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.