Happy Leap Day & 91 Degrees

The weather has a mind of its own. While the east coast is still in the throes of winter, SoCal is already experiencing a record-breaking heatwave. I know I shouldn’t complain. However, when I’m on the tennis court trying to play a match on the hot concrete slab, it’s a bit too warm for my liking.  Plus, we’re in a drought so we need rain!

Looking at the bright side, though, it’s warm enough that I will share my poolside vintage chair makeover today.

These sling chairs used to be lovely (about 20 years ago). I especially like them because they remind me of the sling chairs we had in our backyard in the 50’s & 60’s.

Now these chairs needed to be tossed or fixed up. Of course, there was no question–they just needed some TLC with new fabric and paint.

The first step was to remove the old fabric, carefully keeping it intact, as this would be my pattern for cutting the new fabric.

I then took apart the chairs and foot stools, carefully keeping all the hardware so I could put it back together again!

And now the fun part: PAINT!  I decided on a pretty lemony green.  DecoArt makes the perfect shade called Honeydew in their Patio Paint Outdoor Acrylic line. I chose this color to complement the navy fabric.

Two coats is all I needed to completely cover the dark wood.

New Upholstery

I love everything nautical [which is ironic because I get seasick].  The ocean blues, white-capped surf, vintage anchors and captains’ steering wheels are very seaworthy.  So I was happy to find these two fabrics:

Using the old canvas as my pattern, I measured [twice] and cut [once] the new navy fabric

With a sewing machine, I turned under and stitched the side edges.  I also turned under and sewed top and bottom casings for the dowels.

I put the chairs back together, and set the dowels into the fabric ends and a new chair was born!  Now I had to repeat the process for the foot stools.

Not one to leave out details, I made pillows with the yellow  & white fabric.  Before sewing the pillow pieces together, I ironed on transfers that I created using images of an anchor and a compass.

Then I hand-sewed rope trim around the edges of the finished pillows.

I love the contrasting colors of the pillows on the chairs.

Now we are definitely ready for some R&R poolside.  Won’t you join me?

Let Your Dreams Set Sail.

 Are you ready for the warm weather?Share Your Cup

Decor to Adore

Disclosure:  I was compensated and provided product for this project. However, all ideas and opinions are my own.