Upholstery 101 (week 4)
....continuing with the challenge, this is day 19 of 31.....for all 31, go here
This is also week 4 of my upholstery tutorial project.....
So, what color is my chair?
She's a coral (tomato red), not orange, not red chair
She doesn't shine enough though, so I think I will put a coat of bowling alley wax on her
Here is what I used
and it goes perfectly with the fabric I selected from my own hoarding collection.
This is a pattern that will definitely have to be centered
Keeping with a MacKenzie-Childs look, I will use a solid color on the seat, partly because this fabric is a bit light in weight, and a heavier fabric will wear better. Also, because she seems like she wants to have major whimsy!
So, what did I do this week? First, I removed the old two pieces of jute webbing on the back of the chair, and added new support webbing
stapeling it to the under-side of the top back piece (stapeling it to the front would make it too bulky).
Next, I wrapped the end around the bottom support piece and stapled it on the back side
I kept it taut, but did not need to pull super tight, repeat again
Then, working from the inside going across, I added more support
I ran the webbing bechind my vertical support (not a basket weave). This will help support the support!
...repeat that two more times
So much more back support then the original one
Onto the seat bottom. I usually cut fabric (especially burlap) from the entire yardage. If you are uncomfortable working this way, take a length and width measurement, add 4 inches or so each way, and cut a more workable piece. Lay the piece of burlap over the springs
tuck it under the supports to keep it close to the springs
trim off excess...you only need the burlap to cover the springs
Staple along the inside top edge. Not too tight
continue all the way around
Now, the inside back. Using the same method as the seat, staple the top middle
working top, bottom, top bottom, staple the bottom middle
pull from all directions, that way there won't be any excess burlap
trim excess burlap
Back view
This is also week 4 of my upholstery tutorial project.....
So, what color is my chair?
Here is what I used
 |
| Sun Dried Tomato |
This is a pattern that will definitely have to be centered
Keeping with a MacKenzie-Childs look, I will use a solid color on the seat, partly because this fabric is a bit light in weight, and a heavier fabric will wear better. Also, because she seems like she wants to have major whimsy!
So, what did I do this week? First, I removed the old two pieces of jute webbing on the back of the chair, and added new support webbing
stapeling it to the under-side of the top back piece (stapeling it to the front would make it too bulky).
Next, I wrapped the end around the bottom support piece and stapled it on the back side
Then, working from the inside going across, I added more support
I ran the webbing bechind my vertical support (not a basket weave). This will help support the support!
...repeat that two more times
So much more back support then the original one
Onto the seat bottom. I usually cut fabric (especially burlap) from the entire yardage. If you are uncomfortable working this way, take a length and width measurement, add 4 inches or so each way, and cut a more workable piece. Lay the piece of burlap over the springs
tuck it under the supports to keep it close to the springs
trim off excess...you only need the burlap to cover the springs
Staple along the inside top edge. Not too tight
continue all the way around
Now, the inside back. Using the same method as the seat, staple the top middle
working top, bottom, top bottom, staple the bottom middle
pull from all directions, that way there won't be any excess burlap
trim excess burlap
Back view
This concludes the least fun part of upholstery....the prep. From here on out, I find it really fun....
Hope to see you next Wednesday for the tutorial, and tomorrow for my 31 days!
How much?
...continuing with the challenge, this is day 18 of 31....for all 31, go here
So, how much fabric do you need for your upholstery project? If you have frequented fabric stores or upholstery shops, then you are probably familiar with this chart
Although the photos and styles are a bit dated, the fabric estimates have been fairly accurate for me. There should be enouth in the estimate for piping. Note that this is for solid or all-over prints on 54" wide fabric. If you have a stripe, plaid, or a pattern that requires centering, you will need more.
Hope to see you tomorrow at upholstery class. I painted the frame....and It's not white!
So, how much fabric do you need for your upholstery project? If you have frequented fabric stores or upholstery shops, then you are probably familiar with this chart
Although the photos and styles are a bit dated, the fabric estimates have been fairly accurate for me. There should be enouth in the estimate for piping. Note that this is for solid or all-over prints on 54" wide fabric. If you have a stripe, plaid, or a pattern that requires centering, you will need more.
Hope to see you tomorrow at upholstery class. I painted the frame....and It's not white!
Upholstery, and other fabric Sources (Day 2 of 31)
This is Day 2 of the challenge....For all 31 days, go here
Fabric is a HUGE topic. In fact, I cannot do it all in one post, so I will have future discussions on this, check back. For now, I am going to share with you MY experience BASED ON PRICE...
I am a fabricjunkie collector
I gave some of this away for a recent charity garage sale so my collection is a bit lighter. Never the less, If I get enough "followers", I will have a fabric give-away at the end of the 31 days!
What everyone always wants to know...where do you get the best deals? I have seen many of the blog posts/links/ads; some are good, but most just don't do it for me...how about you? I have also read about people finding yards and yards for almost nothing....again, not me....how about you?
Because I live close to NY, I have been to Mood and many of the other stores in that area. The selection is good, but again, fair prices, nothing to get too excited about. For example
Since price is so subjective, this is a good place to start. I don't find the above fabrics rediculis in prices, however, they are also not enough of a bargin for me to buy them....how about you?
I have purchased from Calico Corners, they have 20% off maybe about once a month, and about 2 times a year, they have a 25% off (sign up on their e-mails); however, I still find their prices a bit high. I find the best deal at Calico to be the rolls of discontinued fabrics usually at 50-70% off.
Jo-ann Fabrics is always having a sale...so don't pay full price there...ever! For example
Better, and I would certainly not reget a purchase at that price. However, we can still do better than that...
This online store here, I'm sure you have seen around. The big mistake most people make...myself included...they don't take the time, or spend the extra few dollars on a SAMPLE! It is impossible to shop by color on a computer screen. The ONLY way to shop for fabric online, is to get a sample. If the "sample" option is not available, take the time to call that 800#...and ask. The deals
Fabric is a HUGE topic. In fact, I cannot do it all in one post, so I will have future discussions on this, check back. For now, I am going to share with you MY experience BASED ON PRICE...
I am a fabric
I gave some of this away for a recent charity garage sale so my collection is a bit lighter. Never the less, If I get enough "followers", I will have a fabric give-away at the end of the 31 days!
What everyone always wants to know...where do you get the best deals? I have seen many of the blog posts/links/ads; some are good, but most just don't do it for me...how about you? I have also read about people finding yards and yards for almost nothing....again, not me....how about you?
Because I live close to NY, I have been to Mood and many of the other stores in that area. The selection is good, but again, fair prices, nothing to get too excited about. For example
 |
| mood $45/yd |
 |
| mood $45/yd |
 |
| mood $35/yd |
I have purchased from Calico Corners, they have 20% off maybe about once a month, and about 2 times a year, they have a 25% off (sign up on their e-mails); however, I still find their prices a bit high. I find the best deal at Calico to be the rolls of discontinued fabrics usually at 50-70% off.
Jo-ann Fabrics is always having a sale...so don't pay full price there...ever! For example
 |
| $20/reg $40 |
 |
| $25/ reg $50 |
 |
| $25/ reg $50 |
This online store here, I'm sure you have seen around. The big mistake most people make...myself included...they don't take the time, or spend the extra few dollars on a SAMPLE! It is impossible to shop by color on a computer screen. The ONLY way to shop for fabric online, is to get a sample. If the "sample" option is not available, take the time to call that 800#...and ask. The deals
 |
| $16/yd |
 |
$16/yd |
 |
| $20/yd |
getting even better
...I have also purchased samples here, but when it arrived, I did not like the color in person...I'm learning from my own mistakes.
...I have also purchased samples here, but when it arrived, I did not like the color in person...I'm learning from my own mistakes.
So, for me, the best price/value is eBay! I love eBay, and have had mostly positive experiences. My most recent fabric purchase was here, and this is what I bought
I found this seller to be extremely nice. They will send a swatch for a small fee....if you ask. I negotiated shipping (send a message in "ask seller question"), and got a tiny bit of a "package price" for both pieces. Here is the perfect example I was telling you. In person, these are vibrant and beautiful....what do yo see on your monitor? Kinda dull on mine. Equally important, they are heavy in weight...and that will be a whole other fabric topic....be careful when choosing the weight of a fabric for furniture.
Your "win" will never be my "loss", so go out and score a FANTASTIC deal on a piece of fabric...make me proud....and come back and tell me all about it!
there is still more of this one
 |
| it averaged about $10/yd |
Your "win" will never be my "loss", so go out and score a FANTASTIC deal on a piece of fabric...make me proud....and come back and tell me all about it!
Spring Cleaning for a Cause
Over the past several days I have tried to prioritize my projects. In fact, as I search around the blogdom, I realize that this a common problem. However, is this really a problem, or is it a luxury? Hear me out, like anything in life, there are many people who wish they had this problem. Piles of fabric waiting to be sewn, pieces of furniture waiting to be re-purposed, all kinds of objects with unlimited potential; having "stuff" is a luxury. A luxury that can make you crazy at times. Perhaps even feeling overwhelmed.
So, when the charity yard sale for Joan's Joy was brought to my attention, I figured this was a sign.;-) I donated all kinds of potential projects. Here is a glimpse at some of my former loot
So, when the charity yard sale for Joan's Joy was brought to my attention, I figured this was a sign.;-) I donated all kinds of potential projects. Here is a glimpse at some of my former loot
An unfinished chair from the U.K
An upholstered storage bench
A tufted vanity bench and cool galvanized box
A sweet pair of vintage paint-by-numbers prints
Some of this great fabric, and much more.
The yard sale is not until May 21st & 22nd. So, If you live in the Northern New Jersey area and would like to donate something, give Joan's Joy a call. Otherwise, maybe you could find a charity in your area to take some of those "potential projects" off your hands. Besides, now I have room for new projects!
Happy Tuesday!
Hunting for Outdoor Fabric
I LOVE fabric. I could look at it, feel it, and shop for it all day long! Here is a photo of my fabric collection:
Today, I need to focus my fabric hunting attention on outdoor fabric for my front porch. My old cushions
could use a "freshening" up. I found this great site here, and ordered some additional outdoor foam. (Hint, regular foam will mildew and does not dry fast.) I plan on using the existing foam, only adding an additional inch for extra "cush for my tush". As for the fabric, I'm thinking white? Like this
I'll keep you posted!
OK, maybe it borders on an addiction?
Today, I need to focus my fabric hunting attention on outdoor fabric for my front porch. My old cushions
could use a "freshening" up. I found this great site here, and ordered some additional outdoor foam. (Hint, regular foam will mildew and does not dry fast.) I plan on using the existing foam, only adding an additional inch for extra "cush for my tush". As for the fabric, I'm thinking white? Like this
I'll keep you posted!