tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60027039623144451322024-03-12T23:19:59.059-04:00Between the RaftersMs. Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054508362010711283noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002703962314445132.post-59648596829906133492016-11-04T18:56:00.000-04:002016-11-04T18:56:01.857-04:00Canning TomatoesOur neighbor gave us bags and bags of tomatoes this summer. You've already seen how I used some of them to make a chili sauce and a spiced tomato soup. But don't overlook the value of canning plain tomatoes! Think of how many recipes you make that feature diced tomatoes. Same idea, just with home grown tomatoes.<br />
<br />
I used the recipe featured in <i>So Easy to Preserve</i> by the Cooperative Extension of the University of Georgia. I used the hot pack method for canning tomatoes in their own juice. You process pints or quarts 85 minutes in a boiling water bath.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X5WaMTQvH2c/V-hV-AAe38I/AAAAAAAABKM/4ioMjp8Zx54zoUHqnnDb4pexhN-MefmogCLcB/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X5WaMTQvH2c/V-hV-AAe38I/AAAAAAAABKM/4ioMjp8Zx54zoUHqnnDb4pexhN-MefmogCLcB/s320/007.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Ms. Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054508362010711283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002703962314445132.post-6524578595138894602016-10-28T08:00:00.000-04:002016-10-28T08:00:09.486-04:00Canning Spiced Tomato SoupToday we are canning Spiced Tomato Soup. This is another recipe from the Ball <i>Blue Book Guide to Preserving</i>. I freely admit that I read this recipe wrong when I started. I thought it said "Spicy Tomato Soup" not "Spiced Tomato Soup." So the resulting product was far different than what I expected. That being said, I tried the little bit that was left over and it was pretty tasty. Reminded me of a spiced cider thanks to the cloves in the recipe. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This recipe features tomatoes, onions, carrots, cloves, garlic and sugar among others, For the full recipe, see the Ball <i>Blue Book Guide to Preserving</i>. This recipe is processed 20 minutes at 10 pounds pressure. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2VI_5jHMPiM/V-hTk5iEh_I/AAAAAAAABKA/RLL0UUOoK0IZs99afNpfsBmlfF6AwEAjgCLcB/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2VI_5jHMPiM/V-hTk5iEh_I/AAAAAAAABKA/RLL0UUOoK0IZs99afNpfsBmlfF6AwEAjgCLcB/s320/006.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Ms. Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054508362010711283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002703962314445132.post-16147369007007243732016-10-21T08:00:00.000-04:002016-10-21T08:00:19.497-04:00Canning Chili SauceAs I mentioned, one thing I did plenty of this summer was can. You've already seen the results of some of my canning - green beans and blue Hubbard squash. Today I bring you chili sauce.<br />
<br />
Another thing our neighbor had an abundance of was tomatoes. Normally, I myself plant about 20 tomato plants in my garden but with getting married and moving, I knew I wouldn't have time this summer. Luckily, our neighbor planted enough for his family and ours.<br />
<br />
My DH and I really like chili in the winter so when I saw a recipe for chili sauce in the Ball <i>Blue Book Guide to Preserving</i> I knew I had to make some.<br />
<br />
Chili Sauce<br />
from Ball's <i>Blue Book Guide to Preserving</i><br />
Yield : About 6 pints<br />
<br />
4 quarts chopped, peeled, cored tomatoes (about 24 large)<br />
2 cups chopped onions (about 2 medium)<br />
2 cups chopped sweet red peppers (about 4 medium)<br />
1 hot red pepper, finely chopped<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
3 tablespoons Ball salt<br />
3 tablespoons Ball Mixed Pickling Spice<br />
1 tablespoon celery seed<br />
1 tablespoon mustard seed<br />
2 1/2 cups vinegar<br />
<br />
Combine tomatoes, onions, peppers, sugar and salt in a large saucepot. Simmer 45 minutes. Tie whole spices in a spice bag. Add spice bag to tomato mixture. Simmer until reduced one-half. As mixture thickens, stir frequently to prevent sticking. Add vinegar and simmer to desired thickness. Remove spice bag. Ladle hot sauce into hot jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Adjust two piece caps. Process 15 minutes in a boiling water canner.<br />
<br />
I advise any one wanting to can to familiarize themselves with the basics of canning including proper jar sterilization, proper tools, different processing methods, etc. The Ball <i>Blue Book Guide to Preserving </i>is a great beginners resource. You can find these at several retailers and online.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vzHjWXdJJ9g/V-hRY3lDLbI/AAAAAAAABJo/KUmLz5QmDU8w3dozlp9luiIjUbRVY5AngCLcB/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vzHjWXdJJ9g/V-hRY3lDLbI/AAAAAAAABJo/KUmLz5QmDU8w3dozlp9luiIjUbRVY5AngCLcB/s320/005.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I haven't tried any of this yet so I can't attest to its edibleness but we have high hopes!Ms. Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054508362010711283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002703962314445132.post-26664468680609264742016-10-14T08:00:00.000-04:002016-10-14T08:00:23.110-04:00Canning Blue Hubbard SquashA friend of mine called and asked if I wanted to come help her can some blue Hubbard squash. While I had no idea what a blue Hubbard squash was or how you would even use blue Hubbard squash I said yes. It's hard for me to pass up some girl talk and a new canning adventure all wrapped up in one session.<br />
<br />
Turns out a blue Hubbard squash is a rather ugly looking fruit! Or as Bonnie Plants puts it "this squash is known by its huge size, funky shape, blue-gray color and very hard skin that makes it especially long lasting in winter storage. The meat inside is orange, sweet, flavorful and fine grained. Great for baking, pies and soups." Who knew?!?!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yImPn3kgld8/V-hKLwfWLvI/AAAAAAAABIo/RUo0t3nCPFwMkkrhhuG0OSrCAujClwK3ACLcB/s1600/blue%2Bhubbard%2Bsquash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yImPn3kgld8/V-hKLwfWLvI/AAAAAAAABIo/RUo0t3nCPFwMkkrhhuG0OSrCAujClwK3ACLcB/s320/blue%2Bhubbard%2Bsquash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t0yyhjtkamA/V-hKTkHsNII/AAAAAAAABIs/nrbTfFailUIdW2mvj8jb5kWitLb5ZnRwgCLcB/s1600/136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t0yyhjtkamA/V-hKTkHsNII/AAAAAAAABIs/nrbTfFailUIdW2mvj8jb5kWitLb5ZnRwgCLcB/s320/136.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
These bad boys were a lot of prep work (I think now I know why my friend wanted help!). They are not kidding when they say the skin is very hard. I think a meat cleaver would've worked better for splitting it open than a knife... But we finally figured out a system and set up a sort of two person assembly line.<br />
<br />
Since the Hubbard squash is a winter squash the canning books recommend that you follow the same preparation procedures and processing times for cubed pumpkin. Turns out you can also substitute Hubbard squash for pumpkin in most recipes as well.<br />
<br />
We used the hot pack method and processed out pints in a pressure canner at 10 pounds of pressure for 55 minutes. (If you'd like to see more pictures of a pressure canner see my prior post on pressure canning green beans.) Since I did half the work, my friend was gracious enough to offer me half the results. I didn't take half but I did take about 6 pints. I gave one to my parents and have used one so far. I used it to make a pumpkin citrus bundt cake - obviously substituting the Hubbard squash for the pumpkin. It was only okay but I don't blame the squash. I blame the recipe.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEvger_LKMY/V-hNoqL86mI/AAAAAAAABJE/0t2AHuJWrUgYEtR99R71SqYnxWo3RfF0ACLcB/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEvger_LKMY/V-hNoqL86mI/AAAAAAAABJE/0t2AHuJWrUgYEtR99R71SqYnxWo3RfF0ACLcB/s320/004.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Ms. Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054508362010711283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002703962314445132.post-60332753709227915422016-10-07T08:00:00.000-04:002016-10-07T08:00:03.622-04:00Pressure Canning Green BeansOne thing I've found myself doing this summer is canning. I've canned more this summer than I've ever canned before. One reason for this is that we purchased a pressure canner and our next door neighbor gave us bags upon bags of green beans. (We have great neighbors!) While canning green beans isn't hard it is time consuming.<br />
<br />
I used the green bean recipe in <i>So Easy To Preserve</i> by the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. If you live in Georgia, you can pick these up at your county Coop office. If you do not live in Georgia, you can order your copy online. UGA is also home to the National Center for Home Food Preservation. They have a very informative website <a href="http://nchfp.uga.edu/" target="_blank">http://nchfp.uga.edu/</a>.<br />
<br />
I used the hot pack method and processed the beans for 20 minutes (pint size jar) or 25 minutes (quart size jar) at 10 pounds of pressure. Here are some pictures of the process. Please, for safety reasons, always follow canning directions!!<br />
<br />
Our neighbor's green beans have finally exhausted themselves but we are left with 14 quarts and 3 pints that we put up. Not to mention the 3 quarts and 1 pint we've already eaten. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_DdX_KUtd5o/V-hFDiXRnNI/AAAAAAAABHs/Dxhd4Y3C3lsSWZDqGjNcTETo582nSweKACLcB/s1600/120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_DdX_KUtd5o/V-hFDiXRnNI/AAAAAAAABHs/Dxhd4Y3C3lsSWZDqGjNcTETo582nSweKACLcB/s320/120.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_OmZXmm821w/V-hFDJYXcsI/AAAAAAAABHk/Ee-l-9yy540G3GGiiNpX68w1NaupkcgigCLcB/s1600/121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_OmZXmm821w/V-hFDJYXcsI/AAAAAAAABHk/Ee-l-9yy540G3GGiiNpX68w1NaupkcgigCLcB/s320/121.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wuO2N59O2is/V-hFDLrXBRI/AAAAAAAABHo/Ogp-2Ahsk7oPteb23sWgqDb-6SJuYlFvACLcB/s1600/122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wuO2N59O2is/V-hFDLrXBRI/AAAAAAAABHo/Ogp-2Ahsk7oPteb23sWgqDb-6SJuYlFvACLcB/s320/122.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_KLER0f90qg/V-hFIuBmzDI/AAAAAAAABHw/ydHkTehCu8U9LKky2yqU_VJLa3voQkLwwCLcB/s1600/123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_KLER0f90qg/V-hFIuBmzDI/AAAAAAAABHw/ydHkTehCu8U9LKky2yqU_VJLa3voQkLwwCLcB/s320/123.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u6xcfgW2oJs/V-hFJOwvHgI/AAAAAAAABH0/Eu9dT9CWv3cqqlE905M2SPCXR4ZbAeQJwCLcB/s1600/124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u6xcfgW2oJs/V-hFJOwvHgI/AAAAAAAABH0/Eu9dT9CWv3cqqlE905M2SPCXR4ZbAeQJwCLcB/s320/124.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-324b7Ik-jDY/V-hFOHj_hMI/AAAAAAAABH8/MPc4c8AeNlU1i3wn9BIzPsLm10Fi0imCwCLcB/s1600/126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-324b7Ik-jDY/V-hFOHj_hMI/AAAAAAAABH8/MPc4c8AeNlU1i3wn9BIzPsLm10Fi0imCwCLcB/s320/126.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oB4Gs3E8mpk/V-hFOsFIXdI/AAAAAAAABIA/EwybL3tGNgsNqsXLK78aKtjIl5NiE87XQCLcB/s1600/127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oB4Gs3E8mpk/V-hFOsFIXdI/AAAAAAAABIA/EwybL3tGNgsNqsXLK78aKtjIl5NiE87XQCLcB/s320/127.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6iDrffIdYJM/V-hFOlvZY_I/AAAAAAAABIE/79S4nP-JW6swJzqqjrA9zcoSjFoOVo-3gCLcB/s1600/128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6iDrffIdYJM/V-hFOlvZY_I/AAAAAAAABIE/79S4nP-JW6swJzqqjrA9zcoSjFoOVo-3gCLcB/s320/128.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z7QZCZMMEGk/V-hFTGWnYbI/AAAAAAAABII/XbIs41xcjJkgrXFLx9jr1jMEDei3GSYPACLcB/s1600/129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z7QZCZMMEGk/V-hFTGWnYbI/AAAAAAAABII/XbIs41xcjJkgrXFLx9jr1jMEDei3GSYPACLcB/s320/129.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HN1YI7HfGKQ/V-hFTRLtlTI/AAAAAAAABIM/HtWtaO1LveobBdogWI5le9RqeFSidTeAACLcB/s1600/130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HN1YI7HfGKQ/V-hFTRLtlTI/AAAAAAAABIM/HtWtaO1LveobBdogWI5le9RqeFSidTeAACLcB/s320/130.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AiGXgdsNdhI/V-hFTcnalqI/AAAAAAAABIQ/RgP7HdE38GMmZGoCOU9Lw5uqqNtr4UTcgCLcB/s1600/131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AiGXgdsNdhI/V-hFTcnalqI/AAAAAAAABIQ/RgP7HdE38GMmZGoCOU9Lw5uqqNtr4UTcgCLcB/s320/131.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
And here's my little helper who thinks he always has to be under his Mama's feet. Especially if she's in the kitchen...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xhn4r07WqXU/V-hFJW541vI/AAAAAAAABH4/gyegfxUgbg0V2BZh-mZIysoXdpOhkffLgCEw/s1600/125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xhn4r07WqXU/V-hFJW541vI/AAAAAAAABH4/gyegfxUgbg0V2BZh-mZIysoXdpOhkffLgCEw/s320/125.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Ms. Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054508362010711283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002703962314445132.post-69572477950142488772016-09-30T08:00:00.000-04:002016-09-30T08:00:03.994-04:00DIY Wedding Touches - Small Details Make The Day All Your OwnIt's been quite some time since my last post. I'm not going to lie, I don't have any awesome new furniture for my readers. I suppose I've been rather busy here lately. But Ms. A, "What are you busy doing if it's not working on furniture?" you ask. I got hitched!! Therefore, please forgive the tardiness with my posting. Courting, engagement, wedding planning, honeymooning and being a newlywed has taken up much of my time.<br />
<br />
Knowing me, I did manage to squeeze a few DIY items into my wedding. Surprisingly though, I didn't do a total DIY wedding. While I think that would have been a lot of fun, I also think it would have been a LOT of stress. Instead, we chose to get married at a full service venue where all I had to do was show up! I was able to convince the venue to let me throw in a few DIY touches to make the day truly ours.<br />
<br />
We chose to forego the traditional wedding cake and opted to have a pie and cheesecake bar instead. (If any bride is leaning this way I highly recommend it. Ours was a huge hit with our guests!!) However, we did still have a small wedding cake that we could shove in each other's faces. I mean - serve each other lovingly. I made the topper for our small cake. I purchased two small wooden birds from Hobby Lobby and had the future husband drill a hole in the bottom of each. I used a wood burner and an alphabet set to burn the word "WE" on one bird and "DO" on the other bird. Then I stuck a piece of wire in the hole so we could stick them in the cake. I think they turned out adorable even if I couldn't get the wire completely straight!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NfU9J-Dvk1M/V-g2UPfR8PI/AAAAAAAABGk/cYNY5pLNgn8KVHe92IwkHeRh1aw4F-duACLcB/s1600/we%2Bdo%2Bbirds%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NfU9J-Dvk1M/V-g2UPfR8PI/AAAAAAAABGk/cYNY5pLNgn8KVHe92IwkHeRh1aw4F-duACLcB/s320/we%2Bdo%2Bbirds%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eh86lXsUFpM/V-g2YhcyphI/AAAAAAAABGo/QIyV2tUfRfgzr7kclxrPTmBZLT8UVwIEwCLcB/s1600/we%2Bdo%2Bbirds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eh86lXsUFpM/V-g2YhcyphI/AAAAAAAABGo/QIyV2tUfRfgzr7kclxrPTmBZLT8UVwIEwCLcB/s320/we%2Bdo%2Bbirds.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We didn't register anywhere but since we had several of our guests ask us about gifts we advised those people that a gift wasn't expected but if they wanted to give us something we would prefer a gift card to Home Depot (lots of upcoming house projects!). I then made a gift card receptacle for guests to place the cards in. My parents found a vintage look luggage train case at an antique store and I strung a "cards" banner across the opening. To make the banner, I found a pendant template online and I used the template to cut out the pendants from some Mr. & Mrs. scrapbook paper that I found at Hobby Lobby. I then stenciled the letters on to the pendants, used a small hole punch to put holes in the corners and used a thin piece of twine to string them all together. Here's the final result.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EPMcRhpg_ao/V-g5JLrqK-I/AAAAAAAABG0/b5XChtFnunICy3mJSrbThemVng1vuI9xgCLcB/s1600/gift%2Bcard%2Brecepticle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EPMcRhpg_ao/V-g5JLrqK-I/AAAAAAAABG0/b5XChtFnunICy3mJSrbThemVng1vuI9xgCLcB/s320/gift%2Bcard%2Brecepticle.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--e3eHuHSkA0/V-g-q7H8vdI/AAAAAAAABHU/3xymVtzTSOEA1zQxZiaD144k-4a9F45sgCLcB/s1600/cards%2Bbanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--e3eHuHSkA0/V-g-q7H8vdI/AAAAAAAABHU/3xymVtzTSOEA1zQxZiaD144k-4a9F45sgCLcB/s320/cards%2Bbanner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For our guest book I was lucky enough to find a cute sign online that just happened to have our colors of mint and peach. I printed it out on the color printer and stuck it in a frame from the dollar store. Perfect and took less than 10 minutes start to finish!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_BgZuQCDU34/V-g6FQePj-I/AAAAAAAABG8/5Hb5-Ez5jhUKp6m69QTGGIri6iNM3MWGQCLcB/s1600/guestbook%2Bsign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_BgZuQCDU34/V-g6FQePj-I/AAAAAAAABG8/5Hb5-Ez5jhUKp6m69QTGGIri6iNM3MWGQCLcB/s320/guestbook%2Bsign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Lastly, since our wedding was held in a barn in the country, we also made a pallet sign to stick by the side of the road so our guests wouldn't miss the driveway. The future husband grabbed a pallet from his work. Yes, it had been used but that just added to the appeal! I found some very large stencils at Michael's and bought a small bottle of mint colored acrylic paint. I stenciled on the letters and voila!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NiSzZypgzFU/V-g7Lb9yZ9I/AAAAAAAABHE/culWr-vOQK05_KYBjmxFaTZHk13b8qtGgCLcB/s1600/Wedding%2Bpallet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NiSzZypgzFU/V-g7Lb9yZ9I/AAAAAAAABHE/culWr-vOQK05_KYBjmxFaTZHk13b8qtGgCLcB/s320/Wedding%2Bpallet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Our wedding day was wonderful thanks to our venue and these small personal touches just made it all the more special!Ms. Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054508362010711283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002703962314445132.post-48861176495927941942015-10-09T08:00:00.000-04:002015-10-09T08:00:03.374-04:00Daisy CupcakesI haven't been doing much furniture refinishing this summer. Instead, I've been taking cake decorating classes with my coworker. It's been so much fun! Alas, now we are all finished with the Wilton Method classes 1-4. Now maybe I'll have time to do some furniture again soon!<br />
<br />
One of my closest friends recently got married and since I was unable to attend her bachelorette party, I offered to make her some cupcakes. Her bridal bouquet was to be daisies, so she asked for something with daisies on it. And pink, gotta have the pink. I did a google search for daisy cupcakes and came up with the following:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7MO-Xy_Ls6Y/VhcRoAkTu5I/AAAAAAAABFo/dIX4FfxnYi0/s1600/005.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7MO-Xy_Ls6Y/VhcRoAkTu5I/AAAAAAAABFo/dIX4FfxnYi0/s320/005.PNG" width="213" /></a></div>
<i>Image from Pinterest, apologies not sure of the original source as I never clicked through to read the story.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Perfect! Daisies and pink! I made funfetti cupcakes- yes sadly I used box cake but hey, Pillsbury spends a lot of money on having great tasting cakes - with a pink cream cheese icing. The daisy itself is gumpaste, and is inedible. Here are the results. Pretty spot on if you ask me and the bride-to-be said they were a hit at her party.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xyE-Xiizs64/VhcTJZP2YoI/AAAAAAAABF0/lSQpYX6XLa8/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xyE-Xiizs64/VhcTJZP2YoI/AAAAAAAABF0/lSQpYX6XLa8/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-_m-TMJTks/VhcTMneWLfI/AAAAAAAABF8/kboWaf-lG7o/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-_m-TMJTks/VhcTMneWLfI/AAAAAAAABF8/kboWaf-lG7o/s320/012.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EbhlZDE2yhw/VhcTNnrjVkI/AAAAAAAABGE/OfiU-BCrvfQ/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EbhlZDE2yhw/VhcTNnrjVkI/AAAAAAAABGE/OfiU-BCrvfQ/s320/013.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Ms. Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054508362010711283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002703962314445132.post-86169847512411057612015-05-15T08:00:00.000-04:002015-05-15T08:00:06.615-04:00Re-upholstered loveseatToday's post is a love seat that my mom re-upholstered. Here is the before:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2K0_OKHkXmM/VVVFYqQhtCI/AAAAAAAABE0/gXSXuYqKJkk/s1600/loveseat.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2K0_OKHkXmM/VVVFYqQhtCI/AAAAAAAABE0/gXSXuYqKJkk/s320/loveseat.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And here is the after:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UlFO6H9hbgE/VVVFm_2XoUI/AAAAAAAABE8/3CQLG3WMQl0/s1600/loveseat3.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UlFO6H9hbgE/VVVFm_2XoUI/AAAAAAAABE8/3CQLG3WMQl0/s320/loveseat3.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IjWyt4ZxpT0/VVVFrBzqdHI/AAAAAAAABFE/CApAHcIQTuw/s1600/loveseat4.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IjWyt4ZxpT0/VVVFrBzqdHI/AAAAAAAABFE/CApAHcIQTuw/s320/loveseat4.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It doesn't even look like the same piece of furniture!! The wooden feet were bought at the flea market for $5 each. For a detailed tutorial on upholstery please see my earlier posts.Ms. Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054508362010711283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002703962314445132.post-4949688559872707812015-02-13T08:00:00.000-05:002015-02-13T08:00:01.803-05:00New chicken coop doorI inherited a few chickens when I bought my house and for the past 4 years, I've been dealing with a warped coop door. The door was now so warped it was getting hard for me to close. I thought a screen door with the screen taken out and replaced by chicken wire would be perfect.<br />
<br />
Here is the coop before. It's quite large and well over 6 feet tall.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9qD_LQMHT7k/VN1slVUcemI/AAAAAAAABD8/9oLZ0rnClGo/s1600/coop%2Bdoor%2Bbefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9qD_LQMHT7k/VN1slVUcemI/AAAAAAAABD8/9oLZ0rnClGo/s1600/coop%2Bdoor%2Bbefore.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I found a screen door at a home salvage store and snagged it for $20. I took out the screen, replaced it with chicken wire (you can staple this on with a hand held stapler) and painted it the same color as my <a href="http://betweentherafters.blogspot.com/2013/06/front-door-makeover.html" target="_blank">front door</a>, Spicy Hue by Sherwin Williams.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-10TlmF0kR1Y/VN1uPqTO9FI/AAAAAAAABEI/b11ZRybQVPA/s1600/coop%2Bdoor%2Bafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-10TlmF0kR1Y/VN1uPqTO9FI/AAAAAAAABEI/b11ZRybQVPA/s1600/coop%2Bdoor%2Bafter.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I love it!!! It adds a little pop of color and it's great having a door that actually opens and closes with ease. Now, I think I need to paint the rest of the coop the color of my house!Ms. Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054508362010711283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002703962314445132.post-39206514385867176222014-10-31T08:00:00.000-04:002014-10-31T08:00:00.446-04:00Upholstered ChairsWhile I have been on a project hiatus my mom has been busily working away. Today's post showcases a pair of chairs she re-upholstered. She bought these chairs for $7 each at Goodwill. $7!!!!<br />
<br />
Here they are before she worked her magic:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-85RDdwlyMzA/VFLXn7Q9H2I/AAAAAAAABDU/ykmY-xxnbEk/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-85RDdwlyMzA/VFLXn7Q9H2I/AAAAAAAABDU/ykmY-xxnbEk/s1600/020.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In case you any of you upholstery fans are interested, here are the "insides" of the chair.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ls1Z5MvDeK0/VFLYYTRz0LI/AAAAAAAABDc/BAlN_ZUm16A/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ls1Z5MvDeK0/VFLYYTRz0LI/AAAAAAAABDc/BAlN_ZUm16A/s1600/022.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-haotlTiSwpk/VFLYfGqRtVI/AAAAAAAABDk/hau-Lzbu35I/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-haotlTiSwpk/VFLYfGqRtVI/AAAAAAAABDk/hau-Lzbu35I/s1600/023.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And now here is the after. Aren't these amazing?! My step-father used his carpentry skills to fix the arms and my mom has some serious upholstery skills!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sPqkmJ3qW58/VFLYuk7A8YI/AAAAAAAABDs/2JnPx7iHUvo/s1600/Chairs%2Bafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sPqkmJ3qW58/VFLYuk7A8YI/AAAAAAAABDs/2JnPx7iHUvo/s1600/Chairs%2Bafter.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Ms. Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054508362010711283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002703962314445132.post-69592752467673240772014-06-13T08:00:00.000-04:002014-06-13T08:00:05.497-04:00Hutch Much?Almost two years ago I turned the bottom of this hutch into a <a href="http://betweentherafters.blogspot.com/2012/09/from-china-cabinet-to-bookcase.html" target="_blank">bookcase.</a> Yes, sadly it has taken me that long to refinish the bottom. Here are the before pictures.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SikFsYrG0AU/U5pdEeXdx6I/AAAAAAAABCA/HHviH4aJoZI/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SikFsYrG0AU/U5pdEeXdx6I/AAAAAAAABCA/HHviH4aJoZI/s1600/053.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-36EPfG41-IU/U5pdKAm-TjI/AAAAAAAABCI/4TMHF24gDh8/s1600/058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-36EPfG41-IU/U5pdKAm-TjI/AAAAAAAABCI/4TMHF24gDh8/s1600/058.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I painted the hutch a pale green color, and glazed it with my favorite Martha Stewart black coffee glaze. The top I stained a darker brown. And wha-la!!! Here is the finished product.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nPfeZcXytFA/U5peAONm2_I/AAAAAAAABCQ/PRbykL82DPA/s1600/photo+(47).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nPfeZcXytFA/U5peAONm2_I/AAAAAAAABCQ/PRbykL82DPA/s1600/photo+(47).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vRJ35Cd0Evg/U5peBPuXbFI/AAAAAAAABCY/2rEvBQjp6JI/s1600/photo+(48).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vRJ35Cd0Evg/U5peBPuXbFI/AAAAAAAABCY/2rEvBQjp6JI/s1600/photo+(48).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EVcLgvmZkOM/U5peD1whARI/AAAAAAAABCg/4malD-OUc3g/s1600/photo+(49).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EVcLgvmZkOM/U5peD1whARI/AAAAAAAABCg/4malD-OUc3g/s1600/photo+(49).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Ms. Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054508362010711283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002703962314445132.post-75913670003281106052014-05-23T08:00:00.000-04:002014-05-23T08:00:01.479-04:00Chest of Drawers RefurbToday's project is a chest of drawers I picked up at a yard sale. I loved it's details and especially it's handles. I don't know why but I'm a sucker for this type of drawer pull. It's a vintage piece with dove tailed drawers. Alas, it had seen better days. I had to do some extensive wood putty work along the bottom right side. Unfortunately, I got a little excited and started working on it without taking good before pictures so the only one I have was actually taken at the yard sale itself.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X0Z9LMYTaNQ/U36ggd4dx9I/AAAAAAAAA-0/Fl7OEdCUjXs/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X0Z9LMYTaNQ/U36ggd4dx9I/AAAAAAAAA-0/Fl7OEdCUjXs/s1600/013.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I painted it a grayish-blue (Britannia Blue by Benjamin Moore) and used the Martha Stewart black coffee glaze to bring out the details.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BdzArriEDp4/U36hkuV-9bI/AAAAAAAAA-8/8EBGMpWBwj4/s1600/Martha+Stewart+Glaze--Black+Coffee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BdzArriEDp4/U36hkuV-9bI/AAAAAAAAA-8/8EBGMpWBwj4/s1600/Martha+Stewart+Glaze--Black+Coffee.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
You might recognize this picture from my <a href="http://betweentherafters.blogspot.com/2012/05/new-tomato-red-bed.html" target="_blank">red bed post</a>, but I love this stuff. It's so easy to work with and very forgiving. Not enough? Put more on. Too much? Wipe more off. Started to dry? Put on a fresh coat and resume wiping. I also like the small hint of metallic in the glaze. It gives it a little shimmer.<br />
<br />
I tried to stain the top, per my standard MO but the wood took the stain too differently. Way too differently. Frankly, it looked awful. Have no fear fellow furniture refinishers! Should something not turn out the way you had planned or envisioned there is another way. Here I decided to paint the top black and put a coat of polyurethane on for protection. Do I like it as much as the stained tops? No. Do I still like it? Yes.<br />
<br />
Without further ado, here is the finished product!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjqJpYQeR3A/U36jCX-DZ9I/AAAAAAAAA_E/H1RhFeZtbpM/s1600/Use+this+one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjqJpYQeR3A/U36jCX-DZ9I/AAAAAAAAA_E/H1RhFeZtbpM/s1600/Use+this+one.jpg" height="320" width="248" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9tt5W-FxcA0/U36jH9U8qpI/AAAAAAAAA_M/3x0sPA_bLzI/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9tt5W-FxcA0/U36jH9U8qpI/AAAAAAAAA_M/3x0sPA_bLzI/s1600/016.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Ms. Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054508362010711283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002703962314445132.post-8520559670366228572014-05-02T08:00:00.000-04:002014-05-02T08:00:11.690-04:00The Power of Spray Paint Part II I have a couple of large projects I am looking forward to sharing with you over the next few weeks. For now, a fast, simple little project. I want to showcase the power of a can of spray paint! I found this cutie at Goodwill for $6.<br />
<br />
Here it is before. Not bad looking of course, but I wasn't a fan of the natural wood frame.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nFhvHFShvVI/U2L38ZfFBMI/AAAAAAAAA-U/4ZWo9OsXgJE/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nFhvHFShvVI/U2L38ZfFBMI/AAAAAAAAA-U/4ZWo9OsXgJE/s1600/029.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
And here it is after.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fCpdNKbyOYE/U2L4SMPESsI/AAAAAAAAA-k/SHscc03DZbE/s1600/After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fCpdNKbyOYE/U2L4SMPESsI/AAAAAAAAA-k/SHscc03DZbE/s1600/After.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
A reminder to keep your eyes open at Goodwill for pieces with great "bones"!Ms. Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054508362010711283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002703962314445132.post-64686112161995399932014-04-11T08:00:00.000-04:002016-12-10T21:50:48.697-05:00Best Buffet In Town!Today I bring you a refurnished buffet. Here are the before pictures. You can see the buffet has a beautiful shape but it was suffering from some years of neglect. On the drawers the veneer was chipped so bad I had to steam it off. (Word of caution: Don't use your main iron. Buy a spare!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5vSrfSq_yLA/U0czgvG8ljI/AAAAAAAAA8o/BguG72-gMWc/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5vSrfSq_yLA/U0czgvG8ljI/AAAAAAAAA8o/BguG72-gMWc/s1600/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-COhmjxoFvFI/U0czyCQy9HI/AAAAAAAAA84/y4AEISuFGlo/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-COhmjxoFvFI/U0czyCQy9HI/AAAAAAAAA84/y4AEISuFGlo/s1600/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2JXBfLfo-H0/U0cztZ02GTI/AAAAAAAAA8w/tCdhLzGljtI/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2JXBfLfo-H0/U0cztZ02GTI/AAAAAAAAA8w/tCdhLzGljtI/s1600/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1oDCNcSGFE4/U0cz3e-ZXbI/AAAAAAAAA9A/Dc5MXroZxj0/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1oDCNcSGFE4/U0cz3e-ZXbI/AAAAAAAAA9A/Dc5MXroZxj0/s1600/005.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5e7fguaiW-o/U0cz9GsLwgI/AAAAAAAAA9I/ZHNpKGZkgb8/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5e7fguaiW-o/U0cz9GsLwgI/AAAAAAAAA9I/ZHNpKGZkgb8/s1600/012.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The top of the center section is actually ... SURPRISE! A silverware drawer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dcZkEofZqSc/U0c0jrsQjkI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/E4DaeuHD9x0/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dcZkEofZqSc/U0c0jrsQjkI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/E4DaeuHD9x0/s1600/011.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The decorative piece on the bottom had been gnawed to death by a dog but luckily, I found a matching piece in one of the drawers. I very carefully popped the old piece off and glued the new piece in its place.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-enkS3Tk6b8s/U0c1GSeyXgI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/raP6J7t17iA/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-enkS3Tk6b8s/U0c1GSeyXgI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/raP6J7t17iA/s1600/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Without further ado, here is the after! I painted the buffet a bluish-gray and stained the top and the decorative medallions on the front the same color. (In some of my pictures they don't look the same but unfortunately the glare from the sun and the reflection from my house distorted the pictures.) Isn't she the best buffet in town?!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sKOSy0CY94Y/U0c2hSlfAzI/AAAAAAAAA9k/HaUV4YWHqZ4/s1600/059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sKOSy0CY94Y/U0c2hSlfAzI/AAAAAAAAA9k/HaUV4YWHqZ4/s1600/059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t1f_MINguqY/U0c2v2EToYI/AAAAAAAAA9s/t9k7pg5jhwo/s1600/060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t1f_MINguqY/U0c2v2EToYI/AAAAAAAAA9s/t9k7pg5jhwo/s1600/060.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eFwp-jn0XqM/U0c2v_q5DyI/AAAAAAAAA9w/U5kb_1dZFv8/s1600/061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eFwp-jn0XqM/U0c2v_q5DyI/AAAAAAAAA9w/U5kb_1dZFv8/s1600/061.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RsKa8DT2Oy0/U0c29xiNsfI/AAAAAAAAA98/sMqIJ6qIny0/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RsKa8DT2Oy0/U0c29xiNsfI/AAAAAAAAA98/sMqIJ6qIny0/s1600/062.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lZQQKEhfp0w/U0c3GS_B9DI/AAAAAAAAA-E/ZGAf4JGoGxY/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lZQQKEhfp0w/U0c3GS_B9DI/AAAAAAAAA-E/ZGAf4JGoGxY/s1600/063.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm partying here:<br />
<a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2014/05/nifty-thrifty-tuesday-no-213.html" target="_blank">Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm</a><br />
<a href="http://betweentherafters.blogspot.com/2014/04/best-buffet-in-town.html" target="_blank">Swing Into Spring Party @ DIY By Design</a>Ms. Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054508362010711283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002703962314445132.post-81630270660159661162014-03-14T08:00:00.000-04:002014-06-03T22:14:55.322-04:00Sofa Table RefurbI actually found today's project on the side of the road. Yep, you read that right. The side of the road. I was on my way to my parents and saw these 4 curved legs sticking up from the grass. Of course, I had to turn around and investigate!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Those 4 legs belonged to a wooden sofa table. The top was very scratched where it had fallen off the back of whatever vehicle it was riding on. Here is what it looked like before.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dm2l1JGSqOo/UxzcsrkrbCI/AAAAAAAAA7s/uNRr7LwGc0U/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dm2l1JGSqOo/UxzcsrkrbCI/AAAAAAAAA7s/uNRr7LwGc0U/s1600/045.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gToDEmO2QZA/UxzcyG-1-KI/AAAAAAAAA70/BdiXbefIjKw/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gToDEmO2QZA/UxzcyG-1-KI/AAAAAAAAA70/BdiXbefIjKw/s1600/046.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I painted the table a dark olive green to go with the green in the fabric on my <a href="http://betweentherafters.blogspot.com/2013/10/60s-mod-couch-reupholster-final.html" target="_blank">cushion</a>s. Next, because the top was scratched so deeply that I couldn't stain it, I decided to modge podge sheet music to the top. Lastly, I stenciled a song bird on top to go with the musical theme. Here is the finished product.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JvD50N3oPCc/Uxzfi4YiwHI/AAAAAAAAA8A/JnIqNT6iR5I/s1600/Finished+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JvD50N3oPCc/Uxzfi4YiwHI/AAAAAAAAA8A/JnIqNT6iR5I/s1600/Finished+1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IXFjeKAW2Wo/UxzfjjG0jUI/AAAAAAAAA8I/wboAO7SHQUc/s1600/Finished+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IXFjeKAW2Wo/UxzfjjG0jUI/AAAAAAAAA8I/wboAO7SHQUc/s1600/Finished+2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
And a close-up of my favorite few musical bars on the table!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-50oyHvMcPqA/UxzgDoEGInI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/-7ydAuYdYgk/s1600/Finished+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-50oyHvMcPqA/UxzgDoEGInI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/-7ydAuYdYgk/s1600/Finished+3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
I'm partying here:<br />
<a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2014/05/nifty-thrifty-tuesday-no-213.html" target="_blank">Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm</a><br />
<a href="http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/2014/06/swing-into-spring-its-party-171.html" target="_blank">Swing Into Spring Party @ DIY By Design</a></div>
Ms. Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054508362010711283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002703962314445132.post-47455847808658398222014-02-21T08:00:00.000-05:002014-02-21T08:00:06.047-05:00I'm Starting with the Fan in the MirrorHopefully, thanks to the title of this post, you are now singing the Michael Jackson song...I found this mirror at Goodwill for $8. I think it has a unique shape. While it looks like it has a wooden frame it is actually plastic. "Wood grain" texture and all!<br />
<br />
Here is a before picture. It is hanging on my fireplace (sorry for the ceiling fan reflection but that's what gave me the inspiration for the title!) as that was its original intended home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hYxFLGFM3Ms/UwaspRYBNKI/AAAAAAAAA6s/W50A_NcUPzU/s1600/Amanda's+iPhone+257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hYxFLGFM3Ms/UwaspRYBNKI/AAAAAAAAA6s/W50A_NcUPzU/s1600/Amanda's+iPhone+257.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I originally painted this mirror red to match the two red vases on the mantle. I'm a huge fan of mirrors - there's at least one in every room of my house - but this one just wasn't working on the fireplace so I took it down. Maybe it was the reflection of the fan that kept staring at my every time I looked up.<br />
<br />
I decided instead to hang it behind the <a href="http://betweentherafters.blogspot.com/2012/05/new-tomato-red-bed.html" target="_blank">tomato red bed</a>. I painted it the same color as the <a href="http://betweentherafters.blogspot.com/2012/05/shades-of-blue.html" target="_blank">nightstand</a> and glazed it in my favorite Martha Stewart glaze.<br />
<br />
Here's a photo after I had painted and had just started to glaze.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GjDyKpLj4jA/Uwaw65FPbWI/AAAAAAAAA64/7PtwgKIMSmg/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GjDyKpLj4jA/Uwaw65FPbWI/AAAAAAAAA64/7PtwgKIMSmg/s1600/041.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And here is the after! I started with a fan in the mirror and I asked him to change his ways (sorry, sometimes I just can't help myself). I like the mirror much, much better in its new home. Plus, that wall above the bed was looking a little bare!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BtBxyDFDvyQ/UwayYWD-6MI/AAAAAAAAA7E/mD7239oiXvo/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BtBxyDFDvyQ/UwayYWD-6MI/AAAAAAAAA7E/mD7239oiXvo/s1600/050.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DO2su9os9BI/UwayfKTJhGI/AAAAAAAAA7M/-iSs8eYHdOo/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DO2su9os9BI/UwayfKTJhGI/AAAAAAAAA7M/-iSs8eYHdOo/s1600/051.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p_gIsAS06g4/UwayoX1cyiI/AAAAAAAAA7U/AW8RrOzz7Hc/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p_gIsAS06g4/UwayoX1cyiI/AAAAAAAAA7U/AW8RrOzz7Hc/s1600/048.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9RF8CZ1hIiA/UwayuWUy6nI/AAAAAAAAA7c/IR7Xk1u0XEI/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9RF8CZ1hIiA/UwayuWUy6nI/AAAAAAAAA7c/IR7Xk1u0XEI/s1600/052.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Ms. Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054508362010711283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002703962314445132.post-91929014410198839002014-01-31T08:00:00.000-05:002014-01-31T08:00:04.704-05:00Upholstery and a Lesson In 8-way Hand Tied SpringsHello friends and welcome back! I don't know about where you are, but we've had a COLD winter down here in the deep south. Well, by our normal standards at least! Today I'm sharing with you a rocker I upholstered for my friend that involved a little 8-way hand tied spring action. Here is a before picture.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PrzV-IQgeKM/UupZ398itNI/AAAAAAAAA5g/aM9VCY5jdns/s1600/066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PrzV-IQgeKM/UupZ398itNI/AAAAAAAAA5g/aM9VCY5jdns/s1600/066.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is a close up of the upholstery.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vs6CGingjZY/UupaTWM1rqI/AAAAAAAAA5o/IkN-nRmjoA0/s1600/068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vs6CGingjZY/UupaTWM1rqI/AAAAAAAAA5o/IkN-nRmjoA0/s1600/068.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
You can see the fabric has become threadbare and is held in place by upholstery tacks. Once I got all that upholstery off, here's what I was left with.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AbB_T2SLrM0/UupbAxj5E1I/AAAAAAAAA5w/woAeBNI-MWQ/s1600/069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AbB_T2SLrM0/UupbAxj5E1I/AAAAAAAAA5w/woAeBNI-MWQ/s1600/069.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
At one point these were 8-way hand tied springs but time and dry rot had taken their toll. Most of the strings holding the springs in place had broken. If you aren't familiar with 8-way hand tied springs it is where each spring is individually hand tied and set in place. 8-way hand tied springs are a hallmark of fine furniture and are praised for both their comfort and durability. I removed all the old strings and nails and was left with a clean slate. You can see this is a true 8-way system as the springs themselves are set into the frame of the rocker.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--eCMQWJ2tRE/UupckV9vNjI/AAAAAAAAA58/pnJ59ZLBMwQ/s1600/071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--eCMQWJ2tRE/UupckV9vNjI/AAAAAAAAA58/pnJ59ZLBMwQ/s1600/071.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Next, the process of hand tying the springs. In an 8-way system each spring is tied front to back, side to side, and diagonally two ways, 8 in all. Each point where the string touches the spring is considered one of the "ways". Each row is tied with a single string. I didn't do a tutorial as there are already several good ones online. Just Google "8 way hand tied springs how to" and several results will show up, including details on how to make those knots. Here's the final result.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FPUQtgaMU9U/Uupei7tgjtI/AAAAAAAAA6I/D1WD4ygMwfA/s1600/076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FPUQtgaMU9U/Uupei7tgjtI/AAAAAAAAA6I/D1WD4ygMwfA/s1600/076.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Now, is this a perfect job? Absolutely not. Am I proud? Darn right! I am helping preserve a dying art!<br />
Once the springs were retied it was time to move on to the upholstery.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G-IqsoMaNpU/UupgcTibHAI/AAAAAAAAA6U/TH7Ym39AG-c/s1600/077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G-IqsoMaNpU/UupgcTibHAI/AAAAAAAAA6U/TH7Ym39AG-c/s1600/077.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
For such a small upholstery job this one was quite difficult. The sides have a slight curve and in the back and at the arms there isn't much room to work. However, once the fabric was down, I chose not to use the upholstery tacks on the side. Instead, I chose to cover the staples with a row of double cording. And here is the final result.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UoVfE96FPho/UuphKHHQOqI/AAAAAAAAA6c/xgPOEVpJo2w/s1600/Rocker+after+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UoVfE96FPho/UuphKHHQOqI/AAAAAAAAA6c/xgPOEVpJo2w/s1600/Rocker+after+2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Much improved I think! And pretty comfortable with those 8-way springs!Ms. Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054508362010711283noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002703962314445132.post-6764139509855114312013-11-01T08:00:00.000-04:002013-11-01T08:00:05.576-04:00Bench PlayersToday I'm show casing a recent project where I took two chairs and made a bench out of them. The chairs themselves have a low back so I thought they might look a little odd pushed up to a table. Plus, I didn't really have need of them as table chairs!<br />
<br />
Here are a few before pictures of the chairs. You can see they have great detail on the front legs!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7YJLxuItFFM/UnGFv8HN04I/AAAAAAAAA4Y/38zEGM7xbNE/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7YJLxuItFFM/UnGFv8HN04I/AAAAAAAAA4Y/38zEGM7xbNE/s1600/063.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zl12fQWCMYE/UnGFwFBbunI/AAAAAAAAA4c/od97wLPj_78/s1600/065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zl12fQWCMYE/UnGFwFBbunI/AAAAAAAAA4c/od97wLPj_78/s1600/065.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hoqJuozw7m4/UnGFyLQ2UyI/AAAAAAAAA4o/2jPMzaBY78M/s1600/066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hoqJuozw7m4/UnGFyLQ2UyI/AAAAAAAAA4o/2jPMzaBY78M/s1600/066.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I spray painted two of the chairs black. When making the bench I wanted something that could be easily dismantled should they ever need to be turned back in to two chairs. I brainstormed a little bit and decided to just attach the board that would become the bottom of the bench to the current seat bottoms! One screw later...boom!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jsN_zO8xPxg/UnGGeAjW57I/AAAAAAAAA4w/Aa0jUSEt008/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jsN_zO8xPxg/UnGGeAjW57I/AAAAAAAAA4w/Aa0jUSEt008/s1600/029.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Then all that was left to do was make my bench cushion. If you haven't followed my upholstery series, you can learn all about the process <a href="http://betweentherafters.blogspot.com/2013/07/a-place-to-settee.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I chose a sunny yellow chevron fabric. Here is the final result.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSOE4qQufRM/UnGHAcJeFDI/AAAAAAAAA5A/FRXhwrAqVms/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSOE4qQufRM/UnGHAcJeFDI/AAAAAAAAA5A/FRXhwrAqVms/s1600/033.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wIP5XZvlaVc/UnGHBx57m2I/AAAAAAAAA5I/xVool_QDJWE/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wIP5XZvlaVc/UnGHBx57m2I/AAAAAAAAA5I/xVool_QDJWE/s1600/034.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3At8iQwie2k/UnGHDwrtXlI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/zkzqWQvjbe0/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3At8iQwie2k/UnGHDwrtXlI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/zkzqWQvjbe0/s1600/037.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
While I personally love the end product I've gotten mixed results from others. Some love it, some dislike it. What do you think?Ms. Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054508362010711283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002703962314445132.post-20656327096704200042013-10-18T08:00:00.000-04:002013-10-17T18:29:13.779-04:0060's Mod Couch Reupholster -- Final InstallmentYou can view the other installments of this series here:<br />
<a href="http://betweentherafters.blogspot.com/2013/05/60s-mod-couch-reupholster-installment-1.html" target="_blank">Installment 1</a><br />
<a href="http://betweentherafters.blogspot.com/2013/05/60s-mod-couch-reupholster-installment-2.html" target="_blank">Installment 2</a><br />
<a href="http://betweentherafters.blogspot.com/2013/07/60s-mod-couch-reupholster-installment-3.html" target="_blank">Installment 3</a><br />
<a href="http://betweentherafters.blogspot.com/2013/07/60s-mod-couch-reupholster-installment-4.html" target="_blank">Installment 4</a><br />
<a href="http://betweentherafters.blogspot.com/2013/08/60s-mod-couch-reupholster-installment-5.html" target="_blank">Installment 5</a><br />
<a href="http://betweentherafters.blogspot.com/2013/08/60s-mod-couch-reupholster-installment-6.html" target="_blank">Installment 6</a><br />
<a href="http://betweentherafters.blogspot.com/2013/09/60s-mod-couch-reupholster-installment-7.html" target="_blank">Installment 7</a><br />
<br />
Today is our final installment of the couch reupholster series!! It's been a long journey. Probably over 80 hours of work, but the end product is absolutely beautiful. Plus you just couldn't find a couch built with this kind of craftsmanship now.<br />
<br />
Today we are going to make the couch cushions. All 8 of them! The couch cushions are the only thing on the entire couch that we used a pattern for. We ripped out the seams and even though the cushions were two different sizes we went ahead and wrote the piece on them so there would be absolutely no confusion. We then ironed them flat. (The picture below shows them before we ironed them.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HOKwN5Ey3No/UmAyQsdt9eI/AAAAAAAAA1s/uGdDa6W4b9Y/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HOKwN5Ey3No/UmAyQsdt9eI/AAAAAAAAA1s/uGdDa6W4b9Y/s1600/030.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Once they were ironed out flat we pinned them to our fabric and cut out around them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hAC5pbKHzpE/UmAzoAXar3I/AAAAAAAAA10/ewb6Vg6X5ig/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hAC5pbKHzpE/UmAzoAXar3I/AAAAAAAAA10/ewb6Vg6X5ig/s1600/033.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4yAcQt6pjBU/UmAzplzXkhI/AAAAAAAAA18/oud350QTWhQ/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4yAcQt6pjBU/UmAzplzXkhI/AAAAAAAAA18/oud350QTWhQ/s1600/035.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
To find out how much cording you'll need, measure around all four sides of your cushion, double that, and then multiply it by the number of cushions you need to make. I can't recall exactly how much cording we made, but it was a LOT. In the multiple, multiple feet range. I explained in <a href="http://betweentherafters.blogspot.com/2013/09/60s-mod-couch-reupholster-installment-7.html" target="_blank">Installment 7</a> how to make cording.<br />
<br />
Once you have your cording made and your cushion pieces cut out the fun can begin. First take your cording and sew it in place so that the edge of your seam allowance on the cording lines up with the edge of your seam on your cushion piece. You'll be using the cording foot on your sewing machine and butting that up against the cording as shown in the picture below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JOWct_GCZAI/UmA1DLpdBZI/AAAAAAAAA2I/OyQvKjG00Rc/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JOWct_GCZAI/UmA1DLpdBZI/AAAAAAAAA2I/OyQvKjG00Rc/s1600/036.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
When you go around your corners you'll need to make several small cuts to the cording allowance so that it will make the curve. You might not get the stitching in the corner tight enough the first few times. If you don't that's ok, you can go back and add a few extra stitches later.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5WB_pm6S5mM/UmA1bkdxJfI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/vWUl7YQCE4M/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5WB_pm6S5mM/UmA1bkdxJfI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/vWUl7YQCE4M/s1600/037.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
When you get to the place where the cording will overlap, you'll need to join them as shown in <a href="http://betweentherafters.blogspot.com/2013/09/60s-mod-couch-reupholster-installment-7.html" target="_blank">Installment 7</a>. You'll just keep on sewing right past the joint, maybe an inch. It's best to have this joint in the middle part of the back of the cushion, that way it won't be seen as much. Remember to reverse the stitching a little bit and then go forward again so the seam won't unravel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QloKdQOaBJQ/UmA3r_ddhbI/AAAAAAAAA2c/keSBgsgfz0I/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QloKdQOaBJQ/UmA3r_ddhbI/AAAAAAAAA2c/keSBgsgfz0I/s1600/041.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k2ej15gpLeM/UmA3tc6-HKI/AAAAAAAAA2k/e08Rp1IW_Cs/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k2ej15gpLeM/UmA3tc6-HKI/AAAAAAAAA2k/e08Rp1IW_Cs/s1600/042.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H6Bv6gmCZAE/UmA3vL70ZzI/AAAAAAAAA2s/1SCBxTIib9E/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H6Bv6gmCZAE/UmA3vL70ZzI/AAAAAAAAA2s/1SCBxTIib9E/s1600/043.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Now to make the side piece of the cushion with the zipper. You could have kept and used a pattern piece here, but instead, we measured the height of our cushion and added 2 inches to this measurement. Fold the material in half and pin it, then run a seam all the way up the fabric, one inch in from the folded edge. At the beginning and end you'll need to reverse the stitch so it won't come unsewn.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-znzya7JeGYI/UmA5StJpIcI/AAAAAAAAA24/82mhx9TuvK8/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-znzya7JeGYI/UmA5StJpIcI/AAAAAAAAA24/82mhx9TuvK8/s1600/044.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After you have sewn your seam all the way down take scissors and cut right in the middle, all the way up the fold.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-meX7RCnvrUo/UmBZXOWXfcI/AAAAAAAAA3I/sOwqB0Qm4rE/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-meX7RCnvrUo/UmBZXOWXfcI/AAAAAAAAA3I/sOwqB0Qm4rE/s1600/045.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After you have cut up the fold, take and spread apart the flaps, laying the piece out flat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sgvUYjGm8Dw/UmBZrOCyDMI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/70sds5VVpHc/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sgvUYjGm8Dw/UmBZrOCyDMI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/70sds5VVpHc/s1600/046.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
You can see there's a seam right in the middle of the fabric. Now you'll need to cut a piece of continuous zipper tape to size. (If you're reusing your old zipper this section won't apply.) Here is a picture of the roll of the zipper tape so you'll know what I am referring to.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BWkRmbwLrDQ/UmBazUzhWBI/AAAAAAAAA3c/bXIQvjVuXXQ/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BWkRmbwLrDQ/UmBazUzhWBI/AAAAAAAAA3c/bXIQvjVuXXQ/s1600/047.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Cut your piece of continuous zipper tape to size. Open up the ends about two or three inches. Work the zipper pull on. There is an arrow telling you what direction you should go. Once you get it started, pull the zipper apart a little more and then work the pull up again. Continue this process until you are about three-fourths of the way down the zipper. Once you have completed this -- join in here if you are reusing an old zipper -- turn the zipper upside down so that the pull is facing the fabric and your zipper is in the middle of the seam.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nik5zZYUEiw/UmBg1xgx7jI/AAAAAAAAA3s/_2seTRvYL9c/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nik5zZYUEiw/UmBg1xgx7jI/AAAAAAAAA3s/_2seTRvYL9c/s1600/051.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Using a zipper foot attached to your sewing machine run a seam down each side of the zipper. Remember to reverse at the beginning and end so your seam won't unravel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5xcMgg21qNA/UmBhGy4-jiI/AAAAAAAAA30/i06lZveR7Pg/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5xcMgg21qNA/UmBhGy4-jiI/AAAAAAAAA30/i06lZveR7Pg/s1600/054.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After you have ran your seams down the sides of your zipper, flip the fabric over and rip out the seam running down the middle of your fabric. You should have two nice folds with a zipper in the middle of them. Continue working your zipper down the rest of the way, stopping until you are about an inch from the bottom. You can also hand sew a seam horizontally across the zipper to keep it from coming all the way off.<br />
<br />
For the rest of your side bands you'll need to take your measurement and add one inch (for a half inch seam allowance on either side). Now you simply need to sew the pieces together. You'll want to put the zipper piece in the back, where you cording joint is. Sew your sides on to the top and bottom piece. Remember it's kind of counter intuitive as you'll be sewing inside out and you'll need to flip your cushion back outside in when you are finished.<br />
<br />
FINALLY..here is the finished product!! Much, much improved from it's previous 60's incarnation!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w-uf9P1VLYs/UmBjQtmvBgI/AAAAAAAAA4A/8dyZKQ52j9U/s1600/Finished+couch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w-uf9P1VLYs/UmBjQtmvBgI/AAAAAAAAA4A/8dyZKQ52j9U/s1600/Finished+couch.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Click <a href="http://betweentherafters.blogspot.com/2013/05/60s-mod-couch-reupholster-installment-1.html" target="_blank">here</a> to see the before!Ms. Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054508362010711283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002703962314445132.post-25725071069960568072013-09-20T08:00:00.000-04:002013-09-19T20:32:43.733-04:0060's Mod Couch Reupholster -- Installment 7Welcome! We are nearing the finish line on our sofa. In this installment we are going to put the cording on the bottom of our sofa and attach the dust cover to the bottom of our sofa.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First you'll need to measure around the entire bottom of your sofa to get the length of your cording. Remember the saying -- Measure twice, cut once! Add 5 inches to your measurement just in case. Since our couch was over 7 feet long I had a lot of cording to make! A LOT!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To make your cording you'll first need the plain cord. (Sometimes called upholstery piping cord, welt cord.) We used 5/32" cord. Cut out a 2 1/2 inch wide strip of fabric to the length you need. Unless you have really long fabric you'll need to join strips together. Center your cord in the fabric and wrap your fabric around the cord. Use the proper size cording foot (you can also use a zipper foot) on your sewing machine and sew as close as possible to cording for the entire length. When you have all of your cording made cut off the excess fabric, leaving a 1/2 inch allowance. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Take your cording and, starting in the back, staple it to the bottom edge of your sofa. Leave about an inch from the edge to the first staple.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JX-GEUc0Na4/UjuLy7GbkQI/AAAAAAAAAzc/edxHkbd7MOY/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JX-GEUc0Na4/UjuLy7GbkQI/AAAAAAAAAzc/edxHkbd7MOY/s1600/037.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When you go around the legs of your sofa cut off the excess, getting as close to the actual cording as possible.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4mliC_iC7qg/UjuMq7jLFvI/AAAAAAAAAzk/Pp-3uqj9q7o/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4mliC_iC7qg/UjuMq7jLFvI/AAAAAAAAAzk/Pp-3uqj9q7o/s1600/038.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n2sN5euQNrg/UjuMzb_lkwI/AAAAAAAAAzs/WzWb-vsMWlw/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n2sN5euQNrg/UjuMzb_lkwI/AAAAAAAAAzs/WzWb-vsMWlw/s1600/039.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lx-40SytRJM/UjuMz_YWMlI/AAAAAAAAAzw/gxoJ7eMoN0s/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lx-40SytRJM/UjuMz_YWMlI/AAAAAAAAAzw/gxoJ7eMoN0s/s1600/040.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dLlc10Txqi8/UjuM5gIKMDI/AAAAAAAAAz8/aVmsufv7RIo/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dLlc10Txqi8/UjuM5gIKMDI/AAAAAAAAAz8/aVmsufv7RIo/s1600/041.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Once you make it all the way around your sofa you'll need to join your cording together. To do this cut off most of the excess cording leaving about an inch overlap. Then take and use a seam ripper to rip the seam out, go back about two inches past where they overlap. Next take the actual cord and cut it as close as possible to where it will join with the other end. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xgWwb82IaRQ/UjuOqfti1YI/AAAAAAAAA0I/3yXvwJ83xiw/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xgWwb82IaRQ/UjuOqfti1YI/AAAAAAAAA0I/3yXvwJ83xiw/s1600/044.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then take the fabric from the piece you have cut and fold it over to make a nice clean edge.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7LJ6JB5I5Ms/UjuPMUZmPdI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/kOG8jZyzUDY/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7LJ6JB5I5Ms/UjuPMUZmPdI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/kOG8jZyzUDY/s1600/045.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Take the fabric on your loose cording and wrap it around the fabric on your stapled cording. Remember, you stapled back about an inch from the edge so you should have room to do this. Your cord ends should just about touch. If you find you left too much cord cut to adjust.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GUd6DS8mS1o/UjuQhevfssI/AAAAAAAAA0c/k2LYDblQNg4/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GUd6DS8mS1o/UjuQhevfssI/AAAAAAAAA0c/k2LYDblQNg4/s1600/046.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zpQx_uvQhKw/UjuRGREYdCI/AAAAAAAAA0k/uovu9X9gUcI/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zpQx_uvQhKw/UjuRGREYdCI/AAAAAAAAA0k/uovu9X9gUcI/s1600/047.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Next we are going to take a small strip of cardboard and staple it around our 1/2 inch seam on our cording. This is so that the cording allowance won't droop down and be seen. Now you are done with your cording. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zpjmrW3QXLI/UjuR-D_b9RI/AAAAAAAAA0w/JwpQXFEHmoE/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zpjmrW3QXLI/UjuR-D_b9RI/AAAAAAAAA0w/JwpQXFEHmoE/s1600/048.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MmXWFQYMp1Q/UjuSBFnipdI/AAAAAAAAA04/0Eh6vq-Axj4/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MmXWFQYMp1Q/UjuSBFnipdI/AAAAAAAAA04/0Eh6vq-Axj4/s1600/049.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Next you will put the dust cover on the bottom of your sofa. We saved the dust cover that we took off the sofa but it smelled like it had been stored in a musty basement for YEARS so we opted not to use it. Instead, we used landscape fabric. Yep, you read that right, landscape fabric.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Measure, cut to size and staple on. You'll need to make careful cuts around your sofa legs. Bam! Dust cover complete.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oDeiJy1VVKI/UjuVV22Dg_I/AAAAAAAAA1E/-wUdIhe8Dek/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oDeiJy1VVKI/UjuVV22Dg_I/AAAAAAAAA1E/-wUdIhe8Dek/s1600/054.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W2AdBYmzBvo/UjuVhsk0lEI/AAAAAAAAA1M/oqL4oENtps8/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W2AdBYmzBvo/UjuVhsk0lEI/AAAAAAAAA1M/oqL4oENtps8/s1600/056.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TfBQpQthNY8/UjuVlb_xd_I/AAAAAAAAA1U/ni-ZAWTlChA/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TfBQpQthNY8/UjuVlb_xd_I/AAAAAAAAA1U/ni-ZAWTlChA/s1600/053.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fl84CQLcPwU/UjuVqlVGqbI/AAAAAAAAA1c/2LAswCsDmvI/s1600/058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fl84CQLcPwU/UjuVqlVGqbI/AAAAAAAAA1c/2LAswCsDmvI/s1600/058.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Next installment we will make our cushions and complete our sofa!!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Ms. Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054508362010711283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002703962314445132.post-80537680196843678462013-08-30T08:00:00.000-04:002013-08-30T08:00:01.855-04:0060s Mod Couch Reupholster -- Installment 6Last <a href="http://betweentherafters.blogspot.com/2013/08/60s-mod-couch-reupholster-installment-5.html" target="_blank">time</a> we put on the inside back of our sofa. Today we are going to put on the outside arms and back of our sofa. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Depending on the style of your sofa or your personal preference you may or may not want to put cording on the arms and back of your sofa. I decided I wanted cording on mine so the first thing we did was take our measurements for the cording. We measured up the arms and around and then across the back. It was a lot of cording! I'll explain in a later post how to make the cording but for now just know that you need to leave a 1/2 inch allowance on your cording. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We stapled the cording around the sides and back of the sofa. When you get to the corners make a small cut in your 1/2 inch allowance to get a tighter fit around the corner. You can also use a pair of pliers to squeeze the fabric together if necessary to get an even tighter curve.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZw_yEcC4hg/Uh_humgsBZI/AAAAAAAAAw8/BQvqiEglU6Q/s1600/161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZw_yEcC4hg/Uh_humgsBZI/AAAAAAAAAw8/BQvqiEglU6Q/s1600/161.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Klv2_rO_NUk/Uh_iWL4N1AI/AAAAAAAAAxE/IysvsqNuV94/s1600/142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Klv2_rO_NUk/Uh_iWL4N1AI/AAAAAAAAAxE/IysvsqNuV94/s1600/142.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Get it as close to the corners and edges as you can, try to keep a straight line (or follow curves if necessary). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fK5-M8fmiT8/Uh_i8Oc8RcI/AAAAAAAAAxM/48HsqLYn-dM/s1600/139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fK5-M8fmiT8/Uh_i8Oc8RcI/AAAAAAAAAxM/48HsqLYn-dM/s1600/139.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xFlm7T4rZcg/Uh_jAL9jovI/AAAAAAAAAxU/d_S9GTiGVN0/s1600/141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xFlm7T4rZcg/Uh_jAL9jovI/AAAAAAAAAxU/d_S9GTiGVN0/s1600/141.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After you have your cording stapled on next you will want to staple on your Ply-Grip (also called Curve Ease). Of course if you aren't using cording you'll start with this step. Did you ever wonder how they get fabric on things without the staples showing? Ply-Grip!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In our case we butted the Ply-Grip up against our cording. Be sure to staple each hole in the Ply-Grip. This does take a little precision with the staple gun. You can see the little metal teeth that grab the fabric in the second photo.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3bK14UY421s/Uh_kRHTtcHI/AAAAAAAAAxc/Cu9Zcdnql60/s1600/144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3bK14UY421s/Uh_kRHTtcHI/AAAAAAAAAxc/Cu9Zcdnql60/s1600/144.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O38E9QaBarI/Uh_kc9ANxPI/AAAAAAAAAxk/3d-NhKjQq-Q/s1600/145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O38E9QaBarI/Uh_kc9ANxPI/AAAAAAAAAxk/3d-NhKjQq-Q/s1600/145.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KGqGWvjonHk/Uh_kebCKEnI/AAAAAAAAAxs/UxnJeCw72cI/s1600/147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KGqGWvjonHk/Uh_kebCKEnI/AAAAAAAAAxs/UxnJeCw72cI/s1600/147.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4vxkUxVWTQs/Uh_mJT6W_0I/AAAAAAAAAx4/2x8FAQ5n5tI/s1600/168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4vxkUxVWTQs/Uh_mJT6W_0I/AAAAAAAAAx4/2x8FAQ5n5tI/s1600/168.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You'll want to put any cotton batting on before you put your fabric in the Ply-Grip. For the outside of our sofa arms we had a thin piece of cardboard that reused from the original upholster (found when we took the sofa apart). And for the back of our sofa we ended up stapling a piece of cotton fabric cut from a bed skirt. (You could use any spare piece of fabric for this since it won't be seen.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DiKdeo7FpSQ/Uh_mtWwLwSI/AAAAAAAAAyA/jHNRZzETXqQ/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DiKdeo7FpSQ/Uh_mtWwLwSI/AAAAAAAAAyA/jHNRZzETXqQ/s1600/009.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After you have your cotton batting in place, measure your fabric for the area you are covering. Remember when you measure and cut your fabric to leave two inches on each side! Put the outside arms on before you put on the back of the sofa. After you do the outside arms of the sofa you'll need to go back and staple more Ply-Grip down the back sides (by the arms) so the fabric on the back will have something to attach to on the side (the place where the back of the sofa joins the back of the arms).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For the Ply-Grip take the little metal teeth and bend them upwards at a 45 degree angle. Take a cake spatula and press your fabric into the valley you've created.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4SjSscmAeCU/Uh_omLDcgnI/AAAAAAAAAyM/9-J-kt5boR4/s1600/151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4SjSscmAeCU/Uh_omLDcgnI/AAAAAAAAAyM/9-J-kt5boR4/s1600/151.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It should catch slightly on the little metal teeth. Once you've pressed in around all the sides take your scissors and angle them into the valley and very carefully cut off the excess fabric.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v2F8BcARFFY/Uh_qO5-bH-I/AAAAAAAAAyY/C0IQuEtIXV4/s1600/069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v2F8BcARFFY/Uh_qO5-bH-I/AAAAAAAAAyY/C0IQuEtIXV4/s1600/069.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When you have the excess fabric cut off you'll need to take your hammer and hammer the little teeth flat. You already have them bent upwards so just hammer them flat, like you are hammering them closed. This will pull the fabric taut across the area.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r1pRtGiiGuE/Uh_rICgctRI/AAAAAAAAAyg/opnq8JPnTXA/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r1pRtGiiGuE/Uh_rICgctRI/AAAAAAAAAyg/opnq8JPnTXA/s1600/012.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On the sides and the top where the Ply-Grip butts against the cording use the flat spatula to get a nice tight, clean fit.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nuxnljWR6pA/Uh_r4ilrEHI/AAAAAAAAAys/Yq9qxUPRmHE/s1600/064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nuxnljWR6pA/Uh_r4ilrEHI/AAAAAAAAAys/Yq9qxUPRmHE/s1600/064.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SaUWGXhnQq4/Uh_r-GP4xUI/AAAAAAAAAy0/5T0P127bRhU/s1600/066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SaUWGXhnQq4/Uh_r-GP4xUI/AAAAAAAAAy0/5T0P127bRhU/s1600/066.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When you have all your Ply-Grip hammered down you'll need to staple your fabric to the bottom of your sofa frame. In other words, completely finish the outside sofa arms before you move to the back. Now you have finished the outside arms and back of your sofa!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AiaouO2rd8U/Uh_sqOBxWYI/AAAAAAAAAy8/gCzwTbNhqxA/s1600/070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AiaouO2rd8U/Uh_sqOBxWYI/AAAAAAAAAy8/gCzwTbNhqxA/s1600/070.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zxNcxBbUXN0/Uh_szavprEI/AAAAAAAAAzE/8DU84y0bUqE/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zxNcxBbUXN0/Uh_szavprEI/AAAAAAAAAzE/8DU84y0bUqE/s1600/015.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Ms. Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054508362010711283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002703962314445132.post-27470277375905422992013-08-16T08:00:00.000-04:002013-08-16T08:00:06.654-04:0060s Mod Couch Reupholster -- Installment 5If you've been following along you'll remember that <a href="http://betweentherafters.blogspot.com/2013/07/60s-mod-couch-reupholster-installment-4.html" target="_blank">last time</a> we put on the inside arms of our sofa. This time we are going to put on the inside back of the sofa (the part the cushions will be against).<br />
<br />
Of course the first thing you'll do is measure the inside back of your sofa to know how big to cut your fabric. Remember to add two inches to each side. When you have your fabric cut lay it across the inside back of the sofa.<br />
<br />
Here again you'll be making cuts to go around the sofa frame. Same as before you'll use the needle to get the angle of your cut. Cut one side at a time and staple (described below) then move to the other side and do the same.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ur8wGPENTs/Ug1ru90crZI/AAAAAAAAAvg/Zk3KAqLn5mU/s1600/129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ur8wGPENTs/Ug1ru90crZI/AAAAAAAAAvg/Zk3KAqLn5mU/s1600/129.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SjzYPQecpHc/Ug1r4pybX3I/AAAAAAAAAvw/lSFU2XLDa5Q/s1600/130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SjzYPQecpHc/Ug1r4pybX3I/AAAAAAAAAvw/lSFU2XLDa5Q/s1600/130.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BpsGiuk3rQE/Ug1r2R5Wp9I/AAAAAAAAAvo/b4ZNPHQwbBE/s1600/131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BpsGiuk3rQE/Ug1r2R5Wp9I/AAAAAAAAAvo/b4ZNPHQwbBE/s1600/131.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
When you have made your cuts to go around the top and the bottom frame, push the fabric through to the back so you can staple it to the frame.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qokEbKKtucs/Ug1tEjc4prI/AAAAAAAAAv8/-3kLtBb-wAc/s1600/132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qokEbKKtucs/Ug1tEjc4prI/AAAAAAAAAv8/-3kLtBb-wAc/s1600/132.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Start in the middle of the side and staple out to the edges of the side. As always, staple a little out from the center and then move to the other side of the center. Staple one side completely and then move to the other side, make your cuts to go around the frame and repeat. For now don't staple the part of the fabric above where you made cut at the top. (We'll get that when we staple the top part of the inside back.) Next you'll move to stapling the top and the bottom. Same thing here, staple a little on the top, staple a little on the bottom, moving back and forth from side to side and top to bottom. The reason for all of this is moving back and forth is so that you can keep your fabric pulled tight and wrinkle free. The picture below shows the part of the frame where you will staple the top. Basically just pull it over the top and staple it to the piece of wood there. Staple it as close to the bottom of that part of the frame as you can. You'll need to staple cording here later and you don't want your staples to show.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AM9_jy9_d-A/Ug1v25Zp8YI/AAAAAAAAAwM/4ODdX5mlBf0/s1600/134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AM9_jy9_d-A/Ug1v25Zp8YI/AAAAAAAAAwM/4ODdX5mlBf0/s1600/134.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The picture below shows where you will staple the bottom part to the frame. You don't have to worry so much about your stapling here, it will be hidden by the back of the sofa.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LKysTXh30cE/Ug1wgKCntWI/AAAAAAAAAwU/FPXzVWGKEtI/s1600/135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LKysTXh30cE/Ug1wgKCntWI/AAAAAAAAAwU/FPXzVWGKEtI/s1600/135.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
At the top where you made your cut you'll want to make a pretty fold and staple that down. The staples will hold the fold in place. In the picture below the fabric isn't stapled down yet so forgive the pucker, it is more to show the fold. Also: you might need to cut out a little of the extra fabric when you are making the fold. Just be sure and not cut too much out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MtwzlbK7sBY/Ug1xqWVt_gI/AAAAAAAAAwk/gBlAwt3ewZY/s1600/133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MtwzlbK7sBY/Ug1xqWVt_gI/AAAAAAAAAwk/gBlAwt3ewZY/s1600/133.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
When you have your fabric stapled on all sides you'll want to cut off your excess.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QUqhl59RxzA/Ug1yFjOPi0I/AAAAAAAAAws/ZH1YjV9NZAI/s1600/136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QUqhl59RxzA/Ug1yFjOPi0I/AAAAAAAAAws/ZH1YjV9NZAI/s1600/136.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
And there you have the inside back of your sofa! (my apologies readers, I neglected to take a picture.)Ms. Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054508362010711283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002703962314445132.post-10224866412105965482013-07-26T08:00:00.000-04:002013-07-26T08:00:05.061-04:0060's Mod Couch Reupholster -- Installment 4If you'll remember <a href="http://betweentherafters.blogspot.com/2013/07/60s-mod-couch-reupholster-installment-3.html" target="_blank">last time</a> we put on our sofa decking. This time we are going to put on the inside arms of the sofa. We are changing the look of sofa arms - no more seam and cording running up the middle - so we needed to add more padding to each of the arms. We first took the staple gun and stapled the existing foam to the sofa frame.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OEdSjHY7Ol0/Uew_XGyGpDI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/XIRVxLoskQg/s1600/077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OEdSjHY7Ol0/Uew_XGyGpDI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/XIRVxLoskQg/s320/077.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Next we measured and cut a piece of foam to cover the wood frame arm visible in the picture above. When we had that cut we stapled it in place.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1_5f0omo3us/UexIa940D3I/AAAAAAAAAtg/bk3vr8OL01Q/s1600/078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1_5f0omo3us/UexIa940D3I/AAAAAAAAAtg/bk3vr8OL01Q/s320/078.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The arm already had foam on the inside so we left that as is.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wVHpfAcPoM8/UexJXmDsh-I/AAAAAAAAAts/vPnDDfqGEOg/s1600/082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wVHpfAcPoM8/UexJXmDsh-I/AAAAAAAAAts/vPnDDfqGEOg/s320/082.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We covered both of the inside arms in cotton batting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Uyn9kQtqFs/UexJ3miCFuI/AAAAAAAAAt4/v5ZmYjjsa4U/s1600/089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Uyn9kQtqFs/UexJ3miCFuI/AAAAAAAAAt4/v5ZmYjjsa4U/s320/089.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
We then measured and cut our fabric. Remember to add two inches to each side you cut. So here you'll add two inches to both of the sides, the top and the bottom. Place the fabric over the inside of the arm.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-weuPgZ3hVJA/UexMgozp3mI/AAAAAAAAAuI/GaI5oreYcnM/s1600/092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-weuPgZ3hVJA/UexMgozp3mI/AAAAAAAAAuI/GaI5oreYcnM/s320/092.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
You can see we have the needle back out (being held in the photo above). You'll need to make a straight cut this time to go around the frame arm in the front and the back. The picture below shows you where you'll want to place the needle on the backside of the arm in front.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bRPeF7hMhTE/UexNBoPuJEI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/13O3c03YUpc/s1600/093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bRPeF7hMhTE/UexNBoPuJEI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/13O3c03YUpc/s320/093.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After you've made your cuts (remember front and back) next comes the fun part - stapling! Staple the same way as before. Start in the middle, go out a few on either side, then move to the bottom and do the same. After you've made a few staples in the bottom, move back to the top. Rinse, wash, repeat. Remember to pull your fabric tight and not make any wrinkles or puckers. Stop before you get to the front and back of the arms on the top since you'll be making special curves/folds there (see later in post). Since our sofa arm is curved at the top, we made cuts in the fabric to help it go around the curve.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8f-6PCzvTIA/UexN7reGzNI/AAAAAAAAAug/L6D-8Tf5Z-c/s1600/094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8f-6PCzvTIA/UexN7reGzNI/AAAAAAAAAug/L6D-8Tf5Z-c/s320/094.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
When you've got the top (all except the very front and back) and the bottom stapled, move to the sides of arms. In back you'll need to make a special fold at the top. The style that you make this curve in is a personal preference. You can see in the picture below that we tucked our fabric under and stapled for our fold. Remember to staple back far enough to get the back of the sofa on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7vMwDrBm9Xk/UexPT6TQ3EI/AAAAAAAAAuw/AZU6soXMym8/s1600/095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7vMwDrBm9Xk/UexPT6TQ3EI/AAAAAAAAAuw/AZU6soXMym8/s320/095.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The fold in the front is also a personal preference. We wanted a clean looking fold since the couch has straight lines. We had to fiddle with it many times to get it a way we liked it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cEAf-ORi738/UexQCLhYNUI/AAAAAAAAAu4/VsJC7ZWmP6g/s1600/096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cEAf-ORi738/UexQCLhYNUI/AAAAAAAAAu4/VsJC7ZWmP6g/s320/096.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W48y9lAMuW8/UexQD6zbg7I/AAAAAAAAAvA/lTQVupFvvcY/s1600/097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W48y9lAMuW8/UexQD6zbg7I/AAAAAAAAAvA/lTQVupFvvcY/s320/097.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fgb13v-Uffg/UexQFb7IypI/AAAAAAAAAvI/_DGnENV30hU/s1600/098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fgb13v-Uffg/UexQFb7IypI/AAAAAAAAAvI/_DGnENV30hU/s320/098.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Once everything is stapled, go around and cut off the excess.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Am9nBXU59xM/UexQb_KOY3I/AAAAAAAAAvQ/aSV5VoUi1to/s1600/099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Am9nBXU59xM/UexQb_KOY3I/AAAAAAAAAvQ/aSV5VoUi1to/s320/099.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Ta-da! Now you're finished with the insides of the arms.<br />
Join us next time for another installment of the sofa re-do!Ms. Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054508362010711283noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002703962314445132.post-10318779515113682002013-07-12T08:00:00.000-04:002013-07-12T08:00:11.615-04:0060s Mod Couch Reupholster -- Installment 3Last <a href="http://betweentherafters.blogspot.com/2013/05/60s-mod-couch-reupholster-installment-2.html" target="_blank">time</a> we removed all of the old fabric off of our couch. Now it was time to get to work on the upholstering. We took notes as we were taking all of the old fabric off of the couch. I recommend that you do this as well. One thing we wrote down was the order that we removed the pieces of fabric. The reason for this is that you will want to reupholster in the reverse order. That meant the very first thing to do was to put on the seat deck and the front frame cover. For our fabric we actually ended up using a paint drop cloth which is just natural cotton canvas. This is a durable, inexpensive and easy to clean option. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Some people upholster by keeping the old pieces of fabric to use as patterns. Mom wasn't taught that way in her class. This is why you won't see us using patterns on the sofa (we did keep them for the cushions but didn't end up using them). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First thing we did was measure the width and length of the front of the frame cover. You will want to add two inches to all sides. The purpose of this is to make sure you have enough fabric. I suppose you don't have to do this if you trust your measurements but I say better safe than sorry! When you have your measurements go ahead and cut your material.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7DlGzLBCdF0/UdYJJyYIOTI/AAAAAAAAAqw/hlH17DyZGRA/s1600/061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7DlGzLBCdF0/UdYJJyYIOTI/AAAAAAAAAqw/hlH17DyZGRA/s1600/061.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Next measure from the front of the frame to the back of the couch, called the back rail. You can't actually see this piece when the couch is covered with fabric. Measure the length. Again, be sure to add two inches to all sides. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dJn2t-Qvoxk/UdYKGO3hbFI/AAAAAAAAAq8/rHkhvglhzp8/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dJn2t-Qvoxk/UdYKGO3hbFI/AAAAAAAAAq8/rHkhvglhzp8/s1600/062.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It is probably a good idea to be writing these measurements down as you go. Cut out this piece. When you have your two pieces cut, sew them together leaving an inch seam allowance. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When you have the two pieces sewn together find the center of the fabric and the center of the couch. Pin in place. Then pin the rest of the way down the couch.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i5ywdf1QZ8w/UdYKzwX8qPI/AAAAAAAAArI/WzcBq7OZ9fs/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i5ywdf1QZ8w/UdYKzwX8qPI/AAAAAAAAArI/WzcBq7OZ9fs/s1600/063.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7S0tIxleSiQ/UdYK2cXX1_I/AAAAAAAAArU/3cEf7nooPxc/s1600/064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7S0tIxleSiQ/UdYK2cXX1_I/AAAAAAAAArU/3cEf7nooPxc/s1600/064.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Once you have your fabric pinned down you'll want to take a large curved needle that's been threaded with button twine and run it through your 1 inch seam allowance, through the bottom of the couch, around the spring, and back up. Repeat down the whole length of the couch catching every spring.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1HH32fBxHn8/UdYMaNsg9HI/AAAAAAAAArk/x0UldSst_zU/s1600/065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1HH32fBxHn8/UdYMaNsg9HI/AAAAAAAAArk/x0UldSst_zU/s1600/065.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vJDs7Dh4pX0/UdYMdb6q1TI/AAAAAAAAArs/ecjWcA49xxc/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vJDs7Dh4pX0/UdYMdb6q1TI/AAAAAAAAArs/ecjWcA49xxc/s1600/033.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Once you are finished sewing the decking to the springs you are ready to start stapling. First you'll want to pull the front frame cover down and staple it to the bottom of the front rail, starting in the middle.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5t84_YaMSlk/UdYNUUNuJgI/AAAAAAAAAr4/78gTeC3Pdwc/s1600/066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5t84_YaMSlk/UdYNUUNuJgI/AAAAAAAAAr4/78gTeC3Pdwc/s1600/066.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IRAEloKmdFc/UdYNXFNlliI/AAAAAAAAAsA/sd-5nByPhpg/s1600/068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IRAEloKmdFc/UdYNXFNlliI/AAAAAAAAAsA/sd-5nByPhpg/s1600/068.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Be sure to cut around the middle couch leg.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CMs0hJEVFFk/UdYNuQlfgEI/AAAAAAAAAsI/DjBt1RI9Otw/s1600/067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CMs0hJEVFFk/UdYNuQlfgEI/AAAAAAAAAsI/DjBt1RI9Otw/s1600/067.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Start at the center and staple about half way down both sides then it's time to move to the back. Staple the same sections that you stapled in the front. Once complete move back to the front of the couch. Keep working in small sections like this, moving front to back, until you have almost the entire front and back stapled. In the back the goal is to staple the fabric to the top of the back rail. You can't see much detail from the picture, but that is what we are doing here.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GiwhmI00dFA/UdYORL1SZzI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/iPFVH90IhXY/s1600/069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GiwhmI00dFA/UdYORL1SZzI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/iPFVH90IhXY/s1600/069.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you'll remember we stopped stapling the front and the back before we got all the way to the edge. The reason for this is you'll have to make cuts in the corners to get the fabric around the frame to staple to the sides of the sofa. To do this we used a large needle and stuck it through where we would be making our cuts. You'll need to make a straight cut towards the needle. The second cut go back about an inch from the needle and then make a small cut at a 45 degree angle to the same depth as the first cut. We added a small black line to the second photo to show you where to place the cut. The purpose of the second cut is to go around the arm post. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LzPYwGvb_iI/UdYYM7X_bGI/AAAAAAAAAsg/wn2oi4N5qbU/s1600/075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LzPYwGvb_iI/UdYYM7X_bGI/AAAAAAAAAsg/wn2oi4N5qbU/s1600/075.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gHSbwwLFe5M/UdYaLHtRtLI/AAAAAAAAAs4/ZUzK7DupA-4/s1600/075--y+cut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gHSbwwLFe5M/UdYaLHtRtLI/AAAAAAAAAs4/ZUzK7DupA-4/s1600/075--y+cut.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4TYWFb4ErTM/UdYaYGP-vNI/AAAAAAAAAtA/L9FgO0lZfLU/s1600/074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4TYWFb4ErTM/UdYaYGP-vNI/AAAAAAAAAtA/L9FgO0lZfLU/s1600/074.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Pay extra attention to make sure your fabric doesn't pucker. Once you are satisfied you can start stapling the fabric to the sides. Again, start in the center and work out in small sections, alternating side to side from the center (staying on the same side of the sofa until the side is complete). After you have stapled the fabric to the front rail, the back rail and the sides you'll want to cut off the excess (remember you measured two inches extra for good measure). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You'll notice that our fabric is the same for the deck piece and the front frame cover. It isn't uncommon to have the decking be a less expensive solid piece of fabric from the rest of the sofa. Since we were using canvas we decided to just go ahead and make them the same.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now it's time to sit back and relax on your new sofa decking!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Join us next time as we upholster the sofa arms in installment 4.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Ms. Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054508362010711283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002703962314445132.post-44567100931407417612013-07-05T08:00:00.000-04:002013-07-05T08:00:05.406-04:00A Place to Settee!!My cousin has been learning to upholster at the same time I have. She brought over her own project and we would work on my project for a while and then work on her project. Unlike me, she is smart and chose something that wasn't a sofa for her first project. Her project was a settee that her dad gave to her. I can remember sitting on this when we were small children. Here are some before pictures.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eWq4Xo55g9Y/UdX0qBWEwCI/AAAAAAAAAng/iiA40ph9i5Q/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eWq4Xo55g9Y/UdX0qBWEwCI/AAAAAAAAAng/iiA40ph9i5Q/s1600/005.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ozrZ-xqNw0I/UdX0sHEe0jI/AAAAAAAAAno/X0EKJFWLcpo/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ozrZ-xqNw0I/UdX0sHEe0jI/AAAAAAAAAno/X0EKJFWLcpo/s1600/006.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aYclnvLw19E/UdX0uAbM1zI/AAAAAAAAAnw/6CUJS8YnwTw/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aYclnvLw19E/UdX0uAbM1zI/AAAAAAAAAnw/6CUJS8YnwTw/s1600/007.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
As you can see it's a beautiful piece of furniture. However, with the burnt orange velvet upholstery it was stuck in the 70's. The first thing we did of course was take off the old upholstery. Then since it was a little wobbly we went about trying to strengthen the frame. We put some glue on the joints and then strapped a belt around it to keep it in place while the glue dried. We made sure to put something on the top side of the belt so that the furniture wouldn't be scratched.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OoNIGNWIt1k/UdX1rWkEqEI/AAAAAAAAAn8/D_exDNvdGrM/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OoNIGNWIt1k/UdX1rWkEqEI/AAAAAAAAAn8/D_exDNvdGrM/s1600/008.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I find the insides of furniture fascinating (that's the sofa in the background).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FSu9aBTWrus/UdX2U6mO1UI/AAAAAAAAAoE/0tEpKEKdxZE/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FSu9aBTWrus/UdX2U6mO1UI/AAAAAAAAAoE/0tEpKEKdxZE/s1600/016.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After we took off the bottom and removed the old upholstery we took the bottom board and traced around a new piece of foam (the old was too degraded to be re-used). To cut the foam it is best to use an electric knife. No joke, an electric knife! This is a trick my mom learned in her upholstery classes. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4hQq_GwrZgs/UdX3QCTN-mI/AAAAAAAAAoU/tGHkWIV59Bo/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4hQq_GwrZgs/UdX3QCTN-mI/AAAAAAAAAoU/tGHkWIV59Bo/s1600/022.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8kRbE2UwNPM/UdX3atIQcRI/AAAAAAAAAoc/Fka5qMHv4z0/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8kRbE2UwNPM/UdX3atIQcRI/AAAAAAAAAoc/Fka5qMHv4z0/s1600/025.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QDnLM6Or8-8/UdX3cUA978I/AAAAAAAAAok/MGuAM_qOQ2k/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QDnLM6Or8-8/UdX3cUA978I/AAAAAAAAAok/MGuAM_qOQ2k/s1600/026.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We took our piece of foam and sprayed it with a spray adhesive. Next we covered it with a piece of bonded polyester cushion wrap. If you are using this spray adhesive be sure to work fast. Also, it is a little hard to remove from your hands with plain soap and water, but it will come off easily with nail polish remover.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gRXAD-w178c/UdX4SzqkCtI/AAAAAAAAAow/WYrwACR23q8/s1600/116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gRXAD-w178c/UdX4SzqkCtI/AAAAAAAAAow/WYrwACR23q8/s1600/116.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d1Uu0QPwDwk/UdX4WbXrEJI/AAAAAAAAAo4/zvbMmeelxe0/s1600/119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d1Uu0QPwDwk/UdX4WbXrEJI/AAAAAAAAAo4/zvbMmeelxe0/s1600/119.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0WUC5HVB_oc/UdX4Zjh_hnI/AAAAAAAAApA/HIy4wc3OHyo/s1600/115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0WUC5HVB_oc/UdX4Zjh_hnI/AAAAAAAAApA/HIy4wc3OHyo/s1600/115.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Next we covered the foam and poly with the cushion cover we had made from our chosen fabric.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T5oqxVpF-X4/UdX5ETuSTaI/AAAAAAAAApI/FkerX2nCDyE/s1600/120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T5oqxVpF-X4/UdX5ETuSTaI/AAAAAAAAApI/FkerX2nCDyE/s1600/120.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SmWhswtTYFU/UdX5HnfknVI/AAAAAAAAApQ/KEeoviHSaV0/s1600/122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SmWhswtTYFU/UdX5HnfknVI/AAAAAAAAApQ/KEeoviHSaV0/s1600/122.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
To cover the inside back we first put back on the old cotton batting and measured for our fabric.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cP8fJAZfhMo/UdX5hsUWZTI/AAAAAAAAApY/UyGsifUpKco/s1600/079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cP8fJAZfhMo/UdX5hsUWZTI/AAAAAAAAApY/UyGsifUpKco/s1600/079.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We found the point we had designated as the center of our fabric and pinned it in place.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XkylFpJIvmU/UdX53flWCZI/AAAAAAAAApg/zcBLKABnTFg/s1600/082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XkylFpJIvmU/UdX53flWCZI/AAAAAAAAApg/zcBLKABnTFg/s1600/082.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Next we spread out our fabric and started stapling around the edges.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GmtVaskaj2E/UdX6W2bPPQI/AAAAAAAAApo/TgIXXmsSRpc/s1600/083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GmtVaskaj2E/UdX6W2bPPQI/AAAAAAAAApo/TgIXXmsSRpc/s1600/083.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z49qy-Xatiw/UdX6ZMSBrLI/AAAAAAAAApw/n1ApV6_iVOo/s1600/085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z49qy-Xatiw/UdX6ZMSBrLI/AAAAAAAAApw/n1ApV6_iVOo/s1600/085.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bl4_TFEdpts/UdX6bdTWI0I/AAAAAAAAAp4/hzXvD9-o09Y/s1600/090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bl4_TFEdpts/UdX6bdTWI0I/AAAAAAAAAp4/hzXvD9-o09Y/s1600/090.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Once we had stapled around the fabric we cut off the excess.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u_LeumqJPQs/UdX6pad_8sI/AAAAAAAAAqA/G5Okwvt0upM/s1600/091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u_LeumqJPQs/UdX6pad_8sI/AAAAAAAAAqA/G5Okwvt0upM/s1600/091.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This piece has double cording so we hot glued it on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X47ADEzSn9s/UdX7EFveujI/AAAAAAAAAqI/i4D2oTD02Eg/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X47ADEzSn9s/UdX7EFveujI/AAAAAAAAAqI/i4D2oTD02Eg/s1600/003.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jXxdZmkyoVA/UdX7G0tLQzI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/OZJn8CGQz8Y/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jXxdZmkyoVA/UdX7G0tLQzI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/OZJn8CGQz8Y/s1600/002.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And here is the final product. Much, MUCH improved!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ARr4mFSzpc8/UdX7W99vclI/AAAAAAAAAqY/QjXHHjl2wHk/s1600/126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ARr4mFSzpc8/UdX7W99vclI/AAAAAAAAAqY/QjXHHjl2wHk/s1600/126.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o3iHiYjCD58/UdX7ZXVAGkI/AAAAAAAAAqg/9Ew4p5LbU3o/s1600/127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o3iHiYjCD58/UdX7ZXVAGkI/AAAAAAAAAqg/9Ew4p5LbU3o/s1600/127.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Ms. Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054508362010711283noreply@blogger.com0