Sunday, August 23, 2009

A Really Old Ottoman Gets a New Look

 

     A couple of months ago I picked up this lovely ottoman for nothing from the leftovers of a garage sale. 

  It was worn, but well made and very soft. I have never reupholstered anything before, but what did I have to lose? It was free!

    It sat and sat while I looked for the “perfect” fabric for it. Sure, there were many fabrics to choose from, but I really didn’t want to spend too much since I had no clue what I was doing.

     Then one day I stumbled upon this heavy weight, already scotchguarded fabric on Ebay. 5 1/2 yards for $5.99. I could mess up to my hearts content and still have some leftover to do it right! SOLD!

     Then the fun began. Let me tell you, this was the sturdiest constructed piece of furniture that I have ever come across. It was nailed, stapled, glued, sewn, and nailed some more. I took the little legs off and found that the nails were square! (That means old, right?) I also found that except for the batting around the sides, it is all filled with down. (another clue to it’s age, I think)

     It took me hours to get it all taken apart. There were times that I was pert near close to finding out just how much it would cost to get it done for me.

     Then there was that top pillow. EKK! I have never made a box pillow cover before. I stumbled with it, but got her done. It isn’t perfect, but that is the beauty of DIY. RIGHT?

     Finally yesterday, with the purchase of a staple gun, the ottoman, she is finished. I purposely left the legs in their battered shape because I liked them that way and didn’t want her to look “new”.

 

     I love her. I am proud of the stick-with-it-ness that I approached her with. (even if the feather made me sneeze the ENTIRE time that I worked on her) She now has a home right near my couch.

  

36 comments:

Sharlotte said...

Oh my! What a great transformation! I can't believe you've never done reupholstering before!! You did a fantastic job. I love the fabric! How proud you must be of this new beauty!

Dawn said...

Gwen that is fabulous. It looks so comfy. I love that fabric. I also love how you get right in there and get things done. I'm such a procrastinator! You inspire me to get busy...right after I visit everyone in blogland.
Dawn

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

Great job! I am so impressed that you took on the project by yourself. I am too nervous about sewing/fabric. I love your results. Thanks for the visit!

Jane said...

Hi - I found your blog while I was reading through some of the Met Monday posts. I wanted to comment because I think you did a great job on your ottoman. That was quite an undertaking for someone who has never reupholstered before but you really lived up to the challenge!

Monica Benavidez said...

I love it! The fabric was worth the wait huh? You did a great job.

Kim @ Twice Remembered said...

What a FIND! I can't believe no one bought that at a yardsale...I would have snatched it right up! But what a treasure for you! You did an absolutely amazing job on it and it is simply gorgeous now! I love how you left the legs as they were. I'm working on repainting an old trunk myself and just loved how well worn the legs were and just left them, too:)

Great job!

J Rodney said...

I am very impressed Gwen! I have a friend, who spend Saturday after Saturday taking upholstery lessons, and here you are doing it all by yourself.

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Very pretty - nice job. I have only attempted covering chair seats.

Designs on 47th Street said...

Goodness Gwen! You really did a very nice job on that ottoman. I'm proud of you too and we just met! ;) That was quite an undertaking and you stuck with it and look at the outcome. Very well done. I love the fabric too.

I had to giggle when I read "pert near". My grandmother always said that and my mom and I teasingly say that to this day and always think of her.

Donna

Nicole said...

Oh, lovely, Gwen, and WELL DONE!! Such dedication, and great results!

Thanks for the tip on the movie book. i did an initial search on Ebay and I'm not sure the one I have is worth much money, but I'll keep looking as its in good shape it probably will be worth something someday even if it isn't now. :)

Welcome to following my blog and you are definitely entered for the apron giveaway!

Blessings!

Michelle said...

Love the shape of the wooden legs on the stool and the fabric is so bright and cheery.

I have a ottoman that I rescued from the trash a long time ago. I think I will put it on my Winter ToDo list!

Unknown said...

You can't beat free; you can't beat great fabric price; and you can't beat a job well done! It looks wonderful!

Nancy

Claudia said...

wow...impressive job here!

You did a nice job and i really like your fabric selection

TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥

Its So Very Cheri said...

So pretty and updates and no more sneexing.


I hope you will come over and check out this weeks Knock off and I bet you have some things you could post to the KNOCK OFF KNOCK OUT Party.
Cheri
Its So Very Cheri

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

I love it. What a great ottoman and the legs are very pretty. The fabric you chose is wonderful. So pretty. You did a great job. Hugs, Marty

Anonymous said...

Hi Gwen, your ottoman turned out so pretty. Love the shape of your ottoman and the fabric is beautiful.
Be a sweetie,
shelia ;)

Signing Out said...

What a transformation! I love the fabric! eBay is great for finding wonderful fabric deals.

Jane

Wendy @ Ramblings from the Sunshine State said...

Oh how cute! It looks great! Was making the pillow difficult? I'm pretty beginner when it comes to sewing, but I've made a few things. I'm debating making a cushion for the cedar chest that now resides in my living room.

Anonymous said...

No way, how clever are you? It's great looking and you'll definitely enjoy it. Nothing better than getting MORE than your money's worth. Love.

Sue said...

Gee Gwen, you are just so handy! The ottoman turned out really well. Too funny that you sneezed your way thru the transformation. I have the in-law's old ottoman that I keep saying I am going to have done. Our upholsterer at the store has volunteered his services. Guess I just need to buy him lunch! Great job, toots! Sue

Michelle @ Sweet Something Design said...

Wow, that looks great! Love the fabric!

Angie said...

Good job! It turned out great!

The Elegant Thrifter said...

I am impressed. I have never tackled an upholstery job, and yours is adorable. Congratulations! Stan

Embellished Bayou said...

Way to go, good for you for sticking with it! Looks great!

Maria Killam said...

Wow that is so great, I love that fabric! Good job for a non-professional, very impressive!

ImagineCozy said...

She turned out rather stunning! I'm sure every time you prop your feet up you get a great sense of satisfaction! Great job.
-Angela

Kelli said...

Splendid job!!

Amy said...

Hi Gwen,
Wow, you did an super excellent job! It is very fitted, which would be so hard to do, but you did it perfectly. Isn't it amazing what a little fabric and elbow grease can do? Thank you for sharing your A+ project. Amy :)

Christina said...

You did a fabulous job. Love how it turned out. The legs are sweet too. I so need to finish up some projects around here.

Karen at Nittany Inspirations said...

I think the double pillows was the reason everyone else was scared of it. Did you remove the top pillow and do it separately? Is it attached?

susan said...

You are one smart and thrifty cookie! I love the recovered ottoman and adore the floral fabric. It never would have occurred to me to look on ebay for fabric. Good job-thanks for sharing it!

marieDee said...

Great job! You have inspired me to go back to my half-finished chair and ottoman project. Thanks....I guess! I'm sure that I, like you, will be proud of myself when I finish.

Allison said...

Great job! When can you come to my house?

Cheryl @ a pretty cool life. said...

Looks great! I love reupholstering!

Unknown said...

That is so great! Do you mind if I post it on my blog? (with credit to you, of course!) I just started a new blog of all my favorite before & after projects. C'mon over and check it out! :)

Amy said...

Great job!! I'm scared of upholstery projects, and this one is a great inspiration!

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