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Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Saving the Old Singer Sewing Chair :)

I was recently down in the basement, who knows what I was down there looking for but I ended up over at my Mom Mom's (pronounced Mum Mum's) old sewing machine and ended up looking through the drawers.  I suddenly became concerned over where is her chair?  I didn't see it anywhere.  This was her set that I grew up watching her sew clothes, curtains, couch covers and comically mend my father's work jeans, to many funny stories of her leaving pins in bad spots, like the crotch.  She was a hoot that is for sure!
Sadly she passed away about 15 years ago.  I feel very fortunate to be the one who has it now.  Okay, so I need to get it cleaned before I can use it, no biggie this Singer sewing machine is apparently a work horse and fantastic for sewing on heavy things like denim.  Soooo, anywho, back to the chair search.  I wish I had thought to take a picture of where I finally found it hidden.  I know I saved it from a growing donation pile.  
The chair has seen its better days and even though I haven't had a cat for years, this chair ended up in the wrong claws at some point...hehe.  This is going to be a to be continued story, of me saving this old chair that got attacked as a defenseless scratching post to bringing it back to life and usable condition.  Now to pick the fabrics!  ***Anyone able to suggest the best type I can use that will hold up under the wear and tear of being sat on?  Let me know, leave me a comment, I love hearing from you!

PS...here is just an example of how much a chair like this would cost new.  Now my chair doesn't have the wheels on the bottom, but I am sure it could be added!  

Hugs & Smiles, Tiffiny ~ Smilie Mommy 
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8 comments:

  1. Tiffiny, I would go with a home decor weight fabric or outdoor fabric. Those are the ones on the big rolls or with samples on hangers at JoAnn's. The home decore fabric has a little more weight and holds up much better over time than a quilting cotton would. But something in an outdoor fabric would be particularly nice, as they should also hold up to water and such - you know when you spill your soda on yourself and all over your newly upholstered chair. :) Happy Sewing!

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    1. Hi Andrea! I can't believe my resoinse didn't go through from a month ago! Thank you sooooo much for the great ideas, I am looking forward to searching for the perfect fabric! =) Hugs & smiles, Tiffiny

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  2. Tiffiny, did you pick a fabric? I like to watch Sarah Richardson on HGTV and she always does a test where she rubs the fabric together a few times to make sure it doesn't pill. I've used everything from velveteen, brocade, and upholstery weight cotton to recover chairs. So nice "meeting" you last night! :-)

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    1. Hi Kelly =) No, I haven't selected one yet. Thank you for the helpful hints, I do appreciate it. I have been working on 2 baby quilts, one has been completed and delivered, so hopefully soon I can get started on it =)

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  3. That story alone is amazing...and you get to have a little part of your Grandma! How cool.

    I think you could try a deco fabric...or if you wanted something vinyl? You might stick to it though. I guess if you go with the deco, you can spray it with scotch guard...that will help it hold up a bit too.

    Can't wait to see it recovered!

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    1. Great suggestion regarding the Scotch Guard, thank you! I agree sticking to a chair doesn't sound too cozy hehe =)

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  4. My gran also has that sewing chair! The chair & machine are in very good shape since they've mainly been used for mending. Interestingly, though she's not much of a sewist herself, she gave me my first cross-stitch kit. She is a kind-hearted Southern lady that appreciates the efforts of others and has always been a pleasure to stitch for.

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    1. Elita...your Gran certainly sounds like a sweet and wonderful lady. Seems like it has passed on to you as well. There are people that "get it" and how much time and effort is put into things that are made just for them and there are others who will just never "get it" and I think they are the ones that are missing out. I am glad this post let you share with me about your Gran, I bet she is a person everyone loves to meet!
      Hugs & smiles, Tiffiny =)

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