Big news for Knesting.com

It is with both great sadness & excitement that I have decided to close down my slipcover business. Everyone told me that running a small business would be hard, and boy they weren’t kidding.  I’ve had such a love of IKEA products and passion for decorating, so starting Knesting.com seemed like the perfect solution to create my own business while also giving myself a creative outlet. Five years later, with thousands of customers and lots of proud moments behind me, I’ve truly run out of steam. Over the last year, my heart has been pulling me in a different direction. I’ve finally decided to let go and take the leap that will carry me on to my next adventure in life.

IMPORTANT ORDERING INFORMATION AND DEADLINES

We will be accepting orders for out of stock items through June 18th. After that date the website will only allow purchases of remaining in stock items.  So after June 18th we will not be cutting and sewing any new slipcovers. This is very important – please do not wait until the last minute to place your order!!!!! Since we will not be re-ordering most fabrics, our fabric supply is limited. We will be trying our best to keep track of remaining yardage, and update the website in real time accordingly. So once we are out of a specific fabric, that fabric will disappear as an option for all new slipcovers. Please be aware that adding an item to the shopping cart does not remove that item from inventory, only placing an order will.  So if it has been a while since a cover was added to the cart, you will need to go back and refresh the page for the specific slipcover model to ensure you are getting the most accurate inventory quantity at a given moment.

Another important change will be in regards to our return policy. As of today, June 11th, we will no longer be able to accept returns of all future orders unless the item is found to be defective. After June 19 th, please be aware that customer service response time will be slower than usual as I transition into a new city and a new job. We will also be shipping orders on a less frequent basis, so it may take up to a week to get in stock orders shipped out after the 19th. If you have any questions during this time, the best way to contact us will be via email at customerservice@knesting.com.

I would love to thank all of the customers who have graciously given us their business over the years and supported our small made in the USA operation. It has been a great delight to receive kind comments from happy customers and we’ve always loved seeing photos of our slipcovers in action in your homes. Many thanks from Susan and the whole Knesting team!!!!!!

IKEA Ektorp Sofa Bed Slipcovers...we've got 'em!

I was shocked earlier this year when I heard rumors IKEA was discontinuing the Ektorp sofa bed model. The Ektorp sleeper sofa was one of the first pieces of IKEA furniture I ever had, and I loved it dearly. Oh I'm having flashbacks to the teeny, tiny studio I had while living abroad...loved that white slipcover.

At first I assumed IKEA wasn't going to take it away for good. I mean how can they discontinue anything in the iconic Ektorp line? I thought the sofa bed model & its slipcovers were just being redesigned and in a few months they would make a quiet, yet triumphant return with maybe new SKU numbers. My theory was dashed when @DesignByIKEA responded to my questioning tweet with "Unfortunately, it has been discontinued. Sorry!"

So it's true. And sadly as many of us have experienced before, once IKEA stops making a sofa they also stop selling the slipcovers. Well never fear if you have an Ektorp sleeper sofa and are in need of a new slipcover. We've got them!

IKEA Ektorp sofa bed slipcover in Avocado Twill from Knesting

We are making covers for the Ektorp sofa bed in over 30 fabric options. In stock covers ship in 2-3 business days. If the slipcover you like is not in stock, then we can make you one and have it ready to ship in 4 weeks! 

IKEA Ektorp sofa bed slipcover in Oatmeal Linen from Knesting

Knesting IKEA Ektorp sleeper slipcover in Lime Baligate

IKEA Ektorp sofa bed cover in Denim Twill from Knesting

What goes with what??? Lemon Magna and Steel Trail combo

It's been a LONG time since our last post we know. We stay so busy trying to keep things in the shop running smoothly that blog posts always seem to take absolute last priority. Anyway, we would like to highlight a couple of our newer prints - the Lemon Magna and Steel Trail patterns that we think are pretty cool and funky. It always surprises us to see how well a fabric coordinates with others, especially when it can morph into different shades which is just what these two do.

These two prints can both work wonderfully with warm colors like our Oatmeal Linen (ok, it works well with just about everything) and Taupe Twill.

IKEA Klippan loveseat cover in Lemon Magna from Knesting.com

 

Slipcovers for the IKEA Ektorp Tullsta chair in Taupe Twill and Oatmeal Linen

But we also love how the Lemon Magna and Steel Trail fabrics have a lot of gray in them, so they also look great with our sturdy Graphite Twill as well.

IKEA Karlstad sofa cover in Graphite Twill from Knesting.com

IKEA Poang slipcovers in Lemon Magna and Steel Trail

Of course, we always recommend ordering swatches to test out any fabrics in your own home first prior to ordering slipcovers. Because just like how paint takes on different shades in different light, so does fabric. And as much as we like happy surprises, we really don't like the unhappy ones. Have a great weekend everyone!

Fab Fall Makeover

The leaves are changing colors and the temperatures getting cooler. That means it's time to break out the tall boots and cashmere sweaters...at least that's why I love fall. But with Thanksgiving just around the corner, it also makes me think about making a few decorating tweaks at home.

I usually just switch out my sofa throw pillows and call it a day. But after seeing the fabulous new Stockholm lattice rug at IKEA last month, I'm considering bumping it up a notch. I also fell head over heals in LOVE, LOVE, LOVE with the green velvet Stockholm sofa. But the super practical side of me would never allow such a purchase. So pushing that green sofa to the dark recesses of my mind, I came up with a lovely AND practical wish list to update my home for the fall. I've rounded up a collection highlighting the newly expanded IKEA Stockholm line along with our Knesting slipcovers that will make any home a treat come turkey day.

Fall Decorating Buying Guide

1. Knesting.com slipcover in Espresso Twill for the IKEA Ektorp 3 Seater Sofa
2. IKEA Stockholm rug
3. IKEA Stockholm cabinet in walnut
4. Knesting.com slipcover in Lemon Magna for the IKEA Henriksdal bar stool
5. Throw pillows: Cable Knit from World Market and Orange flange from CB2
6. Geena table lamp from Pottery Barn
7. Threshold accent cabinet from Target
8. Knesting Oatmeal Linen slipcover for the IKEA Ektorp footstool

Happy Fall everyone!!!

New 2014 IKEA Catalog items - A Quick Tour

It's that time of year again! Many of us IKEA fanatics think this time of year is even better than Christmas morning. I definitely felt more giddy roaming the aisles of my Atlanta IKEA this week than opening Christmas gifts in years past. Not that my gifts haven't been good....no, no, no. I've loved and appreciated ALL of my gifts. But wandering through the IKEA maze, wondering what new and shiny things will be around that next bend...now that is pure bliss!

Okay, some of you might be thinking I'm a little weird, so I will just get to it. There are lots of new items from the 2014 IKEA catalog showing up in the stores now. I keep anxiously awaiting my catalog in the mail, but so far have had to settle with the online version. You can check it out here.

I'm not exactly in love with the cover. It seems a bit random, and all of those jars look odd to me. But it is bright which is one of the things I love about IKEA. It may just be my store or that they haven't arrived, but I didn't see a whole lot of new items in the living room area yet. There was a cool fuchsia colored sofa bed, kind of like the Moheda model. But when my eyes saw these beauties, I forgot about that sofa.

There are three new high gloss colors for the Expedit series - hot pink, teal, and orange! I loved the high gloss gray models introduced last year, but wow these are so much fun. I'm sure they will just add to the amazing and creative uses of Expedits across the blogosphere. Another new shelving option I found in the kitchen area is this one called the Stenstorp. 

I think these shelves would also look great by an entryway for hanging coats. Next in my grand tour came the seating section. My favorite new chair is this bright yellow model named Reidar.

And last stop on the top floor was the children's section with lots of cute bedding products including this one.

After a quick dinner break that included a nice summer berry salad rounded out with a piece of yummy Swedish apple pie (only $1.29 with an IKEA Family card!), it was time to hit the downstairs market. Here's where I noticed a trend of various items in a lovely, soft seafoam green. Since it's one of my favorite colors, I couldn't help but ogle these new dishes.

And then I found a few new fabulous rugs in the textiles department. These new Stockholm series rugs come in two great colors - brown and yellow.

Buttons are another new theme in this year's catalog...

 Whewwwww. It was a long, but fruitful evening. Now I'm gonna try my best to not make a return trip this weekend......but I'm not promising anything.

A Colorful Collection of Klippans

The Klippan loveseat has been an IKEA staple for over 30 years. It is a quintessential example of the simple, clean lines that the Swedish brand is know for. And over the years, there have been many bold and funky designs....

via Design Milk

I've really grown to love the Klippan for its form and function. It works great in a small living room, guest room or office. If you are one the millions who own a Klippan and aren't in love with IKEA's cover options, we've come to the rescue. Knesting.com makes slipcovers for the IKEA Klippan loveseat in a variety of fabrics that will work with any decor. Then add one of our pillow covers to give your Klippan a completely new life.

Knesting Klippan slipcover
in Avocado Twill
with Wonderama pillow cover

Knesting Klippan slipcover

in Dove Linen

with Violet Lattice pillow cover

Knesting Klippan slipcover

in Espresso Twill

with Coral Duncan pillow cover

Knesting Klippan slipcover
in Crimson Twill
with Thomas Paul Perch pillow cover

Knesting Klippan cover
in Navy Twill
with Charcoal Dwell Studio pillow cover

Passion for Purple

Purple, purple, purple. It was one of my favorite colors as a child and then last year I noticed it had made a major reappearance in my wardrobe. Then I started to notice it appearing everywhere included in the home decor market. IKEA even introduced their Tullinge Lilac, Hovby Lilac, and Dansbo Lilac slipcovers for the Ektorp and Kivik sofa lines. We have always offered a Knesting Purple Twill option for our IKEA slipcovers. But when recently launching the new Dove Linen fabric option, it just screamed out that it wanted to share the floor with the deep purple shade. The new Dove Linen fabric is a soft shade of gray with just a hint of lavender and wonderful linen fibers woven in for great texture.

Here are a few photos from Style Estate showing how to pair the two colors for dramatic effect in both contemporary and more traditional settings.

Purple, lavender, lilac - whatever lovely shades you prefer, here is a collection highlighting the look featuring our slipcovers for the IKEA Ektorp sofa and chair models in Purple Twill and Dove Linen. Enjoy and design on!

Buying Guide

1. Klabb Table Lamp - IKEA
2. Bergman Cabinet - Pier 1
3. Mansard Scroll Mirror Natural - Restoration Hardware
4. Dotted Trellis Dove Curtain Panel - Crate and Barrel
5. Knesting slipcover for Ektorp Sofa in Purple Twill
6. ISALA Coffee table - IKEA
7. Jaipur Fables Glamourous Tufted Rug - LaylaGrayce.com
8. Knesting slipcover for Ektorp chair in Dove Linen
9. Basay Basket - Crate & Barrel
10. Dwell Studio Bella Porte pillow cover in Charcoal - Knesting.com

Yellow & gray room inspiration

Magazines and blogs have been flooded with trendy images of rooms awash in lovely yellows and peaceful grays. I love the color palette and think yellow is such an interesting contrast to the new mainstay of neutral decorating, the color gray.

This room from HGTV includes curtains in one of my favorite fabrics from designer Thomas Paul. The fabric pattern is Dahlia Dove, and you can now find it online at Fabric.com.

via blackwhiteyellow.blogspot.com

And I am in lust with this yellow lamp and chair. What a way to brighten up a corner.

via Belle Maison

The color combo even works well in more traditional interiors.

Here's our fun twist on a yellow and gray room that includes the IKEA Karlstad series and one of our Knesting.com sunshine chevron slipcovers. How can a room this cheery not make you smile???

Shopping Guide

1. Yellow floor lamp from Urban Outfitters
2. Citrine Dwell Studio pillow cover from Knesting.com
3. Custom slipcover for IKEA Karlstad Sofa in Graphite Twill from Knesting.com
4. IKEA Stockholm coffee table in golden brown
5. Amy Butler rug from Layla Grace
6. Custom slipcover for IKEA Karlstad chair in Sunshine Chevron from Knesting.com
7. IKEA Klubbo nesting tables
8. Yellow vintage fan from Etsy
9. What I Love Most print from VintageNotionsCrafts on Etsy

A quick room redo with pillows

Got a case of the winter blahs? Been spending too much time inside and need to change up your living space? Nothing is easier than changing out a few throw pillows and a rug to refresh a room. Here's one sofa that takes on entirely different personalities by changing the pillow options.

You can choose a variety of colors and patterns that together create a sophisticated, classic collection.

Or stick with a single color family for a clean, serene, and uncluttered feel. Using different textures is the key to keeping this look interesting.

Images via House Beautiful

Bold colors choices are a great option if you want to instill energy into your room. 

Check out our new chevron pillow covers or my personal favorites, our Thomas Paul pillow covers if you are in need of a little inspiration. 

   

Sunshine Chevron pillow cover

Dwell Studio pillow cover in Twilight Bella Porte

Thomas Paul pillow cover in Tangerine Aviary

Waverly pillow cover in Ivory Pen Pal

These pillow covers make a room makeover even easier because there's no need to store a bunch of extra pillows. The covers fit over a standard pillow form or maybe even your existing pillows and with the simple pull of a zipper, ta-da you have a new look! All of these covers were photographed with the IKEA Inner pillow form that sells for the fabulous price of $2.99.

Old made new again

Ever since I moved out the Christmas tree at the beginning of the month, I've been in one of those clean and purge moods. Isn't it amazing how much STUFF can accumulate over time? Which then makes me wonder why I feel the need to shop for yet more stuff. After conducting some research on Pinterest...yes that's what we'll call it - research... scanning for unique ideas of how to reuse the items already in my possession, my creative juices began to flow.

Here's a roundup of some of the best ideas I came across for taking everyday items you already own and making them new again through ingenious displays. Not only new, but new and improved!

image via Apartment Therapy

This super easy and inexpensive idea incorporates the IKEA Dignitet curtain hanging system to display your children's artwork. I think this idea would also work wonderfully with old postcards or black & white photographs.

via Flickr

I personally like my coffee cup to have a little flair when I'm trying to wake up in the morning, so I love this idea of using a coffee mug collection as an eye catching display. The IKEA Stripa shelving above has been discontinued, but the Ribba picture ledge can serve the same purpose.

via BHG

via ApartmentTherapy

Do you have a collection of small items that has somehow outgrown your space? How about selecting the cream of the crop and displaying them in lovely glass canisters. Another great idea is to rotate your collection regularly so that it always feel new and refreshed. 

via cupcakesandcashmere.com

via everythingfab.com

And maybe the easiest way to make your old finds new again is by simply framing them. Inexpensive white frames like the IKEA Sondrum and Odby series below can make just about anything more interesting.