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How to Make Vinyl Stool Covers From a Tablecloth

11/4/2013

Repurposing a Sewing Mistake

I firmly believe that if you have something negative to say, start and finish with something positive -- kinda hides the negative. So...

Positive #1: I completed my VERY FIRST DIY SEWING PROJECT!!!

Negative: Turns out that I measured completely wrong for the vinyl fitted table cover, so I had to change my project and make vinyl stool covers (I didn't want to waste the vinyl afterall!).

Positive #2 & #3: I was able to recycle the incorrectly measured vinyl (no waste!), AND I kept my promise to complete my project by the weekend!

What You'll Need
Sewing Machine
Thread (matching your vinyl)
Vinyl (any ol' tablecloth will do, or you can pick some up at the fabric store)
Flexible Measuring Tape
Scissors
Tape
Sharpie

How To Guide:
1. Roughly cut the large vinyl piece (or tablecloth) in half so as to loosely cover the two stools. Cut a piece of tape, roll it to make it sticky on all sides, and place it in the center of your stool. Try to center the vinyl half (right-side down) as much as possible before sticking it to the tape. That way, when you are making marks or cuts to the vinyl, it doesn't move off the stool.

2. Using the flexible measuring tape, measure 3 inches from the 4 top edges of the stool down towards the floor. This is where the edge of the hem will be -- making 3 inches of the vinyl hanging over the stool when the cover is complete. Make a mark with your Sharpie at the 3 inch mark all the way around the stool. Make 3 marks per edge (4), equaling 12 marks around per stool.

3. At each of the four corners, make a triangle with the excess vinyl. Using the flexible measuring tape, measure a 1/2 inch from the top of the stool corner down the triangle edge -- mark this spot with your Sharpie (1x per corner). This allows you some clearance for the fit once you sew the corners and turn the cover right-side out.

4. Next, take your sewing scissors and again make the triangle at the stool corners. Starting where the 1/2 inch mark is, begin cutting off the triangle -- making sure to cut parallel to the stool legs and perpendicular to the floor.

5. Next, take your vinyl pieces off each stool and lay flat.

6. Horizontally cut a strip of vinyl off each side so that there is only about an inch of vinyl below the 3 inch Sharpie marks.

7. Then, for each side of the vinyl, fold and pin the edges on the black 3 inch Sharpie marks.

8. Sew a 5/8 seam on each of the four sides. **(Some of my seams are smaller or larger depending on the unevenness of my pinning job. But in time, I hope to be better!! Remember, I wasn't following any sort of pattern -- I just made it up!)

9. Sew the edges of the inverted triangles together, right-sides together.

10. After sewing all four inverted triangles together, you get something that looks like this (below):

11. Turn the cover right-side out to look like this (below):

12. Fit on each stool, and enjoy!

I am so proud of myself for creating, sewing, and sharing this project with you. The vinyl works great with kids since you can easily wipe off any food, drink, paint, markers, etc. Plus, the covers really make the stools look cute!!

Next, I will make a matching cover for the table -- this time measuring correctly!! It's funny how much more you learn by making mistakes!

If anybody follows my pattern, please post pictures!

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The Victim, The Vinyl, & The Machine

10/30/2013

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Getting closer...

Normally I am a do-it-to-it kinda girl. I was that annoying girl that finished her 12-page paper the weekend after it was assigned, and then offered to help others write theirs (or completely write theirs for McDonalds gift certificates -- seriously, I used to be hooked!). But with this sewing project, I feel like my heels are dragging in the mud. It's because I'm so nervous! Remember your first sewing project? Ahhh! I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders! But, I did accomplish configuring the measurements, buying the vinyl and other needs, and taking some (albeit not the best) pictures to show.

So my daughter's wooden table is the victim for my project (purchased ON CLEARANCE at Walmart -- $20 off original price just because of a dented box!! Ha!!). Anyway, the tabletop is 20.5" x 21.25" x 1". Oh, and I decided not to do the seat cushions at this point since I feel so overwhelmed by the tablecloth alone.

After Pre-Preschool this morning (it was costume day, and yes, I did crochet the Pebbles costume and make the Halloween bow for her -- I actually made a whole WIG for her too, but she won't keep it on!!), we went to our local fabric store to chose the vinyl for the tablecloth. They didn't have the widest selection, so I bought the cutest one -- a bright blue backdrop with strawberries and leaves patterned on top. I allowed for an inch on all sides for the seam. I also bought 1/4" elastic (it's going to be a fitted tablecloth), matching thread, and safety pins. With my coupon, it cost around $10 for everything.

And lastly, I opened the box to my new sewing machine! It's a basic model (perfect for me since I'm a beginner). I read the manual (like 5x) and watched the DVD to help me learn how to work everything. It's pretty straightforward and uncomplicated. But as a note, make sure you follow the directions carefully, as I almost had a heart attack because I thought my machine didn't have this threading component. I actually started panicking and felt the tears well up (for like a second) because I thought I was going to have to go all the way back to Walmart to make an exchange! But, alas, it was my own error. Machine is good to go!

Keep tuned...this project will be done by the weekend!

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Just A Glimpse

A glimpse into my personal DIY trials and errors, mommyhood, and my worldview.

The Creator

Hi! My name is Nicole, and I'm a full-time wife and mother, and a part-time dental hygienist and crafter. Creativity runs in my blood, and after 30 (plus) years, I am finally devoting the time to realize my own artistic talent (and having so much fun in the process!). Want to know more? Click here!