Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Welcome to Tutorial Tuesday!!!! Nate Berkus would be so proud.....

Do you all remember about a month ago I posted that I was looking for the perfect chair for my sewing room.  It had to be small, comfy, and very inexpensive.  My kids like to talk to me while I sew. I don't have an extra chair in my sewing room so they always end up laying on the ground.  I shopped around and could find nothing that fit my criteria.  One day after spending way to much time on Pinterest,  I decided that if other pinners could make over a chair, so could I.  I went to the nearest thrift store and found this chair.
I was confident that I could turn it into something beautiful...and I did!!!!! Drumroll please......
TADAAAAAAAA
Front

Back

Closeup
This is my first tutorial ever, so please don't be too picky!  If I leave out a step or you have questions please message me!  I am sure I will leave out information.

1) Strip the chair.
I did not strip the wood.  I simply pulled all the padding and fabric off.  I washed it with soapy water.  When it was dry, I moved on to step 2.

2) I chose to paint it with Rust-Oleum Paint Plus 2x Ultra Cover in AQUA with a satin finish.  I primed it with a grey Rust-Oleum Primer.  I used one coat of primer and 3 coats of Aqua.  I sanded with a fine sand paper in between coats.  I then applied a glossy coat of sealer.
3) Next, I worked on the cushions.  I went to Joanne's Fabrics and bought some foam.  I used the original cushions as the patterns.  I drew the pattern with a sharpie and then had my hubby cut it with a large serrated bread knife

4) I made the back cushion first.  
 I used the cushion as the pattern and added an inch all the way around before I cut it out.
 I cut the front and back the same size and cut the tabs the same size as the original cushion.  I sewed the tabs like a tube, turned them right side out, and pressed them.
I measured the original cushion to figure the placement of the tabs.  I pinned them in between the front and back, right sides together.  I stitched the top and sides together, turned it right side out, inserted the cushion and used my zipper foot to sew the bottom together.  Somehow, I forgot to take a picture of the finished cushion!  Oops!!!

4) Upholstering the bottom.  This is where it got tricky.  I decided that I did not want a removable cushion.  I wanted more of the "Overstuffed" chair look.  I recruited my hubby to help.  He was so excited...he LOVES this kind of stuff (not really, but he is a really good sport!).  We found the nail gun and other tools we thought we might need.  Then we went to work.
 First we stapled the burlap strap across the bottom of the chair. (the staple gun scares the crap out of me!)
 We followed how it was done on the original chair.
 We put the cushion on and then wrapped it in batting and stapled it really tight.

 Next we cut a large square of fabric.  We started in front and stapled the center.  We went to the back and stapled the center.  We worked from the center out.  When we got to the posts on the chair we cut a slit in the fabric and then wrapped and tucked it in.
 We smoothed it, made sure it was tight, and stapled the heck out of it!
This is with out the skirt.  I was so tired of messing with it I almost stopped there.  I am so glad that I didn't!
5) I used the old skirt as a template and made a skirt for the chair.

I folded the edges under a quarter of an inch and topstitched around the pieces.  I pressed the top boarder of each piece about and inch and a half over (like an envelope flap) .  I did not top stitch it.  We attached the pieces to the chair right sided to right side and then folded it over.  We stapled on the flap so the the staple was hidden.  I hope that makes sense!

Here is the finished product.  I LOVE it!!!  Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions!  Please pin it on Pinterest.  We want Melissa to quit her day job so we need to generate a lot of traffic to the sight!  Her day job is fine but it really cuts into the time I have to chat and hang out with her!!!!

I learned a lot doing this project. The first thing I learned is that Youtube makes everything look much easier than it is.  The second is that my husband is a dang good surgeon.  You should see how precise he was on lining things up and making sure everything was smooth and exact.  Seriously, if you ever cut your foot off, he could totally sew it back on! All you have to do is look at the chair and you can see how talented he is!!! The third thing is that you don't have to spend a lot of money to make something amazing.  I spent under a $100.00 on this whole project.  It is exactly what I wanted.
I hope you all have a wonderful day!!!!
-Stephanie

Friday, June 8, 2012

Quilt Market- Stephanie's Perspective - Part 2

If you asked me the first thing that comes to mind when I hear the words "favorite" and "Quilt Market 2012", I would say doll house.

 These cute fabric doll houses button up to be a carrying case and unbutton into a playhouse.  They come with cute finger puppets that are sure to entertain little ones for hours. (I am 39 and spent a good 20 minutes at the display). They are from the "Storybook Lane" line of fabrics by Kelly Lee-Creel.

We will be starting a new series called "Tutorial Tuesday".  I wish I could take credit for the catchy name but that was Melissa's late night idea.  Every tuesday we will post an original tutorial or a link to a favorite tutorial.  We are hoping to have at least one original tutorial per month.  I already have big plans to show how to make this little playhouse.  I would have LOVED this for my kids!

I hope you all are enjoying summer.  My days are filled with kids, cleaning, playing taxi, and hanging out at the pool.  Have a great day!
-Stephanie

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Quilt Market....Stephanie's Perspective...

Wow....Those three little letters  pretty much sum it all up!  So, the first day Melissa and I were walking to the convention center.  I was telling her how much I loved the "Sew Lisette" patterns. They are designed by Oliver and S designer, Liesl Gibson.  I have been a fan of Oliver and S since their debut.  They are what gave me the confidence to sew children's clothing. Anywhooo... We are walking and talking about how amazing these patterns are when Melissa notices the lady in front of us.  Guess who it was....drum roll....Liesel Gibson!!!! She was so nice and down to earth.  It was so fun to talk about her patterns and her new line of fabric coming from Moda.  She is so nice!  Here are a few pictures of her gorgeous booth.






I was introduced to Sarah Jane Fabrics this market. OMGSH!!!! How have I missed these?  I wanted one of everything.  I wanted to steal the cute chair but could not figure out how to put it in my bag.  Sarah Jane was so sweet.  Even if I didn't like her fabric (which I LOVED!!!!), I would want to buy it because she is so darn nice.  I love her embroidery patterns and can't wait to buy them for my girls!  You will be happy to know that Melissa ordered ALOT of Sarah Jane! 






(This is the chair I wanted to take home with me.)

I will be back soon with part 2.  Have a happy wednesday!

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Quilt Market - Melissa's perspective - part 1

Quilt Market was a whirlwind of activity, even with a day and a half in the floor, I left feeling like I didn't get to see everything that was available. I did notice that nearly every vendor had a new line with the new trendy color combo of yellow and grey. I saw a lot of chevrons and think they will be popular for a few seasons.

I am excited to announce that I did sign up with several new vendors that i think you will love as much as I do. First up, Windham fabrics. I ordered the entire new line from Lotta Jansdotta, "Bella". The prints are fantastic individually and combined, they really spoke to me. Delightful!



 

Next up, Camelot and their licensed prints from Marvel Comics and Star Wars. These are not your typical licensed prints, the colors are saturated and rich, the cotton nicely woven and soft. These high quality fabrics will sew up beautifully for any project.




 

Next up, Adorn-it and Dear Stella. Adorn-it had cute trims and fabrics. Dear Stella offered fashion forward, stylish prints.





Saturday, May 26, 2012

Where in the World is Stephanie???

Hi friends. Sorry I have dropped off the face of the earth. I have been busy. Quilt Market was amazing! Melissa and I had a blast and came back ready to create! Look for some fun tutorials and amazing new fabrics!!! I came back from market with a sinus infection (yuck) and had all of the end of the year stuff for the kiddos. This morning I loaded all six kids into the family truckster and headed west. (my hubby is at home remodeling our laundry/mud room!!!)
Nebraska was a balmy 100 degrees and WINDY! Good news is, we made it without leaving anybody on the side of the road!!! I will be back next week with all the pictures from Market. Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
- Stephanie

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

New Payment Options and Inventory/Quantites on etsy

Exciting news!  Etsy has been making changes to their site to make it even easier to shop.  First up, I have always tried to list as much inventory as I prudently can, (etsy used to charge a fee for every piece/item/yard listed), this new change has removed that barrier and I will not be charged fees up front for listing everything I have on hand.  Quantity listed (right near the Add to Cart button on the item detail page) will now be more accurate.  I plan on loading everything I have in stock over the course of the next week or two!

Secondly, you can now use Direct Checkout on etsy for purchases in my shop.  Previously, credit card purchases needed to be processed via PayPal.  Now, you can stay in etsy and checkout quickly with your credit card. 

Do you have a credit card you earn miles, rewards or points for?  Direct checkout allows you to use that card!  Have a Visa, Mastercard or American Express branded Gift Card?  You can use that with my shop now!  Fast, easy and convenient!

If you have any questions about either of these new enhancements, please feel free to contact me via the shop:  www.treasurebayfabrics.com

 - Melissa

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Playing Paparrazi at #quiltmarket....

Posing with Valori Wells, Vanessa Christenson, Stars Wars Guys,Joel Dewberry, and Amy Butler. What a fun day!!!! Headed back for more.....

Friday, May 18, 2012

It's hard to take pictures and shop at the same time! #quiltmarket

It's been a buying blur... And I swear I haven't bought that much, it's hard to say "no" to the things that I know you, my customers, would love!

I signed up with a new line, Dear Stella. Wow! Gorgeous fabrics!


#quiltmarket picturepalooza!

Quick pics! Camelot cottons, Tula Pink, Amy Butler, penguin + fish... More soon!

Windham Fabrics....Love it!

Do you like it? We love it!!!!! Give us your feedback!
#quiltmarket