DIY Part Two: Outdoor Swing Canopy Sewing Project

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closeupcushionDo-it-yourself…This is the second part of the project — I recovered the torn cushion — click HERE for that DIY post.

After that refurbishment, it was clear that I needed to find a way to create a matching canopy. There was no way I could be satisfied with two different patterns and color schemes.

There are tons of online tutorials, but I decided to freestyle it — I took a bunch of measurements and went back to JoAnn‘s Fabrics.

First I cut and pinned the striped material to the top; then I hemmed all the raw edges; repinned, and sewed it all together. It was sooo difficult to work with that much canvas material, especially the way it bunched up on the sewing machine, but I persevered because I’m stubborn that way.

It feels good to try new things, but I’ll definitely NOT take on this project again!

The corners were tricky…but from far away it looks fine!
swingcanopycloseup

Under the shade of a non-fruiting mulberry tree…with an orange orchid photobombing the picture.

swing canopy

It looks great if you don’t get too close…matching up the stripes is always a challenge; one side’s perfect — the other not so much. Oh well…

swingcanopy2

What do you think? Have you ever tackled a job or a project even though it’s incredibly difficult? Were you proud of yourself for meeting the challenge or did you give up before it was completed?

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39 thoughts on “DIY Part Two: Outdoor Swing Canopy Sewing Project”

  2. That looks incredibly awesome!!! I agree, the solid color is a great idea. The whole thing is just so bright and cheery…and inviting! Perfect place for wine and a book.

    I think my proudest project is a wool poncho I made for my husband years ago. I cut apart a rubber rain poncho for the basic pattern and made changes from there. Of course, the wool was striped, so all that had to be matched. The seams across the shoulder areas are sewed like blue jean seams, where they’re folded and tucked and reinforced five ways to Sunday; huge hood with a draw string; barrel buttons on the sides so he can close it up some; a drawstring inside front and back to cinch it in. And it is big enough to use flat as a blanket. I swore I would never made another one…

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  5. I think that you did a good job! Nice and bright and colorful. I know it’s not easy working with the fabric and you did good. You should feel proud of yourself!! One project I would never do again is making wedding and bridesmaid dresses. Years ago I did several times. Satin is so slippery and having yards and yards of it was a pain to work with. Also when the last bride gained 15 lbs the last month due to nerves and had to adjust so that the dress would still fit. After that said no more 🙂

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  6. Uh, I need to do more work on our outdoor living space. I have lights that need hanging, used patio furniture to find & purchase, plants to re-pot. This post just reminds me how much I need to do, lol.
    It looks lovely, btw. 🙂

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    • All is takes is the willingness to try and hubs always tells me to just try and that’s half the fear gone right there, and he’s right! I’m not pleased cos it’s not perfect but overall, I like it. And I sent him a pic of it and he likes it and can’t wait to get home and sit on it (or take a nap, which is his favorite past time!)

      On Tue, Jun 11, 2013 at 2:33 PM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo

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  14. Hooray for DIY… ack, gross, hack, cough. No. Every time I tackle a project around the house I feel like I’m biting off more than I can chew. I’m not Mr. Fix-it. But, I’m stubborn, so once I’ve started I’ll see it through to the end.

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  15. Job well done! My trick is to stick with the little things – like colorful summer wreaths made from flip flops. I do small crafty things and leave the bigger stuff (and painting) to my hubby.

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