Saturday, April 1, 2017

Thanks to blogging ...

One of the things that I love about blogging is that it keeps me motivated - I have to be creative so I'll have something to write about.


I mentioned in my last post that I couldn't seem to push myself, but putting a goal in writing and out there in blogland set me in motion.


I said that I wanted new chaise covers 


and when you see the new ones, you'll wonder what the difference is.


On Tuesday, after I hit post on the blog, I actually got busy - what you see isn't yards of purchased fabric, but an old floral duvet and a matching pillow with the striped back of the pillow showing.


Lulu was kind enough to model the two fabrics - both covers were made from old duvets, but the old covers on the left have worn thin and faded.


The first part of the project was simple - I added a pillow form to the large sham and plopped it on the garden bench.


Next I essentially made ruffle edged throws for the chaises and added the very faded matching pillows.


For more color, I tossed the pillow on the second chaise backwards.


Lulu gave her seal of approval to the new covers by taking over my seat today when I popped into the house for a minute.


I had hoped to just laze in the garden the rest of the week, but that hasn't happened.


When I should have been gardening, we've been enjoying the outdoors - the hillside and wildflowers were calling.


The little strip of beach you see below is the area of town where we live.


And now, because writing down that I wanted to make new chaise covers got me motivated, I'll show you my next goal.


If all goes as planned, I'll be showing you plate racks on our dining room walls soon.


We're not tackling the racks -  a neighbor said he was up to the challenge so I'll be lying right here while Joe builds the racks.


Happy April!

38 comments:

  1. They turned out beautifully! Smart idea to use an old duvet...fabric can be so expensive! Vintage sheets would be pretty as well. I may need to use some of mine to make some things for the future screened room on my porch. Hmmm...you have inspired me. Lulu us too cute! Enjoy the weekend.

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  2. Love seeing all your garden pictures - and your newly refreshed chaise with the lovely black decoration. Dogs are the best. Looking forward to seeing your plate rack when it is ready.
    Joy

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  3. Well, it looks magazine worthy! And Lulu is the best model. So poised and sure of herself. I don't think there's such a thing as lazing in the garden. As soon as I sit down, I see something that needs to be done!
    Brenda

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  4. Happy April. I have a chaise that I need to make a cover for when we haul it out of storage. Yours turned out just lovely. I love working with sheets and old duvet covers and things because it is such a nice big piece of unseamed fabric.
    Have a wonderful weekend. xo Diana

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  5. Carol...fabulous job and so quick. I love that Lulu would pose for pics while trying out the new covers. So clever of you to use things you already have too. Love that idea. Can't wait to see those plate racks. Blessings for a fun at beach. xoxo, Susie

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  6. Carol, I love the ruffle edges on your chaise covers. Reuse is a good word. Lulu has grown so much! Looking forward to seeing the next project. Plate racks a great space saver. Have a great day! Sylvia D.

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  7. Lulu looks very content - your covers are gorgeous! I love those plate racks and planned to build my own but lost interest in the project. I'll live vicariously through yours!

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  8. I agree Carol, i also get motivated by all the creativity I see on the blogs, especially yours. Although sometimes I have those moments where I feel truly flabbergasted by how fast people get their posts up. I feel like a true slacker when it comes to posting, seriously takes me a long time to get one up on my blog.
    I looooove your ruffles on your lounge covers...so pretty and unique!
    And I'm so happy your neighbor can do your plate rack I love the spot you've got picked out for it. Tell Steve the Harris' say Hi!

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  9. Lovely covers! Lulu looks like she approves the look and the feel. Your gardens are so pretty.

    Have a nice weekend ~ FlowerLady

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  10. oh Lulu is such a nice model to show off your creative endeavors. I remember when she was a wee, new pup!

    LOL I can't get over all of the flowers that you have blooming there now..so different from where I am ( Just a few daffodils and some trees coming into spring bloom :)

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  11. Your covers are beautiful and they look so relaxing and comfortable. Isn't it great when we can reused something we have and give it new life. It's like FREE stuff :) Looking forward to your next project.
    Connie :)

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  12. Your lovely yard has me drooling! I had to pin that patio. Is that real stone or painted to look that way? Would love to see a post on it if you are ever up to it. It's a beautiful backdrop for your lovely florals.

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  13. It all looks very inviting , I could jus curl up there an go to sleep in the sun.
    Merle........

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  14. Very nice, Carol, and oh my, it looks like summer there already. We're still dealing with cold and snow. How lovely to have plate racks and they will look sharp too. You have a very cozy place to call home. Happy April!

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  15. Happy April to you! I love the idea of a wall of plate racks. Hmmm, wonder where I might add one?
    The new chaise cover is lovely. I need to follow your cue and get one made for our chaise. It's been without a cushion for several years. I usually just take a pillow or two out if I want to lounge. ;-)

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  16. Love the new chaise covers...glad that Lulu approves. :)Can't wait to see the new plate holder...am sure it will be perfect and you'll do wonders with it decorating your beautiful and comfy cottage. I still have the yearning to come and sit in your garden and have iced tea now that summer is coming. Thank you for your blog...it brightens my day and you inspire me with ideas for my home. Have a beautiful weekend.

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  17. Hi Carol,
    I love my ruffle chaise cover and chair too. Favorite part of the garden. Lulu looks so cute in all the pictures.
    Have a wonderful weekend.
    xoxo
    Kris

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  18. The chaise is gorgeous and its always inspiring to see how someone improvises. I really love the fabric...looks so sweet outdoors.

    When I first started blogging I was a little erratic about when I posted. Someone mentioned it and I had to write: In order to have a lifestyle blog you have to live that life first.

    Keep up the pace, Carol!

    Jane x

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  19. Oh Carol, you are so right. In the last 9 or 10 years now of blogging, many ambitions have taken shape for me. Thanks to blogging, indeed, I have taken a new path in my creativity.

    That LULU is a crack up! She is one BIG puppy! I love how she is stretched out on HER chaise, under HER sunshine! teeeheheheehee

    LOVE your new covers. Those prints are perfect for the season, and April is here, and we are ready. My 59th birthday is in 21 days, the crocus are poking out their heads from the sleepy ground, school only has two months left to it, Ruben wants to paint our shutters, gate door and front door a FRENCH BLUE, and the sun is brighter. Love the idea of plate racks!

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  20. I do love the chaise covers and using old duvet covers is perfect. Lulu is such a pretty girl. She can pose anytime. I'm glad blogging has encouraged you, it works on me too sometimes. Plate racks will be wonderful. Hugs!

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  21. Loooooove it all......enjoy spring love Ria x

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  22. Wow, no moss grows under your feet! Wish I had your energy. I have been remiss on my blog....I remember when I posted everyday...yikes. It made me get creative taking pictures and inventing posts.

    Looking forward to your dish rack....smart move getting help!

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  23. I think it looks perfect, Carol and if I had that view to peek at I would be walking, too! Then I would come back to my sweet flower filled yard and relax on my beautiful chaise. Can't wait to see the plate racks and how you style them! Happy weekend!

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  24. That´s true! The blogging keep´s you creative with both the camera and writing. I know that Instagram is big but the blog is something special...
    Warm hug from Titti

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  25. You've truly got paradise right in your own backyard, Carol. Your new floral skirted lounge covers are so pretty! That was a lot of fabric to gather for the ruffles! Blogging can sometimes motivate me, but at times it makes me wonder why I'm blogging when I see the huge projects bloggers take on. I always love seeing photos of your home and gardens. Thanks for sharing!

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  26. Your garden always looks wonderful to me - you just can't tell the difference between weeds and plants in your pictures! The new chaise covers are perfectly lovely. I remember when you made the first ones. They lasted well. Enjoy your spring, don't worry about doing things to blog about. We just love seeing your pictures!

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  27. I could stare endlessly at your garden and I love hearing about your life in your gorgeous cottage and the pictures of the sea...well they transport me.

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  28. I love the new chaise covers and Lulu is just too cute sitting on them. Can't wait to see the plate racks.

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  29. You're so creative and clever! I'm glad Lulu approves of the new covers, too. Looks like she's the one who's having the drink and will be donning your sun hat. How exciting that you're having a plate rack built - that will be so fun to play with, rearranging plates and such!

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  30. Funny thing... If I write down what I want to do, it won't get done for a long time... too much pressure! But by looking at posts like this, it motivates me to get stuff done right away. I'm a weirdo ;)

    xo,
    rue

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  31. Oh that Lulu, the inspector of comfort - glad she gave her paw stamp of approval. Looks pretty Carol.
    xoxo

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  32. I love the chaise cover, and it looks even best when Lulu is on it! The plate rack is a great idea!

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  33. I do love the floral prints... both faded and new. How neat to use old duvet covers! Lulu is so cute posing for you... in your spot, lol!

    You are surrounded by so much beauty, thank you for sharing it with us.

    You've given me an idea with those plate racks... now if only I could find a Joe in my area to build one ;)

    Enjoy the rest of your week~

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  34. Pretty new slipcover and good use of an old duvet. I would like some plate racks as well. Do you think your friend would mind making a couple more and shipping them to NY?

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  35. Carol, how lovely! AND I love that you used *used* materials! It looks so inviting, I want to nudge Lulu and have her make room for *me*!

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  36. Great pictures and LuLu was such a great model all prim and proper. LOL

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  37. great job Carol...the garden looks like it is thriving....and what would life be without a "lulu" to take over your spot the minute you walk away!!

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