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I’ve always wanted to try my hand at upholstery. And while it would probably be great to take a course and get some real hands-on instruction, my work schedule is erratic making evening classes impractical. My answer was to read up on the subject—seven books and counting—and to track down some video instruction.

I have to recommend Chris from DIY Upholstery and Craig at the Spirited Lady. These two have a few videos on YouTube that are pretty good. In fact, you can order a two-hour DVD from Spirited Lady ($9.95) and follow the recovering of a wing chair from start to finish. For the non-DIYer watching this tape might be akin to torture but it’s a great way to get an overview of the process and all the skills necessary to complete this and other similar projects.

My next hurdle was tools. I already have a sewing machine and some rusty sewing skills but as you’ll see in the videos, you also need an electric stapler, a stretcher and a bunch of other specialty tools. I tracked down my starter kit online through Upholster! Magazine Online (tool kit $125, stapler $150). It was like Christmas at my house when the package arrived.

With tools in hand and lots of naïve enthusiasm I was ready to take on a project . . .

Chris and I headed out to Moveline Liquidations where I found an ugly but well-built, upholstered bench for just $65. Next stop was Toronto’s Designer Fabrics. I love this store! Naturally, I started my hunt in the clearance section where I had a “some enchanted evening” moment. I spotted a gold, Ikat linen that was definitely love at first sight. I wanted a solid for the piping, which I’ve since learned to call welting, and a matching velvet was just steps away. I had done my yardage calculations and purchased a little more fabric than I needed– better safe than sorry. I purchased my thread and welt cord and proceeded home, itching to get started on my bench.

Tomorrow, I’ll walk you through the ups and downs of the actual project and reveal my finished bench.