Tips and Tricks Upholstery 101

So ya wanna do your own upholstery… Awesome! Go for it! You’ve got chutzpah! Upholstery isn’t rocket science. But a hasty approach could spell doom. With a few basic tips, you could avoid a reckless ride down Epic Failure Boulevard and a costly stay at Wasted Days Motel! (Been there, done that, got the T-shirt!) In this post, we’re not going to learn HOW to upholster, rather, we’ll look at some things to avoid, a few flair tips for points, and maybe just a hack or two for good measure! It’s Upholstery 101, and I promise there won’t be a quiz.

Part 2 Restoring a Victorian Fainting Couch – Tear Down Time

So you REALLY want to restore a fainting couch. Well welcome back! If you didn’t catch Part 1, read on. In Part 2, we’ll explore the rationale for my fabric choice, briefly explore the tear down process, and how I chose the fabric. Demo is the love-hate part for me, and you’ll soon discover why. Might be the same for you. Tell me some of your beastly tear downs in the comments. Love with no judgement here. On to the project, Her Majesty the fainting couch awaits!

DIY Glucose Test Kit Bag

Glucose Test Kit Bag Difficulty: Beginner – moderate skill level (basic sewing experience required) Let’s admit it. That glucose test kit bag that came free with your meter is pretty lame. It’s downright ugly. It may be practical, but if you have to carry it with you, it should have some swag, some style, right? In this tutorial, we’ll learn how to make a custom glucose test kit bag in under two hours (Give or take depending on your skill level!). If you’re a beginning sewist, this is a great project for you. You’ll have the opportunity to practice and…

What Would Edward Scissorhands Do? Why Good Scissors Matter

Episode 1 The War Ensues Good scissors for sewing are a thing to not be trifled with. A long time ago…1995 to be exact… in a marriage far, far away… a husband recklessly chose his wife’s good scissors reserved for sewing to strip conduit. 12 stitches later… True story. Married a smarter man who respects the good sewing scissors. Good man. A simple tool And they are; but look closer and you’ll marvel at their design. Let’s take a look at this “cutting edge” technology and learn why if you sew, good scissors matter.

Restoring a Victorian Fainting Couch – Part 1

Every once in a while, you come across something special; something so utterly splendid that you would be remiss, with a lifetime of regret for passing it up. Meet Rose! How could I not want to take her home! The opportunity to restore a Victorian fainting couch was too tempting to pass. The price closed the deal! Follow her journey from start to finish. Throughout this project, I ask and encourage you to comment here or on Facebook/Instagramn/Twitter. This is a very personal project for me, one I want to share with you. I hope it inspires you to believe…

How to Choose Upholstery Fabric (Hint…it’s not rocket science!)

Congratulations! You’ve just purchased (found, or were gifted, had dumped on, had left behind, etc.) a be…a…u…tearful couch/love seat/chair/vintage settee, again…etc. And you absolutely…HATE IT. So, the million dollar question where to start when you choose upholstery fabric. The answer is, I don’t know, because I don’t know what’s right for YOU. But, I do have what you need to know to make some informed decisions. Don’t forget to check out my recent (still ongoing) series You Made That Outta What? to help you sift through different fabric types to get a handle on their strength, versatility, and appropriate usage. Whether you’re having…

DIY Fabric Covered Privacy Window

Lots of decorating going on since we bought the farm. Too much to do! Too many windows, which means privacy is a challenge since I don’t want to cocoon the house in drapery! And then there are the door windows, which pose a unique challenge. This was my solution after a Pinterest (yep, a Pinterest idea) moment. Rather than putting a drape or a shade on the door which requires an installation, we’re going to install a window covering that is unique and will have your friends and neighbors wondering what you are doing, now that they can’t eavesdrop on…

How to Add a Pocket to “Almost” Anything (Updated reposting)

Of all the projects we post to our Pinterest, this particular one has gotten a whole lot of attention. So, in response, I’d like to first thank Robin Vines Smith for the original publication, and offer an update based on a similar project. Like Robin said, most people think adding a pocket to a garment, retail or otherwise is simply not possible or too difficult. Fact is, adding pockets to a garment isn’t all that difficult. To be truthful, it’s easier when your garment has a side seam. But you can do this with a little tweeking even to a…

How to insert a pocket in a seam – even in clothes you already have

Of all the projects we post to our Pinterest, “Adding Pockets to Any Garment” has gotten a whole lot of attention. So, in response, I’d like to first thank Robin Vines Smith for the original publication, and offer an update based on a similar project. Like Robin said, most people think adding a pocket to a garment, retail or otherwise is simply not possible or too difficult. Fact is, adding pockets to a garment isn’t all that difficult. To be truthful, it’s easier when your garment has a side seam. But you can do this with a little tweeking even…

You Made That Outta What? A Semi-Comprehensive Guide to Fabric – Part 4 Damask/Jacquard and While We’re at It, Let’s Just Talk About Brocade for Kicks and Giggles!

If I had your endless attention, I could really go deep on the subject of any fabric. Since I don’t, I’m going to do my best to just keep you entertained and teach you a little history while we’re there. No NO!! Don’t run away! There’s no quiz or paper due, I promise! So riddle me this. How are Jacquard/Damask Brocade and the modern day computer directly related? Wait, what? Yes, they are. And you’ll have to read on to learn how.