My Ikea HACK

before slipcover
So, years ago we managed to buy this useful sectional couch from a craigslister for $300 lightly used, and well, completely UGLY. The MÅNSTAD couch has a useful pull-out bed, and storage under the chaise. The color they call "Gobo Dark Grey" is what looks like a faded Navy Blue. So I went searching for a swanky velvety slipcover for it. My search was fruitless, and after consulting with my friend who makes slip-covers for a living, I decided to make one for it! (She'd told me to order one custom made, would be $1000 or more!)
I found on Ebay two matching purple slipcovers ($130 after shipping) which I cut apart after measuring the pieces I needed for the couch. I sewed, stitched, and sewed, cursed, seam ripped, cursed some more, and sewed again. After fitting it completely to the couch, in two main pieces (one for the main part of the couch, another for the chaise) I discovered it would never stay in place unless I tacked it down somehow. VELCRO! In between the seats along the backs of the cushions I glued velcro strips to the cushion, and sewed the velcro to the slipcover in the appropriate spots. I used shoe goo ($5.00) for the glue since nothing compares to shoe goo. I also used upholstery nails ($6.00) to keep the back side of the slipcover in place. I then made by using the leftover pieces of matching slipcover and some leopard velvet($20) cushion covers; optional zippers (which I used) so they can be washed. All in all it took about 12 hours worth of work. It works out great since I can just pull it off... RIP! and throw it into the wash, and not have to tolerate thee UGLY navy blue couch.

Murder City Devils 2.15.09

MCD2.15.09
Originally uploaded by GAYTHA

Most of the photos I took that night were gawdaweful. But I enjoyed myself. Quite the night to remember. Thanks guys! And Thank you Jeremy!

We got there and it was pouring rain. There was a line down the street in front of the Great American Music Hall. Jeremy and I waited in our car luckily getting parking right around the corner. When we were returning to the car from line, Jeremy looked up at an airport shuttle- and waved. The band had just arrived, and their flight was three hours late- but the show went off without a hitch. Spencer walked passed us in line, and got us in "guestlist" style. In my old age, I'm thinkin' that's the only way to go. We were given all access passes by Gabe. (who rocks it by the way.) The show was great, the early crowd was pretty mellow. I could tell that the band was tired from the first few shows on their tour- but they were still awesome. After their set was over I nabbed the set list.(it's my very guilty pleasure of collecting them makes me shameless in asking for them.) We all convened backstage and saddled up and went to the Tonga Room at the Fairmont Hotel. Tiki fun. The pictures say it all. Drank a Zombie and had the pleasure of meeting some new friends Tobias and Cara; who are also friends with Bonni (a friend of mine.) There was a pedestrian cover band that played bad pop songs or butchered good pop songs (however you may see it.) The dance floor was full of people which Spencer described it like being at a wedding reception. Jeremy rocks for bringing me home a souvenir too. We high-tailed it outta there and sat backstage until the second show started. We had to get new all-access passes, and I managed to find my friend Maria and her friend Megan out on the floor. The drink I had earlier and some Jameson backstage got me all all riled up. I took a ton of really bad photos (which I edited last night and today) Of which only a few you can even make out a little. I video taped one song, but I'm not really happy with the quality. After the show we went backstage, talked with friends, and I managed to meet Jello Biafra. It was the first time, and was introduced to him by Jeremy. We said our goodbyes and thank yous to our band-related friends and went home. I fell asleep by 2Am. What an awesome night.

When Murder is FUN

Tomorrow I will be seeing The Murder City Devils at the Great American Music Hall. Jeremy is also friends with them. In my opinion, they are exceptional people with good taste. It's a plus that they make some of my favorite music.

I'm hoping while we hang out that I can aquire the box set they've just released. Pure genius. This would make my Valentine's Weekend perfect. wink wink nudge nudge saynomore.

Lux Interior

Although this is a downswing in my blog, I have to mention the death of the artistic genius Lux Interior. Ever since my neighbor punk friend played me "Off the Bone" on his little crappy record player 20 years ago I've been a fan. So, now that Lux is gone, please don't hesitate to put your hearts out to Ivy, the surviving other leg of the Cramps, and Lux's wife- she was Lux's Vermouth to his Gin. Lux will be missed by many a fan. I'm going to go play the records now, and I know it's going to take me all night.