A Room Redone

These beautiful sofas were such fun to work with. I saved the original fabric, a heavy tweedy wool plaid that reminds me of something Sherlock Holmes would wear, or sit on, or admire. Have no idea what I will do with it, but just couldn't dispose of it... something will come to me. Why anyone would drape (or rather bundle) such graceful frames with wool tweed is beyond me. I think my client's choice of plain vanilla chenille offsets the beauty of these sofas... which contrast with the gold chair and ottoman.

These hands have not been idle

I think it has been six months since I have blogged. Six unbelievably busy months running the gamut of family members having major surgeries (3 to be exact), my husband's loss of his largest contract, leading to the restructuring of our business (a nice way to say we have avoided starving! ha!) and in between, kids, projects, out of town company, you know, normal life. Some of you no doubt have given up on reading this blog... and I can't say I wouldn't do the same, but I do have some fun pictures of projects finished and some big ones on the horizon... I hope I can recapture your attention! Remember these?

These beauties have a very romantic story to be told. They were purchased by an Etsy customer from St. Paul for her 5th wedding anniversary. We had such fun deciding what should be done with them. I am thrilled with the way they have been transformed. She found this amazing fabric, inspired by the chairs in Betty Draper's living room makeover on Mad Men. She decided we would paint the front wood frame and legs in glossy black. Here they are getting crated for their final destination....

Thank you Jordan!

Arabian Nights

Anyone familiar with the Bombay Company? I love their signature flair.... every piece looks like it could be found on a set from Out of Africa. These pieces remind me so much of their style. This is a truly unique set- found by my friend Jessica on good old CL. The couch and chair are from the 20's and the chinoiserie style satin brocade was in fantastic condition, except for the seats, where it was actually disintegrating. The foam inside had turned to sawdust- quite the mess when I took them apart! Our challenge was to find a fabric that would complement the backs and arms... and a challenge it proved to be. She decided to go with velvet, but finding the right color- we had no idea how hard it would be to find the right shade! It was a good thing we had a swatch with us while we scoured fabric stores... but finally we hit upon the perfect thing- this rich green. For $8/yd it was a steal. I think they turned out so beautifully- now if only she can talk her husband into fanning her with palm leaves while she lies outstretched.....

Very old Wingback

I did it again...Forgot to take a decent before picture that is. This lovely wingback had been upholstered more than once...and as happens occasionally while stripping layers of fabric or wallpaper, the green stripe underneath was awesome! (Of course, all too frequently each layer is more horrifying than the last, like the living room wallpaper in the house we grew up in.) This picture represents the loving labors of my 13-year old helper. I know he is underpaid- please don't report me! The cat is obviously not camera-shy, if anyone is allergic... please let me know and I will not let our cat Mouse near your project. He loves to be wherever we are working.
As for this chair- I would estimate her to be approximately 80 years old... the innards were truly amazing. I have never seen a wingback chair with outside arms reinforced with a curved piece of wood that actually lays over the fabric pieces. The wings are stuffed with horsehair and the cushion is luxurious down. We had some fun (and challenges!) with matching this pattern front/back/side to side. I think she turned out magnificently.

New Acquisitions...

Please check out my PICK ONE page... I have a few new goodies for your consideration.

Finished at last!

With a sigh of relief I post these pictures....the gorgeous sofa is finished! She is packaged to ship and heading to San Antonio- thank you Kristen! Once in a while you come across a piece that gets under your skin- for me this is it. My husband is upset with me- he wanted it for our living room. Oh well- it is off to a new and glamorous life- heaven knows mine is far from glamorous!

Blue Zone

Did you know that demographers have named places in the world where people generally live active healthy lives past the age of 100 "blue zones?" I think my favorite place so named would have to be Sardinia...something to do with amazing food, wine and happiness! Working on this project is so enjoyable, I feel I must be living in a blue zone. This fabric is so very beautiful. I know in my pictures it looks light in color, at least it appears that way on my PC, but in real life it is a true navy. Progress report: Cushions finished. They look sharp! Tufting back of couch well under way... she is taking shape now!






If anyone is interested, the fabric being used can be found at Fabric.com and is the Belgium upholstery fabric. They carry several stand-out colors... in fact my loveseat below is recovered in the color "fig." You can't beat the price or quality.

Sweat Shop!

There are no other words for it. These dog days of summer have left me melting in my garage/shop...but there is work to be done so no excuses! This couch does not appear to be improving rapidly but lets face it... just like the benefits of regular workouts and facials, all of the finished product relies heavily on the work behind the scenes. The end result will depend mightily on the care given to the underpinnings. So- this week. All fabric pieces have been cut (that takes a day fyi!) and cushions are being assembled. More tomorrow!

The Lovely Bones

Good bone structure will always stand the test of time. Take Helen Mirren for example. While she no doubt would prefer not to be called vintage mid-century she would probably approve of modern.
The bones on this couch are as sturdy and beautiful as they come. Taking the original staples out was quite a chore...notice the solid hardwood construction. Springs in excellent condition- all she needs is a dusting off and away we go with the smashing blue tweed!

Humane Society

This is the answer. To poaching woes. To bored rooms. Gorgeous animal prints in weighty upholstery fabric.

Mid-Century Tufted Couch

This beautiful girl is next up for a makover. She is shedding the green damask in favor of a rich timeless ink blue. The fabric was chosen by an Etsy customer and is perfectly suited for this project. It has a subtle herringbone tweed as well as a marvelous drape and feel. Tomorrow we begin the buttons! For now... some before and undressing pictures....

Where has summer gone?

Well it has been weeks since I have been able to sit down for more than 10 minutes to post to the blog... where has the time gone? All I know is the summer was far too short! Our last hurrah was a long weekend in San Diego with some very good friends, which turned out to be a real blessing for the future of thingswithsprings! The good friend we visited happens to be a whiz at all things bought, sold and processed. While visiting we had occasion to check out a very temptingly priced JUKI machine, which has been on my long wish list. Taze not only knew what to look for in general as to the inner mechanisms of the machine, but also happens to have an aunt who teaches sewing classes and travels nationally to do so who was able to answer many questions, such as how to determine if a used machine was cared for properly/has super high mileage etc. In short, he saved me a lot of heartache. This machine had some tell-tale signs of having been abused that I might have overlooked. These machines appear indestructible...but like anything else, can be run into the ground.
On our way home, I checked out another JUKI in Phoenix, one who had been well cared for by a very professional motorcycle mechanic. All told, I was able to purchase, for well below the stated price, the sewing machine, a new button-maker complete with a large selection of die sizes and buttons, extra staples, and spools of thread. Score! Truly a steal. Took the machine to Raichert's in Phoenix for a lookover and was told the machine would have cost me almost twice as much had I bought it from them and that it is in splendid condition! So thingswithsprings is in the swing!

Been working on a couple of things- not totally slacking! Have two chairs going at present... one of my own, which will be going on the back burner, and one in a gorgeous zebra print for a customer.

The Chair from the Graveyard

This chair has been seen in my dreams... I have been dying to restore it and waiting for a lull in the schedule to get to it. 90 degrees outside...bright blue skies...light breeze...perfect weather to finish stripping and putting the paint on this one.
She has a sketchy history... found her way into my garage by way of my friend Cassie, who had at one time access to a treasure trove of old furniture she referred to as "the graveyard." One look at this chair and I was smitten. She is getting the turquoise velvet...once I finish distressing her exposed wood.

Back In Town

Wow- what a whirlwind! Our great American road trip has sadly reached its end... and I am looking at my workshop and thinking- what next? A few additions to my fabric collection were purchased on this trip and are impatiently awaiting their transformation, including this luscious turqouise velvet.

There were many highlights to this trip...among them a lengthy visit with a third-generation upholsterer whose shop is located on the fabulous Union Street in San Francisco. Fascinating gentleman with lots of little tricks up his sleeve. Come to find out, we have worked with the same sewing machine for many years- the stalwart Singer 16-188. He recently replaced his with a newer model and was lamenting the fact that he had far fewer issues with the older one... this was good for me to hear! Although- thanks to the IRS I have a new sewing machine in my very near future!!!



Sometimes I find looking back to be highly motivating... here are a few pictures of previous jobs done.





These photos are pieces I did for a gorgeous little bed and breakfast here in Sedona- El Portal. They have a beautiful property and you can view their website at elportalsedona.com. All told, I upholstered several chairs, made many pillows and the suede drapes in the third photo for the owners. One unique challenge (for which I lack a good photo, but can be seen peeking behind the bed in the third photo) was a Juniper chair for which we fashioned a seat and pillow back.