I did my first my home improvement project last year – well first one that I shelled a lot of money out for, that is.
I had my side porch expanded so I could actually use it. I figured evening and weekend work when the sun is out would be much more enjoyable if I was outside. Plus it will give me outdoor space to entertain and an added bonus was covering up a chunk of the yard that used to need weeding.
Since it was finished last fall I haven’t really had a chance to use it and so was stuck with sticker shock. But my friends and family have my back and have been helping me make it useable and cozy and pretty so I’m excited about it again!
I have my great-grandparent’s colorful garden chairs and my nephew painted me a glittery turquoise pot and wooden flower for my birthday. Then the big birthday evening… I came home to find a grill from a friend – and promises to teach me how to use it :). I’d just finished setting it up when another friend appeared with a glider rocker he’d found for free that will make a great reading/work/nap chair.
Finally… the pretty but empty porch is filling up with functional pieces that make me feel loved & happy every time I’m out there.
The sunny Sunday we had today was the inspiration I needed to recover the glider to add a good punch of color to the porch and make it mine (and cover the cushions with outdoor friendly fabric).
I wasn’t completely sure the strategy in my head would work, but figured I had nothing to lose so I dove in. The padded arms were the first to go (comfy maybe, but the look of the bentwood arms wins out) and I was happy to see all that was left were two stand alone cushions and the footstool top. The footstool was easy – I know how to work the staple gun! For the cushions, I wrapped them in the new fabric and used lots and lots of pins to fit the cover. Then sewed it most of the way, slid it back over the cushion and hand sewed it closed. Bingo, a brand new chair!
The Before
Good bones
The After
Direct comparison for good measure
cocoa and crafts 
Great job on the glider. Now where are some pictures of the deck and the beautiful flower pots? Sounds like you had a great Birthday!!!!!
Really nice, but how did you make the back cushion “grow” taller? Did I miss something?
Thank you Carolyn. The back cushion had slipped behind the seat cushion on the “before” picture and I had it sitting on top of it in the “after”. Cushion is the same size, just placed slightly differently 🙂 I’m sure it will slip back down into it’s old spot after some use.
Great job. I love it. You have many talents. Did you use your serger?
I thought about using the serger and chickened out. Maybe we can test it out when you’re here in May?
Love the fabric choice! Do you know who makes it and/ or where it can be purchased? Thanks!
Anna
Thank you Anna. I’m not sure who makes it, but I might have enough left to be able to check and let you know. I bought it at Joann Fabric. I was pleasantly surprised to find a lot of great outdoor fabric options this year.