I had to laugh about that yesterday as I spent my entire Saturday afternoon painstakingly poking snagged threads back into the upholstery of the daybed I just got from my SIL. I love the fabric, and I haven't seen anything new that's similar to it, so until I find something I like as well, the daybed is a "clean up."
But it's 50 or 60 years old, so it's bound to have a few pulls, right? No, it had a lot of pulls, which is one of the downsides to the loose weaves so popular back then. The entire seat cushion was covered with snags on both sides and all four edges. It looked deceptively good when photographed from across the room, but there was no way I was using it in that condition.
Why do we spend hours laboring over pieces of furniture that some people might give up on? Maybe it's because the finished product is something unique that you can't find at a local furniture store...something with character and with a history of being passed down from one generation to another...something that was loved enough by someone not to have been hauled out to the curb when a newer style came along. A piece like that deserves our time and care so it can become part of the memories of another generation or two.
The playroom may still be a work in progress, but the daybed is ready to use. Was all that tedious work worth the effort? You bet it was!
The playroom may still be a work in progress, but the daybed is ready to use. Was all that tedious work worth the effort? You bet it was!
You've got the patience of a saint Dana!
ReplyDeleteDefinetely worth it though when you see the transformation.
It's a beautiful day bed and its current upholstery is stunning, it would be a pity to lose it. As you said, well worth all that poking.
I'm normally the most impatient person on earth, but I was stuck at home waiting to place a bid on eBay and waiting for a girl to come pick up some furniture she bought from me, and working on the daybed helped pass the time.
DeleteI'm so glad I could save the upholstery, because the color combination is perfect with the chairs I have.
Your efforts are well rewarded! That fabric is perfect and so is the sentiment expressed about buying,/saving mid century furniture!
ReplyDeleteThose of us who buy vintage furniture really are the eternal optimists of the world. We see possibilities where other people just see junk. :)
DeleteIt's great that you saved the upholstery on that day bed, the color's very vintage mod.
ReplyDeleteThe very idea of a day bed seems very 60s/70s to me, am I right?
Yes, that color combo is straight out of the 50s. Daybeds were very popular during those decades, but several well-known designers such as Parzinger, Kjaerholm, Mogensen, Mathsson, Hvidt, Nakashima and Wormley created their versions in the 50s too. I still pine for that great orange Richard Schultz daybed from the 50s that we sold.
DeleteYes, definitely worth you effort. I love the daybed and good for you for not turning your nose up at a few wild threads here and there. Sadly, I had to give up my white pleather daybed when we moved. I had such great plans for it and hated getting rid of it but it was purchased by a mid century enthusiast who had yards of turquoise pleather waiting for it.
ReplyDeleteIt's always sad to give up a piece you love, but somehow your disappointment is softened if you know it's going where it will be loved and not tossed out when the next decorating fad comes along.
DeleteYou know I agree with your every word regarding the time, effort and the gratification of saving these great pieces. Some people think I'm crazy for doing what I do, but are usually amazed at the results a bit of knowledge and elbow grease can accomplish! Nice day bed!
ReplyDeleteWe prove over and over again, I think, that sometimes you really can make a silk purse out of a sow's ear...LOL
DeleteOh wow that is a major difference! I'm glad you took the time because that day bed is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing what you can do with state-of-the-art upholstery repair tools: a toothpick, the eye end of a big upholstery needle and a pair of cuticle scissors! LOL
DeleteI LOVE it the fabric is perfect. I would have done the same thing!
ReplyDeleteI just didn't have the heart to give up that fabric. It has quite a few miles left in it, I think.
DeleteThe fabric is amazing, and you have just summarized perfectly what I often struggle with to help others understand! The love and respect for beautiful by-gone things... which is what makes them not bygone at all!
ReplyDeleteVery often, when a good mid-century piece is properly restored, it's of higher quality than any furniture you can buy new today.
DeleteI can totally see why you put in all the effort, what a gorgeous daybed! You are right, the fabric is stunning!
ReplyDeleteGenerally, nothing of any value comes cheap. The price you pay in cash might be low, but you make up for it in elbow grease. :)
DeleteOh my goodness...talk about memories!! My parents had the same material on a couch and chair in our living room when I was younger...thanks for bringing it all back to me :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad this post brought back good memories for you. Isn't it strange how just looking at a swatch of fabric can cause a flood of recollection?
Delete