Upholstery Project

March 13, 2008 · Filed Under Kim's Stuff

As mentioned in today’s podcast, I like to do all kinds of projects from sewing to home improvement. I am currently working on couch covers for a friend whose doggie got a little frenzied in the shredding department. I’m not a professional upholsterer but I thought you might like to see my attempts at two of our own projects. I redid a couch and loveseat for our living room and also gave a bench a facelift. While time consuming, they were both worthy projects and have served us well. I got the materials on Ebay and learned the techniques online and just jumped right in.

The bench, before I started working on it. You can click the thumbnails to see the bigger pictures.

Cover removed and new padding in place.

Tools of the trade

The bench after reconstruction - details.

The bench in its new home, complete with the organizing baskets for the Things’ junk.

And here’s another project - the couch.

Old, hideous couch rescued from a garage sale.

New, sexy couch after being lovingly restored.

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Comments

5 Responses to “Upholstery Project”

Sona on March 14th, 2008 9:03 am

Your stuff looks great, Kim. Keep up the good work. I sew also and don’t have the natural born talent that you have. I make costumes the best. Princess Jasmine (from Aladdin) and a Lord of the Rings Wedding dress are the things that I prided my self on until I got into the quiting thing. I really love that. Scraps into beauty.

Sona
RWTY_Admin on March 14th, 2008 9:40 am

Thanks for the compliment, Sona! I make costumes for the girls, too but mostly make little girl dresses and sets to sell. I would love to see photos of your creations if you’d care to share. You can post them on the Horde. I’ve made a few quilts myself and also love the idea behind using up scraps. Waste not, want not eh?
Kim
Taryn on March 18th, 2008 3:20 pm

You did a great job!! Crafty lady.

Random question - my husband bought me a sewing machine - but I don’t know how to use it and have been trying to find a place on line to teach myself…any suggestions?
(By the way - I absolutely love the show!)
RWTY_Admin on March 18th, 2008 3:40 pm

Hi Taryn! Welcome to the show. I’m glad you are enjoying it.
I have several suggestions on the sewing lessons. If your husband purchased it at a machine dealer, they often have classes that range from beginner to advanced. Local fabric stores, such as Joanns or HancockFabrics will also often conduct classes.
Because you specifically inquired about online sources, check out http://www.patternreview.com. They have lots of information and virtual classrooms to enjoy. I would also recommend getting a good book to keep by your side. I’ve been sewing for many years and still defer to reference materials now and then. Borrow some from the library before you make your permanent selection and then check out Half.com or Sortfloorbooks to get them for less than retail.
There is no better teacher than experience. Read your manual and then start with something simple, like a pillow. Don’t be afraid! Enjoy the process and know that you will make mistakes. Once you complete your first successful project, there will be no stopping you!
If you need more help, email me. ..and don’t forget to share your work on the Horde!
Kim
smd1 on April 6th, 2008 10:20 am

WOW how awesome, I would love to be able to do that you have a lot of talent!

Shawn