First 2019 Porch Breakfast

I can't say enough about my screened porch. Some of our happiest family events take place ON THE PORCH. Every Saturday morning, the kids eat their breakfast on the porch.....and the porch table is the best spot for any kind of craft activity, or fabric cutting...Elliott's July birthday has always been our first Pesto of the year....My brother Cal and his wife Jeanne always celebrate his August Birthday with a steak dinner on the porch...well, you get the idea.

The porch has EVOLVED, of course. And because of my constant THRIFTING ADDICTION...the porch has been the perfect spot for me to rotate newfound treasures into my life...

At one time, I had two wooden picnic table on the porch. But those backless benches are not  comfortable....so I moved to a dinette set....(I've worn out two of them)

When the boys were in high school, I had a vinyl daybed -- perfect for afternoon naps. When I found a beautiful little Bistro set at an estate sale, I was excited. It was pretty cute...but wobbly, and not at all practical.

Then, of course -- in 2014 -- I found the ultimate porch project...

It had very ugly, dated flower fabric.

I didn't buy it the first time I saw it....BUT, when I woke up the next day...I had huge remorse...so I rushed back to the Salvation Army. That ugly sofa became the MY BIGGEST PORCH CHALLENGE EVER.

I discovered yes, you CAN paint fabric!! (I had some blue wall paint). Lilly still talks about doing this. (she was only 5 at the time)

It took two coats to cover the ugly flowers.  But that second coat went on REALLY easy.

Then, using fabric from my stash -- I sewed one new cushion at a time...

I used the existing cushion cover as a pattern.

My BIG CHEAT was to use the existing zippers...

It took most of the summer....

But, at the end  -- IT LOOKED FANTASTIC!!

I've never been more pleased with a sewing project...and I'm still not tired of it!!

On Monday, Carrie brought the cushions up from the basement.  And on Tuesday, we had our first official TMBC PORCH PARTY*.  I did my New York City style show.  I have two complete different color waves to choose from...it's gonna be tough...

and, of course, there is a new (thrifted) fabric purse that I PAINTED OVER...!! (you're not gonna believe it..)

*As it happened, the porch was ready -- but the weather was not.  We ate inside...and, oops...forgot to even go out on the porch.

BUT IT'S A COMIN'...