I am a domestic goddess! Okay, that’s a bit of a stretch, but we finally finished updating the salon cushions and they are divine. After reading Jody’s (Where the Coconuts Grow) DIY Cushions post and watching some Sailrite videos, I was convinced that updating our cushions would be a breeze. They made it look so easy. Who cares that I’ve never really sewn before? My recent throw pillow success had me filled with confidence.
Six days of sewing, a lot of cursing, and even a little crying later–I now have a new found respect for anyone that sews.
This sewing project actually reminded me of summiting mountains in Colorado. I was very excited to start and at first things were going very smoothly. Then about a quarter of the way through, I started doubting myself and feeling overwhelmed. Around the half way mark I was really regretting my decision, but pushed on because I’d come too far to turn back. At the three quarter mark, I was bargaining with myself. If I can just finish this, I’ll never ever do it again. Once I was finally done, I looked back at what I had just accomplished and thought, “actually that wasn’t THAT bad” and started planning my next challenge (V-berth cushion update).
If you are on the fence about taking on a major sewing project, then take my advise and just do it. You might be cursing and regretting your decision during the process, but there’s nothing more gratifying than creating something yourself. I smile each time I look at our new cushions.
Our salon cushions were in decent shape, but still had the original fabric from when the boat was manufactured in 1989. I wasn’t a huge fan of the 1990s fabulous pattern, but even worse was the musty smell. We reused the foam (new foam is not in our upgrade budget and it didn’t smell like the fabric) and covered it with Sunbrella’s Dupoine Dove fabric. We used a hot knife to cut the fabric to ensure it doesn’t unravel.
Curved couches must have been all the rage back in the late 80’s/early 90’s. When we inspected our settees closer we realized that we could remove the wooden insert. Then by adjusting the top cushion sizes, we were able to update to a more modern square look.
And now the AFTER pictures… 
It’s beginning to feel more like home… which is good, because in one week we will be liveaboards!
They look great! Good job. I just finished mine as well – now on to the throw pillows!
Thanks Kelley! I read your post about buying your Sailrite and loved it. A Sailrite wasn’t in our budget–maybe in the future. But like you my seam ripper got a lot of use during this project. They look great now, but I made more than a few mistakes along the way.
Wow they look great! Congrats on moving aboard in the next week, we hope to be moved aboard by March! I’m getting nervous about how/where I’m going to put everything. Keep us updated as I will be taking inspiration from your trials and tribulations!
Thanks CJ! I’m also a little concerned about space, but we are quickly learning that we don’t NEED much. Since we moved to FL to work on the boat, I pretty much only wear one of three outfits-dirty work, beachy, or clean. However, I’m having trouble parting with some of my kitchen gear. Galley cooking should be interesting…
You DID use the Dupione!! I love them!!!!!!! Looks amazing!! You did a great job and they look amazing 🙂 The Dupione does get softer with each wash. I found that mine still bunch up a little, but I’m pretty sure it’s because of the old foam that isn’t quite a consistent size anymore. Congrats!!
Thank you Jody! I’m glad to hear it holds up well. We’ve already cleaned up blood, drool, bilge grease, food stains, etc. I have a feeling that we will be washing them frequently. 🙂
Ahh yes 🙂 Mine survived the puke test the first week 🙂 Baby wipes work wonders if you don’t want to remove the whole cover!
Hi – now that you have lived with the fabric a few years, is it still looking good? I am renovating my Pearson 28, and love the light colors, but am afraid of stains… Thanks for any advice!
Even with the dogs sleeping on them every night, the covers look great. I vacuumed them about once a week (dog hair) and washed them every three months. The fabric actually gets a little softer after a couple of washes. No complaints here. We’ve cleaned everything from mold to wine to grease off the cushion covers.
Thank you! I can fearlessly get a light color in that case. 😀