How to choose your used!

Regarding laziest slipcover tutorial ever…

Amy Jo wrote: “Would you mind revealing how long this took you? Also, do you have any tips for buying a second hand chair? What do you look for…smell for…ect. I want to buy 2 chairs for our library room, but my husband doesn’t want me to spend much money on new furniture. We’ve got little kids who are sure to do some kind of damage. I’m just so nervous about buying someone else’s chair. Any tips?”

How Long: This chair took me several hours. I covered the frame one day, then covered the cushions the next. When I slipcovered my sofa, it took nearly a day. But it was the 1st piece I’ve ever covered, so I took my time. I like to do it when my kid’s aren’t around. Get everything ready and together and as soon as they go down to bed, try to do the frame. The next night do the cushions. OR I just send them to grandma’s for a day!:0)

My sofa slipcover…

Tips on buying a used chair: All of my furniture is used except MY BED & my kid’s beds. I mean ALL of it! I get stuff from yard sales, thrift stores, people give me stuff. I drive through our little downtown & people put the best treasures out on the side of the road for trash pick-up. I am not above asking anyone for their trash…seriously! OK with that being said…

1) I give a good sniff. If you can live with that, proceed forward.
2) I lift all the cushions to make sure their is no dog/cat hair or any other critters hiding.
3) I pick up both ends of the piece & kinda drop it to make sure there are no loose joints or loose legs. If anything’s hiding, usually it will fall out;0)
4) Make sure it has good bones (sturdy construction).
5) I also will look under a piece…which means you have to get on all fours on the ground to take a look.
6) I give one last look at the shape to make sure it’s something I can/want to slipcover.
7) Super important! Sit on it! Make sure it’s comfortable & something your family will use. I have brought home chairs that my husband said were the most uncomfortable things ever! So, I got rid of them..no one used them.

If you’re nervous about buying someone else’s chair: Like I said, I pick up stuff everywhere. But if you are a wee nervous about buying used, it might be best to get furniture from craigslist or garage/yard sales. Most of the furniture from there has only had one owner…usually. In a thrift store, you don’t really know who owned it, where it came from or if someone delivered a baby on it OR worse! I take my chances! Then run to your nearest market & buy a big thing of Febreze and febreze the tar out of it! Now you’re ready to make that lazy girl custom slipcover! Can’t wait to see a pic of your slipcover!