tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post1897038314936134421..comments2024-03-27T06:41:26.551-07:00Comments on The Gardener's Cottage: a case for the white slipcovered sofathe gardener's cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16447809353998632722noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-75045933197932697702014-04-14T20:24:53.375-07:002014-04-14T20:24:53.375-07:00My cottage industry is sewing slipcovers, Sipcover...My cottage industry is sewing slipcovers, Sipcoverchic.blogspot.com. I totally agree with you about white fabric for slipcovers. It is wonderful to know that all that had been on those covers is now completely clean and gone. I Change pillows often and keep the covers on my Chippendale highboy. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12869229735444850344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-38516308794577521332014-04-04T03:17:52.885-07:002014-04-04T03:17:52.885-07:00I am a huge fan of white sofas! I have two kids bu...I am a huge fan of white sofas! I have two kids but I do not consider it as a reason good enough not to use <a href="www.coja.com/products/recliner-sofa/" rel="nofollow">white leather sofa</a>. I'm just so happy with it and I try my best to keep it clean and stainless!Hannah Johanssonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03309800910518478137noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-30759454462304865102014-03-23T10:46:02.458-07:002014-03-23T10:46:02.458-07:00Janet, I so agree. With two boys and two black cat...Janet, I so agree. With two boys and two black cats, I still like white sofas. I wash them as you do and just had them drying in the sun the other day. Love that clean feeling and you can't get that with a couch that is darker.. <br />x Kimkim at northerncalstyle.https://www.blogger.com/profile/12710545630442890027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-62556540264055649042014-03-22T04:03:03.553-07:002014-03-22T04:03:03.553-07:00I bought the IKEA Ektorp with white slipcovers abo...I bought the IKEA Ektorp with white slipcovers about 3 years ago. My daughter was 5 at the time & everyone thought I was crazy. I knew white would be a commitment, but I also know my detailed personality & love of cleaning & homekeeping would ensure I would keep up with it. I love my slipcovers, we use our furniture everyday without stress, and I truly feel they have been a wonderful lesson with my daughter in respect for our belongings.<br /><br />As for white bright...I've used that in the past. I don't keep it on-hand, but I will re-purchase when I have a specific need for it. Never used on my slipcovers, but on my white laundry. I used to make my own laundry soap and learned about a year into it that even though my laundry was clean, the whites were dingy and needed brightening. The White Bright did an okay job on those. Once things get dingy past a certain point, it's harder to address. If I would have used white bright earlier into the observation, I think it would have been better.<br /><br />Don't inhale near the white bright! It's a fine-powdered bleach and burns on the way in.Gaylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09399356733778231083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-29026613600387255922014-03-17T11:18:16.866-07:002014-03-17T11:18:16.866-07:00I've heard of putting charcoal inside. Wrappe...I've heard of putting charcoal inside. Wrapped, I guess.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01165809746372356776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-87842107784107434512014-03-17T11:14:04.288-07:002014-03-17T11:14:04.288-07:00SE, I too have new furniture courtesy of toxic mol...SE, I too have new furniture courtesy of toxic mold! Reading about simplicity here and elsewhere certainly helped me let go of contaminated stuff. Still in the process of weeding things out for our downsized space...still needing inspiration! Our new furniture is chocolate brown microfiber -- practical but dark, so I'm thinking plenty of cream accents and striving for serenity.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01165809746372356776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-17512696079214293502014-03-16T15:59:35.583-07:002014-03-16T15:59:35.583-07:00I sprinkle with baking soda, let sit, and vacuum o...I sprinkle with baking soda, let sit, and vacuum out. I do it to get that musty antique store smell out of drawers. Stephen Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00657698116552267561noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-52412566631158457282014-03-16T14:39:39.005-07:002014-03-16T14:39:39.005-07:00Well, easy enough. Ill look for those. No matter...Well, easy enough. Ill look for those. No matter how long I leave them open, they never seem to "air." Ill give that a try. TY! If it works, Ill have great storage for my table linens. GREAT idea BTW. Mine are empty right now....Lornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-63587073429836673242014-03-16T13:01:40.368-07:002014-03-16T13:01:40.368-07:00lor i get rid of those smells with mrs myers laven...lor i get rid of those smells with mrs myers lavender dryer sheets. but i'm sure there are other ways too. the gardener's cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16447809353998632722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-65878819133952579762014-03-16T12:54:22.821-07:002014-03-16T12:54:22.821-07:00A lovely peek and a quick question, Janet (or anyo...A lovely peek and a quick question, Janet (or anyone): I also have 2 vintage suitcases that I love, but both smell very stale and old inside. How do you rid the inside of the "vintage" smell so I can store soft linens in there without them absorbing the must? Thank you! This is an AWESOME idea and I WILL use it ASAP if I could alleviate that darn stench. TY!Lornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-44539659460629532802014-03-16T12:31:20.066-07:002014-03-16T12:31:20.066-07:00the sofa in the living room is pottery barn and th...the sofa in the living room is pottery barn and the one in the office is an ikea ektorp. :)the gardener's cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16447809353998632722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-15149549415341181192014-03-16T12:23:58.863-07:002014-03-16T12:23:58.863-07:00I have cream leather sofas and the most damage is ...I have cream leather sofas and the most damage is from my husband and cat (claws) but they are there to be used and my grandchildren jump all over them, too. But I also have a slip-covered sofa upstairs and can choose what look I feel like - white, red or light purple, which I love to change seasonally! This is Ikea and the covers fit in my (European) washer, no trouble.<br />We can't tell our cat what to do (she only lies on furniture if there's a sheepskin there, anyway!) but the dogs have been brought up to die rather than jump on a sofa, they would feel so bad if they even tried LOL All four paws on the floor is our rule! <br />And kids are only allowed to eat or drink if they sit at the table to do so. This has worked for 30 years and ongoing with grandchildren. My daughter enforces it, too. Anything else is just out of control and would drive me nuts.Little Miss Know-it-allhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05907830951304386874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-47790106460921182332014-03-16T08:37:54.017-07:002014-03-16T08:37:54.017-07:00I use a lint roller from Target when clients track...I use a lint roller from Target when clients track cat/dog hair onto my white slipcovered sofa in my office. Works like charm.3 Peanutshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15124969727188599965noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-57275907153182827802014-03-16T08:36:25.811-07:002014-03-16T08:36:25.811-07:00I have the same rules as you…no dog on furniture a...I have the same rules as you…no dog on furniture and we eat in the kitchen (except for the occasional popcorn/movie thing too). Our slipcovers are in great shape with 3 kids too:)3 Peanutshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15124969727188599965noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-35956308165266650142014-03-16T07:26:05.874-07:002014-03-16T07:26:05.874-07:00The next living room furniture we buy is going to ...The next living room furniture we buy is going to be slipcovered...I had a white sofa years ago that wasn't, not a good idea when it's the only sofa you have. (didn't have it for long) I had the rule no food on the couch/in the living room but it was hard to enforce. <br /><br />I recovered my dining room chairs in an off white about 5 years ago which we hardly ever use unless we have company. However, I just noticed recently that the chair my daughter sits in on occasion has a few stains. (she is still a messy eater!) Luckily I have some extra fabric if I can't get them out. Maybe eventually I should look into slip covers for those too! :)<br /><br />Linda<br />xoLRS4AMANDAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17312878555775487787noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-7586478182883189052014-03-15T23:17:06.109-07:002014-03-15T23:17:06.109-07:00Our sofa is also a white slipcover style. I wash ...Our sofa is also a white slipcover style. I wash the cushion covers but haven't been able to wash the 'body cover' part as it's too big for my washer at the moment. I like your vintage suitcase for storage! Thanks for the tips, Janet.Lisa Thomsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05310475781785711620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-79352249879673026752014-03-15T15:21:51.984-07:002014-03-15T15:21:51.984-07:00I love the fact that you have matching pairs of pi...I love the fact that you have matching pairs of pillow. It seems the thing to do lately is have a jumble of mismatched ones and call it eclectic. It's nice to know I am not alone in preferring symmetry. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-12097117588768609732014-03-15T15:09:32.881-07:002014-03-15T15:09:32.881-07:00Ooooh...pillow covers. {smacks self on forehead} I...Ooooh...pillow covers. {smacks self on forehead} I was wondering where you stored all of your throw pillows. Great idea for both saving space, and changing out the look in the room seasonally! Thank you for sharing this tip. :)Monahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01954350958586337442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-22130599359116124752014-03-15T13:57:09.486-07:002014-03-15T13:57:09.486-07:00There's such a timeless and soothing appeal to...There's such a timeless and soothing appeal to your living room. I have seen all white or mostly white rooms that just don't do it for me - too stark, maybe. Yours is perfect. Thanks for the info on the white upholstery. I'm afraid of it, but you make a great case. My family already thinks I'm too in love with white and I fear I'd never hear the end of it if I brought up white upholstery! Ha! Ha!Jeanninehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08899506698574749866noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-34843592635498930722014-03-15T13:25:58.534-07:002014-03-15T13:25:58.534-07:00Thanks for posting this, because I'm leaving b...Thanks for posting this, because I'm leaving behind my sofas in my toxic-mold house(!) and wondering if getting a white slipcovered sofa would be doable for me, because I am far from tidy. Since I can manage to through things in a washing machine, I'm going to give this a try. BTW, I am using your home for inspiration in decorating my new place, wherever that may be. I just want to come close to the feeling of calm and beauty you've created here- and having to start over seems like an opportunity. Hope I can do it! SEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-44307502739383958472014-03-15T10:28:57.674-07:002014-03-15T10:28:57.674-07:00A good defense Janet, but I do not like white furn...A good defense Janet, but I do not like white furniture so out of the question for me. It's pure chaos around here lately with the new babies and a live-in nanny so I am really enjoying the simplicity that you share with us. I close the door on reality and transport myself into your neat and calm cottage. Bliss!xoxohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12336645422459479330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-82334585694111133572014-03-15T10:08:02.203-07:002014-03-15T10:08:02.203-07:00I too have the white Ikea sofa...here is a tip I f...I too have the white Ikea sofa...here is a tip I found out a long time ago. At Wal Mart, there is a product in the detergent area called White Brite. It smells like a salon full of hair perm lol but if you soak any of your whites ...shams...slipcovers etc, they come our so very white! I think its about 3.99 . I love it. I am just getting ready to soak all my white bedding and slips this next week. Just do not use it on any color items. As always your blog is delightful! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-25321892786261208112014-03-15T05:56:15.419-07:002014-03-15T05:56:15.419-07:00I've never had problems with mine either ( fro...I've never had problems with mine either ( from Crate and Barrel, 1997); my corgi is never allowed on furniture, only one red wine stain in all this time, easily removed with Wineaway, kids not allowed to eat in the living room. I take mine to a laundromat and use the massive machine there with biokleen and chlorox2. Your living room looks so peaceful!Lanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13175229460841379583noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-19114575352256832632014-03-15T02:42:08.352-07:002014-03-15T02:42:08.352-07:00I love the look of white sofa. I drove myself craz...I love the look of white sofa. I drove myself crazy about buying one for our place here in London. I have the slipcovered dining chairs back in VA and I had to wash them a little more often that I cared to. In the end i went with a gray sofa and it's already stained with coffee (thank you MATT!) I might just have to buy a new white cover eventually. <br /><br />Lovely house janet!julielorusso@gmail.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17113811747928792568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-54642732500483728012014-03-15T01:16:56.825-07:002014-03-15T01:16:56.825-07:00I repost my comment as Ihave had some technical is...I repost my comment as Ihave had some technical issues!<br /><br />Janet!<br />I am rather new to your blog and I love it. You have a special talent to talk about the most simple subject in an elegant and relaxing way. I feel peaceful when I read your post and that makes it the first thing I do in the morning. I love your sense of humour and the fact that you don't take yourself seriously, I think that's what makes this blog rather unique. <br />I have always aimed at a simpler and beautiful life without knowing there was a trend about it. I have had the same sofa as yours and I do pretty much everything in it (our appartment is small). I nursed my baby in it and now I am feeding her there (our kitchen does not have any seating space), so far so good! But as soon as she can sit in her high chair she will eat at the dinner table ;-) <br />I know it is not the subject of this blog but if you have any other idea or memories on bringing up kids that you would like to insert "en passant" that would be great! I like a lot your perspective on life, you make it sound so light and playful. I believe this is your special talent and what makes this blog so sucessful! We all need more beauty, simplicity and fun, thank you for giving us that!<br /><br />Béatrice Daumeriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11115054618741470335noreply@blogger.com