It’s so fun now that I’m finally able to staple! I *heart* my electric staple gun! (I’d *heart* it more if I didn’t have to hammer/smash the staples afterwards, but hey, it’s better than the hand powered one!)
So…here it is ready for the first set of stapling!!
[Sorry for dark and gloomy pics. I work at night after the kiddo goes to bed.]
I’m happy how the cushions turned out and excited to get started! Before attatching the back cushion part, I put down a fresh layer of batting around the top back. Extra batting makes everything smoother. When in doubt, add a layer of batting. You won’t regret it!
Attaching the cushions involved several steps. First I had to staple at the seam that is between the cushion and the strip of fabric that stretches over the back. This is one place where I was frustrated with my not totally juiced up staple gun. I wish I’d done better at getting flush with the seam. It’s not bad. But it could be better. (Chances I’ll do another chair this style and actually apply this knowledge = slim to none.)
So, first attach at the seam. Then pull the backing fabric over nice and smooth and attach at the back. Then pull the visible fabric up and over and attach. Smooth lines as much as possible. There were some serious curves that required a careful pleat here and there. (The original upholstery had the same thing.) Staple the heck out of everything. Hammer staples and remember to be grateful you have the electric staple gun in the first place. Smash finger. Try not to swear loud enough to wake up the child (who has been sleeping through lots of banging, so it’s pretty safe to swear with impunity).
Then I tackled the front lower panel. (I know all of these pieces have real names, but I don’t care enough to learn them at this point.) Reattach fluffy batting — looking a little ratty after rolling around on the floor for a week while I pulled staples. Then a layer of new batting to smooth everything out. Cut fabric a little bigger than the original I pulled off, staple and admire!
I also decided to do a strip of cording around the back to hide what is likely to be a less than professional seam on the back panel. And instead of using the scary flexible metal tack strip, I’m sticking with my comfort zone and hand-sewing the back. Last night I made the cording and attached it (CUTE!) and reattached the cardboard backing to hide the frame of the chair. And (of course) a new layer of batting. Sorry, no pics!
Next up, the back panel! I’m excited!! After that it’s easy peasy cushion cover and throw pillow! WOO! I might actually get this done and have it look cute!
Fingers crossed that I have enough fabric for the cushion cover. I should, but you never know.
