When I've posted photos of our pool area lately, these are the chaise lounges that usually appear in the photos. They're wonderfully maintenance-free. The fabric is mesh, so it doesn't hold water and the frames are powder coated, so they're easy care. All I have to do is them wipe with a damp cloth. They're great.
These are the chaises I usually don't photograph lately. The upholstery has seen better days, but the frames are extra long and in great shape. You can see that they require more maintenance than the mesh seats, and they need "drying time" after a rain, but the cushions are so comfortable.
I've been holding off on ordering new cushions because I think $179.00 each (+ tax and/or shipping) to custom order the longer cushions is too expensive.
I've been holding off on ordering new cushions because I think $179.00 each (+ tax and/or shipping) to custom order the longer cushions is too expensive.
I decided yesterday to see what color and pattern choices I might find at Hancocks. I wanted something that would coordinate with the color of those other chaises on the pool deck and found this outdoor fabric. They were having a 40% off sale, so that was even better! I purchased six yards.
I got home around 1:30 yesterday afternoon with my fabric and immediately set to making replacement covers for the cushions.
I took my design cues from the originals, creating a cover for the top section, a separate cover for the bottom section and then, the attached ties. I sewed a seam across the top and bottom fronts to join them, leaving the back open. (I did turn 1/4" down and sewed across it to finish the opening in back.)
I got home around 1:30 yesterday afternoon with my fabric and immediately set to making replacement covers for the cushions.
Next, I placed the fitted covers on the original seat cushions. Then I pinned the opening closed, took them back to my sewing machine and sewed the seams closed.
By 5:30, I just had to clean the second chaise before attaching the second cushion. So, here's how I broke down the savings...
Ordering custom cushions - 2 at $179.00 each = $358.00 (+ 7% sales tax $25.06, if ordered locally) and wait 2 -4 weeks for them to arrive. Total $383.06.
Brynwood custom cushions - 6 yards of fabric from Hancocks = 71.00 (+ 7% sales tax $4.97) which I brought home with me. 5 hours of work; cutting, sewing and installing. Including 1 hour cleaning the frames. Even if I pay myself $25 per hour ($125.00 total), my total investment in the new cushions is only $297.00!
Savings: (Including paying myself!!) $86.06, and when you consider that work done for myself, Handsome and our home is work I happily do for FREE - I actually saved $211.06. Don't forget the "instant" gratification of my very own Same Day Service! Oh, and I have enough fabric left to make a coordinating pillow for each of the mesh chaises!
This is a great post! I need cushions for 6 chairs and can't get past the sticker shock. What would you do if you needed to make them from scratch?
ReplyDeleteI'm not worried about the sewing, but more concerned with the cushion innards! :) I'm afraid I'd buy the wrong thing.
PS - They are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteWonderful!! I love the way you broke down the math of bought vs. made. I do things like that, too. Today is my day to tackle patio chair cushion and chair back covers...definitely the season for that, hey? These are for a friend, though. I will be putting zippers in them, but they shouldn't be too difficult to do. Hoping the finished product looks as good as the images in my head. And, thinking it will be more time-consuming than difficult. I only have enough fabric to make one set (wanted to see how it all worked out before putting more $$ into fabric), so that's all I'll be able to do today. You did a great job and the fabric is perfect!
ReplyDeleteWow, Donna, I am sooooo impressed!! That fabric is fabulous and the new lounges look wonderful!! I'll bet you are pretty chuffed, right? :-)) And that little face makes it all even better!!
ReplyDeleteYou're so smart and they turned out beautiful Donna. I love the fabric you picked out. You have to be giddy just saving that much money. Hugs...Tracy
ReplyDeleteOur Hancocks is the best place to find upholstery fabrics. I have several in my stash for future bags. Your cushions are great and that pooch thinks so too!
ReplyDeletexx, Carol
Beautifully done and in your elegant style. Great job dear.
ReplyDeleteVery nice. There's a lot to be said for instant gratification.
ReplyDelete