Still Working On...The Bench Redesign!Is anyone wondering about the status of the bench redesign? While there has been some progress, I wasn't too motivated to rush forward as the replacement nail head trim have been on backorder. But I've been told they should arrive today, so time to get moving again!
Here is where I left off in my previous posts on the bench. (Sometimes I wonder, are you interested in seeing just the before and afters, or the steps in between? I certainly have a few of those today!)
After covering the original cushion, that was previously tufted, with two layers of batting and a final layer of canvas, it was time for the faux ostrich. (All these layers were used to help ensure a smooth cushion surface, I didn't want to go through all this work and have the filled holes show!)
All four sides were stapled to the frame...
...and then I had to figure out how to finish the corners. I eventually decided to tuck the corners under, it was the cleanest approach I was able to come up with. I like it!
Next up, cutting lengths of the fabulous faux ostrich to wrap the bench sides.
Max had set up his Lego on the island, so I was instructed to stay on my side. Bossy, bossy! I did my best.
Luckily I had some heavy duty thread on hand in the right color and just one denim needle left! According to the back of this packet a denim needle is recommended for faux leather, just an FYI.
After the four pieces were stitched together the band was temporarily placed around the bench to make sure it fit snugly. Today I'm running over to Joann Fabrics to get a length of cording to insert along the top edge of the band, and then wait to see if UPS does indeed deliver the nail head trim. Step by step, it is getting there!
And the light fixture in the corner? I'm considering a "redesign" here as well, to make it work in this room. It would need to be rewired, the finish stripped (it was painted with black spray paint but is brass!) and some details added...so, I'll have to see if I come up with something that inspires me!
46 comments:
It's looking delicious, Janell! Step by step... :)
Janell,
When I was a child, we had a bench type seating in our breakfast room, my brother to this day, says he is left handed because he had to sit next to me and I am left handed! Thought you would get a chuckle from that!
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Lisa,
That is hilarious and something only a brother would say and try to put off on a sister!! Janell
Looking good. Can't wait to see it finished.
Thanks for sharing the in between stages. It's always nice to learn how a project came together.
Sewing? Banding? Cording? The bench is turning into more work than I realized. I figured you would just be stapeling to the underside and call it a day.
I certainly am interested in all the steps involved.
When you are doing your sewing, I can't imagine you could pin your pieces together. The pins would leave holes, right?
What a great idea with the ostrich! love love love!
I enjoy the between stages and find it very helpful. Doing some upholstery myself right now and feeling a bit defeated. Maybe a spring break is in order.
Curious about the light - are you still thinking about the cagey one? Love it!
I have no idea where the cagey light came from, was simply an inspiration! I'm feeling like I need to work with this fixture I already have on hand, or at least try. If that doesn't work then I go looking for something else!
And Mary, no pins used, yes, they would leave holes!
Thanks! Janell
Including the "in-between" steps is so useful, Janell. Please keep them!
It looks fabulous so far. I may have missed this, but where did you source your faux ostrich?
This looks amazing! I love all of the faux fabrics. I have faux snakeskin on a few places - sounds awful, but it really looks amazing. This is neutral, yet textured.
Good luck with those nail heads!
~ Elizabeth
Of course we're still wondering. Looking great! Corners...Always the hard part for me. You're doing a fantastic job! Will stay posted.
Fingers crossed for mr. Ups !
Lisa
Ashley, the faux ostrich is from Calico Corners. I've had my eye on it for a couple years, so happy I finally had a place to use it! I'm very happy with the quality. I haven't found a link to it online, but the name of the fabric is ENU.
I love seeing the steps along the way. I'm reupholstering some Loius style chairs in white faux ostrich and have been really conflicted about doing it myself or hiring out. Mostly just unsure about my staple gun's ability to handle the hard wood and my sewing machines ability to sew ostrich vinyl into a double cord. Maybe these denim needles are just what I need! Thank you!
I love all the progress posts. It helps me to realize that a lot of good projects take time and mistakes and a lot of effort. The quick before and afters tend to leave us with the impression that it can be accomplished overnight.
Another fabulous project.
I love the in between posts with your projects! With this one, I must say you're out of my league girl! When you whip out that sewing machine, I get lost!
That is sad to type:( I really need to pull my sewing machine out of the garage!
love seeing all the steps in between the start and completion of each project...also love hearing you think out loud as you figure out how to put it all together :) ...the bench is looking fabulous...and I like the chandelier...can't wait to see what you do with that...
maureen
Yes, these posts are great. I can't help but wonder if you've been trained in upholstery or if it's just a matter of getting your hands dirty (and you're obviously very talented). The step of sewing the band together and attaching it looks intimidating to me.
Sigh...it's looking SO good- just gorgeous Janell and I love following along with the step by steps!
It looks gorgeous already!! You're inspiring me to totally remove the skirt on my dining room bench and do something similar. I love seeing the step by step process as I'm horrible about sharing the 'in between' on my own blog.
xo~
T
loving it so far! ps i saw your big table in a client's house and it WAS totally green! so funny how things photograph differently than they look in real life. i always feel like things look better in real life than photos, but i guess in this case it was the opposite! loving following your dining area re-do...keep up the good work! :)
The bench is looking great. We love to see the progress of each project you work on. Your patience and dedication to each project is truly inspirational. I hope the nail heads arrived soon. Can't wait to see the finished product. Oh, by the way, I just did a post on chandelier inspirations.
http://www.mixandchic.com/2011/04/gorgeous-chandelier-inspirations-in.html
Hopefully, you will find it useful. Have a great day!
Jessie
Wow. It really is taking shape. I was curious about how the sides would be done so thank you for posting all of these steps. I just love the legs on that bench. Beautiful.
It is looking great! I envy your patience. I can't wait to see the finished product!
Your bench is looking great Janell, I love the ostrich! It is nice to see the between stages, I think sometimes we forget how much time and effort it takes to take a project from start to finish.
Yes! Count me in for seeing all the steps! Where are your in-my-pajamas-with-furrowed-brow-and-angry-look shots? ;D
I just made a headboard using faux leather and I CAN'T CHOOSE MY NAILHEAD TRIM! I just can't get a grasp on what the various sizes will actually look like. Sigh.
Your bench is looking fabulous. Love watching you work. Thanks.
Yes I love seeing each of the steps. Especially the way you do a little bit per day. Makes it much less overwhelming and easier to digest. I must say many times I think back to what you said about you previously having worked in clothing so you know your way around A LOT of the fabric details. I could take a stab at these projects but without a lot of experience I think it would end up a little crooked here and a little wrinkled there. But I love how you do so much trial and error yourself too! Thanks.
For the record....keep up with the step by step blogging approach. It makes the rest of us (or me at the least) feel like we don't have to hurry and finish a project all at once. It's nice to go through your thought process with you! I'm trying to find a long bench type ottoman for in front of our couch and it has been great to see where you are taking this overstock find....I eye it every time I'm browsing the website thinking maybe I could do something it it too. Love your blog, look forward to it daily. Thanks for the inspiration and keep it coming, PLEASE!
I love the bench so far. I am completely interested in the process. Understanding how you came to the decision and how you went about executing it is many times AS interesting as the final product.
On a side note, can I just say how excited I am about the magazine launch? I can't wait and still smile thinking about how you took this idea from concept to reality in less than a year!
I definitely enjoy reading the step-by-step. There's so much to learn in blogland but only with really good instructions! The bench is looking fabulous.
Love seeing you eat this elephant one bite at a time. This really helps a impatient DIYer like myself.
Agree that I love seeing all the steps involved in a DIY. The reveal is fun, of course, but show me how you got there! This is going to be one fabulous bench. :)
It's looking great, can't wait to see it finished! I learn so much from your blog! Thanks!
It's looking fantastic! Great job. Can't wait to see the finished product. Lovely to find your blog. xo Elena
This bench is turning out beautiful! I have a coffee that I think can be made into a bench. The top of the coffee table is not in the best condition, so turning it into a bench maybe the perfect idea! Thanks for the inspiration, I can't wait to see your bench completed!
Sherry
Gorgeous...I was thinking of you today as I was in Calico Corners, fondling their leathers and leather likes.
No...I wasn't thrown out. Cut it out.
Hi Janell, this project is going to look so great. I can't wait to hear about the nail head trim. I recently refinished a chair & I had a REALLY hard time using the trim. Maybe the frame of my chair was a real hard wood, because those little suckers did not want to go in straight! I hope you have better luck!
Warmly, Michelle
Janell- I officially have a "blog crush"!!! Your home and ideas are amazing and beautiful! Keep the inspirations coming!
Featured you on Vintage Revivals "Who is Your Blog Crush?"!!
Your bench is looking beautiful, Janell! Wow! It really is stunning. It's been fun to watch you through this process. Maybe I'll get there one day!
I'm enjoying your progress step by step..i'm glad you are sharing the process and not just before & after shots..this could come in handy some day..and also helps one appreciate what it entails! have a lovely day, Janell..hope you get your nailheads today! xx meenal
I enjoy seeing step by step, give a novice like me the confidence to try. Question: Please share what your flooring is under the bench and table. I really like the look and am having difficulty finding something. Thanks
How did you become so crafty Janell? You do such amazing things! I love it all!
great pics !! I love it all !!
You can come visit me here http://sailingwithbarefeet.blogspot.com/
You are so good! I am a loser compared to you! (:
ox, Mon
Just popping over to see if the UPS man came yet:) I am too anxious for the reveal!
I'm excited to see the final product! I ended up doing the same thing with the corners on my bench - the ostrich is harder to work with than most fabrics. :)
http://lifewiththelunds.blogspot.com/2010/07/house-week-three.html
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