

I am not surprised my reponse is the only one expressing dissent. Dissent is presently greatly out of vogue when opinions are sought on this forum.

I certainly couldn't meet the quoted price point. Nor would I be willing to make anything according to measurements I didn't take myself. That's why there is such a great difference between "DIY measurements" and custom work.

I'm happy you're pleased with the slipcovers you've received.

I'm glad you're "okay" with standing alone chelone, because whatever else you are---an accomplished seamstress, a master decorator, or fast as a speeding bullet---you are certainly the rudest person on this forum and you are obviously not only "okay" with it, you are proud of it.

Apples and oranges, chelone.

I'll agree that the fit doesn't seem perfect. However, as someone already mentioned, they look better than an off the rack Sure-fit cover, at a cost that doesn't seem that much higher.

An artist can be snobby about comparables that don't meet their standards. Some of us peons will just have to get by with the the $99 Starving Artist level.

Carrie

I think they look fabulous! They look very inviting to sit on. They are not meant to look snug and exact. It gives the room a sense of comfort! I would use casual looking pillows of all sizes. Maybe a small bright stripe with the colors of the birds in your picture as a accent pillow.

Okay, I avoid confrontation like the plague and I hate to hijack, but what is with the chelone bashing? Her opinion may not be coated in honey, but the OP did ask for opinions and chelone is an expert and gave her opinion. Chelone has given loads of really reliable expert advice to those of us with sewing questions. When I was doing my slipcovers she was adamantly opposed to the fabric I chose but still gave me help and never gave me grief about it. Maybe I missed some key threads, but I really think chelone has made this a much richer forum with her honest advice and expertise. As always, just my humble opinion.

budge1, if you are asking me, I am happy to reiterate that in this case it is how the criticism is delivered that is simply rude. The words used and the deliberate spacing make this comment more about chelone herself--that the product is not up to HER standards, and essentially saying that she is the only person brave enough to give an unfavorable opinion, implying that everyone who has replied positively either has low standards or is not telling the truth.

There is a difference between giving an opinion that is "coated in honey," one that is straightforward and honest, and one that is worded like a poison dart. The intent of the latter is to wound, not to inform. IMVHO.

robyn: Personally, I think the slipcovers are an 800% improvement over the original fabric. And for $440, you got a DEAL. :) Also: I love the bird prints--really nice.

I don't know what your budget is, but if it's more expansive than mine, I think a pair of these would be lovely:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Bird-Aubusson-Tapestry-Pillow-22x22-300-Value_W0QQitemZ370063937750QQihZ024QQcategoryZ20563QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

or these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Antique-Style-Big-Urn-II-Aubusson-Tapestry-Pillow-26_W0QQitemZ350072665682QQihZ022QQcategoryZ63624QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

If not, how about something like these two PB pillow covers? Just buy the inserts for them, then buy another smaller pillow of a different but coordinating color/pattern? Understated, but nice!

http://cgi.ebay.com/POTTERY-BARN-PAISLEY-JACQUARD-PILLOW-COVER-18-SET-OF-2_W0QQitemZ360063834290QQihZ023QQcategoryZ20563QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Or, if you prefer more texture:

http://cgi.ebay.com/2-Pottery-Barn-Ankara-Kilim-Pillow-Covers_W0QQitemZ190231703820QQihZ009QQcategoryZ10034QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Or these?

http://cgi.ebay.com/2-Pottery-Barn-Quilted-Velvet-Pillow-Covers-Ruby-NWT_W0QQitemZ190232720270QQihZ009QQcategoryZ20563QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

And these, I think, are my favorite--I think they would go perfectly with your setting--sofa, wall color and prints:

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-POTTERY-BARN-AMELIA-PILLOW-COVER_W0QQitemZ230266353909QQihZ013QQcategoryZ10034QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Okay, I hope that I don't get flamed for this, but to those who want to post really long URLs, here is how you to it to create a clickable link AND keep the thread from getting reaallly wide.

Type in the red text exactly as you see it. Copy the URL (web address including http://) where indicated. Then type a short description of the link and finish up with the rest of the red text.

PBpillows

Fabulous! Thank you!

Glad I could help!

Terriks! Terrific! I had been avoiding putting in any links since I only know how to put in photos. Now I know both! Thanks

I was so happy to see your finished product! I remember you posting about it a couple months ago and thankyou for posting a followup! I have been wanting to do the same to a sofa of mine that is in excellant shape save for the dated fabric covering it! I agree the slipcover is an improvement and a in a color that will be easy to work with in accessorizing. I do think it looks a tad too big though and would love to see it washed and dried a smidge and put back on damp, left to air dry. I think THEN it will shrink just enough to "bring it in" in places that seem like it is too big, BUT, I also understand being a bit shy of washing them so soon. You have successfully prolonged the life of your furnture with a relatively small investment and the chance at a new look! Bravo!

robyn: FWIW: I was just browsing (for the umpteenth time) through the new issues of French Country Decorating and noticed, in one French manor house, that the decorator created slipcovers for almost everything, and none of them fit snugly. The decorator is French and said that nothing in a country house should look too formal--or something like that. I like the loose-fit (look), personally. Just throw some scrumptious pillows on there and you're good to go! :)

Btw: I'm in love with that trunk side table--it fits perfectly in that space and is a nice departure from the usual end table.

Oh my gosh! Organic... I just read your blurb about the trunk, went back and looked at the pic....I have almost the same trunk from the 40's (my parents) it sailed across the Atlantic Ocean and back with us...when I was just a wee girl. I keep my linens and extra comforters in it. It's a little worse for wear, definitely doesn't look as good as Robynpa's. Perhaps, I will take some steel wool, spit & polish..so to speak...fix it up a bit. Since my parents are long gone, can't bear to part with the memories. Back to the slipcovers, I adore them, the casual loose fit is more my laid-back style, not a tight fit which denotes a more formal living.

Hi,

I bought the twisty pin and tightened things up a bit to get a better fit and they look pretty good to me and my DH likes them too. He is happy to have the floral stuff covered up.
I will wash and spin as directed and put them back on damp but for now they are staying in place. When my mom comes to visit I might take them to the laundromat because she can help me put them back on.
I am still searching for panels and pillows so the room is still not done.
I bought the trunk from a storage company about 20 years ago. Someone had rented storage space but never picked their stuff up so I bought it for $40.00. It is cedar lined.

Thanks for all the great info!!

*Vast* improvement over the 80's floral!! I think they look great and cozy.

As far as Chelone's comments, what freakin' good does it do to make a comment like that AFTER the item is already paid for and installed? It would be different if the OP posted sample pics showcasing how the slipcovers might look. Then Chelone's "expert" advice might be useful in helping the OP realize how the product might not be up to perfect standards. But after they're already done, paid for, and installed? That's what makes it rude, IMO.

An interesting note about those amazing little corkscrew pins: I was looking for them in the sewing notions at Wal-Mart and they were nowhere to be found. After trying to explain what they were to an employee I ran into on the floor, I finally took out a pen and drew one (badly), and she exclaimed, "Oh, you want saggy baggies!" I did? Yes, turns out she works in the automotive department and they sell these pins there....they're called **Saggy Baggies** and hold up sagging headliners in cars! :)

Hey . . .about those pins again (sorry to be hijacking this thread), how many would one need for a sofa slipcover? I think I'm going to try them and be vigilant with the kids.

It depends upon the fit, whether the material is shiny or slippery, or how the cover hangs. The pins come about 8 in a package and they are really inexpensive, a few dollars per pkg. I used two packages on my very long sofa (8 ft) with a custom slipcover that fit well but moved around. They worked beautifully.

I also used them once with an off-the-rack bedskirt that was about an inch too long. I took a tuck about two inches in from the edge so it couldn't be seen and secured it down with deco pins all along the side, and I did it on both sides. I could have just sewn a bigger tuck down the middle of the deck that fits over the box spring, but then it wouldn't have been usable for any other bed size.

Robyn - I think the slipcovers look terrific. I've been thinking about having some made for my sofa and chair, but thought custom would be too expensive! This looks like a good option.

I appreciate Chelone's comments. I'm not concerned about having A++ work done on my slipcovers, but I'm sure there are people reading this who are, and might be disappointed in the quality. I just want to hide the forties blue/gold print on my furniture:-)

And THANK YOU terriks for how to imbed url's. I've been meaning to find out how to do that for ages!
Amy

I had slips made for a sofa and was a tad disappointed that 'our guy' is, like Chelone, a perfectionist. Didn't think I wanted them to look like a reup. job vs. slips:>) Makes them harder to take off and put on, but they look so nice I'm now fine with them fitting so well. Those pins will be a big help, I'll bet, in your having to adjust them too often. Pillows will add a bunch to the whole look!

I love your new slipcovers, Robyn. I think they're just perfect.

I like the slipcovers -- they make the sofa and chair look more relaxed and inviting. I love the color too; have a similar color on our family room sofa. Organic, I LOVE the last set of pillows you linked to; they would be perfect with those bird pictures. Great eye! You can come over and decorate my house anytime!

robyn: I'm so glad you posted this. I really can't stand the sleep sofa in our study and have been wanting to replace it, but since it's only a few years old, have not wanted to spend the money to do that. This would be a perfect solution--you just seriously cannot beat the quality for that price. :)