(inspiration slipcover from Country Living)
Since sewing is not my forte and 90-year old Grandma Eleanor (my hubby’s maternal Grandma) gets bored with staying home all the time and not having much to do, I asked her if she would like to help me with that slipcover project that I’ve been putting off for about a year now. She was happy to have something to do and I think it makes her feel useful to have a project going on. Sure does help me out, since I would have probably butchered this project on my own. I feel pretty sure about that. 
I found this chair last year at the Salvation Army and it went great with the granny room look I had in the guestroom, but soon after, that room got a makeover and this upholstered chair would not do anymore. So, I found some pretty white linen-y fabric at a yardsale last year for $5 and there they’ve both been sitting in the beachy guestrom. I draped and tucked the fabric on the chair and that’s as far as I’ve gotten. Every time I walked in there, I kept telling myself I needed to get out the sewing machine and try my hand at making the thing.
So, this week, we uncovered the chair and got started. Eleanor came over for a couple days and I watched as she cut out pieces of fabric that will be made into a slipcover. Maybe I’ll actually learn something from this. Let’s hope so.
She draped the fabric and then cut each piece with the scissors, going all the way around the chair. Check out Eleanor’s cute little legs. Not bad for a 90 year old.
Tucking, pinning, and cutting.
She used a piece of newspaper to make a pattern for the curved arms.
And a-sewing we go! Eleanor is a pro at this and has been sewing all her life, so it all came back to her really well. And my new yardsale Kenmore sewing machine works great, so she enjoyed sewing on it too.
She insisted that we had to put covered cording all around the cushions, arms, and a few other spots. If it was up to me, I probably wouldn’t have done that, but she’s really good at covering that cording, so I’m glad we are doing it. I think it’s going to look really great when she’s done. The old gal still has the sewing touch and she whipped up this cording in no time. Of course, you have to cut cording on the bias. I learned that a long time ago from my own sewing mama.
She measured the flat pieces around the cushion and that’s what we are starting on first, getting the cushion covered.
I thought you’d enjoy a couple of little videos I took of Eleanor while she was sewing. She’s completely deaf in one ear and only has about 1/2 her hearing in the other (and wears a hearing aid), so communication is not the easiest, but we made it. I asked her in the first one how long she had been sewing, and she finally answered me in the 2nd one. She’s too cute!
We did get that T-cushion finished the first day and I’ll show you the rest when we get it done, since it will probably take awhile to complete it all. In fact, I have to go back to Hobby Lobby, since I bought all the cording they had and I need a few more yards. She’s a hard working little lady and wants it to look great. She said she didn’t want me telling anyone she made it if it didn’t turn out well, but I told her I’m not a perfectionist.
Heck, I lived with it tucked and thrown for almost a whole year now.
*****************************************************************
Before I go, just wanted to mention that I have a brand new sponsor, Disc Hangers, so click on the button to the right (or the link here) to check out his website. He saw my post on hanging plates and he sells the disc hangers online and thought his online site would be a perfect match for my blog. And, he’s giving all of you FREE SHIPPING through the end of this month. So, if you’re in the market for some of those disc hangers (invisible), I hope you’ll take advantage of the discount and they can be sent directly to your home. I love shopping in my PJ’s!
If you’re interested in ordering some plate hangers, just click on the Disc Hangers button to the right and put in the promo code FREESHIP09, before checking out, for free shipping. He’s going to continue this through the end of the year just for my readers!
{ 86 comments… read them below or add one }
Grandma Eleanor is a doll! I hope I’m that cute when I’m her age…
Enjoy your new sewing machine. I picked up sewing in April while re-doing the interior of our airstream travel trailer. It had been 30 years since I used a sewing machine (Home ec in HS). Now I’m sewing up a storm!
There are tons of sewing/quilting/crafting blogs out there that feature lots of free project tutorials out there. Who needs to buy patterns?
She IS a doll, and also for doing that at her age, wow…..
Hugs to you both
How nice of Grandma! And yes, she does has fab legs!
I love the blue wall colour and those mirror’s are TDF!!
Grandma Eleanor is so cute! I hope I can still live when I’m 90 years old.
Donna
How wonderful to have a wise and talented elder to help with a project like this. I’ll bet that the end result looks fabulous!
I’ve missed seeing you at my place, Rhoda but saw you had a new post up and had to come see! You lucky girl..to have a Grandma to help you do all that work…she looks more like 65 than ninety! Do you think I might get her to come spend a few weeks with us? Chair looks great!
Sandi
What an incredible memory for you! I have a crafty gramdna, too – and I will never forget the projects we have done together. Such a neat idea to video her in action! She is just lovely!
She is such a cutie. I just love that she is wearing shorts! I can’t wait to see the finished chair. Thanks for including us in the project; it brought back fun memories of sewing with my grandmother.
I LOVE Grandma Eleanor…more, more, more!!
I’m so impressed. The slipcovered chair looks wonderful.
Geeze, I hope I look that good at 90! I love the inspiration picture and I’m hoping to do at least one sofa I’m bringing with when we eventually move in a white slipcover {it’s an all-over large floral with a dark blue background presently}. Although, if we don’t move the house before the holidays, I may just have the slipcover done as a Christmas present to myself!
Grandma Eleanor is amazing! My grandma, who is just a youngn’ at 77, showed me how to do this!
What a precious post. I think Grandma Eleanor is just a doll and how wonderful that she is still up and running and so willing to help at the age of 90. Your slipcover will look fabulous I’m sure. Great post. Hugs, Marty
First – How adorable is she? Love her!
Second – Cording is a must, so I’m so glad she made you do it.
It really takes upholstery, etc up a notch and makes it look less homemade and more professional (in my opinion). You’ll be glad you are doing it. It’s also quite easy to do once you know how to put it in.
Can’t wait to see the finished product!
Grandma Eleanor … bless her heart, is so sweet! I totally agree about the cording. I can’t wait to see the finished slipcover.
Jane
What a blessing. How awesome is Miss Eleanor!!
Rhoda she’s amazing for a 90 Years young. You and your hubby are very lucky to have her.
PS…can’t wait to see the slipcover. I’ve been wanting to try my hand at that forever
Rhoda, I just know you cherish moments like these spent with Grandma Eleanor – women of her generation that are still around and able to impart these crafts to us are truly a living legacy to what are quickly becoming dying arts. Reminds me of spending time learning the tricks of the sewing trade with my own dear grandmother who passed away at 90. Am so looking forward to seeing the finished slipcover! Great post!
She is a treasure! My gosh, I hope my legs look that good at 90. Come to think of it, they don’t look that cut now!
I don’t sew so I would never attempt the slipcovers but I have to say that I noticed Grandma Eleanor’s legs before you mentioned them. They look better than mine! Good grief.
What a nice Grandma to have. Miss Eleanor looks like she is really concentrating on that first video. It was all I could to to resist buying a club chair at the Goodwill this week. It had a white slipcover and had “possibilities” but was too big for the living room. Please continue to post more about Grandma Eleanor and your project.
Charming! I am venturing toward the idea that I can make slipcovers for my Martha Washington style chairs. Last attempt was not so successful, I tend to get into a hurry with my personal sewing projects, at least the ones I make for me, to wear or otherwise! This time I vow to s-l-o-w down,lol. My mother taught me to sew, I still have the golden touch and sew that she bought me thirty years ago, I now have Singer Futura to go with it.
Oh my gosh, Rhoda! She is beautiful and amazing!!!! Thanks so much for sharing. Can’t wait to see the finished product.
Margaret, Virginia Beach
This made me miss my own sweet grandmother who was a professional seamtress and miliner. It’s hard to believe that Miss Eleanor is 90! She must take good care of herself and those are some mighty pretty legs she has! Mine don’t look that good now! Can’t wait to see the finished project.
Rhoda, she reminds me SO much of my dear 88-year-old Grandma! She can’t hardly hear at all and uses a hearing aid and it often takes several times for her to answer my questions if I yell loud enough! She taught me to sew when I was a little girl, though she can’t sew anymore because of her hands and poor eyesight. What a blessing grandma’s are!!
Looks great so far, Rhoda! And how wonderful to have such an enthusiastic helper (who actually looks to be doing most of the work!) Can’t wait to see the finished product.
Oh and thanks for the source for plate hangers. I’ve used them too (and blogged about them as well, I think they’re so great) and I’ll be sure to stock up while we get free shipping!
What a blessing to be able to benefit from the wisdom of such a talented little lady. Can’t wait to see the end result!
I loved this and it made me miss my Granny like mad! I actually have tears while I write this. I wasn’t lucky enough to have had Granny as long as ya’ll’ve had Eleanor, but I had her for long enough to know what a blessing she was to us all. I could have watched the whole video. We have alot to learn from the older folks in our lives!!!! Thanks for sharing.
How sweet! Lovely post! Grandma Eleanor is precious! Can’t wait to see her new slipcover! I wish my mother was still around. She could whip up anything in no time! I’m thankful she taught me how to sew. I still haven’t ever made a slipcover – that’s for the professionals, like Eleanor!
Grandma Eleanor is wonderful–how lucky you are to have her. And how wonderful that she is still able to do all that she does!
What a treasure!
She can sew and has great legs to boot.
Grandma Eleanor is precious! I wish I still had my Mimmie…she could sew like nobody’s business!
Those Disc hangers look really neat! Next time I’m in the market for a plate hanger, I’ll consider buying from him (from your blog, of course! : )
I LOVE her! Can I adopt her? She is ADORABLE!!!
She is making your slipcover just like my sis does them!
Eleanor is doing a fabulous job.
I hope that I am like her when I grow up!!!
Love,
Kim
Rhoda. This is WONDERFUL! What a cutie is Grandma Eleanor. And how good of you to give her the opportunity to share her gift–not just with you, but with all of us as well!
I want to come to your house, stay in the Beachy guestroom, and snuggle up in Eleanor’s chair. Okey dokey?
She is just the cutest lady! (I love the pic you had of her and her dog!…you should put up a few more of those, so sweet!)
I think you’re right…it probably made her day to know she was needed. Whenever my grandmother visits, we always have projects for her too. The busier you are, the longer you live I think!
Rhoda,
I can’t wait to see the finished slip covered chair! Your Grandmother is one special, not to mention talented, lady!
Happy Saturday!
Oh, she is cute!!! My Nannie is 98 and has also been sewing all her life. Her legs are not as good as Grandma Eleanor’s though.
Maybe I’ll ask Nannie to help me with a few projects when she’s here for my sister’s wedding….I can’t wait to see how your slipcover turns out!
I love Grandma Eleanor! She is wonderful – I would never believe her age if you hadn’t told us! She is doing a bang-up job on the slipcover.
She must be lying about her age. She looks too good! She has done a wonderful job but give yourself some credit too. Without you suggesting she help you out she would be bored still.
Rhoda,
Grandma Eleanor is too adoreable. How wonderful she is to help you with this and still can recall so much. How wonderful to be able to have her share her sewing experience with you. Looking forward to seeing the finished project.
just happened across your blog…SO CUTE…your little Grandma is absolutely precious!!!
Hello Rhoda, Oh she is way too cute! And she is sewing at 90!?! WOW! My Mom is 91 and has sever dementia and macular degeneration. My Mom would not be able to see the sewing machine sewing. Treasure every moment that you are having with her making your slip cover! OH SOOOOOO SWEET! Nancy from OHIO
You’ve got to love Grandma Elenore. She is adorable. YOu are blessed to have her.
Rhonda, How sweet of you to have Grandma Eleanor help you with the slipcovers. It is a win/win for you both! ~ Robyn
Rhoda, thanks for this post. I love watching the videos of Grandma. My own grandmother, my abuelita, was a seamstess all her life. She made tones on outfits for me when I was little. I don’t think she sews anymore though (She lives in Colombia, which is where my mom is from).
I always think of her every time I pull out my sewing machine
Did you say 90? I hope I am that “with it” when I am 90. She looks so delightful. What a joy and blessing it must be for you to have her in your life.
Looks like Grandma Eleanor is doing one fine job. I despise sewing on the bias so cording totally intimidates me! Slipcovers up here in Canada are quite pricey so you’re lucky to have Grandma Eleanor helping with this project. I wish she could come and help me with an old sofa I have. Looking forward to seeing the end result. TFS! Sheila
There is no way that Granny E is 90 yrs old!!! And she still wears shorts!!! I wish I’d have listened when my mom tried to teach me to sew…so make sure you watch and listen closely…and pass the info on to your readers
Have a blessed evening…Robyn
She’s a hoot! I bet she has got some stories. I can’t wait to see the finished chair.
I dont mind that she stayed in my room…in fact I think I love her…smiles! Now if I could only get her to come to my house and sew a little love for me. Yes…she does have great legs too. Peter is going to have some great genes from that sweet gal! cant wait to see your chair~ Miss you!
Ah, Grandma Eleanor is a pip! I love her! Other than the hearing, you wouldn’t know she was 90, and she puts me to shame, because I wouldn’t know where to begin, in making a slipcover. I’m looking forward to seeing the finished chair, and I bet you’ll cherish that chair forever!
Dear Grandma Eleanor…would you consider adopting a low maintenence child in Arizona? Your work is beautiful!!!
I’ll cook for you and you’ll have my fulll attention to anything you need!!! The thought of making a slipcover is way beyond anything I could imaging doing. Do you want me to tell you a secret?? I can’t even sew on a button!! lol
xxxxxxx
How sweet of her to help you!
I have recently found someone who does custom slipcovers at a VERY reasonable price. I can’t wait to get her started with a few projects for me. Right now I’m still trying to find fabric.
The tight fit of the slipcovers is what really makes them look good. You’ll also be glad that Grandma did the cording. It’s the little dressmaker details that really make the slipcover.
Can’t wait to see the finished product!
tina
I think this is an awesome project
& I think its even better that you get to spend some time with Grandma. She truely is a treasure!!!
We have so much to learn from people in their older years its just incredible!
can’t wait to see the chair in Rhoda format!!
You are truly blessed to have Grandma’s help with your slipcover. Warm wishes, Esther
Oh, she seems like such a delightful lady! The mark of an excellent seamstress–no pattern required. A fringe benefit–spending time together!
Can’t wait to see how the chair and ottoman turn out–I’m sure they will be beautiful.
Grandma Eleanor is a treasure. I so enjoyed reading about her and watching the videos. Really made me homesick for BAMA. How did your hubby like the play? What’s not to love about Bear Bryant, right?
Looking forward to seeing the finished project.
Just a wonderful post…I read a couple things twice. Your Grandma Eleanor reminded me of my grandmother who sewed. What a special relationship you both must have!
Thanks for sharing this {wonderful}lady and her talent!
sandy toe
What a neat helper you had. I covered some cushions for wicker furniture once and I did the cording and it was not easy. Once I got the cording covered I hand pinned it all around the cushion then sewed it on the machine. I was working at the time and did my pinning on my lunch hour between sandwich bites. Don’t think I will do that again. I had gotten some really pretty material when I was in Turkey and I wanted to use it. It did turn out nice.
Gotta say this post is really helpful. I have a couch that I need to reslipcover and I had pretty much forgotten what to do. Great reminder. Cute grandma:)
Rhoda, this is TOOO cute!
I can’t wait to see how it turned out.
I just want to hug Grandma Eleanor. How wonderful that she is still able to sew. Many people her age just don’t have the dexterity or the eyesight to be able to do something like sewing.
What a sweet lady. I enjoyed watching her sew.
I know that it will be wonderful
Becky
What a precious lady! Makes me miss my Grandma. I have 6 parsons chairs that I need slipcovers made for. I could do it myself, but like you, my “Memom” needs a project. It keeps her out of trouble!
that is so cool! I wish I had someone to help me with my sewing projects. she looks dang good for 90. good for her to stay active. and the first thing I thought when I saw that photo was wow, that lady has great legs!
Great information. I was attempting to make a slipcover for a couch today. This really helps!!
Can you please put Grandma Eleanor on a plane to Australia I think I need her. I know I need her and I’m sure she would love a holiday here!!LOL
Alison
Love this post Rhoda. My grandma Alice live until 95, and her last 5 years she got really old which have been some of the memories that stayed with me. But, around 85-90, she looked just like Grandma Elenor! The white hair, nice legs, and determination. Can’t say she was quite as active…good for Eleanor that she can bend and sit and stretch. You’ve given her such a great gift of purpose. And I can see she’s given you a lot as well. Thanks for sharing, especially the video. take care
She is the cutest thing – God Bless her!!! I loved listening to her little story about how she started sewing. What a love!!
Rhoda!
I think this may be my favorite post-here–EVER! Grandma Eleanor is a doll and so funny! Great info and a darling tutorial!!
love, kelee
rhoda…i have so lost you…glad i finally found you again…how wonderful to have this time and this video for your project….i miss you…hugs, rebecca
Rhoda, she is just precious!! Thank you for the video clip of her…what a treasure!!
Hugs!
Susan
Rhoda, I just posted about a recent plate hanging on my blog and referenced yours. Those discs are a great buy from your seller. I hope you don’t mind.
Your husband is so lucky to have his Grandmother, and she is a pip!! What a fun time the two of you must have had, I can’t wait to see the completed chair. I think the cording will be a nice addition too. Mary
OK, I enjoyed way too many things about this post!
1. Her awesome legs…WOW!
2. Her name, I almost named my youngest (Sophia) Eleanor…but we would have pronounced it EleaNORE instead of the way you said it, EleaNER. It’s a family name, although pronouced in the family the way you said it…
3. Being a seamstress myself, I am SO GLAD she made you do the piping…it will be so much smarter that way.
4. Getting to hear your voice…you don’t sound at all the way I imagined
5. I truly giggled.out.loud when watching the vids! How funny she is in the first one!!! We have several hard of hearing family members, so know what it is to shout a question five times before getting an answer, lol.
Can’t wait to see the finished product
Elenor is a doll!
Love it! That’s great that she’s still so active–what a wonderful idea to have her help you with the slipcover.
Grandma Eleanor is a hoot! Wow she looks fantastic for 90. I think your chair is going to turn out first class. Everyone loves to feel needed.
Oh this was such a dear post! I loved it. It made me miss my own Granny. Can’t wait to see the finished chair.
I am…loss for words…wow…SHE’S 90!
Suddenly the wrap skirt I made this weekend (my first “all by myself” sewing project) doesn’t look like nearly as big an accomplishment as I thought it was.
I can not wait to see the finished chair.
Yeah! You are finally getting it done! I am so impressed with Eleanor working that machine! I don’t even go that fast! That fastness is a sign of a pro – my daughter does that, too. I still need to finish(no, start) my chairs. I don’t feel too bad with you having that chair just draped for a year. My daughter and son-in-law are coming for Thanksgiving, so I now am motivated to get all that slipcovern’ done! Enjoy!
Mary Lou
She is cute as a button! You are so lucky to have her still.
Grandmother Eleanor’s skills are a dying art form. Grannies born early last century knew how to cook, bake bread, sew, plant a mean vegetable garden, slipcover a chair, knit baby booties… you name it. I believe they are the BEST GRANNIES to have! Our generation is very lucky.
Grannie E. is absolutely adorable. Not to mention that she is in fantastic shape — I am 36 and cannot sew without my neck hurting immediately. Eleanor puts me to shame.
I loved your post.
Wow! I just saw Eleanor’s paintings on your link! Amazing!
What a sweetie Eleanor is. I bet she felt very wanted when you asked her to help you. I guess we can always learn from our elders no matter how old they are. That was a good idea to get the video’s of her and her work. When she sat at the machine, she was all business — it must have come right back to her. How nice of you to be so patient and kind to her.
Loved the post !
Aw. I want a grandma Eleanor. She is so darn cute! Love the 2 videos. I hope I am as able as she is at 90. Nice legs! woot woot! Go grandma! Will you be sharing the after photo with us soon? Can’tt wait to see it.
hugs,
Tammy