I have a list. A list of things to do. Some of these things are daily or weekly chores like garbage, kitty litter, dishes, laundry. Some things on the list are seasonal like updating the altar decor and tools, decorating for either a holiday or autumn, that kind of thing.  Some list items are creative in nature like getting the pouches ready for the etsy store.  All of these I do manage to find time for.  I don’t have a cluttered home, I tidy up every evening before bed most nights, the fridge could stand a sponge down, vacumming and bathroom I do stay on top of.

But what about the list that has those extra projects that do require a block of time and budgeting for the time spent and materials needed? It can be challenging.  I’ve had the fabric for covering my sofa for about 9 months (thank goodness for Joanne’s coupons!) but for one reason or another I just didn’t find time to get that slipcover started not to mention finished.

My very first piece of brand new from the store furniture was my sofa.  I’ve had this sofa for over 20 years and it’s still in darn fine shape. It was a good investment and will last me many more years to come.  You know there’s a catch right?

The fabric is terribly dated.  A Pacific Northwest Girl, I grew up going to a lovely little cabin in the woods until about 3 years ago when the property was sold and the ceiling caved in on the living room thanks to carpenter ants. You would think carpenter means they build things and perhaps they do else where but these big buggers should be called demolition ants. Anyway…  I have a great love of the cabin and camping. I love the smell of wood smoke in my clothes and hair. I love the cozy toasty fire in the fireplace.  And in the late 80’s Lodge Decor was everywhere.   Including my couch.  I loved it.  Not so much now…

The second thing is that my dearly departed Miniature Schnauzer Isis had an affinity for making nests.  She would dig and dig and dig in little tiny foot pawings and she turned in a circle until it was juuuuust right.  It could take her 10 minutes to get it just right. And, well, she wore out the fabric on the sofa cushions in record time.  The black warp is still there (tough as nails man made fiber) but the cotton weft was obliterated.  Black spots smack in the center of both cushions, both sides, top and bottom.

Combine the two and I had a sofa that I didn’t care for much any more even though it is a very cozy napping couch and quite supportive.  For several years now I’ve had store bought slipcovers on it. They are nice enough in their way, the colors are okay but the love wasn’t really flowing. Store bought, one piece slip covers, slip. All over the place.  I was constantly tucking things in and adjusting and fluffing and tugging and and and gah!!!!  Drove me crazy.

Time to make a fitted slip cover as a new sofa is currently of the question.  I wanted a color that was neutral. I wanted to able to put new covers on the throw pillows et voila! a new seasonal look with little effort or money.  I chose a denim in un-dyed cotton. It’s not white but it’s not tan or beige either. Tough, sturdy, washable, and bright. And easily found if I need to re-do the seat cushions.

So I made a plan. Four days off at Thanksgiving, which was very nice and low key, would be enough time. And it was.  A few hours each day and I have something that makes me very happy.  Zippers in the cushions even! I just love it.  What a DIFFERENCE.

Yes there are a few wrinkles but you must have “ease” or you won’t be able to get it on or off.  I’m so proud of myself.

The green chair to the right has a corduroy slipcover I made well over 12 years ago and the cats have had their way with it.  It is next.  For now though, I can breath, knit all the things I must knit for Yule, and try to relax.