Thursday, March 11, 2010

A chair symphony in four parts…Or…are you bored yet?



For those that asked for finished pics…

you know who you are

Yes I did it myself. Yes I am a total amateur. You can do this too. Promise.


I only needed one band-aid.

It all started with a thrift store find…that I sat In, walked away from, sat in again


and decided I would adopt .




chair0113


I didn’t like the upholstery and probably it didn’t like me either. If we are being completely honest.

Had no clue what I wanted…was thinking textural, non-color…perhaps a thick linen.

You all came up with GREAT ideas. Love ya for that!


Had no place to put it either.
But you know when these kinda things wiggle their way into your heart…it all works out. somehow.




chair003_thumb1




Big Butt in all her fur laden glory


I have upholstered some couches in the past…but never a chair like this

This didn’t have any way to cheatto just staple the fabric underneath like the couches did.

I knew I would just have to pull it apart starting with the double welting (the cord going along the bottom.


I never knew it was just glued on. REALLY glued on tight!


suck it up big butt…give me your dayum welting!




IMG_4852




With the welting off I began prying off the fabric…which is stapled on with at least

56,334,987 staples. I counted. I know.


IMG_4853


I wanted to take it off carefully so I could then use each piece as a pattern. by the time I got to the 56,000,000 th staple
I was ripping at it like a caged baboon.

*Tip: It helped to iron it after it was off.




IMG_4850




Serendipity allowed me to find this fabric for a mere 4 bucks a yard.


wild. yes. subdued and non color. no

But with your urging…again I love you’se guy


The marriage was planned. Big Butt was none the wiser.


Now normally one wouldn’t use such a large pattern on such a big butt…I’m sure Big butt would have demurely prefered a neutral linen

or black…to make her butt look smaller.

But she didn’t have a choice in the matter.




IMG_4047


With all the pieces off and velvet cut I realized I still didn’t have enough. So came up with a plan to make it look like it was the plan all along. Follow?


Fake it till ya make it mentality. I had some great thick cotton/linen-ish material left over from another unfunded mandate,er… project.


Perfect…in an imperfect kind of way. And free.

Away I went covering the bottom and stapling. Only my staples were thick and cumbersome. And I am pretty sure I called them even worse names.


Start at the bottom…do the inside then the outside arms…then the back.

baboon’s know this drill.




IMG_4857


The inside arms were tough little suckers




IMG_4859




There was webbing and stuffing and just stuff that wasn’t invited




to the friggin’ upholstery party. My inner baboon was rising to the surface again.




IMG_4860




I think that is where I stopped.




Until I kept tripping over it day in and day out.




**It helps to upholster in a major family walkway it makes the whole process more dramatic. And hard to forget that you quit.




::Cheat alert::

**Here is my biggest and best cheat trick. Go to your nearest friendly upholsterer and bring them a yard of fabric and ask them to make double welting for you.

double welting is your friend. Double welting is hard to make on a regular machine.


I guessed at four yards, and had 6 inches to spare. fake it till you make it.


Double welting at my local upholsterer cost 5 bucks.




do it.




Then I just glued the precious welt right over the tacks and staples with a hot glue gun.


yeah. Hot glue gun. Who knew

double welting lady knew.



IMG_5049-1


I used tacks at the top to hold the fabric better…

and decided to use decorative tacks on the linen pieces

to make up for allowing her butt to look big.




IMG_5034


they are called a french chain glamorous, no? and come in a strip where you nail in every fourth tack. Much easier than trying to nail each one


find them here



but in many places you will need to nail each one in.




IMG_5033


IMG_5049-2

I had the pillow made from enhabiten before I even found the fabric. Cool,eh?


it’s filled with lavender and flax seed.

it’s heavy. It’s happy.




IMG_5305-1

Psssst...Anon Susan...That pic above is for you.






IMG_5287


Ole' fat ass is officially done.

kinda funky…but she’ll fit in this funky abode quite nicely.


DONE...give me a woofreakinhoo!

88 comments:

Helen said...

I am bowing down to you ~ this is magnificent.

Silvia said...

amazing!!!!!!!beautiful job and i love the fabric...
awesome.

Jessica @ Lavender and Lilies said...

You have totally inspired me. I have a chair that desperately needs recovering and now I think I can tackle it on my own.

La Petite Gallery said...

DYNAMITE !!!! GO GIRL...
You did an undertaking I would never even try. That was a hard chair to do. Bang up job..
like the flame stitch and colors.
yvonne

Blue Muse said...

Sister of the inner baboon circle - I am so SO impressed. I love the two fabrics - you did a great job making lemonade! If you and big butt find any other issues you don't like about each other, you can send her to California for some tough love... I know just the house... hehe.
Seriously, fantastic job. I love your blackboard and what is on it, too. =)
I have missed you!
xo Isa

Kate Riley said...

OMG I love that chair so much. I feel your pain about the gazillion staples ! I am taking away two brilliant tips from you today - have the double cording done by a professional and fill my pillows with lavender. Thanks for the inspirational ideas and hella funny story. You cracked me up today !

Kate

Patti @ Pandoras Box said...

This is just a grand accomplishment! Just beautiful!

ashlina {the decorista} said...

oh my oh my oh my.i am obsessed with what you have done. that is fantastic!

Melissa said...

WOOFREAKINHOO!!!!

Looks great!

Julia @ Hooked on Houses said...

Gorgeous! I am so impressed, Linda. I've never tackled anything like that. I'll gladly give you a "woofreakinhoo!"

Fargerike Dagny said...

I love it! Now come to Norway and do my chaise! (hehe... :))

Deborah said...

woofreakinhoo!woofreakinhoo!woofreakinhoo! She's bringin' Big Butt Back. Not bored one bit.
**kisskiss** Deb

rjerdee said...

the most photographed chair in history!!! As a do-it-yourself magazine editor, you make me proud!

Michelle said...

wooooo hooooooooooooooo

LYNDA QUINTERO-DAVIDS said...

THAT my friend deserves more than just a woofrickinwoo!! What vision... what execution... what follow through and perseverance!!

That's UNFRICKINBELEIVABLE... esp. considering as you say, you are an armature! CONGRATS on your find and wonderful accomplishment!

AMAZING...
:D Lynda
http://nyclq-focalpoint.blogspot.com

Farmgirl Paints said...

WOOHOO!!!! Thank you for showing the whole process!!!! I have a sofa that I slipcovered years ago, with a nice older lady who knew what she was doing. The thought of tackling that on my own seems downright scary, but you made it seem easy.

I LOVE your chair...that pineapple painting and that chalkboard! The whole thing is just gorgeous. You have to be sooo proud of yourself:)

erin's art and gardens said...

i love big butts and i can not lie! whoo-freakin-who-de-doo-doo!! love it!

bluehydrangea said...

You did this yourself???!!! Amazing!! I wish I had 1/10 of your talent!!

Karen Deborah said...

As you would say DAYUM! Shoot fire woman you did it! It's finished! Really a parade would have been perfectly in order...
I love it and you put it in just the right spot. With all of my baking lately I need a big butt chair.....

Karen @ Mignardise said...

You totally crack me up. This is such an awesome post/project. Great job!

katiedid said...

Congrats! Lovely, lovely! I can't imagine doing this myself. I attempted a slipcover once....never again. It looks perfect!!!

Catherine said...

YOUR CHAIR LOOKS GORGEOUS - WELL DONE! And you're my hero. I couldn't even manage a vanity bench - which was square and only needed staples. Trina

Anonymous said...

Your chair looks fabulous! ANNNND THANK YOU sooooooooo much for FINALLY showing a full on picture of my (I mean your) pineapple painting! It is even more beautiful than I thought it would be. I have been thinking that maybe something was wrong with the top of the painting and you were ashamed of it but now I know that you were just trying to keep me from coming to Florida and stealing it!! I still think that your art would look better in my house!!! I'm just saying 'think about it'!!

Anon Susan

Chris said...

WOOFREAKINHOO!!! I was hanging on your every word. Double welting for $5.00??? Who knew? I am SO not bored with Big Butt, and I'm glad you posted this!

LuLo Designs/Blue Eyed Tango said...

Your chair looks great! I'm glad I popped over tonight.

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

NEVAH bored, always enlightened when I visit you, sweet friend! I hope you will not mind the link love I give you in tomorrow post!
Thanks for linking up to Thrifty Thursday and sharing this week! I hope you will come back to visit me soon. If you haven't already, be sure to enter the giveaway.

Have a wonderful weekend.
HUGS!
Leigh
Tales from Bloggeritaville
www.lbratina.blogspot.com

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

It really does look fabulous! Love the splash of RED! You did GREAT! Kudos to you! ♥

Yansy said...

Amazing job! I'm in love and I want one of my own. Love the fabric!

Acanthus and Acorn said...

Clapping and Cheering from my end...you know I am in love with this chair. Now I appreciate it even more. If that was me doing it...afraid swearing would be involved!

vignette design said...

I am sooooo impressed! I absolutely love this chair! I love how you upholstered it in two fabrics, nailheaded it and double welted the flame stitch fabric.
Pat yourself on the back! You deserve it! Woofreakinhoo!

Cobalt Violet said...

Right on!!! Love when you go above and beyond and there is a huge payoff!!! All of that work and effort and A LOT to show for it!

Simply Fan-frigging-tastic. You are the coolest.

Mary said...

woo hoo - you give me hope

Renae Moore said...

You are sooo shhhmart! Love what you did and like your little hint of getting an upholsterer to make the welting! I have made it before and it's definitely a pain in the buttocks!
xx

Ken said...

WOO HOO!!! Love the fabric. But I have to say I'm a little scared. I came home with my own big butt last week. It's a little less involved than yours- exposed wood arms, legs and the back side of the back. But still the same elements- thanks so much for the double welting tip! I was wondering what to do about that!

Bonnie @ House of Grace said...

AWESOME POST!!!!!!!! I AM TOTALLY GOING TO FOLLOW YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
Bonnie
http://creatingahouseofgrace.blogspot.com

Tracy Watier said...

Seriously. You did that yourself without "knowing" what you were doing? I'm so impressed!
I have a very similar chair in my bedroom (open arms though) and I'm thinking... that maybe I could actually redo it myself this time. Maybe. At least now I'll actually consider it possible.
Fantastic job. And beautiful fabric btw.

sue@solsticehome said...

WOOFREAKINHOO!! WOOFREAKINHOO...how many times can I say that in this comment box.
and you said my post inspired you?!?
lady, you kicked major butt on this one.
I'm becoming a follower, maybe some of this butt kicking will rub off on me.
many thanks for the comment on my blog

Lisa said...

Okay the post by Ken is actually by me. I was trying to help my father-in-law remember his email and password! (He's 89). Anyway, he'd be surprised to see his name on this blog!

Joyce said...

Linda this is so COOL! Is cool a cool word now a days?! I love it! You did a grrrreat job. Love the color and fabric. xo

vicki archer said...

That is the best makeover I have seen....she looks brilliant and so are you for persevering. Have a wonderful weekend Linda, xv.

Jane said...

I LOVE your blog! I love the way you write - it cracks me up and brings a cheer to my day PLUS is inspirational and I'm so impressed with the chair. It loooks fab. A big pat on the back, girl!

Kimbydee said...

Love it!! I live right across the state from you so if you ever want to find a home for big butt I'll be second in line after Blue Muse...I really love happy accidents like the linen sides and back, it totally makes the chair! I LOVE BIG BUTTS and I cannot lie. LOL

Renée Finberg said...

you did a great job.
i love the lumbar pillow, the big chalkboard, ....everything!!!

beautiful.

xx

Pat@BPM said...

It's beautiful just as I knew it would be. I love that shot with the painting and the chalk board. Perfection, Linda!

Talking about something getting into your head! We were at a favorite antique shop yesterday, where I found a cute little wicker chair at a good price plus a little discount, for the condo pink makeover. While there, I spied a round table and four chairs. I can't get it out of my head. I even figured out just how I can use it. I'm sitting here thinking of it as I type. I can see it in the hearth room. I'm going back to the shop and put it in layaway... The reasoning behind that is, I missed out on a beautiful 1950's french provincial style server, with drop leaves and wire doors and oh my...I looked at it for months. I went back to see if it was there and it was not.:-( Therefore, I'm putting some money down on that table and four chairs...it's been in my mind too long now. It will probably be gone when I get there, so I had better get going, just in case!!

Ivy Lane said...

YIPPEE KAI YAYE!!!!!!! awesome ass chair Linda! you rock!!!!

Low Tide High Style said...

Holy moly, I'm in awe! That is one beautiful, bright, bangin, big butt chair! I'm lovin' the fabric, the pillow, the tacks...ok, everything!

Kat :)

Bonnie said...

I am in total awe at your tackle of ole miss big butt... I would never, ever, ever be so brave and I am just... ok... in awe. Amazing!!! Beautiful!! Congrats on the "big win!" :)

♥Frann♥ said...

WHT A LOVELY BLOG,I ENJOYED SO MUCH READ SUM OF THE POSTS,CONGRATS.A GREAT WEEKEND(=^▽^=)

Sally@DivineDistractions.blogspot.com said...

I'm totally impressed! I've done a little upholstery work, and I don't have the confidence to attack that chair! It looks great! I love the IKat...wish I could get more clients to take the risk and use it. I'm going to show your chair, and I'm sure I'll have a taker or two. Congrats on a great new chair!

Unknown said...

wow! officially impressed. thanks for chairing and with such charm

dearabbyleigh

Maria Killam said...

Hey that first one was the french blue I've been talking about! Love the transformation of the chair!! Stunning!

Lisa Porter said...

Thank you thank you thank you!!!
Ok I had to read through twice as your classic coconut comments (you read my mind) get me every time.
I am printing out the stp-by-step instructions and buying my own box of Scooby Milo Doo band aids! Wish me luck...oh and don't even think about asking me to document my re-do.
xoxo Lisa

Lisa Porter said...

Shared this fantastic & funny post on my Face Book.
xo Lisa

Dumbwit Tellher said...

You are my new hero Linda. Woofreakindoo it is and you did it using only one band-aid. You've given me great inspiration as I have two pieces to tackle. I hope I can do it with your sense of humor however. The welting idea was amazing advice. Boy do I appreciate it as I would of tried taking that one on too. Thank you and I adore our sense of humor!

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

So glad I found your beautiful and whimsical blog. That chair is just delish with all it's awesome colors and texture. What a great job you did. Can't wait to look at more of your blog.

Ashley Schott said...

OMG I'm in LOVE!!!! The fabric you choose is amazing, the chair itself is amazing and you're amazing for pulling the whole thing off! It's really gorgeous.
I'm having a giveaway if you'd like to pop over and check it out:)

mrs mediocrity said...

Really beautiful! and unique which I like even better...

Visual Vamp said...

Late to the big butt party, but I love how it came out!!
And I love the whole process!
Even if it tortured you!
Wish I could use double welting to hide all my sins ha ha!
xo xo

SeaWorthy said...

you KILL me!
double welting, name calling AND the tacs..
Jew luuuk mahhhhvelous, dahlink.




SHOW OFF!

Barbie said...

That is one amazing chair! And no... I don't believe I could do that! You have talent.

BTW, thanks for visiting my blog today. :-)

Lamp Tramp said...

You make it sound do easy! I know it's not, strugling with a reup job right now! Thanks for the inspiration, you ROCK!

Gwen Driscoll said...

You are TOTALLY amazing. I would give anything to be a DIYer. I've tried, I've failed and failed and failed. So respect you for your prowess! You go sister! Have missed talking with you. Happy Weekend.

G

SarahWhite said...

Reminds me of that song...Fat bottomed girls you make the rockin' world go round...

Amazing. I cannot believe...but then again...of course I believe...YOU did that yourself. Awesome, and I love the welting tip. I've been staring at 2 of my chairs lately...pondering the DIY thing. You make it seem possible!

Poor Anon Susan...she's in for lots of begging isn't she? Should I just go ahead and inform her of your opinion on that? Susan...I have been asking for a painting of hers for years now. She WILL NOT SHARE. Told me to just "get over it" recently. Nice, huh? I bet she didn't play nice in the sandbox growing up either. ;)

Lurve you Linda! :)

Millie said...

Now dear Linda, go straight over to Big Butt with a role of adhesive stickers, write the name of your favourite child on one & stick that baby to the underside of that gorgeous chair. This will save a court case when the all kids are arguing over who gets it in the Will!!!!
Millie ^_^

Kifus said...

Congratulations! What a great job! Chapeau my dear!

Unknown said...

Your "tutorial" has me convinced that I can never do this on my own...but your efforts have paid off spectacularly! Even that lavendar pillow looks perfect...very jealous, enjoy your gorgeous results!

Be Colorful Coastal said...

This is one of my faves that I've seen here today. I really didn't MIND the before picture but being the color evangelist that I am I adore the after picture. I am also crushing on the chalkboard in the background. I love to put words on my pieces so this "spoke" to me. :) Thanks for sharing.
Pam

A Perfect Gray said...

sweet lady, you just killed me with that one. that chair! that fabric! love it every bit!

Erica Cook said...

This chair is simply gorgeous. I see you have a million comments and we're all chiming in with the same things but had to add my two cents. BEAUTIFUL! :)

Sirkka´s photo and art said...

Really nice

EDYTA & CO. INTERIOR DESIGN said...

Great job on reupholstering this piece!! It looks fantastic.

~Edyta
http://edytaandco.blogspot.com/

DesignTies said...

WOW!!! Big butt looks FAB-U-LOUS!!!! You did an awesome job -- love the bright & bold fabric and the nailhead trim.

I have to say it again -- AWESOME!!!

And great narration to go along with the bug butt makeover :-)

Kelly

Anonymous said...

GORGEOUS chair! AMAZING job! I love the fabric you chose and thanks for the step by step.

I've enjoyed reading through your whole blog!

Sarah

Erica Cook said...

thanks for visiting my blog and for the lovely compliment! I look forward to seeing you there again soon! I like yours so much I'll be following. xo

Anonymous said...

OMG!!! this is amazing. you are the businezz. believe it. I too bow down to the Queen.

Anonymous said...

OMG!!! this is amazing. you are the businezz. believe it. I too bow down to the Queen.

Jen Kershner said...

That chair is too gorgeous for words and I am pea green with envy over your mad skills!

Mary said...

WOW. I am impressed beyond words! I think you are my new hero! Looks great :)

Linda Lou said...

Woo-Hoo Linda - great job, I never could have done anything close to that...give yourself a big pat on the back-maybe its a new career-upholsterer extraordinaire!

Jenna @ Mi Vida Bonita said...

WooooooHOOOOOOO that chair is beautiful! I love your fabric choice! :)

sanjeet said...

You have totally inspired me. I have a chair that desperately needs
data entry india

Kathysue said...

OMG!! I love this chair, you did an amazing job and almost made me think I could do it!! Love the two fabrics together, truly, wonderful!! Great idea about the welting. I love a double welt!! Very clever lady!! Kathysue

3 Peanuts said...

woofreakinhoo!!!! I am drooiling on the screen. I love big butt!!!! i would never have dreamed up that beautiful combination but it is divine!!!!!!!! Job WELL done! Makes me want to go looking in my thrift stores today!

Unknown said...

Just found this blog the other day and I've come back and re-read this post at least 3 times. Amazing. You may have just given me the courage to find something hideous on Craigslist and leave it in a major walkway until I recover it. Thanks for the tips and inspiration.

Pistachio said...

Oh my god. You, you are very brave to take this on. You did a beautiful job!

OneSwede said...

So impressed! Did you sew the cover for the pillow yourself??

Martha said...

Beautiful! What an amazing fabric, and $4 a yard???!!! I found it at this url for $361.00 a yard, you got a smoking bargain! http://www.insidefabric.com/p-683943-173552-tashkent-velvet-ikat-jewel-by-f-schumacher.aspx

Martha said...

Beautiful! What an amazing fabric, and $4 a yard???!!! I found it at this url for $361.00 a yard, you got a smoking bargain! http://www.insidefabric.com/p-683943-173552-tashkent-velvet-ikat-jewel-by-f-schumacher.aspx

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails