Stitch-n-Twitch

Soft and Romantic

2011-09-18T21:46:00.003-05:00

The fabric on this cushy, soft, chair really makes it outstanding. Created for Holly Waxman interior design.

Boring Office?

2011-08-20T13:23:00.000-05:00

Why not add some color with a slip-covered office chair?

The fabric on this chair is titled "Prairie Gothic" (purchased from my fav fabric/sewing store The Needle Shop) is completely removable/washable.

Featured at Musée in Barrington, IL

Graphic Prints Make a Statement

2011-06-27T17:21:00.001-05:00

Before

After

The green velvet on this high quality loveseat was in great shape, the client wanted an update - something to reflect her style. It worked out quite well.

So Fun!

2011-05-28T12:29:00.000-05:00

These roman shades are so lively in this breakfast nook. The simple design allows the beauty of this bold print to stand out. These were interlined to help retain heat or air conditioning, also to resist sun damage. This print was pretty tricky to design with, the pattern was not symmetrical on the cross grain. I think the finished result is spectacular!

What do you think?

Something Special

2011-02-01T17:28:00.000-06:00

These basket liners were made from quilting fabric, a bit thin, so I added lining to bulk them up and prevent show-through.

What a Difference Colors Can Make

2010-12-22T12:57:00.002-06:00

After: these 3 sections have Velcro attached at the bottom to keep the covers in place.

Before

As you scroll down you will see before and after photos, quite a difference!

This portion was covered in faux seude - challenging fabric to use as a slipcover.

Before

The curved edges were challenging too.

Kitchen Valances and Family Room Panels

2010-10-31T12:28:00.000-05:00

Here a floral valance adds brightness and cheer to an open kitchen & eating area. The solid panels and valance below were designed to coordinate:

Barrels of Comfort

2010-09-23T17:20:00.000-05:00

Before

After

These comfy dark green barrel chairs did not match the client's pale ivory decor. She found a lovely elephant jacquard print in an all cotton fabric, I pre-shrunk the fabric in a warm water wash and dryer cycle. A lovely pair of chairs is the result.

Shell Worthy

2010-08-14T17:36:00.000-05:00

When I saw this fabric I knew exactly which buttons had to go on the tabs - these beauties made from shells. The fabric is actually a king-size coverlet. The upholstery under the slipcovers was attractive and in great condition - the client was simply ready for a change in this sun room.

I covered the seats only on 2 of these green chairs.

Boldly Covered

2010-07-27T10:32:00.000-05:00

This Ikea fabric is so fun - yet provided a bit of a puzzle. The intention was not to match the pattern, simply to work with the provided fabric and make it look good. The loose fit and plain seams add a casual look.

Parroty Goodness

2010-07-26T11:36:00.002-05:00

Before

This Vera Bradley print upholstered chair had seen better days, ripped arm, faded fabric and tearing welt cord. The chair was structurally sound, comfy, and had good curvy lines.

After

A new slipcover made from indoor/outdoor fabric in a bold print provided the save for this chair. This fabric makes a statement in a cozy room, stand by for a photo of the room!

Three Art Fairs

2010-07-17T14:05:00.000-05:00

Had a great time at 3 Art Fairs in a little over one month's time! The first one was the Barrington Downtown Art Fair where I sold and displayed my jewelry along with fellow members of BCAC.
The second fair was the Barrington Garden Faire - Great fun, lots of people and lots of business!
The 3rd and final fair was the BCAC Art in the Park:

WHAT have I been doing!!?

2010-07-15T21:06:00.000-05:00

Removed white black-out draperies and replaced with black colored draperies:

Then retro-fitted theater screen draperies to fit a new larger screen, these were 4 draperies that became 2 draperies AND Swags:

There are doors on either side of the screen, one to a utility room (pictured here on the right), the restroom door is on the left, hidden behind the curtain.

Come to a Beautiful Garden!

2010-06-05T22:26:00.000-05:00

Last year I attended this event with my friend Patty, a jewelry artist. We both thought, how great would it be to a part of this event? Well, this year we will both have a booth in the French Market, come see us!

Tickets are available in advance online - buy them before June 13 to save $10

The Faire is located at a beautiful Barrington Hills home, my favorite gardens include a secret garden, vegetable/herb, and the poolside florals.

There is a flea market, food, and a variety of outdoor spaces decorated by interior designers.

The best part about this event is that proceeds will change the quality of life for women and children in Africa who are suffering from poverty. Read more about Hands of Hope at handsofhopeonline.org

Tale of a Tablecloth

2010-05-19T22:22:00.000-05:00

This ottoman slipcover fabric started life as a tablecloth, the owner wanted to see something more exciting than it's upholstered beige covering. Even the the trim was reused for this slip-covered sweetie. I waved my magic scissors, and, Voila!

Enjoy Art in Barrington!

2010-05-04T13:43:00.003-05:00

Friday, May 7
from 5:30 to 7:30
come to the Ice House Mall in Barrington to enjoy an Artist's Reception. Indulge all your senses with wine, cheese, live music and beautiful art!
I'll be there, hope to see you!

This Was A Fun One!

2010-04-25T22:55:00.003-05:00

This lively printed fabric really jazzed up this old comfy chair. The button tabs around the carved wood arms, short pleated skirt, and welted accents are details that have brought this chair smiling into 2010.

Adjusting Puddles

2010-01-27T13:39:00.004-06:00

Here is my latest, a gorgeous dramatic velvet drapery for "Kidz Parties Plus More" at the Ice House Mall. Owner, Tamara wanted something theatrical looking in velvet. We settled on this blue - a fantastic contrast to the bricks of this historical building. The custom wood rods in a distressed silver feature a finial with a regal design. Soon to come....a Kingly throne slipcovered to match! Stay tuned!!!

Sterrrrettttcccchhhhh

2009-12-04T12:14:00.003-06:00

Ok, this has nothing to do with stitching......but I love my cat and he does the funniest things, like completely stretching out like this, doesn't he have the most beautiful green eyes? His name is Luke Catwalker.

Copper Path

2009-11-15T11:40:00.002-06:00

This necklace and earring set made of turquoise, bronzite, pearl, glass beads, copper, and mixed metals is available at the BCAC Gallery located in the Ice House Mall in Barrington. Check out the website for more info.

Embroidery with Jenny Hart

2009-11-11T10:59:00.003-06:00

I'm so excited! I'm going to be embroidering in a workshop with Jenny Hart at Renegade Handmade in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago. This is a fun little shop with all handmade funky items..here's the link if you are interested: http://renegadehandmade.com

2009-11-07T18:55:00.002-06:00

Here is a lovely, traditional style slipcover. I was very pleased with the way this turned out, so was the client! The fabric is a standard heavy white cotton that I pre-washed and dryed for limited shrinkage. There were lots of cushions-all zippered and welted! Couldn't resist including sweet little Lucy in the photo!

Work in Progress....

2009-11-02T17:49:00.002-06:00

As I get ready for the holiday season, I am sketching and creating some gorgeous jewelry for a few Barrington area shows and the BCAC Gallery.http://barringtonculturalartscenter.org

Loosely Covered

2009-10-21T13:47:00.004-05:00

This slipcover was created with the intent of looking like a casual european style cover. Inspired from the pages of a french interior design magazine, the sofa is quite large with curvy arms. The owner/designer has a large family that loves to cozy up on this washable slipcovered seating. Another inspiration for this design was a collection of antique furniture dust covers used in Victorian summer homes for dust/damage protection. Each cover was made with cotton un-dyed fabric and had beautiful old-fashioned ink hand writing labeling each piece - "front parlor", "master bedroom", etc.

Ruffles are a Lovely Detail

2009-10-01T09:28:00.006-05:00

These are the duvet and pillow coordinates for the bedskirt pictured below. The king size duvet cover was created from 2 twin size duvet covers - these were white ruched cotton with a cotton backing. I then took apart the queen size duvet (in the floral pictured) to use as the accent square in the middle. The floral items were a treasured bedding set purchased by the owner in Ireland during her honeymoon. The plaid fabric seen in the bedskirt below was used to make a 1/2" ruffle around the floral fabric square in the duvet cover to accent and bring the plaid up on the bed in a small way.

The blue pillows have 5 rows of small double ruffles on the edges only, to show under the accent pillow of tuxedo ruffles.

What do you think?

Gorgeous custom bedskirt

2009-09-19T22:26:00.002-05:00

This beautiful custom bedskirt was attached with velcro. This was necessary due to the way the (custom) bed was created, no areas for the skirt to fall through. Of course the plaid matches all the way around, including the back which is against the wall. This skirt is completely removable for washing, one side of velcro is stapled on, the other glued on with a professional quality fabric glue.
Look for the matching duvet cover with a 1/2" ruffle in the same fabric outlining an inset square, coming up next...

Classic Cover

2009-07-27T10:25:00.003-05:00

This lovely white slipcovered chair has graceful lines. The designer was inspired by a magazine photo with similar features, large cornered pleats, thick cord, draped seat. Of course the curvey carved legs had to show!

A Unique New Store

2009-07-27T09:20:00.014-05:00

I was so impressed with Legacy Vintage's new location I had to write about it. Owner Vicki Cox has a beautiful storefront with big windows and really fun items, from serving trays to huge dining tables - all possessing the patina that can only come from age. See for yourself:

Legacy Vintage is off Cook St. in Downtown Barrington, around the corner from Egg Harbor. Phone - (224) 422-6304

Come to the (Fiber) Fair!

2009-07-16T15:46:00.007-05:00

This saturday the 18th I will be at the Barrington Knitting Guild's display & Info area at the Fiber and Folk Art Fair. There will be 90 vendors, among them will be hand dyed yarn, spinners, basket making supplies, jewelry, clothing, Suri Alpacas, so much more:

Music on the main stage as well as strolling musicians.

Art show

2 authors will be giving lectures and signing books

Workshops

Food - BBQ, Coffee, bakery, gyros

Demonstrations of knitting, crocheting, spinning, weaving

Fashion show

Garment competition

See the link above for more info, admission is $10, the fair is at McHenry Co. College and will be indoors and out.
Hope to see you there!

Serene Slipcover

2009-07-16T15:40:00.002-05:00

This beauty is lovely in front of sheer curtains in a master bedroom. The tailored fit, clean lines, and tab details really stand out in this room. Notice the contrast fabric in the pleats, the covered buttons and corded tabs.

A Sweet Little Chair

2009-07-03T11:01:00.004-05:00

This is one of my favorites! Love the stripes and little chenille fluffies in the fabric on this one. The skirt has the gathers just on the corners, the contrast buttons add nice contrast. What do you think?

Seattle is Beautiul!

2009-07-02T11:27:00.003-05:00

I loved Pike Place Market! It's huge, on the waterfront, lots of good food, beautiful flowers, artists selling their paintings, jewelry, photography, etc. A very unique and fun city to visit.
I was there this past week participating in the Annual Slipcover Summit, lots of fun with these teachers and attendees, more to come on that...

Pink Paisley

2009-05-27T10:07:00.003-05:00

Here is that photo as promised. This looks stunning against a black or white background. Can't wait to make more of these, this was a fun project.

My New Favorites

2009-05-27T09:59:00.002-05:00

These little sterling silver beauties are so fun. I made these for my friend Saadia who has short hair and a petite frame. These will be just the right balance for the coordinating necklace, photo to come!

Come meet Therese live in person at Art In The Park

2009-05-23T09:33:00.002-05:00

Meet jewelry artist Therese Davis this Sunday at Art in the Park. This event will be held in Barrington's Citizens Park. The event will feature several artists demonstrating their craft as well as live performances and interactive exibits for the kids. Hope to see you there!

Rosary Bracelet

2009-05-06T11:44:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to share this pretty bracelet that my Mom made. Swarovski pearls and crystals are linked with brass wire wraps and findings. We'll be displaying more at the "Art in the Park" in Barrington, IL on May 24. Come say hi!

The latest Slip

2009-05-02T15:24:00.003-05:00

This beauty is made from a linen/cotton blend. I pre-washed the fabric to shrink soften the finished product. The edges are topstitched instead of corded, a bit more modern and casual I think.

Humanity Ring

2009-04-29T09:36:00.001-05:00

Something I found on the swiss-miss blog:http://www.swiss-miss.com/

Simple, powerful…a ring becomes a tool for spiritual awakening with words to remind us of the HUMANITY that is us. Using the inscription on this ring to send the deeper message to always remember the most important things in life; people to people, heart to heart, love is life.

Hat - Finished!

2009-04-03T14:06:00.003-05:00

Had this one sitting around for a while, kept putting off sewing the ribbon and button on. Don't know why, I find hand-sewing to be very relaxing.
This was taken from the book "One Skein Wonders". It was lightly felted after knitting.
I made this one for my Sis-in-law Juli, I'm sure it will compliment her beautiful eyes!
If you are a knitter/crocheter you would enjoy this site: http://www.ravelry.com/
It's an interactive site where knitters post their projects, yarns and free patterns.
This pattern is called the "Stirling Cloche" the designer posted the pattern (free) at ravelry.com

Rolled Arm Bench Slipcover

2009-03-31T11:05:00.003-05:00

Isn't this the cutest cover? The rolled arms were tricky to get just right, especially matching the plaids! A long zipper was added to one side in order to get this on, as a rule, any time the top is larger than the bottom a zipper is needed. This is a taffeta fabric with a decorative fringe thread woven in. The rolled arms and seams have a thin welt cord added for detail.

Working on a Bevel Setting

2009-03-16T21:26:00.003-05:00

Love my jewelry metalsmithing class, every Monday at 6:30-9:00 pm at Barrington High School. We solder, saw, file and appreciate everyone's work. I know I speak for many when I say making something with your hands is one of the greatest joys in life!
Below left is my first attempt at bevel setting, it's barely held in place as I sawed the edges too close and removed much of my careful soldering. I still love it and am very proud of my learning experience.
On the block will be a ring with an adventurine.

More fun with pillows

2009-03-05T22:23:00.005-06:00

These screen printed pillows came out beautifully! The initials were taken from a font download site, blown up and sent to over to slipcoverdiva.blogspot.com

Thanks Angie!

One of my jewelry pieces

2009-03-05T22:05:00.004-06:00

This is a sterling pendant with copper seed beads,
carnelians, moss agate, and goldstone. I create the shape
partially by hand, as well as with the use of a mandrel.
I then hammer, string beads, weave wire, and attach to a satin cord.

How draperies can help you sleep...

2009-03-05T21:51:00.007-06:00

This panel was created for someone having trouble sleeping due to light seeping in through the sheer verticals (pictured behind the green panels).

Not only do they block light, the heavy lining helps retain heat or cool air.

A lovely butterfly shade

2009-02-01T10:32:00.007-06:00

Here is an interlined shade set into a recessed window area in a historic home. This dramatic fabric catches your eye immediately as you enter the home, the window is directly opposite the front entry, about 40 feet down the hall following arched entries. Take a look...

Custom silk-screened monograms on pillows

2008-11-23T14:31:00.003-06:00

The front pillow with the T is the lovely silkscreened piece of fabric I won from a contest by my friend Angie - check out her blog listed here - Slipcover Diva. I made an 18" pillow with 2" grosgrain ribbon and an invisible zipper. The D is a 22" pillow made from a twill fabric. I'm loving this product and am looking forward to trying my hand at silk screening. Angie assures me it is easy!
Some of my pillows will be sold at Legacy Vintage Home in Barrington, IL

Beautiful Silk Panels

2008-11-16T11:53:00.005-06:00

Just finished these inverted pleat interlined silk panels. I used simple bands as tie backs to keep the look clean.

2008-11-10T10:00:00.001-06:00

I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence by Amy Sedaris

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is so funny! I love it, open it up when I need a laugh or when I need artistic inspiration.

Perhaps someday I will write a book like this with a sewing, knitting, etc. theme?

View all my reviews.

Something Pretty for the Northfield Foundation

2008-10-25T17:42:00.005-05:00

I recently went to a weekend event where several women donated their time and workroom fabrication skills for Northfield Foundation http://www.northfieldfoundation.org/ Pictured is one of the items made, a London Shade with micro-corded contrast inserts, ball fringe, interlining and button accents. We had fun, made friends and sent out some good Karma.

Knitted trim?

2008-10-17T09:56:00.002-05:00

Yes. I love, love, love this! What an idea! Thank you, Cheryl Bray of Creative Details, Inc. in Burr Ridge, Il for showing me this inventive idea. Cheryl told me this was a sample she created to show clients. As a knitter I can't wait to try this one out.

An Association I Enjoy Being a Part Of

2008-10-15T09:39:00.003-05:00

Wanted to take the time to mention that I am a member of this national organization. The WCAA is a great way for professional Interior Designers and Workrooms to learn from each other and network with professionals in the business.

Personally, I think the funnest part about this organization are the monthly meetings, members in the local area get together to chat and learn something new. There is a yearly fee ($35) to be a Chicagoland member, we have meetings at local businesses - from workrooms to retail stores.

This month was a very special seminar featuring Scot Robbins - I will be posting photos and writing about that later. Past meetings have been at Les Tissues Colbert, Design D'Vision, Brimar, United Supply, & featured speaker Amy Burton of Rowley Co.

Feel free to contact me for more info, I am the Chicagoland WCAA secretary.

UPDATING your dining chairs

2008-10-03T21:03:00.002-05:00

Consider a half-slip for your chairs with new cushions. Here, a slipcover with kick pleats adds a nice update to these windsor captains chairs. The brown curves in the fabric echo the wood in the spindles and arms.

ENHANCING storebought items

2008-10-01T21:51:00.004-05:00

The white portion of this 2 width panel was purchased on ebay with the intention of adding the cheery plaid to the sides for a custom look. I also added black out fabric to the back to help with light control and for added heating & cooling control. Practical and stylish!

Pretty Ottoman Slipcover

2008-09-28T15:27:00.005-05:00

Just finished this lovely ottoman slipcover. The very open weave linen fabric gives this piece a rustic character and will add texture to whichever room it goes home to.
It is for sale at Legacy Vintage Home, Barrington, IL.