Kid Couch Makeover

A small couch makes a nice landing pad and reading lounge for toddlers and young children, but finding an attractive one, especially one not emblazoned with cartoon characters is next to impossible.

And Jess (of The Adventures of Rory and Jess) didn't find one either. But she did get a Dora couch free from a friend and transformed it into something beautiful for her daughter. You can see more photos and read about her project here (and check out this gorgeous quilt she made to complement the couch). As her friend, the original Dora couch owner, said: "I knew when you went home with the couch that you would turn it into something better. Can I have it back now?"

You can also see Jess' sewing talents at her Etsy shop, bits for babies.

(Via Fun Finds for Mom)

Comments (15)

Most definitely an improvement!

posted by smbumblebee on July 31st 2009 at 4:17pm
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serious upgrade - it looks amazing now!

posted by julie_k. on July 31st 2009 at 4:44pm
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Preetttty....but saving the dora print and turning it into a throw pillow would have been nice too.

posted by Comicgeek on July 31st 2009 at 5:06pm
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What an improvement! That shrieking little ninny is just so upsetting (and her little monkey too).

posted by Oven Mitzie on July 31st 2009 at 5:17pm
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not exactly my style, but super stylish nonetheless! I love the contrasting pillow. And most of all, it looks comfy and inviting.

wonderful job!

posted by modern on long island on July 31st 2009 at 5:41pm
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The irony is I work for the company that manufactures these! I probably have the pattern for this somewhere in my records - going to go look it up now and make my own slipcover :-)

posted by gmama on August 1st 2009 at 5:38am
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Our Thomas couch is so getting a makeover!
gmama - I certainly hope you post a tutorial somewhere after that teaser!

posted by BlueLM on August 1st 2009 at 10:09am
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thanks for all the nice comments! I had a blast making it, but I don't think I'll be taking orders or anything, it was a bit stressful and time consuming! :) thanks again for posting my couch!

posted by roryandjess on August 2nd 2009 at 1:01pm
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I live in New Zealand and have often thought of buying one of these for my daughter,they are so handy to have. I haven't bought one because of the branded (ugly) covers. I think I may attempt to make a cover now!! Wish me luck!

posted by Lillabea on August 3rd 2009 at 3:10am
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I love the transformation, but I'm afraid that the average child would prefer the couch to have Dora, Thomas or the Cars characters, despite how much we adults dislike the tacky, cartoon look. That said, I love the way it turned out and the color of the Amy Butler fabric!

posted by artistwren on August 3rd 2009 at 7:32pm
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i just started looking at them on Craigslist - i have been inspired!! (don't know where i will find the time to actually do this, because i am sure that it will take me forever!) great idea, way to recycle, and well done!!!

posted by monthcalledmae on August 4th 2009 at 12:03pm
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My baby isn't born yet but I am SO bookmarking this for a few years from now!

posted by TheLittlestChicken on August 5th 2009 at 12:32am
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Love it. Where is this fabric from?

posted by mollyrmurphy on August 9th 2009 at 4:58pm
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It's Amy Butler fabric, bought on Etsy. Wallflower in Mustard, I believe. :)

posted by roryandjess on August 10th 2009 at 1:18am
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That's one of my favorite Amy Butler fabrics. Very nice transformation. I'd definitely have to do it without my children ever seeing Dora underneath, though. As much as I try, they are drawn to tacky like flies are drawn to poop.

posted by pennycarnival on August 10th 2009 at 3:46pm
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