Lounge Chair Rockin' Redo!!!!

LOOK WHAT I DID!

My friend asked if I could recover her favorite chair.

I said yes...but she didn't realize I've never actually done it!

(not a beginner sewing project)

{I heard that if your sewing machine is having troubles...
most of the time the needle is to blame!
So best to change your needle after every 4 hours of sewing...}

I took this plaid lounge rocker...

and made it rockin'!

 The zebra print upholstery is from Hobby Lobby...it is so nice!
The back and front look identical, so you don't have
to worry too much about "right" sides!

No pattern...it seriously took some major mental 

preparation to start cutting into the fabric!

I used the cushions as a guideline.

I wanted it to fit tight, so I cut it only about an

inch or two bigger on each side.

I built the pieces to just slip over the existing fabric...

the plaid was sewn right to the padding.

And then cut a "sock" shaped piece to sew in the edges...

I normally don't use pins...

but on upholstery...it's a MUST!

This frayed a lot too...so I did a double stitch and zig-zagged the edges.

Pillow case shape, double hemmed bottom edge.

Fits like a glove!

Bottom cushion...

Made like a box...see the original plaid has a pouch 

to slip over the metal frame...I mimicked that

by overlapping 2 pieces and sewing

them like the back of a throw pillow!

Here's the bottom pieces ready to be sewn!

Ahh, so far so good!

underneath looks great!

Arm rests with side pockets!

I cut the pocket piece about 6 inches wider than 

the arm piece, allowing for "big hand" size pockets

for remotes, drinks, and toys...

I am sure they will be filled with fun!

another weird "sock" shaped piece to round the arms...

The bottom edge was just hemmed under twice and left open.

What to do with the backside?

Sort of a strip with a rounded top...then I left the inside edge

only partly sewn to fit around the metal base

Backside done!

Now the decorative "kick plate" post covers...

I used liquid stitch and my staple gun!

I cut each piece an inch larger around.  

Then folded down a quarter inch, glued and pinned it.

Then I folded the folded edge down and glued, 

stapled in the center and pinned it overnight.

While the glue was pinned and drying, 

I stapled a piece on the ottoman!

Back to these things...

I had never used liquid stitch before.

**I would not make a dress or other clothing item with it...

but I was pleased enough for this project...it was 

more time than just sewing, but there are times, 

like this, that you just can't sew it.***

Now, a quick throw pillow...while the glue is drying!

I thought this could go on a different couch to tie into the room...

Awesome, and done!

They were coming to pick it up...so I hurried and

took it outside to take pics!

Don't judge my spray painted driveway!  :)

(that side pocket has the extra material in it!)

See those fabulous "kick plate" things...they turned out great too!

They just velcro on around the posts.

Huge success!  Everyone loves it!

I love it so much...I went and bought a

small ugly rocker at the DI for $8 yesterday...

which I am so stoked to recover!

Total time: 6 hours.

Mental prep: 3 months.

(and my other fab places I party!)