I have a confession to make. After finding this bench at a thrift store, I was quite excited to get started right away. We had been in need of some secondary seating, and this bench was the perfect size for our intimate (read: small!) living room. So within a week of purchasing it, I had scraped off the old paint, sanded it, primed it, painted it, bought the cushion foam, researched and purchased the cushion fabric…and then stopped. Six months later, after feeling like a complete slug, I finally cut the pattern pieces for the cushion cover…but then stopped (yet again!). Finally, a full year (and many moments of guilt) later, I sewed the box cushion cover. You’ve read that right; it took me one and half years to complete a project that takes a mere few hours. What makes it worse, is that I kept the bench in the living room that whole time, as if it were actually usable. I know, I am shaking my head at myself while I write this.
Procrastinating in projects is a bad habit of mine. I will make my way through 75% of a project and then drop it due to losing interest, getting distracted by a new project, or because I’ve come upon a hurdle. It feels silly to admit, but I saw the box cushion cover as a hurdle. I hadn’t sewn one before, and the unfamiliarity of it got the best of me. I am used to working with clothes, which have movement, and for that reason seem more forgiving of imperfection. Since a box cushion basically sits on showcase, I was nervous that any mistake would show. It’s silly, I know. Again, I am shaking my head at myself.
Once finally taking the plunge, I found that my nerves melted away almost immediately. With those being gone, I was reminded of just how refreshing and enjoyable it is work on a project outside of my normal area of craft. It helped that I started by making piping for the first time. Whoa, is that fun. As in – I want to add piping to everything now – kind of fun. Plus, It helped that I had a great tutorial to reference from Design Sponge.
The bench has been a great addition to the living room…now that it is finished and actually looks like it belongs there! The pattern of the cushion adds a nice mix to the current assortment of patterns and textures that are in the room, and the additional seating is very welcome. Beyond the practicality though, it is a nice to have a daily visual reminder of the benefits of stretching myself outside of the norm, and trying something new.
Welcome to Blanche & Thirteenth - a site that's one part craft, one part food, and one part lifestyle. I'm a mother, a creative, and a cuddle advocate; who has a deep appreciation for colorful food (mostly naturally occurring, but I like to strike a good balance ;-) and taking adventures. Join me as I find ways to get my hands a little dirty, fill up our bellies, and seek out celebration in daily life.
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