I’ve been talking about doing an upholstery course for a while now and one of the main reasons for doing so would be to learn how to create my ideal piece of furniture, covered in my favourite fabrics. All too often I see the most beautiful chairs, sofas or footstools that cost nothing because the upholstery is ruined and I wish that I had the skills to recover it and bring it back to life. Imagine the possibilities!
I am so pleased that Clarke & Clarke is sponsoring my blog this month as it’s inspired me to dream up upholstery projects I can do without having done a course yet (one day, one day!). Many of the Clarke & Clarke SS15 fabric collections are ideal for upholstery projects so I have pored over the classical and more contemporary designs and found some of my favourites for a few projects I have had in mind for a while…
Ercol armchair in Eden Flax.
I have been obsessed with the idea of having an Ercol armchair for ages; it would be ideal in my sitting room. The subtle herringbone of this Eden fabric in Flax would work perfectly with this Ercol design classic and the colour is perfection.
Ercol daybed in Chico Aqua.
Another Ercol piece that I just can not get out of my mind is this daybed. If it were up to me I would have got rid of our sofa years ago and replaced it with this. However, Jules is not convinced that the daybed is comfy enough to be our main sofa (he doesn’t like hard arms) so I will have to wait until we have more space for this beauty. In the meantime I have chosen the Chico design in Aqua from the SS15 Zanzibar collection as the perfect fabric cover – I think the colour blends so well with the soft honey tones of the daybed frame.
Victorian blanket box in Squall Blush.
I have had my eye on an old Victorian blanket box for our bedroom as we need a bit more storage and this could happily sit at the end of our bed. I thought it would be nice to add a foam top covered in fabric to make it into a seat. The Squall fabric in this beautiful Blush colour from the new SS15 Monsoon collection would work really well with the other pinks in the room and it has a lovely texture ideal for a seat.
Finally, one tip from me, just in case you are new to choosing fabric, always make sure you request fabric swatch samples to help you choose the right design. So many of us are used to buying everything online but it is so, so difficult to do that with fabric as the colours, size of prints, texture do not translate well online. I think you need to be able to hold the fabric in your room or on the piece of furniture you want to cover to be able to judge how well it will work. Also, check it in natural daylight and at night with your lights turned on to really judge whether it works in your space. Luckily, Clarke & Clarke fabrics are available in stockists all over the country and internationally (find out where here) so I would definitely recommend going and choosing the fabric in store, if possible.
Katy x
Such a good tip about requesting samples & so very true. I’ve dabbled in a little upholstering (er, if i can even call it that) & was tempted to take on a project just the other day, but when i went to visit my local fabric shop (well, treasure trove of singer machines-swoon) to my horror it had shut down. Leaving me feeling a little lost! The internet is awesome for variety of products & price point, but nowt beats a good hands on experience, so samples are a huge must! x
Author
Totally agree! It’s really important not to rush the decision and order as many fabric swatches as you need or ideally get into store to choose x
Upholstery is such a great skill to have. Good on you – these projects take a lot of dedication. I used to do a sewing class and used to watch in awe as ladies gradually transformed their period pieces.
But what I really wanted to say is yes, I agree about the swatches. I’ve just had a Bemz sofa cover arrive and am having a ‘Lou Archell’ moment. It’s not the grey I thought. Even swatches can be deceptive. Just trying to work out if I can live with it or whether I should send it back!
Author
Oh no! I have always found a decent sized swatch is reliable but teeny tiny ones can definitely be deceptive. I hope it works out ok! X
Love that Chico Aqua fabric – gorgeous!
Author
Agreed! Love the pattern and colour x
If you need an ercol armchair to work on I have one that needs your gifted touch. And footstool. Can that be my next birthday present please? I feel we both gain from the situation. I long for an Ercol daybed but have to wait for more room. sigh
Author
In your dreams, my friend! The time it takes me to sew anything, it would have to equate to twenty years’ worth of birthday presents ; x
You can come & practice on my day bed if you fancy! I find it comfy for everyday, I have cushions at the ends. D not so much, so can’t help you on that battle I’m afraid! Beautiful fabric suggestions x
I love this chair! I wish I had it to feature in the backdrop of my home decor DIYs 🙂