we called them safari chairs but i think they are also known as butterfly chairs. these belonged to my parents in the 60s and i have had them for many years. they have always had covers that every few years have needed replacing. you can't go and buy a standard size because that they are not so we always had them made.
for the past few years they have sat coverless in the garden, patiently waiting. michael has always been very keen for new covers so i decided this would be his christmas present, and, i decided to make them and to use what i had. what was my sturdiest fabric? - french canvas that i had a big bagful of and rolls of burlap/hessian strapping tape that i had found on the side of the road. i backed them with coffee sacks (i am never without a ready supply of those!) the only thing i had to fork out for was the heavy upholstery thread and i needed a lot of it as i double stitched every seam, topstitched and went around the binding 3 times. my sewing machine handled the bulk but my poor serger/overlocker has to go in for a service - working okay but making some very nasty noises!
i only managed to finish one before the big day so i finally got my act together and finished the rest of his gift.
they are very very comfortable and we can now sit back in comfort and wait for these babies to ripen!
They look great ! Love the look of the canvas and coffee sack combination.
Posted by: Lisa | January 23, 2012 at 12:46 AM
love the chairs. In fact I love everything you make.
Happy new year to you and the family!
Love and wishes
Linda, Mike, April, Ethan and Luka xx
Posted by: Linda | January 23, 2012 at 03:11 PM
Chairs look awesome Louise!! Honey is divine!!
Posted by: Sue | January 23, 2012 at 07:56 PM
Beautiful! and the back of the chairs (made with coffee sacks) are fantastic!
Posted by: jojo-Caramel | January 25, 2012 at 04:27 AM
love the chairs!
using coffee sacks on the back was inspired!
Posted by: melissa | January 25, 2012 at 06:14 AM
Tres tres chic! love k.
Posted by: karen brown | January 26, 2012 at 12:09 AM
The chairs look amazing! I saw plain chairs like these advertised in a mag today - the price tag per chair $350 and not nearly as nice as yours!
Posted by: Lyndy | January 30, 2012 at 12:45 AM