Sunday 18 November 2012

Time to Recover


Can it really be over half way through November already?! It will be Christmas before we know where we are! My last post was at Hallowe'en, but I have been very busy between then and now working on a special project for Christmas. Before I can finish my Christmas project, I need to get The Swan Inn knocked into shape, so have been working on all those jobs that have been put off over the summer months. First on the list was a little reupholstery work.

Do any of you remember this sofa? I was given it free by a good friend of mine (hi Dianne!) but I absolutely hate the covering fabric.


Here it is inside the pub's sitting room, looking rather out of place in my view. I did like the shape of the sofa and always intended to recover it, so that was the first job to do!


Fortunately, the sofa came apart quite easily and I was able to remove the old ugly fabric from any parts that would be seen. I kept the old fabric for use as templates when cutting the new fabric which was to replace it.


The new fabric has a much more 'country' style that I wanted in the pub sitting room. Most of the work was done simply by cutting and gluing, but the pleated pelmet skirting the bottom required more work to achieve, which included SEWING!!!! Yes dear readers, I picked up the dreaded needle at last! please don't look too closely at the ham fisted stitches along the hem! I also have to pin, iron and sew in the pleats. Now, it may not be as neat as the original cover, but I think it looks a lot more attractive now!


But the story doesn't just end there. I also made a wing-backed arm chair, this time completely from scratch, using MDF and some wooden dowel. I also made those stubby little legs on the front of the chair. It doesn't show too well in the photo, but there is some buttoning on the back seat of the chair too, which should have been simple, but cause me no end of problems!! Again, I am sure I could have bought something a lot better, but I am very pleased with this little chair, and the fact I made it all myself makes it even better!


And here they are both together. I decided I didn't want the foot stool in the end as there wouldn't be any room for it in the sitting room, so it never got recovered. Now, I think it would be nice to have some cushions on the sofa, but that may be pushing my sewing skills too far!! we shall see! I am sure you're all dying to see how this furniture looks in the pub sitting room, but I am afraid you'll just have to wait a little longer for that. I don't want to ruin any surprises! ;o)




22 comments:

  1. Wow! Great Job! Especially on the built-from-scratch chair!!! I Love the fabric choice.... just the right "country" look! I Can't wait to see the secret improvements at the Pub.... as well as your Christmas Project!!!

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    1. Hi Betsy, pleased you like the chair, I should have taken photos of its progress as I made it, but forgot until it was almost finished! You miniature upholstery for the tree house helped to inspire me!

      Ah! the Christmas Project is coming along slowly!! all will be revealed soon!

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  2. The sofa and chair looks great Andy and congrats on overcoming your fear of picking up the needle ;-) Now that we know you can, we look forward to more sewing projects from you.

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    1. Hi Elga,

      I have indeed picked up the needle again, to do a tiny bit of sewing, but you'll have to wait for the results, as it's all part of my Christmas Project!!

      Pleased you like the sofa and chair, I have been enjoying your recent posts on the Chippendale chairs too!

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  3. GREAT JOB on the chair, Andy! And your sofa make-over turned out brill, too! (You had much better luck than me --see upcoming post)... I can't believe how November is whirring by, either...bought my first X-Mas present today. Can't wait to see your furniture in place.

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    1. Hi John,

      I saw you latest post, looks great to me! Love your chaise, very Regency!

      I've pulled all the furniture out of the pub while I work on the lights, more about that later!

      Your light fittings in the library look simply gorgeous!

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  4. Hi Andy, you did great work on the furniture, despite of your needle-fear ;)! I also like the new chair and your choice of fabric, it shows much better for the pub :D

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    1. Hi Ilona,

      Many thanks, I'm thrilled that you like the furniture and my choice of fabric! I hope it looks good when its all in place!

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  5. Hi Andy,

    You have done a fantastic job on the chair.....how brave you are,the thought of re upholstering seems so daunting. I did have a close look at your sewing and you have done a wonderful job it's not that easy to do pleating and you even made the legs of the chair. Well no excuses now, we expect to see curtains before to long!

    I love the new fabric too, it's perfect for the pub, I also love your neat and tidy work bench, thats a very nice mouse pad you have there.

    Now you have us in suspense for your Christmas post, I can't wait!!

    ML Fi xx

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    1. Hello Fi, I assumed you were away on your holiday by now! Urgh! curtains!! well in the New Year I will knuckle down and make something, for now I am 'practicing' my sewing skills!

      So pleased that you like the chair and fabric.

      Trust your hawk-like eyes to spot the work bench, and my mouse mat! that came from the Sir John Soane Museum in London, showing the classical orders, perfect pour moi. n'est ce pas? I am surprised you didn't ask me about the little bits of furniture lurking in the background!! My 'local' dolls house shop was holding a sale and I got those pieces half price, along with a few other little bits!

      Not long to wait for Christmas Project to be revealed, as long as I can get all my blasted lights to work!!!

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  6. I really like the wing chair. You did a great job from scratch. Really nice

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  7. Great job on the upholstery, although I did not dislike the fabric that was on it before, I must admit this looks better!
    Hugs,
    Gee

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    1. Hi Gee,

      Well, I suppose the fabric was just a bit out of scale for my tastes, and I didn't really like the colours either, so wanted to recover it. pleased that you still approve of the new covering!! ;)

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  8. Great job Andy! well done. I tried doing that and gave up once I broke the back trying to prize it apart!
    I love the new fabric - also love your wireless in the room.
    Can't beleive Christmas is almost around the corner!!
    hugs
    Simon x

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    1. Hi Simon, great to hear from you! Pleased you like the sofa! I did do some minor damage to the sofa taking it apart, but easily replaced and not seen on the finished product!

      The wireless came from Truly Scrumptious It's rather smart isn't it!! It fits into the pub quite well!

      Now, what is happening with your theatre project, not seen any recent updates on your blog for a while!!?

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  9. Hello Andy,
    Terrific job! You really changed a simple piece into something frech and crisp! the fabric is beautiful and your upholstery skills are great. The fabrioc looks just right on every curve and every line.
    Very impressive!
    Big hug,
    Giac

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    1. Hi Giac, thanks for your kind words! It took a while to work out how to cover some of the pieces, but fortunately it all came together quite well. Hope you'll still be impressed when everything is in place!

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  10. I'm still recovering from your sofa. As Dame Edna would say, "Tell me the history of that upholstery fabric?" But it really looks so comfortable - and beautifully executed. I hope I'm I invited to The Swan's Christmas Party...

    David x

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  11. Well dear I'm afraid if you wanted the old fabric scraps to make a new dress for yourself, I have thrown them all out! I might let you come to the party, as long as you promise to behave!!

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  12. Enhorabuena, Andy, los sillones están preciosos, y la tela encaja mejor en la escala. Hace tiempo realicé unos sillones de orejas muy parecidos, por eso sé que son difíciles de realizar. ¡Enhorabuena! Espero con ansia esa sorpresa de Navidad, seguro me encantará!!

    ¡Un abrazo enorme!

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  13. Great job on the chair Andy - and the sofa recovering is very well done; an expert job of both. They were well worth the effort, both are very effective and I look forward to seeing them in the room.
    Sandie

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