There are many times in the past week when I was moments away from taking a hatchet to this chair. This wench was vicious. I think she was punishing me for painting her.
For a reupholstery tutorial you can go see my other projects here and here but I will not be sharing any reupholster tips here because this was not pretty.
I broke 1...2...3 stapel guns on this chair. (half of those holes were already there, and half of those are mine)
I had to cut, and recut and then cut again to match up the lines.
Tucking fabric in, pulling it out and moving it an inch to the left and then an inch to the right.
And there is the ripped fabric. One lesson learned, fabric does not like to curve the way I would like it to.
Oh, the horror. I'm calling this one done.
I originally had plans to add some nice grosgrain trim and then nail heads on top. But after all the trouble with this...lady, I didn't have the strength. Instead I went with nice bendy trim. Master of the curves.
I've got paint touch ups from a few run ins with that staple gun that left a mark...or eight. But I'm moving on. No time left to wallow.
I'm playing with my sewing machine (finally) and using my exacto knife. But not at the same time
And finally, in the stellar mom category I'm making my poor children suffer in this half broken down room.
- Come up with functional floor plan Progress
- Paint walls/ceiling/trim
- Paint dresser (new hardware?)
- Update vanity (maybe some fun color or hardware) Progress
- Find curtains and add trim
- Add a rug and new bedding Progress
- Hang art and create some personalized pieces
- Find/Install new light fixture (buh bye ceiling fan) Progress
Reupholster chair and possibly add comfy floor cushions- Find/Make lampshade(s)
Now let's see how the others are progressing!
If anyone has ever tried to upholster anything, then they can relate to your story. You did an amazing job on that chair. A chair like that should take 2 people, one holds the fabric, while the other staples. You are being too hard on yourself. I'm sure your girls love it, and that's all that matters. I just pinned your fabric choices...love them. Rock on.
ReplyDeletethank you for being so honest about this. Most everyone posts a neat little tutorial that makes it sound like you can get the job completed during one nap time. Your making me rethink my own plans to try it. ha!
ReplyDeleteI admire your attack on this chair ... and it is adorable!! The bendy trim is definitely the way to go!! My children have slept many a night in flux like this. Creative moms unite!! xo
ReplyDeleteLOVE that chair!!!!! yes i love that trim, too!!! gorgeous shape!
ReplyDeleteYou, my dear, deserve a cookie for the tenacity with which you attacked this chair. And maybe a slow clap, too.
ReplyDeleteClapping with excitement, clapping with excitement!!! I want that fabric...all of it!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a labor of love for sure. I have very little upholstering experience but I can see those curves being total trouble! I have cut fabric too short..god it's an awful feeling.But you're done! Call it a day, it looks great to us, really! Love your fabric colors and I wish you the best this week.
ReplyDeletexo Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com
It's truly SO cute, worth every bit of time and trouble to have a custom piece like this! I'm sure you'll love it for a LONG time! :)
ReplyDeleteYou're too close to it...and I know the feeling all too well from last week ...but it does look fantastic!! It was worth it. A little time and space and by the end of this you two will love once again:) OOOh sewing and stencils. You have my attention!
ReplyDeleteDon't be too hard on yourself. I think you did a great job on the reupholstery. Loving your bright and colorful fabrics, by the way.
ReplyDeleteJessie
www.mixandchic.com
I totally feel your pain- I had the same issues with my last chair job. I wanted to chuck the thing about 100 times. But all you hard work paid off, it looks great and I'm sure your daughter loves it!
ReplyDeleteMy idea of a DIY is taking it to the upholsterer instead of having him pick it up. ;-) The chair is fantastic and the fabrics are great. I'm so impressed!
ReplyDeleteWhile it definitely looks like a giant PITA, your chair looks fantastic! Great job :)
ReplyDeleteI can surely relate! Reupholstering is no joke. You did an amazing job though!
ReplyDeleteI think it turned out really cute! And, think of all the money you saved...although I know you probably wanted to throw it out the window at times! :)
ReplyDeleteSo pretty! You are a brave woman. I'm so scared to try and upholster anything on my own. I did it once and it was intense.
ReplyDeleteYou are such a good list maker and all that PROGRESS is great. Bravo to you for re-upholstering!!! Fun pattern mix!
ReplyDeleteI'm so impressed, Elizabeth! I think it looks great -- LOVE the fabric combination. I can't even imagine being ambitious enough to try a project like that. And I agree with Julia. It's great that you didn't make it sound like it was a walk in the park.
ReplyDeleteI love that you followed through even though it was frustrating. I have been there and the chair went straight to the garage for two years until I paid someone to do it. The fabric combo is great!
ReplyDeletePatience is the first thing you need when you reupholster a glass wine helps too but then things really don't match up (speaking from experience)anyhow you did a terrific job I love the contrasting fabric and it's another thing off of the list! Can't wait to see more :)
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love your diligence!! It has paid off!! Can't wait to see next week. Great job!!
ReplyDeleteIt looks so good! Love that windowpane fabric! I can totally relate to your frustration over the upholstery. Doing an armless backless chair is one thing. Dealing with a back and arms is a whole different animal and SO frustrating. You did a great job!!
ReplyDeleteOh my dear one, sounds like the chair gave you some good innings but in the end you WON dammit. Way to go showing that chair YOU ARE DA BOSS. And my god, isn't she gorgeous!! Love your fabric choices too - you are making some mean progress and that room is gonna SING baby! xxx
ReplyDeleteThe important thing is that you survived and the chair looks awesome! You've reminded me why there's a chair in my basement I've been planning to reupholster for 3+ years now and still haven't touched...
ReplyDeleteIt looks awesome! I am so impressed. I could never do this. Hopefully the painful memory will fade away but the chair will give you years of enjoyment :)
ReplyDeleteWay to be persistent with that chair - it looks great and I love our choice of mixing the fabrics.
ReplyDeletehi Elizabeth! It has been a long time since I have seen your posts. I miss you. No this chair should be grateful that you painted (her /it). This chair is fabulous. The fabrics are the perfect choice!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have reupholstered a chair like that and feel your pain! But it turned out beautifully!
ReplyDeleteIt looks great! I have no patience when it comes to reupholstery so I feel your pain!
ReplyDeleteYou win "the most patience" award for sure. I would have thrown that sucker out the window in frustration....but the outcome is so pretty so good for you to trudge forward :)
ReplyDeleteNothing like a little diy upholstery project to get the cuss words flying! Your chair turned out great - isn't it great to have that behind you?
ReplyDeletewww.chattafabulous.blogspot.com
OMG I am WAY too scared of doing upholstering... so good work, girl! I think it looks great!
ReplyDeletexx
Holly Foxen Wells
GlamourMash
Be sure to check back tomorrow on GlamourMash for an AMAZING Koret Clutch Giveaway!
The chairs look fantastic, don't beat yourself up. I have never upholstered a thing and I plan to keep it that way.
ReplyDeleteHoly cow, Elizabeth, that is a serious project. Nice work!! How many bottles of wine did you consume??? ;)
ReplyDeleteWhitley
www.thequeencitystyle.com
Despite all the hassle, it is done and looks nice! I have a chair seat to upholster that is nowhere near as difficult and I've been putting it off.
ReplyDeleteI know that feeling so well. Your hands are bloody, there's fabric all over the place, threads are in your hair...and you are MAD at that piece of furniture! At least you won that battle. I'm sorry to say there are many I have lost...
ReplyDeleteCongrats! Can't wait to see this whole room!
-Lane
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oh wow - that looks AMAZING. and i can totally feel ya on the unpretty sight of pulling a chair and upholstery apart. kinda makes you wanna run to the sink and wash your hands!
ReplyDeleteChair perfection! Here's to progress!
ReplyDeleteThe chair looks amazing! I have soo been there! Fighting and fighting to just have it done! Loving it!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, that process looks like a nightmare!!! But the final result is so fab! I'm reading through all your ORC posts because I'm totally behind...I can't wait to see how the room turns out! I know it will be amazing!
ReplyDeleteI so applaud you for sticking with it!! It looks fabulous and I can't wait to see ht end result!
ReplyDelete