Weekend Makeover: Fab Chair Cushions

By fabulouslygreen

Looking for a quick style fix this weekend? Give any chair a fresh faced look by sewing a simple cushion. Sure you could upholster them in any fabric, but a rescued, vintage print injects an extra je ne sais quoi. Take this pair of cushions for example by Kim of Desire to Inspire:

[I] found two scarves at a cheesy store - they were $7.50 each. Not so sure about the left one, but I love the pattern on the right one. It’s ok that they don’t really match each other because they’re going on opposite sides of the bed.

Where to Score Fabrics

Your local Goodwill or thrift shop: a surprising treasure trove of fabrics for the sewing novice (like me). Keep your eye out for dresses, skirts, scarves in bold prints or sophisticated colors.

Local vintage fabric sources: check your city’s “Best of” Magazine for names. Like Best of Philly winner Pamela Simon Vintage Fabrics. Tip: Show the store a photo of a desired look and let the shop find you a similar alternative.

Revival Fabrics: Hollywood costume designers hit up Revival for its large inventory of mint condition fabrics from the 20s to 50s. They sell online and stock many indie designers as well.

ebay: The online “it” source for that hard-to-find Marimekko print and other haute selections.

How Make the Stuffing

Rescue those oh-so-old pillows, sofa cushions, comforters. They make perfect cushion stuffers — and they’re free.

Sewing It Up

Upholster.com offers some basic tips to pillow making. Or take it to an upholsterer. For modern, high style patterns and tips give these books a try: Simple Sewing with a French Twist and Amy Butler’s In Stitches.