Once you have all your measurements for your slip cover pieces, start with largest sizes and mark everything out on your fabric, WRONG SIDE. You will need a yardstick or longer, measuring tool. A large square is good to have also. (Any hardware store should carry tools) Label all pieces; i.e. back back, front back, seat, sides or skirting, etc. Cut your pieces.

Holding your slipcover pieces up to furniture piece INSIDE OUT, pin seams together about every 2 inches lengthwise along seam. Make sure to center your pieces over furniture so you have equal seam allowance on sides, edges, etc. Back-back to front-back, pin. Seat to front-back, pin and so on. Sew these pieces together. Once you start sewing, your seams will only be about 3/8" instead of full 5/8". This gives slipcover a tiny bit of room to move when finished. I recommend getting some T-pins to use when you are making slipcovers for larger upholstered pieces, you can stick them into furniture and they will hold slipcover fabric in place when fitting pieces together.

Normally, I will pin fit whole slipcover together inside out on furniture piece, then go sew, removing pins along way. This is similar to a puzzle, make sure to sew all seams that dead end into other seams first. Once you have it sewn together, turn it right side out and fit it. Check for areas that may be a bit off and correct. From experience I can tell you it is usually pretty good if you can sew a straight seam. You can put some masking tape on your sewing machine face plate and mark 3/8" over from needle to help with this. Complete all finishing touches, stand back and take a picture!

This is a wonderful way to grow patience, skill and redecorate for less. There is time involved, but you will have a great sense of accomplishing a lost art! Have fun!

There is more to this than what I have here, but you should be able to get a pretty good idea of what to do and how. There are some very good books you can get from your public library and material/craft stores to help you and I would be happy to help, if you mail me at address below.

About the Author: Robin Hall has been a successful Tailor by trade for 30 years. She has sewn everything including home décor items. She has just started an online home décor store where you will find great products including more tips on decorating and home improvement. Stop by and see us/her at www.coollampsnstuff.com or send email with questions to sales@coollampsnstuff.com

WALL WASHING is a type of Accent Lighting that creates an area of uniform illumination that may desirable for a series of photos or artwork. Wall Washing reduces texture of wall surface. Often reflected light can create ambient light in remainder of room that is pleasing and restful. WALL GRAZING is opposite from Wall Washing in that it creates a dramatic highlight and shadow effect on surfaces such as draperies, stone or brick. Ceiling light fixtures for Wall Grazing are placed closer to wall than Wall Washing in order to highlight three-dimensional effect.

DISPLAY LIGHTING consists of small low voltage lighting fixtures to illuminate cabinets displaying keepsakes, ornaments, dinnerware etc. Many under-cabinet fixtures (as described above) are suitable for display lighting. Small space xenon fixtures used on a "Mini" or "Linear" track have unparalleled design flexibility. Tiny fixtures may be spaced anywhere along track making it possible to create an even distribution or highlight task areas. Lamp choices from 3W to 20W allow illumination levels from a subtle glow to a brilliantly lit area. A "Light Baffle" often serves as a holder for track and as a visual shield, concealing halogen or xenon bulbs. An innovative use of baffle is as a rigid support, such as spanning edge.

COVE LIGHTING gives a room a more open appearance by illuminating perimeter of room where walls meet ceiling. A large crown mold or soffit is built around perimeter of room providing a concealed space for a continuous halogen or xenon track lighting. Cove lighting looks best with a smooth, even wash of light. Fixtures should be placed at least 4" from wall with 6" to 9" being ideal to minimize scalloping. The ceiling height above lamps should be not more than twice distance from wall. The lamp spacing and wattage will depend on distance and brightness level desired. For a medium light level, a good starting point is with 5-watt lamps spaced 6" on center, with a track spaced 6" from wall and 10" from ceiling. From this reference point you can design light level up or down as desired. A room with a dark ceiling, or a brightly lit room may need a higher light level.

Lighting that is thoughtfully considered can make a world of difference and will be an improvement that lasts for many years. Many home improvement stores include sample displays of various lighting systems and fixtures mentioned above. As with most appliances and electronics, there is a wide variety in quality of lighting fixtures available. Be sure your purchase is from reputable well known company with fixtures that are either UL or ETC listed. There are numerous online retailers that offer name brand fixtures delivered to your door at very competitive prices.