Q: Do you sell fabric? How much do I need?
At this time, I only have two recommended fabric suppliers: Revolution Fabrics, and Greenhouse Fabrics, both based out of North Carolina. Feel free to browse their websites and see if they have something you like.
https://revolutionfabrics.com/
https://www.greenhousefabrics.com/
Of course you're welcome to shop around. I do recommend the area shops that specialize in decorator fabrics - Bella Vista in Murfreesboro and Fabric House in Nashville. I've had good experiences with both.
The best way to get the most accurate fabric estimate is to send me a photo - with measurements if possible! But I also know that not everyone keeps a tape measure in their junk drawer, so do your best to give me a sense of whether it's especially bulky or oversized. That means more fabric.
There are a number of standard upholstery yardage charts floating around the internet. Note that these will give minimum yardages in a solid color fabric. If you're planning on using a patterned fabric or if your furniture is bigger than your granny's, you'll need more than what they show there. Ask! Running short on fabric is no fun for you or for me.
Q: How long does it take?
It depends on how busy I am, but generally speaking, once I have your furniture I'd like to get it back to you in two to three weeks. Naturally, multiple pieces or complex projects will take longer, while small pieces and cushion orders can often be turned around more quickly.
The fall run-up to the holiday season is my busiest time, so if you have some festivities planned, try to get an early start.
Q: I want to paint/refinish - do I do that before or after it's upholstered?
A little of both. Upholstery needs to overlap the finished woodwork, so you'll want to remove any trim and cut back the fabric before you refinish. Once the finish or paint are dry (and preferably cured), I'll dress your piece in it's new look. If you've painted, be sure to send a sample in case I need to do some touch ups.
Q: Can you fix my springs?
Almost certainly. A lot of spring problems stem from worn out ties or webbing, which are simple if sometimes time consuming to replace. If necessary, I can also replace broken springs or no-sags. I'll let you know if I open up your furniture and find it's more work than I estimated.
Q: My cushions are worn out/uncomfortable - can you make new inserts?
Yes. Let's talk options! Most contemporary cushions use foam, soft fill, and/or down, although older cushions may use cotton, kapok, or even contain springs! I'm happy to modify what you have, upgrade worn materials, or replace them. There is a non-refundable deposit for new materials.
Q: I have wood/wicker furniture or a window seat with no cushions - can you create some?
Sure thing! I'll need to have some measurements or make some templates off the furniture itself. Generally speaking, seat cushions are really straightforward but back cushions can take some experimentation to get comfortable, especially if the chair has a curved back. There is a non-refundable deposit for new materials.
Q: Can you modify my furniture?
Maybe. I'll have to look at it and see what kind of "bone structure" it has. Most of that I can tell by looking and touching, but sometimes I don't know what I'm in for until I start opening things up and seeing what's inside.
Q: I have allergies - what do you recommend?
Honestly, used furniture is loaded with allergens. I can replace as much as you need with modern hypoallergenic synthetics but it may be cheaper to buy new.
Please let me know if you need me to "air" any new materials out of respect for chemical sensitivities. I generally do anyway but let me know, just to be sure.
Q: Who the heck are you? How'd you get into this?
I'm Meredith, an artisan and craftsperson living and working out in the hills n' hollers, trying to build a sustainable career for myself. I started sewing in my teens because I have a quirky sense of style and wasn't satisfied with off the rack options and a few years later discovered one of my passions - custom quiltmaking. Over the years I've done a lot of things - I even built my own cabin in the woods. I got into upholstery almost a decade ago and just love it. Most of all, I love working with my hands and adding beauty and craftsmanship to the world.
At this time, I only have two recommended fabric suppliers: Revolution Fabrics, and Greenhouse Fabrics, both based out of North Carolina. Feel free to browse their websites and see if they have something you like.
https://revolutionfabrics.com/
https://www.greenhousefabrics.com/
Of course you're welcome to shop around. I do recommend the area shops that specialize in decorator fabrics - Bella Vista in Murfreesboro and Fabric House in Nashville. I've had good experiences with both.
The best way to get the most accurate fabric estimate is to send me a photo - with measurements if possible! But I also know that not everyone keeps a tape measure in their junk drawer, so do your best to give me a sense of whether it's especially bulky or oversized. That means more fabric.
There are a number of standard upholstery yardage charts floating around the internet. Note that these will give minimum yardages in a solid color fabric. If you're planning on using a patterned fabric or if your furniture is bigger than your granny's, you'll need more than what they show there. Ask! Running short on fabric is no fun for you or for me.
Q: How long does it take?
It depends on how busy I am, but generally speaking, once I have your furniture I'd like to get it back to you in two to three weeks. Naturally, multiple pieces or complex projects will take longer, while small pieces and cushion orders can often be turned around more quickly.
The fall run-up to the holiday season is my busiest time, so if you have some festivities planned, try to get an early start.
Q: I want to paint/refinish - do I do that before or after it's upholstered?
A little of both. Upholstery needs to overlap the finished woodwork, so you'll want to remove any trim and cut back the fabric before you refinish. Once the finish or paint are dry (and preferably cured), I'll dress your piece in it's new look. If you've painted, be sure to send a sample in case I need to do some touch ups.
Q: Can you fix my springs?
Almost certainly. A lot of spring problems stem from worn out ties or webbing, which are simple if sometimes time consuming to replace. If necessary, I can also replace broken springs or no-sags. I'll let you know if I open up your furniture and find it's more work than I estimated.
Q: My cushions are worn out/uncomfortable - can you make new inserts?
Yes. Let's talk options! Most contemporary cushions use foam, soft fill, and/or down, although older cushions may use cotton, kapok, or even contain springs! I'm happy to modify what you have, upgrade worn materials, or replace them. There is a non-refundable deposit for new materials.
Q: I have wood/wicker furniture or a window seat with no cushions - can you create some?
Sure thing! I'll need to have some measurements or make some templates off the furniture itself. Generally speaking, seat cushions are really straightforward but back cushions can take some experimentation to get comfortable, especially if the chair has a curved back. There is a non-refundable deposit for new materials.
Q: Can you modify my furniture?
Maybe. I'll have to look at it and see what kind of "bone structure" it has. Most of that I can tell by looking and touching, but sometimes I don't know what I'm in for until I start opening things up and seeing what's inside.
Q: I have allergies - what do you recommend?
Honestly, used furniture is loaded with allergens. I can replace as much as you need with modern hypoallergenic synthetics but it may be cheaper to buy new.
Please let me know if you need me to "air" any new materials out of respect for chemical sensitivities. I generally do anyway but let me know, just to be sure.
Q: Who the heck are you? How'd you get into this?
I'm Meredith, an artisan and craftsperson living and working out in the hills n' hollers, trying to build a sustainable career for myself. I started sewing in my teens because I have a quirky sense of style and wasn't satisfied with off the rack options and a few years later discovered one of my passions - custom quiltmaking. Over the years I've done a lot of things - I even built my own cabin in the woods. I got into upholstery almost a decade ago and just love it. Most of all, I love working with my hands and adding beauty and craftsmanship to the world.