Simple Upholstery and Slipcovers: Great Looks for Every Room

Rating:
Summary: ok -- there are better books
Review: I found this book to be a good source of inspiration for slipcovers, but the directions/instructions were not as good as other books.

Rating:
Summary: Simple to the Complicted and easy to read and actually do
Review: Some people get books like this because they want to see how things are done but rarely do they actually do a project. I on the otherhand am a doer and not just a looker. This book makes doing it easier.

Just over 140 pages long this is a book that really gave me the step by step info on how to both make slipcovers which are a European maindstay as well as how to redo upholdtery of chairs and sofas.

The authors covers everything from what type of fabric to use to preparing it ahead of time re: washing and sizing. On pages 56-66 she gives a step by step with photos instructions on how to do a slipcover for a couch that is of sound construction.

Pages 67 thru 71 a club chair is redone. But it is the tailored slipcovers starting on page 73 which I can do and do well. The Quick Tied cover for a chair on 87 is just perfect for those of us who live the casual California lifestyle or for someone in a small cottage on Marthas Vineyard.

The book covers Materials; Tools and Equipment; Cushions and Pillows; Simple Coverups; Making a Tailored Slipcover; Tailored Slipcover Projects; Quick Upholstery; Reuposletring a Chair; Upoholstery Projects. The issues of padding and stuffing, webbing, tying spring cord, threads, zippers, tacks, welt, sewing and sizing are all covered.

See if your library has the book. Then take your time, and plan well and measure twice and cut once and pin and baste and you will discover that you not only can redo your own furniture but have fun and probably save money as well.

Rating:
Summary: Not a beginners book
Review: Unless you have a good working experience of pattern-making, this book probably isn't where you want to begin. The author has assumed a level of expertise that is beyond a very beginner. The ideas are inspiring and it does have some fun ideas, especially in re-building the shape of furniture. But if you need to start from Square-1 then keep looking for a book that will teach you more of the basics. If, however, you are an accomplished seamstress, it won't be difficult for you to have a lot of fun with this book. You can fill in the blanks with some upholstery Q&A websites on-line.