{ the henredon chair }

Oh this little chair. I found her at a thrift store this summer. She was gorgeous. Fabulous lines, gorgeous fabric. A deliciously plump down cushion. Worn, faded, and a little stained, yes, but truly a beautiful piece of furniture. Without hesitation, I had her loaded into the back of my car and took her home.

She carved out a nice spot for herself in the garage, between a mid-forties chair with great nubby gold upholstery and an old weathered iron bench.

And there she sat, with all of her potential, for about six months. A few weeks ago I brought her inside and decided it was Time. I really hadn't decided what to do with her. The fabric wasn't really all that bad and someone might like her just the way she is.

It has been some time since I tackled a good slipcover job. Sometimes I find it easier to just attack a piece of furniture with a staple gun than trying to strategize over how to make the slipcover fitted enough and still removeable... I don't like baggy slipcovers. Also, I really like constrast piping.

Nevertheless, I decided a slipcover -- a new dress -- was what this little beauty needed. Nothing frilly. Her lines are already feminine. I just wanted to highlight what was still so spectacular without getting too fussy about things.

And after less trouble than I honestly expected (goodness, I must be getting experienced at this after all), she has a new frock.

It's heavy-duty pre-washed/shrunk unbleached canvas with seafoam linen piping. The cushion has a zipper and is quite fitted. The rest is one piece and drapes nicely around all of her curves, closing in the back. Wash warm or cold, dry to barely damp, and press if desired. Not at all fussy. Just how I like my best girlfriends.

Oh I like her very much.

Alas, she is destined for the shop. $325 and she's yours.

(The Henredon line of furniture is custom and quite upscale. Similar chairs online now go for upwards of $2500 and vintage pieces like this are sold for reupholstery. She also has a paper on the bottom that says Schoonbeck Company and Furniture piece 6164. I may have trouble parting with her...)