Selfsufficientish.com

My sofa and armchair are looking rather shabby and cat-clawed. But they're so comfortable and still, otherwise, in good condition. I'd like to have them recovered but don't know where to start. Any advice on chosing a reliable upholsterer? I've asked round friends for recommendations but only found one who said they thought it was rather expensive (and I didn't think it had been done all that well). The sewing shop in Gorse Hill do it but I've no idea how good they are.

Thanks
Zoe

Don't know any close to you Thomzo, theres one in Andover which has a good name, they repaired seat springs for us.

There's a guy on the frum who used to do upholstery; he might be able to help. His forum name is Davie Crockett

Hi Thomzo,

Post a few pics and I'll give you the best options.....you could go for throws, fitted covers or a selective recover of worn bits using comparable material or even a contrast for effect.

The other thing you need to consider is the framework underneath. Many suites these days are unit built and come apart, which makes it easier to recover arms only etc. You won't know what you're dealing with until you take the bottom scrim off to have a look.

Keep us posted!

Thanks Davy, it was one of your posts that prompted me to ask the question in the first place.

I will post some pics when I can be bothered to get off the thing and go find the camera.

I have thought about making a patchwork throw. But I still haven't got around to recovering the suite in the conservatory or stripping the dining table and chairs or recovering the chairs, or replastering the cloakroom, or finishing the new hen house, or.....

Zoe

Thomzo wrote:-//- I still haven't got around to recovering the suite in the conservatory or stripping the dining table and chairs or recovering the chairs, or replastering the cloakroom, or finishing the new hen house, or.....

Zoe

that sounds like my list

And mine, but I have stripped and redone the dining room table. Always so much to do.

Zoe, this is not to put you off, but I've found reupholstering to be quite expensive (definitely not saying people overcharge, it's a skilled job) - it's worth it if you really love your chair and sofa but it might not be the cheapest option. Not saying it isn't worth doing, just to be aware! Removeable slip covers or a throw might be more cost effective.

For those of you on ravelry (I couldn't find a good non-ravelry link, sorry, I don't know if you can see it if you aren't registered), I'd love one of these. It would probably take me 5 years to knit though and cost a fortune in wool :-(.

Hi Susie
Yes, I hear what you are saying. A throw might be more effective and gives the option of changing it when I get bored or it starts to look tatty. It's also easier to clean. The only problem is finding one big enough to completely cover the sofa. All the throws and blankets I've seen are far too small. Which is why I'm thinking of making one.

I couldn't see the ravelry link without registering but just the sound of an aran armchair cover sounds great.

Zoe

how many seats on the sofa Thomzo? have you thought of kingsized bed decks? - I have a double bed sized quilted bedspread from M&S which is pretty gi-huge and I'm intending re-making into a cover for my 2seater (when I used it as a throw there was loads more than was needed)

Oh Snapdragon, thank you so much for posting the pics. I love them both. Only now you've gone and given me too much choice. Not sure about the patchwork shower head in the top pic (oh sorry it's a couple of cushions lol). I think I'd better give the knitting a miss, it won't take the cats five minutes to ruin it.

Zoe

Hi Zoe.

I am not sure which place you mean in Gorsehill, sorry. But this chap has done lots of work for us, and Kai's parents and I would really reccomend him. He doesn't have a shop but will come out to you, and he keeps all of his samples in his van.
JD Upholstery
42 Plattes Close, Swindon, Wiltshire SN5 5SA

Thames Valley, West Country
p: 01793 871808 / 07803982011
http://www.jdupholstery.com
Good luck, Nikki

Thanks, Nikki
I'll give him a call. Bizarre website but I guess it keeps the cost down.

Zoe