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Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Movie Scene Sofas

In most major movies in the entertainment industry if they show a scene with a sofa, the sofas are always a grand one. With an extra long length and always with a deep inside setting depth.
What has come my way for reworking is not just one but a pair of these grand sofas. These measure out at 99" in length, 41" deep and a height of 30" to be able to move through doorways. The inside sitting area is an impressive 82" wide by 25" deep.
And what great construction on the frame. Created to last hundreds of years.
This replacement fabric has a nice heavy weight to it and should wear really well.
Lots of yardage to cut off proficiently for these extra large beauties.
These pieces are probably 50 years old and were restored the last time they were upholstered, they did a nice job restoring them and I would say at least 60 years more will pass before they will need restoring again. After removing all the tacks and staples they are ready to be tailored.
The decking's all patterned and Machine sewn, with the front rail ready to be handsewn in.
A thin coat of cotton sure adds to the job.

With these extra large curved arms, setting the fabric at the right points is so important.

The inside backs have a slight curve to them. When the pair are back in their home, they set back-to-back and are the centerpiece of a great room.
 Lots of fabric sweeping to get the smooth look.
Time to knock the outsides.
All backed with new liner fabric and a thin coat of cotton underneath.






No box store dust covers allowed on these guys.
 The old pressed cardboard fronts had seen their life and in my opinion were designed too wide.
A set of four new ones made from plywood underlayment sure will do the trick.




 And now onto the seat cushions.
Lots of piping ribbon needed for the six extra large cushions.




On one of those sofas the inside where the seat cushions set it is 1/2" shorter then the other sofa. Therefore one cushion is on half inch less and is marked in the back as shown.
The seat cushions are sewn turned inside out and hand finger pressed which really helps for a nice tailored look. The quality foam and wrap has much life left in them and can be replaced with the slide of a zipper.
It sure never hurts to turn over the cushions occasionally to maintain a fresh look.
Note that the four end cushions are cut special for the back corners.
As well as the front of the end cushions are flared out.
After final inspection these pieces are ready to serve.

Proper foot glides that work in the long run, have been a little problem over the years. I'm going to install these felt glides when these sofas go back home and I'm thinking these will work great and be soft on appearance as they sit on the hardwood floors.
And they're ready for delivery.
Thanks for looking here!
Designed & tailored by David Whiton Vose.
Practical upholstery
The #1 blog in all of blogdom
For North American upholstery shops!




Monday, October 23, 2017

Wing Backs Two At A Time

These old timers sure have been on a good run. When removing the old fabrics for reupholstering there was four layers of upholstery fabric. There is lots of oxidation on the inner wood frame also.
 After removing all the staples it was time for some bonds fill.

 Back in the day, Spring bases were meant to be spongy and bouncy.
The owner would like to firm up the base.

 With a thicker mil coil spring set and a inch taller should get the frame base right.
 A few specialized tools are needed to get this job done right.
Tied nice and tight like a drum.

A traditional coat of burlap with a new nosing.
The fabric has a challenging 13 1/2 by 31 inch repeat.
Lots of advance patterning required to get this tailored up right.
The insides were restored the last time it was upholstered.
Many decades left before it needs another one.
The design of the larger chair requires removal of the wings.
Sure is nice to work in the morning sun on a beautiful fall day.
A nice clean shop makes for good clean work.

Of coarse the outsides are backed and lined with a fresh coat of cotton.

Mirror templates on all four arms.



One of my in house ottomans to add to the pair.
 Pretty nice leg finish for an upholstery guy.
Worth a note for the matching tailoring on the front of the seat cushion.


Box store furniture sure won't have a great run like these guys.
Probably 120 years and they're good to go for another run.
Thanks for looking here!
Practical upholstery
The number one blog in all of blogdom
For North American of upholstery shops.