Tuesday, November 3, 2009

~wingback slipcover DONE~

good morning bloggy friends!

I have been sooooo anxious to finish my latest big little project!

getting the loveseat slipcover done (click here to see) really motivated me to finish it all
and that meant the wingback chair....

(I'll tell you about the pillow later)


Ok I  know think my family is really ready for me to be done
 w/ such slipcover "excursions"

I call it an excursion because it takes me away from all reality

& normal mom / wife duties until I finish.....

don't worry the kids & hubby were fed..barely...the laundry was done..mostly..the house stayed somewhat together sort of  (unless you consider pins & lint & fabric strewn all over 2 or 3 rooms for a week a problem....)

Ok yes we ran out of groceries mid week & ate.... um....interesting combinations....

but while the project sits there in rags & pins

I am pretty much consumed with it every waking moment....

and there simply is not time to mess around at the grocery stores when
I need to finish!!!! 


BUT


girls....



I am done.




NO......this is not the finished product!

this is the fabulous, loveliness that

has sat in my living room for months.......and months...

this is the before

I was actually going to post a tutorial on this whole process

but I had a total of 112 pictures.....
and thought that might be a lot little much...




but I can certainly bore show you some of the process...(if you'd like to look it over....)

the fabric above is a twin matelasse coverlet

 (that I almost sold in our yard sale for $5!!!)

I am sooo glad no-one wanted it for the stiff 5 bucks I was asking!


 I was trying to figure out what fabric to use .... I knew I didn't want white linen for all the furniture...

but I knew I wanted neutral... is there anything else?

so I started rummaging around in the little fabric I had left over from the yard sale.  I was definitely in one of those 'get rid of everything moods' for that sale....
and I found the coverlet 

and

~so it begins~



this is how it starts...cut out a piece bigger & longer than the front back



make sure it tucks in nice & lays flat



and start adding to it



one piece at a time



you do a lot of fitting & pinning



I like to pin everything together inside out & then turn it around periodically to check the fit



 when you turn it around you can see where you need to make adjustments




you make piping





lots of piping....



you sew piping
you pin piping
you sew on piping
you run out of piping
you make more piping
you buy more cording
you make more piping
you pin piping

you see a pattern here?




can you see the coordinating fabric I used for the back?
it's cream denim

I really wanted to use burlap for the backside because I love
the way that looks....but I was really concerned about how
it
would
wash
up.



so I figured this was the next best thing



Now I don't want you to be mislead into thinking this project 
didn't require the same amount of customary trips to a certain fabric store
where grouchy very helpful employees are always willing to help and with a.....um....smile...

And

I don't want you to imagine that I simply strolled in there and got my 2 yards of cream denim fabric off the bolt sitting on the rack...like that would be so normal and easy.

no

I will not let you imagine such a simple process

because

that is not what happened............

not at the only fabric store in town fabric store I go to.

so

here it is in a nutshell....3/4 yard on the bolt...so "ma'am you need to take a number & stand in this very long line to ask if there is anymore anywhere..in back or whatever....so I stand in line for 15 minutes so I can have the pleasure of asking my question ask my question.  Then no there is no more fabric...(of course) "do you want just this amount?" said she.  "no, it's not enough" said I.
oh great I'm thinking  now what will I do & more importantly:
 how long is this going to set me back??? don't they know how extremely important this project is?
I mean...I need to finish it now..................um ok not really but I want to!

but then the heavens opened & a dear sweet lady (who deserves a raise)



~helped me~



"let me check in back for a comparable fabric...ok?"


music to my ears


"thank you kind dear, I love you" is what I'm thinking


.....and she found some...... (choirs of angels singing)



so I got 1/2 cotton duck & 1/2 cream denim for the sides & back of my chair. 
the fabric actually looks identical, the denim is just a bit softer.


ok

on w/ the slipcover.




working on the arms towards the end




attaching the back 



measuring & cutting seat cushions




pinning & piecing together the sides

~

and before you know it...
no after many many hours...

it's finished!!



I used vintage linen napkins on the pleats...kind of fun ... they had the same color trim as the coverlet so I lucked out.




finished side panel w/ the skirt on





front view w/ skirt




wing w/ two coordinating fabrics

OK....now the official after....





what do you think?

I like it.  I like the color & the texture w/ the rest of my linen furniture




wait...did you notice the little pillow at the very beginning??





I took your advice & made a couple burlap pillows
to go with the white linen

do you like the crocheted edge?


~~~~


There it is friends.....



Thanks so much for coming by today!



See you next time.



Shellagh


70 comments:

  1. I love your slipcover I am so glad I found your site.I have a camel back sofa and a wing back chair that i have been wanting to slipcover for about 3 years .I have the fabric and every thing.I just need to get started:)

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  2. Spectacular Shellagh!!! And you made me laugh the whole way thru :) Now can you come over and make me some slipcovers?! The pillow is the absolute perfect finishing touch!!

    :) T

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  3. Shellagh~~

    I am in awe of anyone that can sew a straight line so you can imagine how I feel about what you have done with this chair. It is absolutely gorgeous. I LOVE the fabrics!! In spite of your tutorial, I still can't figure out a thing you did!! I am learning to sew, you know, and this just set my confidence totally back! lol!! Maybe someday I'll sew like this someday. Kudos to you for your hard work and for continuing to run your house!!;)

    I love the pillow. I can't tell you enough how I love that pillow.

    I will let you get to the grocery store now...

    xoxo
    Janie

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  4. Fun post! Beautiful job on the slipcover. Such a challenge, the result is fabulous. Sweet pillow, so well done! ~ Angela

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  5. Amazing! I don't sew, so I am completely in AWE of what you have accomplishe. It looks beautiful. I love the burlap pillow. Have you thought about selling a few? I'd be interested.

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  6. Well that another fabulous before and after, I think it looks so pretty and I love the little burlap pillow too! I'm jealous, I really wish I could do make slipcovers (;
    Hugs~Kelly

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  7. Hi! Well...what is your materials cost for the pillow? I would add that up and then you want to get at least $10 an hour for your labor. That seems like a good rule of thumb. I think it is beautiful and different. Let me know when you are ready to sell one and I would be honored to be your first customer : )

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  8. I can not get over how gorgeous your slip cover is! Thank you so much for your instructions and pictures.
    I may work up the courage to do the same. :o)
    Sincerely ~ Tricia Anne
    Ps. Your pillow is darling!

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  9. A lot of work ... but well worth the effort. It's beautiful. I love matelasse.

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  10. My stars I am just speechless, it came out so gorgeous, I wish I had the gumption to not only start a project like that but see it through :) I am so glad I found your blog, it is gorgeous and I love seeing what new projects you do. Thank you for sharing such great pictures,ideas and your beautiful home with us all ;) Rose

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  11. I have always wanted to do that, but I'm basically too lazy to attack such a project.
    I'm too busy lookin for stuff for my booth and painting everything in site. My upholstering talent is limited to a staple gun and a seat cushion!
    I love what you have done and you deserve a big fat award! You Go Girl!

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  12. You just crack me up! I'm soooo stoked that you finished this chair and it looks absolutely gorgeous. Unique, yet neutral...I'm hoping to tackle some slipcovers soon...I may be asking you lots of questions when the time comes :O)
    GREAT job Girl!

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  13. Hi Shellagh,
    again I'm speachless. great job indeed girl and a lot of patience too!!
    Thanks for sharing your work-in-progress pics. I still doubt I will ever be able to do it but still stare at your work in admiration.
    Have a nice evening!
    rita

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  14. you've just accomplished something I've ALWAYS wanted to do ...somehow I think I never will ....sigh

    lovely, just lovely

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  15. Awesome! I love it and I know that you will be loving this for a very long time. I know making slips is not easy, but it always gives me such a feeling of accomplishment.
    Hugs,
    June

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  16. Gorgeous! I agree with others, that was an ambitious project. (And I think I might have to copy your pillow!)

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  17. you make slipcovering look so stinking easy. your wing chair slipcover looks great. Loved the story of the fabric store excursion. LOL, don't we all have those stories...and we NEED the fabric like yesterday, right? Haha, I had to laugh because I been there too.

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  18. I'm loving how this slipcover turned out and the burlap pillow is great. Really different than others you see. I'll get some photos to you tomorrow.

    Thanks for sharing.

    Kathleen

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  19. Great job!!!! You have more guts than me!!!

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  20. Fabulous results! I admire your talent....this is something I would never attempt! Your slip covered chair is beautiful!
    Take care, Laura

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  21. Wow! You did a great job-it looks great.Maybe,I will get brave and try it too.

    Carolyn

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  22. Shellagh, you are extraordinary. What a joy to read and experience your humor! Such a fantastic completed project. WHAT kind of sewing machine are you using and how did you make the decision for that brand. Just extraordinary. I started a cotton duck slip cover for an old ottoman and my machine just couldn't make it through the bulk...so I'm waiting to hear from Miss Wilma over @ MaryJanes Farmgirl Connection as she's selling a machine and I can't wait to get my hands on it to complete my project, but I'll have to be patient. Awesome job Shellagh...we have very similar tastes...it's encouraging to see someone else livin' the dream! Thanks for posting!

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  23. Hi anonymous!
    I hope you get a chance to read my response to your question. It is VERY difficult to get through cotton duck. As you know from reading my post, I used cotton duck on just part of the slip & it was really tough to sew all the bulky parts together (piping & seams w/ the matelasse fabric & duck). I don't think I'd use it again because of the difficulty. I prefer the cream cotton denim ~ it looks identical, but is softer, irons much easier & is easier to work with. I know the duck is real sturdy but I think the denim is also sturdy enough. I'd like to try canvas dropcloth & see how that works.

    Long answer..sorry..;-)

    Your next Q was my machine. It's just a "brother" from costco a couple years ago. It was $200. I might start making slipcovers for other people & if I do I think I would consider upgrading to more of an industrial type or one that is made for heavy duty fabrics. For all the reasons above...

    Thanks for the sweet comment ~ it really makes my day~

    Shellagh

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  24. Hi,

    I came to visit from Chrissy's blog and I am so glad I did. Your blog is charming. I love the slipcover and pillow. You have inspired me and for that I am thankful.

    hugs,
    Barb

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  25. Buongiorno Shellagh, you did all this? Amazing chair slipped covered. Happy White Wednesday to you too. Ciao Rita mammabellarte

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  26. That is one of the most adorable pillows I've ever seen, sugar!! Truly, just darling.

    There is no such thing as "So Simple" slipcovers, trust me. I get so frustrated trying to get even a cushion covered that I'd rather pay to have them made. Aaaaaaccckkk....

    Nice to meet you, chick, and your blog is adorable. I love meeting bloggers in the northwest since we're up here also. :-)

    xoxo,
    Connie

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  27. LOVE your beautiful blog.
    ABout the freezer paper...it has a very thin layer of wax on it that sticks to the fabric when you iron the paper. But when it cools, it peels off with the paper. Leaves NO residue. I have LOTS more Christmas projects coming up using the freezer paper. Thanks for stopping by.

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  28. Shellagh I am new to your blog, discovered it a few weeks ago and I am hooked! I love the slipcovered chair and couch, I totally wish I had the patience to do that. You did an awesome job.

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  29. Beautiful! Those slipcovers are fantastic. Great Job!

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  30. why don't they make pretty slip cover such as these for people who don't sew? I don't sew! Hugs, Jenn

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  31. WOW!!! Seriously, you are awesome!!!! I WISH I had the patients to take on a project like this! I have a chair just like it in my living room that need a slip cover BADLY! Badly, I tell you! Maybe I will work up the nerve! Will you hold my hand!?!??!?! - BEAUTIFUL job..as always!!

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  32. You're a miracle worker! FABULOUS.....I love the combination too... Now, spend about 1/2 of every day for the next week or two leaning on a wall admiring your work... :-) Not that I ever do that...

    Hugs,
    Spencer

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  33. Oh my goodness, firstly I adore the pillow. Second: How on earth do you find the patience to do this work? It is truly amazing. Thanks so much for dropping by beach Vintage.

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  34. JUST TOO SWEET, GOOD JOB:) STOP BY & SAY HI, I THINK YOU'LL LIKE...... GIO

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  35. I would love to be able to do this. You clever girl!!! Hugs

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  36. Great tutorial and I love the pillow! You're a talented lady and I nominated you for a blog award here: http://love-2-create.blogspot.com/2009/11/thank-you.html :o)

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  37. Shellagh,
    I don't know what I admire more. That AMAZING slipcover job or the guts it took to do it. I would be petrified to tackle that project. I am taking a slipcover class from a lady on the 21st. Maybe that'l give me the confidence I need. You rock! Lisa

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  38. Oh, such creative talent!
    You did a fabulous job! That chair is perfection!
    I love it!

    And your pillow is so lovely too! (I like the crocheted edge very much).
    Enjoy!
    All the best,
    Eileen

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  39. You are so gosh darn talented! That is an amazing slipcover. I keep playing with the idea of redoing my chair but the one time I attempted it, I gave up. Maybe I should try again...

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  40. Hi Shellagh...

    Wowzer!!! What fabulous transformations! I just love your new sofa and wingback chair slipcovers! Girl, you are very talented...I can see that this is no easy feat! They turned out beautifully though!!! Thanks for including the tutorial...that is much appreciated! Maybe I'll give something like this a try sometime!!!

    Warmest wishes,
    Chari @Happy To Design

    PS...I added your blog to my list of blog follows...you have a delightful blog and I look forward to your upcoming posts! So happy to meet you, my friend!

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  41. Hi Shellagh, Wow that iss o amazing. you did an incredible job. Thanks for dropping by my blog and leaving such a lovely comment, and following me. Look forward to sharing our interests in the blogging world, cheers Katherine

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  42. i attempted a wing-backed chair and it turned out good, but they're so tricky with the curves... you did a great job! in fact, i read about all three projects and think you should be so pleased. Yay!!!

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  43. What a super cute post! Your slipcover turned out gorgeous...I love how you mixed up the fabrics...it looks perfect....and the burlap pillow looks just beautiful on your sofa. Now, I'm actually gonna try to sew my own slipcovers too...but I've only just learned how to sew a square...wish me luck.

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  44. Shellagh... this has to be deserving of an award, don't you think?
    Congrats sweetie, I am passing the Kreativ Blogger award onto you and your fabulous sewing machine! lol
    Lisa
    www.recaptuedcharm.com

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  45. It looks sooo good! I love using old bedspreads for slipcovers. It adds such a nice texture. I also love the pillow. Gorgeous finishing touch. Thanks for linking up!

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  46. I wish I had your mad slipcover skills! That is an amazing job.

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  47. Wow great tutorial. I have a sofa that I need to re-slipcover, but it's really big and so much work. Nice to see a step by step process as a refresher. Looks wonderful!

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  48. I adore your project!!!! I absolutely love matelasse and would have scarfed that sucker up if you had it in your yard sale, (oh, and IF I lived anywhere remotely near you! LOL)
    The pillow is absolutely gorgeous!!! I bow before you!!!

    sweetjeanette.blogspot.com

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  49. Great job on the chair.
    Love the pillow!!!

    blessings

    barbara jean
    PS enjoying my visit here!

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  50. So beautiful, I love it all! (Don't you love it when you run into someone with customer service skills)? Happy Holidays!

    Sheila

    p.s. So glad I found your blog!

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  51. You are amazing! i wish i had your talents!

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  52. You definitely have the midas touch! Turning things to gold on a daily basis :o)

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  53. Thank you for stopping by my home today!
    I loved how you describe, exactly what it takes (a lot of work and time) to make a slipcover, I giggles all the way through your description:
    you sew piping
    you pin piping
    you sew on piping
    you run out of piping
    you make more piping
    you buy more cording
    you make more piping
    you pin piping

    SO SO SO SO SO TRUE!!

    When I sewed my matelasse slipcovers, it took the WHOLE queen-sized spread, per chair, and that with some creative patterning! So, I am not surprised you ran out, but love the result!!

    I also have the same love seat you do, and sewed a slipcover for that. I will post about that sometime.
    I love your blog- thanks for the invite over to your home...I am going to look around while you bake some cookies... m'kay?

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  54. Alaina said.....I have tried to make a wing chair slipcover, failed the first time, and still trying to work up the curage to try again, so I know it is not an easy task. Well done, it looks excellent.

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  55. I love this chair slip! I have 2 matlasse coverlets to use for chairs. I guess I'm procrastinating. What great inspiration! Is the store you're talking about Hancock? If not, it sounds like our's. I've had others tell me they couldn't get anyone to help them at all! I went in last Saturday during a big sale...they had 3 employees in there. 1 at the decor fabric, 1 at the quilting fabric, and 1 at the register. Needless to say, all of the customers became "great freinds" while waiting in all of the LONG lines! I wish we had more choices.
    Kelly

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  56. This was a great tutorial to find. I've attempted this a few times from books, but was never happy with the result. It's been great to actually see photos of the real thing in progress. Thank you so much. It looks fab.
    Jacqui

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  57. Looks great! Loved the tut!

    I will enjoy looking at more of your posts... now that I am a follower.

    I just got out my king sized matlasse coverlet and now I need to decide which piece of furniture to cover.

    Talk to you soon ;)
    Bunny Jean

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  58. Hi There! I found your blog when looking for fabric online to cover a couch in my playroom. I was planning on using ticking and toile!!! I also have never made a slip cover before and I was very happy to find this tutorial. I have a couple questions that I hope you will be able to answer for me. Iknow you are very busy with 6 ladies! I have 4 kids and my hair stands on end most days. :) First off.. how long did it take you to do this chair? My couch is a 2 piece boxy sectional. I don't expect immediate results but I don't want to become discouraged either. ANd also - how much seam allowance should I have? Your blog is so beautiful and I really enjoy reading it. Thanks!

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  59. This. Is. Genius!!!!! I love it! (sorry I'm finding it so late after the fact!) I love love love what you've done and the burlap pillow is so cute! I would love love love a tutorial or some advice on how to attach piping to a slipcover... you did an AMAZING job! I just did my first slipcovers and I just can't wrap my head around how to do the piping and there are no good tutorials out there that I know. Thanks for posting pictures!

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  60. hi hun, LOVE the slipcover. wanted to ask a quick question (which you may have already answered but fcouldnt find it after a quick scan). How do you actually get the cover on and off the chair ie. is there a buttoned section that you undo etc?
    I have to make a cover for a similar chair and wonder what is the easiest option for removing and putting back on.
    alicia :0)

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  61. I'm just catching up on your blog, tonight. I am so impressed with this slipcover makeover. I love that you used piping ... it has a more polished look. I had a Matelasse cover that I just sold in my booth. Dad gum! Wish I still had it. Great tute!

    xo

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  62. Oh!!!que bonito y...que delicado todo:tanto el sillón, el cojín y...la decoración.Felicidades y gracias por compartir sus ideas y dejar que podamos disfrutarlas.

    Saludos.

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  63. Wow, you are so creative! I just love your ideas. The burlap pillow with the lace trim on the white chair is so beautiful. I have been thinking about making slip covers for the wingbacks I inherited from my mom. I would love to do them just like yours. The piping really makes it, too. Much nicer with than without. I think I will put on some nice music and just go brain dead and do yards and yards of piping some night. Thank you for your instructions, they are very helpful!

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  64. bravo pour votre superbe travail
    amicalement
    rose

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  67. Fabulous results! I admire your talent....this is something I would never attempt! Your slip covered chair is beautiful! Take care, Laura

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Thanks so much for saying hi! I love to hear from you!