Top 5 Mistakes DIY’ers Make When ReUpholstering

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As an uncertain economy and a desire to be more self-sufficient leads the hands of  many consumers into the appealing yet often pre-mature world of DIY’ers, the need for a guided professional approach continues to grow. And while preserving one’s spending by doing-it-yourself certainly makes sense when on a budget, often times creatives wind up spending much more than planned in time and money. In the end, winding up frustrated, broke, and with an unfinished project still sitting there. From the results of improper measuring methods and careless evaluation of reupholstery needs, to poor fabric choices and underestimated project complexity, no matter what situation applies, learn to avoid the following do-it-yourself furniture reupholstery mistakes to increase your chances for a successful outcome.

MacKenzie Childs Inspired DIY Home Decor

 

Inspired by the whimsical and quirky stylings of MacKenzie Childs, the mixing and matching of complimentary palates with contrasting prints offers a baseline theme to build creatively on in this inspiring layout featuring stripes, plaids, and polka dots in a pastel color wave.

Vibrantly hued accents are like candy for the eyes! Orange and pink polka dots provide a playful contrast to both the granny apple green /white swirls and the black/white stripes. An accent table goes from so-so to so-fun when embellished with rickrack-bordered fabric on top and coordinating print on the drawer facing. A no-sew striped pillow cover offers an added comfort to a seating staple. Accented with black beaded trim, the flirty lampshade in pink/white offers is share of feminine charm. For eye-catching artwork that can be hung on a wall or placed on a tabletop, fuse your choice of fabric onto an artist canvas and applique a flower in the center.

 

Who Will Save The Slow-Furnishing Industry?

With a fast-furnishing trend influencing consumer purchase of cheaply made and inexpensively priced home fittings, a demand for a more eco-sustainable, value-driven way of decorating our homes simmers on the back burner, awaiting its (re)turn to the forefront again. Enter the scrappers, grassroots DIY’ers, experienced artisans, seasoned wood-crafters, and novices of slow-furnishing in the making.

Like fast-fashion, fast-furnishing offers seemingly fashionable furniture that is quickly produced using cheap materials. Often times it is manufactured overseas where exploited workers from underprivileged countries are paid pennies to produce, and the price tags left hanging once stateside offer a great look at a great price, along with a guilt-free disposable mentality.  What more could a style conscious consumer on a budget want, right?

DIY Cabana With a Little Help from Summderdale


 

While Barry Manilow’s popular hit song from the 80’s warned couples not to fall in love at the CopaCabana , when it comes to taking in the outdoors in style, the wish for a cabana you can’t help but fall in love with is just what the doctor ordered as the lazy, hazy days of summer roll in.

The Four ‘R’s of Eco-Friendly Upholstering

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When we consider some of the eco-friendly upholstering terms used by craftsmen in the field , there are certain ones that have served our planet long before the  Go Green Movement began. Just as they have served us then, they continue to serve us now and into the future. If we let them. From RE-purposing and RE-finishing to RE-upholstering and RE-storation, at  J&O-Summerdale Fabrics we are always finding old and new ways to make use of some of such life saving options when it comes to fabric textiles and furnishings. Below are the top four  ‘R’s’ of  Eco-Friendly Upholstering defined. We know they will surely continue to gain popularity on the tongue and use over time.  After all, Mother Earth is depending on it.

B.Diana Smith: Creating Cultivated Experiences

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The old saying ” Home is where the heart is,” is more than just a proverb for Beth Diana Smith. For this dream weaver behind Beth Diana Smith Interior Designs, it is an outward expression of an inner vision that has made her one of the most sought after designers in her league. A self-described ‘eclectic visionary’, when it comes to creating cultivated experiences for both her clients as well as herself, functional comfort and inspirational pieces are key.

 


Save A Life, Adopt-A-Fabric Today!

With her cotton/polyester blend of fibers and water-repellent finish, Aruba Getaway II Stripes Outdoor is a versatile and colorful fabric that loves the great outdoors, being the center of attention, and showing off her many talents. Looking to add some spice to your life?

The perfect parent for this vibrant fabric has creative vision and plenty of patio cushions to cover. When you adopt-a-fabric like Aruba Getaway II Stripes Outdoor,  it’s a win-win situation for both, for a little bit of love and a home of her own is all this happy fabric needs.

D.I.Y. Fabric Wall Hangings

 

Some people like photographic art. Others like abstract. And then there are those who get their artistic fix merely off of fabric. They stop at every fabric store in every town they ever visit. They sniff out garage sales seeking hidden textile finds like bloodhounds on a trail. They have even been known to spend hundreds of dollars for the fabric of their eye. And just like great art, their sought after rewards do more than grace love seats, tossed pillows, or adorn perfectly fashioned bodies….They hang on walls.

Carhartt Canvas Fabric: Born and Worn In the USA

 

If you know anything about  Carhartt Canvas, you know there is no fabric more cut out to handle the wear and tear it often withstands in upholstery, work gear, outerwear and footing applications. Born from a mill whose name stamp has become synonymous with durability and soft handed flexibility, this gorgeous, high-quality material is the stuff that strong reputations are built off of.

With the rights to boast over 128 years of consistent manufacturing in the USA, Carhartt proudly has no intentions of producing their products anywhere else . Why? Because for them and their over 2,000 employees, crafting American-made products is an important part of Carhartt’s DNA and important to the hardworking American towns where they built their business.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade…A Countdown to Project Completion.

 

This November 22nd will mark the 94th anniversary of the Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. A tradition started back in 1924, this highly publicized ensemble of larger than life balloons featuring popular movie characters, magnificent floats, and entertaining performers from around the nation draws over 22 million television viewers and a sea of brave onlookers straddling the often cold parade route thru the streets of Manhattan with child-like anticipation of the final hallmarked Snoopy balloon at the processions end. An unofficial segue into the Christmas holiday season, not only is it a festive occasion and a parade of fabulous fabrics, but a reminder to quilters, artisans and craftsmen that the countdown to completion (or maybe the start) of their projects has now begun.