For those who feel heroic mending a torn sleeve, the notion of making slipcovers might seem beyond the realm. But making little slipcovers for your dining room chairs is eminently doable for anyone with even the most basic sewing skills. John French of French Slips showed us how to take an elemental pattern and amend it to any straight-backed chair. You can see for yourself the handsome result.

"I suggest that people make a pattern out of muslin and even sew a sample for practice, to make sure the measurements and tensions work out," John says. "I make a pattern for half the chair and then fold the fabric in half when cutting."

John went to Fabric Factory and selected some toiles to play with; he advises using a sturdy medium- to heavy-weight fabric (though not heavy upholstery weight or anything with rubber backing).

"You can make as many variations as you like from one basic pattern," he says. "If you're not great with dressmaking details, bring it to an alterations shop for assistance. Remember: buttons are always chic, grosgrain ribbons make for very easy ties, Velcro s as simple as it gets, and monograms can really make a statement."