I love our DIL

I really honestly do. She has been married to our son for 22 years. She has always been there for us all. Through the deaths of my Gramma and both of my parents. Through my whole camcer thing. She is ALWAYS there to help. No questions asked. She has packed my bag while I made plane reservations so I could get to my Dad 'in time'. She has put up with me living with them for the 3 months it took to get this house. (The auction kept being delayed). She is one of God's greatest gifts to us.
That said......when she came over for breakfast this morning she wanted to know if I knew how to make slip covers. Well, I never have but I am always up for a challenge. I did make covers for their boat cushions. I said I could try. I know she hates the fabric, colors, everything about their one couch ( they won it in a raffle a couple of years ago). I know they have no money for a new one. She said she would love to get it covered in a nice micro suede to go with the rest of the living room. She would really like to have that done before their Halloween party!!! I asked what she wants me to eliminate, the guy clown, the fairy princess or the couch cover? She sorta looked crest fallen, like she thought I could do it all. And I PROBABLY could. I admit I don't have much of a life besides sewing and crochetting, but geesh! I enjoy sitting and watching TV with my DH in the mornings and evenings. We do like to go out to eat now and then. I still like to get in a good boo****assionaly. My back needs a rest between bending over to pin on a pattern and bending over to cut it out. A couch cover would require me to take my sewing machine to her house and do the work so I can fit, sew, adjust, etc. Her 3 dogs would be happy to help!
Anyone who knows me knows I will do it. At least the couch and one more costume. And I do love my DIL!

Well, you know, people who don't sew just don't understand what all is involved.  You probably make it look too easy!  LOL! 

That would take a LOT of fabric to recover a couch.  I did try to reupholster a rocker once, and about halfway through it, I gave up and took it to a professional!  I just didn't have the right tools or set up for it. 

Never tried slip covers.  That would be interesting, but I think you need to give yourself a little break.  You just had major surgery!  Maybe you could pu**** back to Christmas?  If she's lived with the couch for 2 years, another couple of months won't hurt her.  But it MIGHT hurt YOU! 

Take care!

Those who do not sew don't have a clue as to how many HOURS it takes to complete a project and that is if everything goes well! ME? Often my projects also involve more time ripping out seams, altering things, redoing. . .  .I'm sure you'll do a wonderful job. Keep in mind how great she has been to you and yours. That's worth a lot!!!

My former SIL once recovered a recliner that belonged to her father who had died. She was very crafty and artistic; I didn't ask her to do it, but she wanted me to have the recliner so she offered. It turned out very nice and I had that recliner for several years until I moved to Montana (from Ill.) Would've moved with it but I sold everything that didn't fit into my Escort wagon.
 
You're a sweetie to do this, especially recovering from surgery. I'll bet you will do it, too.

Carolyn...I know you could do it but I feel you should wait. You just had surgery and still need some rest. I would offer to do it for Thanksgiving or Christmas.  Like Vickie said... what's another few months. It isn't worth getting sick over. She can tell her friends what you will be doing. If the couch isn't ripped, torn and full of stains it will be fine for awhile yet. It isn't worth getting stressed out over.......just my opinion!!

It is okay to say NO once in awhile!!!

HUGS.....connie d

If she'll consider hiring someone to do the job, A&D Woodworking does a very good job. They are on Gum Branch Rd kind of behind Jerry's karaoke bar on the corner of Hwy 17 & Gum Branch. I also have a vendor that I use at work for furniture repairs. I can send you Scooter's phone # when I get to work tomorrow. There is also a little shop in Morehead City that we have used to recover some couch cushions for us. ALB Decorator Fabrics is on Little Nine Rd just off Hwy 70 in Morehead City. She has a website and carries all kinds of sewing, crocheting, knitting, and needlepoint supplies. She's just not open on Sundays because of church. Let me know if you would like any info, I'll be glad to pass on any contacts.

I would love to have the information. We figured the material will be about $150. Perhaps it would be worth my while to pay for someone else to do the work.
I also agree. Those who don't sew, crochet, knit or do other crafty things have no idea the time it takes. And I have spent a lot of time on various projects ripping out seams or rows of crochet. My Sis used to have a business making flower arrangments, etc (Dianne's Doo Dads). She was quite successful, except her labor costs wound up coming out to about $2 an hour. Arthritis in her hands and back forced her to quit. One of the reasons I would never go into business or sell my stuff. I make my stuff for love, not money.

 As has already been said, people who do not sew, or crochet or knit, have no clue what is involved in these projects.  I made a princess gown for my granddaughter last year, and spent as much time ripping out mistakes as sitting at the sewing ,maching, sewing

If you think you are up to the challenge, do it, later.  You are recovering from surgery and need a break.  She will be able to live with it a few more months.

You are a sweetie to sew as much as you do for your family.  I just bought patterns for my new grandchild.  I want to make a bunch of those gowns that you tie at the bottom for the newborn.  They make diaper changes so much easier when they are that little.

Hugs,
Trish