The Couch, How It Started
Having a love for and a gift with hammers and tools in general, I find upholstery to be a very satisfying craft. Several years ago, I took a beginner’s class at Austin Community College and have learned a lot on my own since then as well. Mostly looking at books and using my best problem solving skills, I’ve redone three chairs of various sizes and styles and a footstool. There are plans for one day making my own fabric for a more artsy approach to upholstery, but that’s for another time.
Several years ago, I agreed to take on a monster reupholstery project for a good friend in trade for my branding designs (Hi, Kevin!). I very quickly wound up with an awesome logo, website, and business cards. By quickly, I mean several meetings over a few months and Kevin’s excellent skills and time devoted to bringing my vague requests to life. It was fast, though, compared to the length of time I was in possession of The Couch. The eight foot long sofa was of an era that is more hideous than cool, and the work to be done was overwhelming in size and scope. The original arms were curled and short—very dated and not the clean look I imagined for the owner. I have a hard time sewing anything square, so the loose seat cushions had to go. The frame was sturdy, though, and the legs could easily be replaced if necessary. I could see a really fantastic piece of furniture in there.
Still considering myself a beginner, I requested that the new fabric be solid and without any pattern. I wanted to be as careful and neat as my friend had been with my logo and such, so I really, really took my time. More hours were spent thinking about The Couch than physically working on it, but to a pretty fantastic result. It was a grueling 56 hours of work, but an even more lumbering year and a half of working on it when I could. Or when I just made myself get in there and do something to it.
Tune in later for more on the journey of The Couch…
This is the only before picture we could find. Gross, huh?
Themocracy
Nice, I was hoping you would write a series on this project.
By the way, for future upholstery projects, did I point you towards this company, or did you already know of them, perhaps? http://modgreenpod.com — they’re based here in Austin.
It’s absolutely beautiful and it seems to match their style perfectly. Great work Merritt!
Not at all sure how I got to your blog, but I’m so glad to have! Darn that the Austin Handmade Mkt. is closing! Do you know why? Is there a photo of Kevin’s couch After? yes, the Before is Gross! that’s why I’d like to see After. ‘bye for now!
Yowza! The before picture is definitely a statement piece. It’s statement is,”Hey, don’t worry about barfing on me… nobody will see it.” I get dizzy looking at it. Can’t wait to see the After…