Friday's Featured Slipcovers

...drooling over this white linen slipcover made by Shelley

I stumbled onto Shelley's blog and fell in love with her. She makes slipcovers for a living! I asked if I could pick her brain and she let me. Here is a little Q & A with Shelley:

{Me} How did you get started? How long have you been making slipcovers?

{Shelley} I started making my first slipcover when I first got married and we inherited an ugly couch. I bought a pattern to make a slipcover and it turned out just like the ones in the stores...big and slouchy and not appealing. So then I started looking at books and pamphlets on how to make CUSTOM slipcovers. Through trial and error I mastered the art of slipcovering, and turned it into a business. I have been in business now for 10 years.

{Me} I read that you service the greater salt lake area. How does that work? Do clients bring their furniture to you?

{Shelley} I do service the greater Salt Lake area....most of the time I pull my little 5X8 enclosed trailer around and do all my pick ups and drop offs once every two weeks or so. Some clients do deliver their items to me...if they want them back in a hurry and if they don't mind the drive. I live in Eagle Mountain which is 45 minutes from Salt Lake and 45 minutes from Provo/Orem. So I am a little off the beaten path.

{Me} What advice would you give to someone just starting out? Someone attempting to make their own slipcover?

{Shelley} Look at books, or flip up slipcovers at stores to see how they did certain parts.... and then make it your own (figure out what's easiest for you). Some books make it way more complicated than it should be. Like who really wants to make a whole pattern out of muslin first???? I pin fit the fabric on inside out. Oh and remember they are slipcovers, not upholstery...so don't stress out too much.

{Me} Tell us a little bit about yourself.

{Shelley} I love to run... I am running in the California Ragnar Relay Race next month. I love bathing suits, hats, and jackets. I love used furniture, yard sales, and thrift stores. I love fabric and decorating. I love a bargain and saving money. I hate debt.... I just paid off our house last June. We have 3 boys ages 9,7, and 5. We have been married 12 years. I try to keep my work to two days a week...when my husband is home to help with the kids (he's a fireman and works 2 days then he's home for 4 days). I love to take trips.

{Me} Thanks so much Shelley! If you guys are in the Greater Salt Lake Area, Shelley can whip you up a custom slipcover. Her contact info is on her blog. If you're not in her area, try the lazy girl tutorial or shoot me an email.

All photos credited to Custom Slipcovers by Shelley