I'm obsessed...

I'm obsessed with my chair.  I've made myself do some office work BEFORE I start on it again today, because I can't stop!  However, I am very proud and since my mother isn't here to offer constant encouragement, I'll show what I've done so far.  Saturday I stripped the chair naked and cut the fabric.  I believe the chair looks even worse with no fabric.  You've got to love how that foam turns funny shades of yellow and orange.

No, it doesn't really sit on the ground.  I took the legs off and spray painted those white.  So I worked on it about 5 hours on Saturday and a good part of the day yesterday and....

Here it is during one of my many fittings (you'll notice the right arm is pinned on the right-- I took that up).

Here is my assessment of reupholstering so far.  Using the existing fabric as a pattern is an absolute must.  Pay attention to where the fabric is going to be on the chair to match patterns.  (Note the leaves at the center back and top of the chair.  Whooppee!)  I don't think the work is difficult in terms of sewing techniques, but it is difficult in messing with big masses of fabric and wrestling the chair to get the cover on (and off if it doesn't fit the first time, which it probably won't).  When I sewed those two huge seams where the cording is, I always started at the center back and sewed to the ends.  That way if my fabric starting shifting it wasn't going to shift by inches by the time I made it all the the way around the chair. I sewed those seams in at least four parts so I could fit frequently and adjust easily.

Also, don't get discouraged as you try it on.   The fabric catches on the foam and until you get it adjusted all the way around the chair you are convinced that there is no way that it will ever look like anything.  Just remember you are going to further beat that fabric into shape by stapling to the chair frame (which hasn't been done yet in the picture above).  So I would call it very aggressive sewing.  You can't be scared to pull on fabric and seams until they scream for mercy.

This afternoon I will work on the cushion, which I think will be the second hardest part.  And then from there... smooth sailing (I hope).

Comments

[mags]

Is there anything you can't do?!

[Rhonda]

You did an awesome job on matching the back to the top! I am really impressed. This chair will look smashing in no time.

@mags: Caroline is pretty darn good at most things she puts her hand in. She is my go-to person when I have a craft crisis.

[j. caroline]

Mags, you are too kind. Yes, there are some things I can't do- like clean up after myself. Oh, and get myself to the gym.

[Janet Newman]

Caroline, I'll brag on you from home. You're doing a super job on the chair. The matching is superb on the back of the chair and the design on the arms is also. Love, Mother

[Elizabeth]

Since I know we thrive on bragging, Sister E. adds her props to the list. The chair is WAY cute, and your matching is flawless.Do we get to sit on this in your house?

[Jessica Jones]

Caroline! Oh my gosh, I'm so excited to see this! I love it! I am obsessed with your chair, too!

[Tara]

Ooh, can't wait to see how this turns out!!

[janice]

Unbelievable that THAT chair is turning into something I would actually like to own! :p
I definitely see a feature on Design Sponge coming up.

[Lisa thedomesticdiva]

WOW!!! That's a major transformation! Great job!!!

With friendship,
Lisa