Wednesday, October 1, 2008

New Sofa Throw Pillows



I bought this sofa 25 years ago! I purchased this when I lived in Holland, Michigan. I remember reading the Sunday paper and then looking at the insert furniture sale flyer and seeing a photo of this sofa. It was the sofa that I had been dreaming of for many years, the color was right, the style was perfect, it was ME.


I was anxious for Monday morning to arrive so I could go see it in person. After my three sons left for school I hurried around to get my youngest son and my toddler daughter ready for our big trip to Grand Rapids to go see this sofa. The drive was about 45 minutes from my house. We were almost there when it started to downpour, I found a close by parking spot; holding my son's hand and carrying my daughter we ran into the department store. We no sooner were inside and the power went out! After standing around for a bit I asked a salesclerk if I could go up to the furniture department, she said since the power was out and the escalator was not working I would not be allowed to go up. After waiting for what seemed like an eternity I took my children and started toward the exit, I figured it was not meant to be and I was feeling very sad. Suddenly the lights came back on and I made a bee-line toward the escalator and ran to find "My Sofa". There it was and it was perfect but the price was not, it was over $600.00 and 25 years ago that was a lot of $$$. It was one of those purchase that I knew if I did not go for it I would always wish I had. I put $20.00 down and worked out a payment plan. Now came the difficult part, I did not work, I was a stay at home mom and it was financially already difficult for us. What was I thinking! I signed up to type college papers for Hope College students, did baby-sitting, cleaned houses, would do ironing for a neighbor, I did all sorts of odd jobs to pay off my sofa. It took me almost 7 months to pay it off; I also would skim a few dollars from my grocery budget!
After it was delivered I told my children they could only sit on it after they had a bath, we had a family room, this sofa was in my living room and I wanted to keep it looking brand new for as long as I could. We would have story time sitting on the new sofa. I still love my sofa and it still looks brand new. I often dream of getting new furniture, maybe going for another look, but I do not think I would be happy, this is me.

The other day I was looking at a decorating magazine, Country Home, the September issue and there was an article for the classic style: The refresher course and I was inspired to make new covers for the throw pillows. I had been looking to find new pillows, but either the fabric or the styles did not work. I looked at fabric but could not find anything I liked. The other day I had purchased dish towels at Home Goods, my plan was to use them in the kitchen, but the more I looked at them I realized the colors were perfect. I removed the original pillow covers and after washing them put them away. After about an hour I had 3 new pillow covers. I added some vintage buttons to give them a bit more style. I am pleased with them, the photo in the magazine has a creamy white slip cover on the sofa. . .maybe, no I can't. . .then my sofa would not be MY SOFA, which holds so many memories for me.
Wishing everyone the best,
Martha

4 comments:

carolyn@simple~primitive~devotion said...

I loved your sofa story! I know exactly what you mean about scrimping and saving to pay something off. It looks great! And better yet, you have been enjoying it for many years. Good for you! The new pillows look adorable on it too!

~Beth~ said...

Your sofa story is one that I think most of us can relate to. Finding that special thing for your home, knowing you maybe shouldn't, but that feeling of "If I pass this by, I'll always regret it." Been there! Those pillows are so cute! I love a pillow with buttons on it. Oh, and thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting. I really appreciate the kind words! ~Beth~

Sue said...

Yay, another Jersey girl for Obama!! Martha did you make the 3 Raggedy Anns in your header picture? They are beautiful And I'd love some info on doll purchasing from you. Thanks! Sue

Martha said...

Thanks! I will always love my sofa, I bought a set of dinner napkins which I plan to turn into a pillow cover. . .a sweet little print.
Sue, this is for you. . .I do not know how to contact you, Yes, I made the Raggedy Ann dolls they sold a long time ago, I sell on ebay. I have more on blog from September posts I believe and have some on my Flickr of Dolls I have made. Thanks for asking,
Martha