About Slipcovers Etc.
At Slipcovers Etc., we specialize in custom slipcovers tailored to fit each piece of furniture. To ensure a perfect fit, the furniture must be available in the shop or nearby for at least two fittings. Alternatively, we can create new slipcovers using an existing cover as a pattern by carefully dismantling it to cut the new pieces. To receive an estimate for fabric requirements and labor costs, customers should provide a photo of the furniture. Please note that customers are responsible for supplying their own fabric.
Slipcovers Etc. has been in operation since May 1999, originally located at 54 Queen St., Chester, NS. The business began in a commercial building that had been newly renovated to accommodate a large store and three smaller retail or office spaces. Initially, we also offered sewing lessons, which quickly became popular and led us to outgrow the space. As a result, we relocated to Pleasant St. in Chester, a location that provided better visibility and street presence. For a while, we were located on Duke Street in the old pharmacy where we enjoyed ample space and light. Presently, we are located at 41a Queen Street in the historic James Redden House built in the 1880s. We relocated to this location in September 2025 when the opportunity arose, providing the chance to continue sewing custom made home decor items in a convenient, sun filled, and cozy space.
Since our opening, Slipcovers Etc. has also offered minor clothing alterations to meet a local need. In recent years, we have embraced the importance of repairing and altering clothing to support sustainability through recycling, repurposing, and reusing garments. We are proud to contribute to reducing waste and helping to protect the environment.
Additionally, we are passionate about supporting local and Canadian-made products. As part of the growing movement to shop locally and prioritize "Made in Canada" goods, we encourage customers to consider sustainable home furnishings. Whether through slipcovers or upholstery, we believe in reusing materials and reducing environmental impact while supporting our local community.
A New Chapter on Queen Street
The move to our new Queen Street location came together quickly and unexpectedly, with just three weeks to make it happen. Because the new space is more compact than the former Duke Street studio, careful planning was essential. With the help of longtime friend and former interior designer Fran Underwood, a thoughtful floor plan ensured every piece had a place.
The transition involved relocating industrial sewing machines and large furniture to Queen Street, moving select items to my home, and thoughtfully selling, gifting, or repurposing the rest. On moving day, the team from Ted Corkum Landscaping generously arrived before their workday began, while Fran coordinated arrivals at the new space with precision. Thanks to this incredible teamwork, the move unfolded seamlessly—even as ongoing client projects continued without pause.
Support appeared at just the right moments, including a new friend who stepped in to help with the logistics of downsizing. As they say, it truly takes a village. By November 1, everything was complete.
The weeks that followed were spent fine-tuning the space: an accent wall to complement the existing purple wallpaper, a custom counter created from a repurposed display cabinet, and a beautifully sized countertop sourced from Countway’s Barn.
There were a few lighthearted moments too. The previous tenant, The Kiwi Pantry, had relocated just around the corner, leading to some amused visitors who arrived expecting specialty foods and instead found sewing machines in action.
A new location, a refreshed workspace, and renewed energy — 2026 marks an exciting new chapter for Slipcovers etc. by Jill.
History of 41 Queen Street
According to the book Chester: A Pictorial History of a Nova Scotia Village, this photo was taken around 1900 and shows the James Redden House, which was built in the 1880s. The building to the right was the Redden Hardware Store, opened in the 1890s by Orville Redden and later taken over by his son Lewis, who ran it until 1973. This may have been when 41 Queen Street became retail spaces – a dress shop owned by Lewis’ wife Kaye and a beauty salon operated in 41a by Betty Collins. In the 1980’s, the beauty salon relocated to below the Chester Pharmacy on the opposite corner below Pleasant Street. After the Hardware store was sold in the 1980’s, the space became a bakery, then Chester’s Cafe, and is now operated as The Jib Cafe. 41a Queen Street (my present location) has been various retail enterprises since the 1980’s including Wholly Mackeral Folk Art, a shop selling pearls, the home decor shop 31 Westgate, The Black Market emporium and most recently The Kiwi Pantry.
Photo is courtesy of Mr and Mrs L.F. Redden.