Here are some pictures from my latest project....its a reupholstery of couch, love seat and rocker, the current upholstery is still good but does not match the customers new house (who woulda thunk it with that pink?)
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1087.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj467%2Fjdackerson%2FMedwid%2Fth_10032012175.jpg&hash=2e033f82600438a991296a6f10431120) (http://s1087.photobucket.com/albums/j467/jdackerson/Medwid/?action=view¤t=10032012175.jpg)
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1087.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj467%2Fjdackerson%2FMedwid%2Fth_10032012176.jpg&hash=42ec66e18c64c59aed3bec49068f1d98) (http://s1087.photobucket.com/albums/j467/jdackerson/Medwid/?action=view¤t=10032012176.jpg)
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1087.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj467%2Fjdackerson%2FMedwid%2Fth_10032012177.jpg&hash=97ff6be34294fd8a119477d62267f016) (http://s1087.photobucket.com/albums/j467/jdackerson/Medwid/?action=view¤t=10032012177.jpg)
and of course this picture is for Sofadoc because he said my shop is not cluttered enough
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1087.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj467%2Fjdackerson%2FMedwid%2Fth_10032012178.jpg&hash=d6066bb1f8084502a5a9805f5c768ffb) (http://s1087.photobucket.com/albums/j467/jdackerson/Medwid/?action=view¤t=10032012178.jpg)
will post some progress pics and after photos as I go
That looks like a wonderful project. I love it when folks change colors.
I will never forget the first sofa I did where the designer told me it had never been sat on. The homeowners change the colors in their entertainment room (formal living room) every 4 years. They are retired and no longer entertain, but they still change the colors in that room every 4 years (furniture, window treatments, carpet, paint, etc.).
If you do everything in the same fabric you might have as much as 3000 inches, or more, of welt cord.
I also envy the space you have. I have two sets of saw horses in my studio. With that kind of space I could easily have two or three more.
Looking forward to the progress pics.
gene
They said these couches were almost never sat on, they were in the formal living room, and they normally used the den or the basement, but since they downsized when moving into this new house they chose those to keep of the 3 sets of furniture...I cant say I understand the logic, but then I cant afford to do it either so thats probably why I dont understand it lol
My shop is pretty large, its 40'X60'...broke down into three sections 40'X25' in the front "staging" room then 40'X15' covers the office and restroom section and then 40'X20' back room where i have my 6'x16' cutting and sewing table. I live in a part of the country that prices are better so it is easier to afford larger shop... my house is on same property so have a 50' commute to work in the morning!
Geeze you could fit 10 of my seeing shops into your space
Got a start on the chair last night and part of the morning today, cant go much further until my tack strips and tufting buttons get here...only thing I am unhappy with is the stuffing just does not want to stay up the top corners and it looks weird...I am assuming given time and sitting on it the stuffing will work into the corners better, but if anyone has any advice on that I would like it
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1087.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj467%2Fjdackerson%2FMedwid%2Fth_10052012188.jpg&hash=643ea941a5ee6ca0bcaf4af5941cf91a) (http://s1087.photobucket.com/albums/j467/jdackerson/Medwid/?action=view¤t=10052012188.jpg)
It's hard to tell in the "before" pic of the chair (in blue). But were there not any pleats in those top notched corners? Do you have any loose dacron or blown fiber to stuff them out?
Also, it looks like the raised parts of the inside arms are pulled down too tight. Almost like they're missing some pleats too (along the welted seam).
took the back apart and made my corner pleats a little bigger...gotta beat the lumps out still but sits a lot better
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1087.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj467%2Fjdackerson%2FMedwid%2Fth_10052012193.jpg&hash=8370adb0905dccbad7e7e48f7855f70a) (http://s1087.photobucket.com/albums/j467/jdackerson/Medwid/?action=view¤t=10052012193.jpg)
Thanks for the help Sofadoc
redid the arms and back, and it is finally starting to look better...I still have not added the zipper to seat cushion so it is looking a little loose, but taking shape finally
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1087.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj467%2Fjdackerson%2FMedwid%2Fth_10062012200.jpg&hash=280955bf7721faff28bc6e8d547da951) (http://s1087.photobucket.com/albums/j467/jdackerson/Medwid/?action=view¤t=10062012200.jpg)
I'm trying to figure why they shaped the back like that. Why not just a square or rounded top with pleats. Anybody would have a hard time making those inside curves look right on a knife edge back cushion.
I know you haven't put the buttons in yet but I think, even though this is a cheep chair its a much better look
http://www.besthf.com/best/Furniture/Chairs/Swivel-Glide
think the top is like an extended headrest....it has been tricky, and once I get the buttons in I think it will look like the original chair, or I sure hope so anyways....in the original one the top did not look perfectly shapped either so just going to do the best I can with it....maybe not the best choice for my very first chair....
it is beginning to look like a chair...still needs a skirt and back cushion tufted (I don't have a button machine yet, but will before the couches are done so have time)
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1087.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj467%2Fjdackerson%2FMedwid%2Fth_10092012205.jpg&hash=064d0f1264c52cbe311d0790ab2b8d7d) (http://s1087.photobucket.com/albums/j467/jdackerson/Medwid/?action=view¤t=10092012205.jpg)
Thanks for the guidance, I think I might just pull off my first chair and have a happy customer too
well my first attempt at tufting buttons today
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1087.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj467%2Fjdackerson%2FMedwid%2Fth_10122012239.jpg&hash=d8bfb0ebfb0181152085530db13192af) (http://s1087.photobucket.com/albums/j467/jdackerson/Medwid/?action=view¤t=10122012239.jpg)
think I put them too close together, not sure though
and another question...what would you use to remove blood from fabric...i guess i nicked my arm and dripped a drop of blood on the couch....hate to have to remove it for one drop of blood
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1087.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj467%2Fjdackerson%2Fth_10122012217.jpg&hash=001e3d711375b69e09e0164fa9ca1806) (http://s1087.photobucket.com/albums/j467/jdackerson/?action=view¤t=10122012217.jpg)
yo bro i hate to say this but the tufting looks more crooked than to much buttons ..
[well, now, when you point your finger at somebody you are pointing 3 back at yourself]
did you do it by eye, or with a chalk line?
did the line move if extant?
wish i could do diamond tufting
and, you certainly have more apparent skill with the rat skewer than me, hey
could you use a string line tied around?
one thing for sure, love ya style, sure have natural talent mate.
I think you can straighten them up pretty well without having to redo all of them.
Starting in the upper left hand corner, if you number them 1-12:
Lower #1
Raise #10
Lower #12
I'm also concerned about the wavy piping on the seat cushion. Until you get the hang of doing them, you might try sewing the cording separately first, then making a lot of snips as you sew it to the seat panel (particularly around curves).
If you can straighten the buttons, and get the wavyness out of the seat cording, looks like you're good to go.
Thanks all, the seat cushion is on punch list...it is really just 1 spot i need to rip and straighten on the right side top, I thought I had the buttons straight but now that I look at it I see what you mean...I used a straight edge for the center line then measured off it, using the lines in fabric to keep vertical lines, but next time I will straight line all of them as the measuring doesn't work!
Hey, on the waviness in the welt cord on the seat cushion:
I recently did a seat cushion that had a rounded back side. The fabric was a thin, not so tight weave. When you are sewing around a curve, like the front edges of your seat cushion cover, you are sewing waft, warp, and bias. The fabric definitely does not stretch the same in these 3 directions.
What I do, and I first saw this from a guy on youtube, it that I use an office stapler and staple the welt cord, top panel, and boxing together, at least on the curved edges. If I'm going to sew twice, then I'll staple the welt cord to the top panel, sew, and then sew on the boxing.
And like sofaD said, make a lot of snips in the welt cord.
I finished a similar seat cushion yesterday that had the front edges curved like yours, and has the back of the cushion curved. It was for a barrel back chair. The fabric was very thick, tightly woven, and had a backing on it. I did not need to use an office stapler. I was able to sew the top panel, welt cord, and boxing with one stitch.
gene
ok think I got the buttons realigned, and fixed that spot on the cushion...now it just needs a skirt and I think I am done....
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1087.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj467%2Fjdackerson%2FMedwid%2Fth_10132012240.jpg&hash=65128a0039acc75e039bffea5411e95e) (http://s1087.photobucket.com/albums/j467/jdackerson/Medwid/?action=view¤t=10132012240.jpg)
Think I am done...heres a finished pic
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1087.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj467%2Fjdackerson%2FMedwid%2Fth_10132012245.jpg&hash=68b465acc4a027e2e4824c71e57fec02) (http://s1087.photobucket.com/albums/j467/jdackerson/Medwid/?action=view¤t=10132012245.jpg)
then a side by side before and after...I think I like mine better...but I may be biased
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1087.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj467%2Fjdackerson%2FMedwid%2Fth_BAChair.jpg&hash=30bea0738b7eb9ae07f1dc7b972a2414) (http://s1087.photobucket.com/albums/j467/jdackerson/Medwid/?action=view¤t=BAChair.jpg)
When I started this job, I figured do the chair first...it looked harder....man was I wrong! Anyhow I still need to skirt it, and I am going to take apart cushions and cut another 1/2" off to tighten it up a little more, but here is the couch so far
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1087.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj467%2Fjdackerson%2FMedwid%2Fth_10242012277.jpg&hash=b5ee022ddeb7da9cd0181f669087e3e7) (http://s1087.photobucket.com/albums/j467/jdackerson/Medwid/?action=view¤t=10242012277.jpg)
sometimes wonder if I am just stupid or crazy taking this on with zero experience, but with enough pulling of staples and redoing it eventually ends up looking pretty good
I was told that there is a 10 year apprenticeship to learning furniture upholstery. I think I got mine done in 4 years by doing many, many long days and 6 or 7 days a week.
It takes practice. There are no short cuts.
And I don't think you are crazy for testing your limits and striving to learn new things.
The staple puller and stitch remover will become your closest friends. Learn to appreciate them and not resent them. :)
gene
wish there were someone around here to apprentice with....at the moment I learn from reading and watching youtube videos...and try, try again lol...I take it apart more than I put together, but I wont stop til I am happy with it
from the I Ching:
"to achieve one must heap up small things"
Just about done with the couch and loveseat, need to do the skirt....any opinions on it are welcome, good or bad, but I think I have it looking pretty decent
Couch:
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1087.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj467%2Fjdackerson%2FMedwid%2Fth_10292012289.jpg&hash=1a1c0e561e93424a57b103ca9fb13350) (http://s1087.photobucket.com/albums/j467/jdackerson/Medwid/?action=view¤t=10292012289.jpg)
Love Seat:
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1087.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj467%2Fjdackerson%2FMedwid%2Fth_10292012287.jpg&hash=1e1c0c19acc79ade69861045c7bffe6c) (http://s1087.photobucket.com/albums/j467/jdackerson/Medwid/?action=view¤t=10292012287.jpg)
looking rather fab good buddy
trust that you have lotsa fun with your skirt measurements / alignment
hey, incidentally have you encountered this bloke before - he rocks:
http://www.eisenbergupholstery.com/Boxed_welted_cushion.html
Hey needle, I mentioned this guy earlier on this thread and couldn't remember his name. I just came across his video where he staples his boxed cushion.
I went to put it on this thread and you posted the same guy. (I lost all my bookmarks when my computer went in for repairs earlier this year.
Here the link to the vid where he does the stapling.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qOl-PR3SOw&feature=relmfu
Starts around 7:30.
gene
out of the shop and into the customers home...heres a pic of the furniture in the room where it was made for...the customer was happy, so I am happy...she even gave me a tip on top of what she owed, which feels really good and let me know they were happy (unhappy customers that want to avoid confrontation would never tip)
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1087.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj467%2Fjdackerson%2FMedwid%2Fth_11012012297.jpg&hash=224377b5496456a3ae6ce0bbf9b938e4) (http://s1087.photobucket.com/albums/j467/jdackerson/Medwid/?action=view¤t=11012012297.jpg)
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1087.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj467%2Fjdackerson%2FMedwid%2Fth_11012012296.jpg&hash=dbad4cb5cdee6187b5b209f07076080d) (http://s1087.photobucket.com/albums/j467/jdackerson/Medwid/?action=view¤t=11012012296.jpg)
Thanks you all for the support and guidance with this project...I guess if your going to pick a first time project..go big or go home!...the furniture was a tougher design and the patterns were harder to work with, so I should have less problems with the next one
That's great JD. Its always a relief to get a big job like that delivered to a happy costumer.
It has to be a great feeling JD. When I do a very good job like that, usually it will bring another, especially when I bid it too cheap. ;)
The gratification of accomlishment of something new and that big has to be unreal.
Doyle