Monday, September 24, 2007

A New Addition

Saturday I carted off my donation items to the thrift store. Since I was there:-) I decided to go in and have a little looksy, because you never know...

I had already found two little votive candle holders in the shape of chairs which were painted with pink roses and about 2 1/2 yards of creamy upholstery fabric with little blue roses in urns, when I went over to the furniture section. I always go there even though I really don't need any more furniture.

I walked right beside a beat up and neglected brown couch. Something about it made me stop. It wasn't old but it looked like it had seen a hundred life times. It was stained and worn and one of the cushions was torn. It seemed as if no one had shown it any kindness in its entire existence. The price on the arm said $15, it had been marked down from $35. Well I couldn't just leave it there! It needed me:-)

On the way back I rented a steam vacuum and as soon as I got it home my dear, sweet, adorable, and loving husband took one look at it and said "Who is that for?" I knew it was going to be an uphill battle from that point on.

I rolled up my sleeves (figuratively of course, actually it was nearly 90 degrees and I wasn't wearing sleeves) and got to work. I took off the seat cushions, un-stitched and un-stuffed the back cushions and put them in the washer. I know they really were not supposed to go in the washer, but there was no other way, they were filthy. I laid the foam insert and fiber filling on an old sheet out in the back yard and doused them with fabreeze. Nothing freshes like the bright sunshine:-) Then I steam cleaned the entire couch frame.
Unfortunately, not all of the cushion fabric survived the washing. So I began rummaging around in my fabric bins to see what I could use as a suitable replacement. I found a beautiful rose upholstery fabric that I had gotten on the clearance table for $1.99 a yard. I thought that the tan background would match up nicely so I replaced one side of each seat cushion with it. The back cushions were a total loss, so I used the rose fabric on one side and an old trapunto bedspread that I had been saving for some pillows on the other. I finished the entire restoration process at about 12:30 this morning, and I decided to give her a test run, she sleeps great!

So with out further ado, let me introduce you to my home's latest addition. She is lumpy and bumpy and far from perfect, but she is comfy and cozy and most of all loved:-)

15 comments:

Peggy said...

Love the sofa! Hope you love goats milk soap as you are one of my winners! Send me your snail mail addy and I will get it in the mail to you.

velocraig said...

For the record, I am the hubby ;)
My hesitation was not the new couch, it was the loss of the recliner built-in to the old one...
I've never been the sit-around in the lazy-chair type...quite the opposite.
However, since getting our old one w/ the recliner, I have grown to appreciate the recliner position and comfort.....

FarmHouse Style said...

That will teach me to give him my blog address! LOL.
Just kidding, I love him dearly and honestly sometimes I don't know how he puts up with me:-)
Rhonda
PS We gave the old reliner sofa the 21 gun salute as a thank you for its service and devotion.

blessings said...

Rhonda, your new/old sofa looks amazing!! I have one to repair (the dogs must have thought there was something yummy inside the cushion) but I didn't do a very good job the first time. I need a tutor. When it comes time, I'll be over asking your advice =) Blessings... Polly (p.s. Craig, you're a gem! My hubby tolerates all my antics too. For all the dearly beloveds out there, we're grateful for you! Perhaps there should be a support group...)

savvycityfarmer said...

Is it naptime yet?

Sophie Honeysuckle said...

It looks so comfy!!!

Anonymous said...

That is so sweet. Glad she found a happy home.

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

Wow, wish I was that talented! It does look super comfy!

Good job!

New to your blog, just making the rounds of my favorites and found you in my journey!

Melissa

Nunnie's Attic said...

I can't get over how talented people are. I couldn't ever do something like that. It looks great!!

Love,
Julie

Back Through Time said...

That looks SO cozy!! You did a great job! I love it that your hubby posted a comment, he is cute!
Enjoy some cuddle time:-)
Michelle

BittersweetPunkin said...

Now that is what I call a bargain!
Blessings,
Robin

kari and kijsa said...

What a beautiful job! Are the pillows on the top reversible! LOVE IT!

blessings, kari and kijsa

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I love the couch! I wish I knew how to reupholster!
Penny

Anonymous said...

How absolutely stunning! I love what the rose fabric does to the whole look of the sofa!

Kathleen Grace said...

What an amazing make-0ver! I have always been a little afraid to try such a big project. I can't believe you finished it in one night!