Exterior Fabric Porch Window Shutter Blinds

I was challenged by this homeowner to design with them a way to shield this three season porch from the New England winters. 

                                 A way to enter and exit the two door openings is really the way to go. 

Sunbrella, marine boat topping fabric, in a color keeping with the theme of the exterior of the home was chosen for these porch window fabric shutters.

 I regularly see Sunbrella with regular use last 40 years or more. Stitched up with a # nine nylon the thread in these conditions can last about the same time, for many decades.

One of the biggest threats to the longevity of the shutters is proper storage. Mold is not much of a problem if any problem at all, it's in mice can do great damage. Rolling up the shutters as opposed to folding them, really will help keep the creases down for a nice attractive look.

With double sewn reinforcement black webbing and traditional, marine cover binding on the edge, will make these covers stand up to the mighty gusts of wind that flow off the near by lake.

                                     The proper attachment hardware choice is so important. 

                             These marine turn snaps will sure hold up in tough weather times.

 I painted the turn snaps from the chrome to a matching shade as so they won't stand out when the tops are in storage.

A #10 large tooth, nylon marine zippers that separate in the center of each doorway that's 8 feet tall allows for access from the inside or outside. With an attractive fabric lip to cover the zipper, or (slide fastener).

I admired the way the Sunbrella tailored up like a trampoline. Nice and tight and crisp.

Sure it was a challenge as the large dimensions of each exterior fabric shutter was over 8 feet tall in 7 feet wide.

With an addition of a little Mr. heater buddy, propane heater with an extended hose to a 5 gallon tank. It would make this summer porch now usable all four seasons with overhead lighting, or a table lamp.

Some folks ask about marine grade plastic windows. Window panels can be added, but it doesn't take long at all and the life of the shutters is decreased because of cracking and excessive scratching.

If you are considering improving your home with exterior fabric porch window shutter blinds. Don't hesitate to call me.

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Oak Rocker Upholstery Restoration

There are very few places in furniture that Naugahyde Patent vinyls are appropriate.

 Well, this is one of them.

   Fresh traditional strapping with the bottom springs

 hog ringed in place.

 

The top seems to have been tied 20 years or so ago. Still in good shape. I see so many traditional spring units holding up after 70 and 80 years.  Burlap is quiet and can hold up for up to 60 years or more. The horse hair after 200 years will not create dust hardly at all, and maintains its form.

                                                     The staple lines looking pretty rough.

After a good fill-in, with traditional Bondo, three screws, glue, and the support bar across the back. And soften down the bright shade with a gel stain.

                                    A woven dust covering is a must with black painted staples.

                                                    Restor-a finish. Yes, that's what it does.

All the original webbings and burlap on this inside back lasted since the day this chair was created. I figure 100 years ago, but who knows.

                Cotton padding on home furnishings soften up the cafeteria sound in a room.

This high sheen patten leather from Naugahyde really sparkles this piece. 

A banker look from the oak frame lines.

                                                             Really nice arm fronts.

                                                          Rockers are the original recliner.

I completed this job with 2 yards.

 There's a bit left over for the owner to maybe consider a small footstool in the same someday.

  

  Ready to serve.

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Mount Monadnock Comfort

Oh this 7 foot sofa with a full skirt with separate seat and back cushions sure will be a challenge.

              I added two strips to the decking below the seat cushions. It really gives it a nice look.

                                         With a thin coat of cotton and a handsewn  front seam.

Of course, the old fabric is stripped off and all the stuffings inspected with a thin coat of cotton usually. Being very careful not to over stuff the piece.

Carefully mirrored on front pleats.

     And the outsides back, and lined with overstocked fabric from my fabric library, and a thin coat of cotton.

The fabric was end cut and necessary for seams. These seam sewed up nice and clean.

And, of course, a woven dust cover.

                     Considering the floor this piece will set on I installed custom cut felt pads.

                                          Nice straight lines with the smallest piping possible.

This one piece backed & lined skirt, sure doesn't allow for much tolerance as all four sides are made, and sewn together for a one shot deal to attach to the frame

                            Surged arm covers will sure extend the life of the sofa with daily use.

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