We've been keeping pretty busy around here. Our tenants moved into our old house this past weekend, so we are finally done making trips back and forth to get that house ready. Both Mr. S. and I are happy that is all done, as we can now concentrate on the new house. On Saturday, we picked up the new furniture we ordered from La Z Boy a few months ago ... it looks so good! Once the rooms are all done I will share pictures with you.
Speaking of the new furniture, Mr. S. got himself a nice recliner chair, and I want to make washable covers for the arms and headrest area. I haven't decided yet if I will just buy some home decorator weight fabric and sew them, or if I should just crochet them instead. What are your thoughts?? Any suggestions on patterns I should use if I crochet them, or should I just wing it?
I learned that they used to call these covers "antimacassars" and they were usually lacy/doily type things... I can remember my grandmother having them on her furniture. They were so called because the men used macassar oil in their hair and it would leave stains on the fabric, so the antimacassar was born! Learn something new every day, huh?
I would like your opinion on this, and to show my appreciation, I will do a little giveaway for those who comment on this post. I won't tell you what it will be, but I will tell you that if you crochet, it will be something that you can use.
Thanks in advance for your help.
I bought some really soft fleese to go over the arms and back of a chair I knew would get lots of use. It has worked out very well. Everyone who sits in it loves how soft it is. And it comes out of the wash just as soft, too. So I vote for making a set out of fleese...or some other type of fabric you think might work better. :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't know they had a name, makes perfect sense though. I love learning random bits of information!
ReplyDeleteTo crochet or sew one? I wouldn't do a traditional doily one for sure, but I think you should make one of each at some point so while ones getting washed you can put the other one on and change up the decor.
Since your in the process of putting the room together I would start with the one you can make faster. Do you crochet or sew faster? Do you happen to have the material on hand for one or the other? Do you have or can you make a pattern quicker for sewing or crocheting one?
I don't know how Mr. S feels about being surrounded (within his personal bubble space) with crochet but a new twist on an old classic would be really neat to see and could tie in any other crochet pieces you have in the room.
With sewing one you could either use a coordinating/matching fabric so they won't stand out or a patterned fabric that will tie the room together.
A small matching pillow or rectangle low back pillow would be good to make too.
A lot of questions and suggestions but not a definite 'do this one' I know, but I hope they will help narrow down your decision. Only you and Mr. S really know your personal style, decorating style, and only you know what you have on hand and what materials you need to buy.
Let us know what you decide and show us when you make them =D I'd love to see what you come up with!
Opinions? I have lots of those!
ReplyDeleteI would not want someone to get head stains on my crochet, even if that's what I made it for. That is just wrong. If you've seen my pink pineapple shawl on Ravelry, that was made using a pattern originally for a recliner back. Made with yarn instead of thread, it makes a nice shawl.
Long story short, I would sew some. It would take less time too.
I won't be much help--I love to have things that are handmade, but I have a hard time working hard on a project that is just likely to be damaged in its use. So, as much as I like the idea of something crocheted, the practical part of me leans more toward fabric. Can't wait to see what you decide!
ReplyDeleteHi Sandy, glad that you and hubbie are all settled and enjoying the new house and furniture. As far as what to cover the chairs, ohhhh, I see what the others are saying about time and the sewn ones would be lovely, but I would have to have crocheted coverings. I am such a doily addict, they would be so pretty and cozy. Can't wait to see what you decided. Blessings!
ReplyDeletePersonally I would adapt a doily pattern but use yarn instead of thread to make a more durable cover.
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