When I first got my dining set, this was the fabric that was on the cushion. I have nothing against floral, but this certainly wasn't my taste even ten years ago.
One day, back in the day, I went to JoAnn's an perused the Home Dec fabrics. Very different than the original, and very safe but much better than before!
As you can see over the years the fabric wore out and ripped. We eat dinner at the table 90% of the time. Even though the table has become my 'studio' and my machine is firmly set up 100% of the time, we still use it for nearly every meal. It can be a pain in the butt, and I don't much like having to clean up my space...since I took it over, I guess it's the least I can do!
The first step was to take the worn and ripped layer off. The hardest part was carefully taking out the staples. I used a screw driver and pliers to pop them out, but all the while I was being so careful! Last thing I needed was another accident!
What did I settle on for the new fabric? A couple months ago my daughter Britt and I went through her fabrics. I think she had an entire tote full of Home Dec fabrics, most of which she gave to me. Among her stash were 2 pieces of Anna Maria Horner Drawing Room.
There was just enough of the top color to finish the four side chairs and the bottom color would work for the two end chairs.
I stretched, pulled, folded and stapled. Over and over and over again. The back ended up looking like a hot mess, but really who will see that?!
With the first one under my belt, I was on a roll. Five more to go...
Modern fabric on not so modern chairs?! Let's just call it eclectic!
Keeping it centered was my main goal.
I think they turned out pretty good!
By the end of the day each chair had a miraculous makeover. It was easier to put off for months (years) instead of dealing with it, a lesson I learn over and over again.
I will say between removing the staples and using the staple gun was hard work! My hands and wrists were feeling it by chair number four!
I'll take thread over staples any day! It sure was a nice change and something completely different to do.
Have you ever reupholstered anything? Do you like it? I'm sticking to once every ten years and only chair cushions!
LINKING:
I nominated you for a Liebster Award! No pressure to take part, but check it out here: http://amateurlibrarian.com/2015/06/30/liebster-award/
ReplyDeleteThanks Kate! I'll try to get on it...soon!
Deletelooks great! i actually re-did my chairs a few days ago after putting the project off for about 2 years. i didn't remove the old fabric/staples though - just stapled over everything with the new fabric. i felt the same way - that it was nice to have a different fabric-related project aside from quilting.
ReplyDeleteI only took one layer off and left the lovely floral! I don't think that's cheating…in my book! It is a refreshing change to do something else besides quilting, but honestly…I'd rather be quilting!
DeleteThe update looks fantastic! I have re-upholstered the cover of a chest and made a headboard, and I was thankful both times that my husband helped out with the staple gun.
ReplyDeleteBesides the sore hands and making myself do it…I am very happy with the results! Now I will have 10 years to enjoy them before they wear out again. Reupholstering uncomplicated this is pretty easy and the end results are always worth it. You were lucky to have you husband's help. Mine walked by and gave me the thumbs up! In his defense he does work from home and was working!!
DeleteJust beautiful and so modern quilt looking! Great job!!!
ReplyDeleteIt was a great transformation! Besides just making myself take the time to do it and the sore hands, it was so worth it in the end!
DeleteI really like these chairs, what a fun makeover!
ReplyDeleteIt was a very over due makeover, but well worth it!
DeleteThey look awesome! Great job.
ReplyDeleteIt was well worth it, a tough job and I'm so happy I finally did it! One of these days I may actually learn not to put off such things!
DeleteThese look fabulous. Love the wall colour too. I have dining chairs I covered in vinyl to child proof them, but i am thinking now my kids are older, a funky fabric would be perfect. One day .....
ReplyDeleteVinyl is a necessary evil sometimes!! You will be so happy after you change it! I kept putting it off and putting it off, until I had to deal with it. I love the transformation and besides sore hands, very worth the effort!
DeleteIt is amazing how that mod fabric goes with the chair design; I think it is the narrow spindles in the back that make it work. I've had projects that took much less energy than stewing about them did.
ReplyDeleteI once reupholstered a hide-a-bed. I was really lucky. I was in K-Mart at the announcement of a Blue Light Special (do they still do that? is there still a KMart?)--they were closing out upholstery fabrid at $0.25/yard. I"d not measured and figured yet, but at that price, overbuying was not a problem. I think I bought a 10 yard piece and another. Also at that price, I wasn't worried about making a mistake.
I know exactly what you mean! It is so much easier putting something you really don't want to deal with off!
DeleteThe chairs look great! I would never even be able to do something like that myself. You should be very proud of yourself.
ReplyDeleteLooks fab!!
ReplyDeleteI think they look fabulous!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis certainly was one of those projects that was put off far too long! It is off my list and hopefully the new cushions will last another ten years!
DeleteThe chairs look fantastic!! Great makeover, Jayne!!
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I love the old chair/modern fabric combination: they look fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThese turned out fantastic! Reupholstering scares me, but you nailed it! Or should I say...stapled it! ;)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous chairs Jayne. I'm very impressed.
ReplyDeleteI love the combination of old chairs/modern fabric. These look fabulous! I've done similar cushion upholstery a few times as well as loose cushions, but nothing as vibrant as yours.
ReplyDeletethese chairs look awesome! the fabric is perfect!
ReplyDeletecutpiecequilt.wordpress.com
Love your chairs. And yep, I have recovered our breakfast table chairs many times. We gave the set to our neice three years ago when we downsized and when I was at her house recently I realized how much my tastes have changed too! I love your modern fabric choice. Well done. And when you get tired of it, just do it again.
ReplyDeleteIt was hard as far as the stapling and taking staples out, but sure is a great way to change up the decor! I hope to not do it for another ten years however!
DeleteExcellent work Jayne, love the new chair seats and really love that you made them like quilts - so cool! I agree, your taste is great!
ReplyDeleteEclectic and brilliant Jayne - that's just the best combination! Your chairs turned out so awesome!
ReplyDeleteEvery ten years? Well, then, I am 5 years overdue... I love the fabric on my chairs currently - and my kitchen walls are the same bold rose-red as yours appear to be. If I could find some awesome mod fabric like yours, I might take the plunge.
ReplyDeleteCan you tell I am finally browsing your blog!! (Where have I been?) anyway...I made a cute selvedge cushion for my sewing chair, and covered two cane bottomed chairs in blue leather, but that is the extent of my "reupholstering" experience...your chairs are super great! I bet the whole room looks happier now!
ReplyDeleteThose are so YOU!
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