My Next Victim

You know how sometimes I decide to start something on a whim?

Well, today I dove into a project that’s been on my mind for a long time. Years even. I’ve been ready, but always put it off because it wasn’t a top priority. I had other more pressing issues…like broken water heaters, ugly bathrooms or hideous built ins to address first.

Well today after editing so many photos I was sure my eyes would start bleeding, I tackled that put-off project. Or…at least I started to tackle.

Here is the victim:

Age: About 55

Weight: Heavy enough that I have to grunt to pick it up

Status: Single, not part of a set…acquired from Derek’s grandmother’s estate.

I fell in love with this chair the first moment I saw it. The lines, those brads. It’s a classic piece. The fact that it is heavy and solid is a testament to its quality. The downside is that the upholstery is falling apart. The back is ripped, the seams are coming unnailed, stuffing is beginning to fall out of the loose seams. It’s gotten a little worse for the ware over the last few years and four moves. So, my friends, it is time.

I’m reupholstering!

I’ve only dabbled in the art until now. This is my first “real” piece of furniture. Up to this point I’ve only done seat covers and an ottoman.

Step one is to remove the old upholstery…being careful to keep it in full pieces in order to make a pattern later. This part proved more difficult than I had imagined. Proof of that is in the fact that I didn’t get it all removed in the two hours I ripped away this afternoon. And let me tell you, getting the upholstery off of this gem is gross work.

As I freed the fabric from the arm rests and seat a shower of decades old debris rained down on the floor. Seriously gross. Retro bobby pins, dried up rubber bands, change, candy wrappers, pocket lint, and dirt poured on to my floor. This is what I swept up after I finished for the day.

Upon examining the mess, I decided maybe this wasn’t the best project to do in the living room. I mean, I have a basement, why not make use?

Let’s just say that story didn’t end well. After grunting like Serena Williams in a heated tennis match I got the chair to the basement door, only to find that it doesn’t fit. By the time I reached that conclusion I had lifted, pushed, hoisted above the dishwasher, twisted and jiggled. To no avail.

All that to say, this project will take place in the living room. At least this way I’ll have to see it every day and be encouraged to finish it quick.