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Thursday, March 3, 2011

Sheer Slip Cover

I slip covered this metal and vinyl dinette chair in a sheer fabric after spray painting it a bronze color. I wanted the chair to show through.



Normally I would add a tutorial here.  So, it's a first for me when I tell you to forget the how to and skip the tutorial -- DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME! 







I thought I'd lose my mind making this simple little slip cover.  How hard could it be?  Well?  Very.



The fabric was a slippery mess -- you'd need a nail gun to hold it in place.  



However, the pillow is still one of my favorite projects.  
You can see that tutorial *here*.



I'm done.  It's off to a client's house.  I never want to see it again. 


If you enjoyed this post (and, gosh, I hope you did) please BECOME A FOLLOWER!

81 comments:

  1. the old white houseMarch 3, 2011 at 12:55 PM

    I have sewn 2 dresses with that type of nightmarish fabric before, thought I would pull my hair out! That being said, your chair is so pretty and I love that pillow too! I just went to that post, and may I say...Thank you for the tutorial! xoxo

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  2. DFWgirliegirl HousewifeMarch 3, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    I am a new follower and in awe of your talent. I have enjoyed reading what I have read and saw so far. So inspiring.

    Tiffany

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  3. marenMarch 3, 2011 at 1:02 PM

    When I was in high school, I brought that type of fabric home to make a skirt. My mom had to take the project over and told me that I wasn't allowed to buy that type of material again! So, I can believe it!!!

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  4. DianneMarch 3, 2011 at 1:04 PM

    It may have been hard but at least it is a beautiful finished project...

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  5. Proper PrimMarch 3, 2011 at 1:04 PM

    It may not be practical but it sure looks awesome. I love the look. I can feel you pain trying to work with that. You did a beautiful job.

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  6. AnnMarch 3, 2011 at 1:10 PM

    This is BEAUTIFUL...Oh I would love to have a chair like this for the sunroom. The pillow is also lovely.
    Very talented---.
    Ann

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  7. marieMarch 3, 2011 at 1:11 PM

    It looks wonderful ~ I've worked with that kind of fabric. You deserve a reward for persevering through this project!
    Love the suitcase pillow in the previous post!!

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  8. Lisa ~Suburban Retreat~March 3, 2011 at 1:58 PM

    Lindy ~ That pretty slipcover dresses up that chair so beautifully! It may have been stressful but you did an amazing job! And your pillow co-ordinates so well!

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  9. foreverdecoratingMarch 3, 2011 at 2:09 PM

    Makes an ordinary chair look so special.

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  10. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsMarch 3, 2011 at 2:10 PM

    It's a gorgeous fabric, Lindy, but I did think it must have been slipping all over the place on you! I guess it's good she only had one to be done! : )

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  11. LindaMarch 3, 2011 at 2:22 PM

    Very pretty ..... That slippy stuff makes you crazy !!!

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  12. CindyMarch 3, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    Very funny! I WILL NOT try this at home! But, what a clever and unique idea... the chair looks precious!

    Cindy

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  13. Stay Sew CreativeMarch 3, 2011 at 2:41 PM

    Looks great in spite of the nightmarish fabric!

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  14. SherriMarch 3, 2011 at 3:21 PM

    Lindy, that chair is absolutely gorgeous!! You did such a wonderful job even though the fabric was a slippery mess. I love the pillow too!

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  15. grammy and papiMarch 3, 2011 at 3:44 PM

    It might have been a nightmare, but it's beautiful. Sometimes the extra effort is worth it in the end. I'm sure your client was pleased.

    Have a God Filled Day
    Shirley

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  16. PriorMarch 3, 2011 at 3:57 PM

    very beautiful results...an ethereal quality, worth the effort, love the pillow, too! Lezlee

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  17. Joy@aVintageGreenMarch 3, 2011 at 4:30 PM

    Great post - that fabric is so hard to work with but the effect is wonderful. Great pillow.
    - Joy

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  18. The Pineapple RoomMarch 3, 2011 at 4:46 PM

    Very cute post! The slipcover turned out beautifully...it was worth all the trouble. I'm sure your client will be so very happy with the way it turned out.

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  19. Barb@curlywillowdiyMarch 3, 2011 at 5:38 PM

    I can't sew a stitch so I can only imagine how difficult it must have been to make. It looks fabulous, though!

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  20. HeatherMarch 3, 2011 at 6:00 PM

    I felt the same way about the dustruffle I just made! The slipcover is gorgeous, and I know how difficult that sheer fabric can be. In the end, though, it is beautiful!

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  21. SusanMarch 3, 2011 at 6:02 PM

    You did a wonderful job on the slip cover! Very nice!!

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  22. Nancy HoodMarch 3, 2011 at 6:04 PM

    @Dianne
    DITTO! had that fabric as bridesmaids dresses; back in the day :/ thought my mom was gonna kill me before they were through!

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  23. StacieMarch 3, 2011 at 6:06 PM

    It is absolutely gorgeous! A very stunning piece. Great job even with the slippery fabric.

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  24. NanaDianaMarch 3, 2011 at 7:26 PM

    That is funny, Lindy. As soon as I saw the fabric and before I rfead your post I thought...OW! I'll bet that fabric was hard to work with...lol I will save all those type of projects for you! Hugs- Diana

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  25. Vintage GalMarch 3, 2011 at 7:33 PM

    What a delightful Chair ~ even though it was probably hard as nails to make. Love it ;-)

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  26. Teresa@Much-A-DoMarch 3, 2011 at 8:02 PM

    Ha! Ha! Your post was so funny - because most of us DIYers have had those same problems with some project or another. The end result is truly stunning though....beautiful!

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  27. AnonymousMarch 3, 2011 at 9:23 PM

    Oh, Lindy, it's a beautiful slipcover. Sorry it was such a booger! :)
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  28. Nancy's Daily DishMarch 3, 2011 at 10:13 PM

    Wow, you would never guess what that chair looks like without the cover. I LOVE the fabric you chose and the entire vignette with all of the straw accessories gathered round. Really beautiful!

    Nancy

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  29. A Vintage VineMarch 3, 2011 at 10:23 PM

    Love it Lindy...I can see it really looks slippery! Love the hat on the wall!

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  30. GailinVirginiaMarch 3, 2011 at 10:27 PM

    First time here...but I knew you had a time with the slippery material! I absolutely DO love it...I am becoming a ~follower~ and I look forward to keeping in touch with you being yourself, you're quite charming:)

    ~Gail

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  31. UnknownMarch 3, 2011 at 10:51 PM

    The slipcover is beautiful, you are very talented. Lots of great stuff on your blog!! Happy to be a new follower. :)

    http://thetatteredtag.blogspot.com

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  32. NutbirdMarch 3, 2011 at 11:01 PM

    What a great idea! There are tons of those chairs around. I think maybe the pros use some kind of stabilizing fabric or paper or mesh when they sew those type of things. Maybe hand sewing would be easier. Beautiful job! Ann

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  33. Sonya@Beyond the Screen DoorMarch 3, 2011 at 11:36 PM

    I loved this post! Made me laugh! Lindy, I know exactly what you mean! But still, it turned out awfully cute!

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  34. La Vie QuotidienneMarch 3, 2011 at 11:45 PM

    It might have been difficult to make but it is certainly georgous, and it looks great with the pillow.

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  35. decorating diva {aka deanna}March 4, 2011 at 12:29 AM

    that chair is truly gorgeous! i hope you look at it and say it was worth it! i would love to have something like that in my home!

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  36. PRINCESSGREENEYEMarch 4, 2011 at 1:16 AM

    Wow - that a very lovely cover for that chair - and the Pillow is a hit !!!! best regards from germany
    Jacqueline

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  37. abeachcottageMarch 4, 2011 at 4:31 AM

    Very nice slip cover and pillow, love the pillow, so lovely and the slip cover turned out really nice too. Nice pattern and color of the fabric you used!

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  38. SueannMarch 4, 2011 at 6:00 AM

    This is so unique and sooooo beautiful! I really love it...the pillow and the chair covering!
    Sorry it was such a bear to work with...the material that is. But the finished project was worth it I think!
    Gorgeous for sure!
    Just popped over from Miss Mustard Seed's Blog!!
    Nice meeting you
    Hugs
    SueAnn

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  39. KimMalkMarch 4, 2011 at 6:55 AM

    It's hard to believe that innocent looking (and lovely!) chair was such a problem. At least we've been inspired with "fair warning." Hugs, Kim

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  40. AnonymousMarch 4, 2011 at 8:40 AM

    For all the time you invested in that slip cover, it was worth every minute! I have never seen anything cuter, and that pillow is the cherry on top! Great job! will you make me one? LOL

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  41. Blue Ridge Altered ArtMarch 4, 2011 at 9:12 AM

    That is absolutely beautiful. Took a plain chair and made it elegant. ~~Sherry~~

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  42. UnknownMarch 4, 2011 at 9:22 AM

    Lindy, poor dear... I've SOOOOOOO been there done that and know exactly how you feel after a project that you thought would be simple and quick (and you probably charged according to that simple and quick project), then end up making a dollar an hour in the end if you're lucky! Sheers can be really difficult to work with. Sometimes it's easier to stitch them all by hand depending upon the fabric content! I do a lot of hand hemming on anything silk too since my hemmer hates silk. I just pull up a comfy chair and turn the tv on, start stitching and remember the days when I used to do a lot of hand quilting and needlepoint projects ;)

    It came out so beautiful though - you should be proud!

    Michelle
    www.newengland-style.com

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  43. KATMarch 4, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    That material may have been hard but the results are worth it! the chair is stunning!

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  44. SewRaggedyAnnMarch 4, 2011 at 12:33 PM

    The chair looks great, but I can certainly relate to the "I'm never making another one like that" mindset. My most recent in that category was a one-piece chair pad for a sort-of papasan chair that my son purchased at Pier I, but didn't like any of the cushion choices. You know ... Mom could make one. It was to be tufted, but no buttons, and no tying. I ended up sewing one-inch squares through both layers and then stuffed it "AROUND" all of those. The thing was about five feet long and 2.5 feet wide. I thought I'd never get it finished. Never again! But like yours, it looked great in the end.

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  45. At The Picket FenceMarch 4, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    Oh my goodness that is beyond stunning...stunning!! That was the first thing I thought...the second thing I thought was that I had never seen a slipcover made out of sheer fabric and I wondered how on earth it didn't slip all around. Until I read down a little bit! I totally don't blame you for not wanting to see it again but truly it is absolutely gorgeous and that pillow is just amazingly beautiful! Thanks so much for linking this one up to the party too Lindy!
    Vanessa

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  46. CharoMarch 4, 2011 at 3:54 PM

    I have a chair like yours, you give me a great idea, love the pillow too!!!


    Xoxo
    Charo

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  47. AnonymousMarch 4, 2011 at 6:41 PM

    It is cute! There are ways to control the slippery stuff. I use heavy spray starch (softens up after contstuction and basting glue. Stips of Vilene water soluble stabilizer can be a big help, and it is sprayed away with a spritz of water after trimming. It isn't good to use with silk though. Clear elastic or a ruffler can help with gathering. Not sure how you did the back of the tapered back to get the cover on and secured. All this info is probably redundant, since I doubt you will go near the slippery stuff again :)
    Barb

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  48. angieMarch 4, 2011 at 7:09 PM

    Although it was a nightmare, it turned out beautiful! Since it was for a client, next time (if there is one) you now know to charge extra.

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  49. chrisMarch 4, 2011 at 7:28 PM

    This is so unique, Lindy! I couldn't pull it off with littles in the house, but it is lovely.

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  50. UnknownMarch 4, 2011 at 7:36 PM

    Wow, sounds like you had your hand full with this project!! But it turned out great, way to persevere. Stopping by from TT&J's party:)

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  51. CassieMarch 4, 2011 at 8:00 PM

    That is just incredible!! Great idea, perfectly executed!

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  52. morninglorycottageMarch 5, 2011 at 12:43 AM

    Well Ok Lindy tell us how you really feel about that fabric and chair. Did you use a roller foot? Slippery fabric is no fun. It looks great though and was a fab idea. Have a great weekend.
    Hugs~ Amanda

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  53. Patricia @ 9th and DenverMarch 5, 2011 at 1:19 PM

    Ha ha ha... a nail gun to hold it in place... hilarious.
    Maybe you should have called it a SLIPPERY COVER!

    Very pretty.I like seeing the chair through the slip.
    But I'm not that adventurous.
    blessings~ Pat

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  54. AnonymousMarch 6, 2011 at 1:29 PM

    I like the look, but know what you mean about the fabric.

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  55. Serendipity Chic DesignMarch 6, 2011 at 4:17 PM

    This is stunning Lindy! You have such great talent.

    Take care,
    Lisa

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  56. CindyMarch 6, 2011 at 8:31 PM

    It may have been difficult, but it is very adorable!

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  57. Sanghamitra Bhattacherjee(Mukherjee)March 6, 2011 at 8:59 PM

    This is stunning!..Lovely blog you have :)
    Please, join in my CSN giveaway on my design blog..

    Sanghamitra.
    http://rainbow-thecoloursofindia.blogspot.com/

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  58. justdishing.blogspot.comMarch 6, 2011 at 9:24 PM

    The slipcover is fabulous. When working with slippery fabric, the sewing is easier if you place the fabric on top of tissue paper (the kind you use for gifts). It stabilizes the fabric while stitching and then you just tear it away!Try a small project first and see if you like this technique. It should make life easier for you.

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  59. LindyMarch 6, 2011 at 9:48 PM

    Hey everyone -- Thanks for all the "slippery" sewing advice! I might try it again, someday, when I'm good and over this one!!!!

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  60. AlexandreaMarch 6, 2011 at 10:38 PM

    SO STINKIN' CUTE!! You are soooooo creative!!

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  61. JodieMarch 6, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    So Beautiful and romantic!

    Jodie

    www.lovelaughteranddecor.blogspot.com

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  62. All That GlittersMarch 7, 2011 at 12:17 AM

    So pretty girl!!!! You are so talented!

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  63. Kimberlea@SaVvyDeCorMarch 7, 2011 at 8:17 AM

    So so pretty. Thanks for sharing!

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  64. ErinMarch 7, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    I love this idea! I found your blog at the DIY Showoff. You have such great ideas and I'm your newest follower! I'd love it if you'd follow me back: http://stillwaterstory.blogspot.com/

    Again, you did a fantastic job!! :-)

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  65. KathyMarch 7, 2011 at 6:22 PM

    Lindy I love it! Looks like a pretty dress! The pillow is wonderful too - well done!
    Kathy

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  66. FarahMarch 8, 2011 at 12:01 AM

    Hi Lindy ...

    They really look beautiful... I can wel imagine how difficult to handle fabric like this, but you did it perfectly and neatly... well done
    Hope you will enjoy your visit if you can spare a little bit to see some napkin folds
    http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
    Love
    Farah

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  67. PamelaMarch 8, 2011 at 7:37 PM

    Love this and it is so elegant!!

    Pamela :)

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  68. UnknownMarch 8, 2011 at 7:56 PM

    Found you from your post at Sew Much Ado, and this slipcover makes this little chair look so elegant. Wow!

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  69. Cassie BustamanteMarch 8, 2011 at 8:02 PM

    it looks so sexy like that! :)

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  70. Megan GunyanMarch 8, 2011 at 8:19 PM

    Say what? Can chair look seductive? Because I think that one does! ;)

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  71. Linda QMarch 9, 2011 at 1:06 AM

    That is pretty touch to that chair, wow, nice job!
    Linda

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  72. AnonymousMarch 9, 2011 at 8:25 AM

    Hi, I'm your newest follower. See, I follow instructions well! I have practically an identical chair, and never thought of doing something like this with it. I love it! I'm a newbie blogger, and would love if you would check out my blog sometime if you get a chance. Granted, it is still a work in progress.

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  73. LindaMarch 9, 2011 at 5:49 PM

    Very beautiful and I wish it could have been coming to my house!

    Linda

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  74. Marjory SkousenMarch 9, 2011 at 8:50 PM

    It might have been hard, but you have one beautiful chair.

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  75. JeanneMarch 9, 2011 at 9:31 PM

    LOL!

    "it's a first for me when I tell you to forget the how to and skip the tutorial -- DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!"

    The result is definitely beautiful, though.

    http://jeanneselep.blogspot.com/2011/03/batik-quilt-top.html

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  76. SachikoMarch 9, 2011 at 11:05 PM

    I think the slipcover is beautiful, but I really LOVE the pillow on the chair! Thank you for linking to my party!

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  77. AnonymousMarch 10, 2011 at 10:09 AM

    That is so elegant! I love it! I can imagine working with a sheer fabric was a big pain! It turned out so beautiful though! :)

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  78. Legacy of LoveMarch 10, 2011 at 7:54 PM

    Such a sweet chair it is now that you have transformed it with that darling material.
    Love it!

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  79. Kirsty GirlMarch 10, 2011 at 10:04 PM

    Great idea!

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  80. My Dream CanvasMarch 10, 2011 at 10:10 PM

    What a lovely idea. Hope to see you over at My Dream Canvas

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  81. AnonymousMarch 11, 2011 at 8:26 AM

    The final result is beautiful! Hopefully that eases your pain some.

    Janie

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I'm excited you're leaving a comment. I can't wait to read it...L.