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Hi all,

We might be moving to the Tampa Bay Area in the next couple of years. I am looking to see if there is anyone in the area that might want to hire on someone (me). I have been working in the trade since 1982 and have been trained by a German Master and then by someone who worked under the master for 13 years. I work mostly on Furniture. You can see some of my work at www,onislandupholstery.com I own the business. Click on the Gallery tab on the site. Look forward to hearing from some Floridians. Not Gainesville, not interested in this local.

ok here is a question, How many years have each of you been upholstering and what do you specialize in, Ie: furniture, cars, boats etc...

I have been upholstering for 32 years and I reupholster furniture and the occasional boat

here are pictures of the leather job I asked about earlier. the new leather was thick, and no give, after two months of use look at them now. they paid a designer $10,000 for these. any help out there?

<a href="http://s30.photobucket.com/user/christopher_berry2/media/leather%20chairs/eaton1_zps171f65f1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c304/christopher_berry2/leather%20chairs/eaton1_zps171f65f1.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo eaton1_zps171f65f1.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s30.photobucket.com/user/christopher_berry2/media/leather%20chairs/eaton2_zpsedab3e6f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c304/christopher_berry2/leather%20chairs/eaton2_zpsedab3e6f.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo eaton2_zpsedab3e6f.jpg"/></a>

I am looking for a new supplier. Mine has messed up my last three orders for the current job I am working on. All orders were over nighted and they sent the wrong product every time.  for a ton of money and very little in the way of helping me out. the first orders I did via e-mail so I would have a copy of the order, still screwed the orders up so then I called it in and really messed it up. I would like to find a REAL wholesaler!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have used these guys for years and the owners used to run the routes themselves... What Happened Albany!!!

to all my fellow upholsterers and all people in the fabric, threads and such. If this forum disappears PLEASE NO, but if it does we should open a page on Facebook???? what are your thoughts???

Chris

Hi everyone.

I have a job involving two Holly Hunt barrel chairs. I upholstered in a very stiff leather a month ago. I always upholster leather dry. I got the leather on nice and tight, not a wrinkle which was very hard to accomplish. Since delivering the chairs the leather has stretched out a great deal and there are very big wrinkles on the inside backs and the outsides look terrible now. I believe from cleaning crews pressing their knees to move the very heavy chairs around. They want me to re uopholster again. I was thinking of steaming the leather and hoping for some shrinkage. Anyone out there with any suggestions. I really do not want to redo these chairs. The customer paid the designer $6000 each for these. They came in the wrong color new so that's why I reuped them.

Thanks, chris

I own a shop on Martha's Vineyard, so now through August is our busy season. The holidays are dead. I dislike working 8am to 3am the next day. Who else works these kind of hours. Not sure it's worth it. I make good money but it would be nice to have a life. Here all customers want everything yesterday. I am in my second year in business here. I have been in business before in upstate ny. The two places are quite different as far as how business is. So my question is do you guys work all the hours of the day or do you put your foot down and just say enough lol

Ok here is an important interesting topic: Are you guys hiring any young people to take over our trade when we are gone. I think this trade is going to disappear when we all move on to a better world, life, etc.. I have not seen any young people getting into this field in years...

Hi All,

I am asking for a number here, I know I won't get it but does not hurt to ask. And it would be really cool to see the pricing from all over. for instance I charge labor 450 large living-room chair and 1200 for a sofa. BUT for the life of me I have no idea what to charge for a large Banquet cushion. One measures 130"L X 34"D X 4" boxing, another measures 78"L X 30"D X 4" Boxing. all I am doing is cutting, sewing and filling. No new foam. I will call a friend back in Syracuse but I was hoping I could get a number here to work from. Yes there is welt, zipper and they are perfect rectangles. I know some charge labor by the yard. I want to keep this job so I am asking for your help. Thank you in advance

Chris Berry

I have a 10 year old Chevy truck that I would like to replace the entire seat, or if I have to buy a ready made replacement cover. Anyone know where I can find these items. I do not do automotive and there is no one on the island that does them either. I just want to help this fella out without much hassle or cost. I am thinking 3-500 bucks for replacement. Comments Please

Thanks,
Chris

OK all the suppliers I have used in the past no longer carry or have marine vinyl books. Any suggestions where and who I can get a marine vinyl book from. Thank you for any help

very simple question. How do I add my profile picture. i tried but it said my avatar picture could not be used or something like that. I am sure you guys and gals want to see who you are talking too.

I have a Rainco staple gun and love it, it is similar to the old Duofast. I have had mine since 1988. It needs to be rebuilt but I do not like the new magazine. I do not care for the Bea. what do you guys use and what do you recommend. I also have a very old senco with staples which I will use till I figure out what to do with the Rainco.

Ok,

Next machine question. Do you use a serger or overlock machine (industrial) and which ones do you recommend. I was previously using a 3 thread Merrow. Looking forward to reading your comments.

Thank you,
CBerry

question for everyone...
Do you know anything about Reliable, Tacsew walking foot machines. My dream is the Juki DN1181, but can afford only used at this point. And does anyone know, anyone selling a machine right now. Thank you   

Hi All, Just wanted to let you know I have taken all your advice about pricing in Boston. I have taken a job on Martha's Vineyard and start June 3rd. I am so excited. Maybe I will spend more time on here comparing notes and sharing ideas. Till then my saying has always been "It's better then new"

Hi All, I have been upholstering for over 25 years. I am moving to the Boston area. Is there anyone out there that can tell me the going rate for labor on a sofa. Say with three loose seat and back cushions, two arm pillows and skirt. I know it takes 22 yards with small or no repeat. Labor where I currently live is 750 plus fabric. would much appreciate some estimates.