Couches by Jess

Today was a marvelous day, because I finished the couch. Actually reflecting back it was a huge pain in the butt to complete this project. I thought it would be easy to finish the cording and to put the bottom fabric back on, but of course I was incorrect. I made the cording, which is a pretty simple process. Then I had to attach the cording to the entire bottom of the couch. Unfortunately the staple gun was having a rough time. I think there were so many layers of stuff that the staples had to penetrate that it just wasn't working. About 1 out of every 12 times I pulled the trigger a staple would actually come out. I got really frustrated and dug out my upholstery tacks, which are essentially tiny nails with very sharp ends and flat heads. I started tacking the welting cord on but realized that I had to conserve my tacks because I only had about 30, which was not going to be enough for the cord and the bottom fabric. After a while I decided to give my staple gun another shot. With a lot of effort pushing the staple gun into the couch and a little bit of hoping, wishing and praying I was able to get both the cording and the bottom attached. I used all my tacks and got enough staples in so that I am willing to proclaim the couch a finished masterpiece. 

Completed bottom of the couch

Reflecting back on this whole adventure I can't believe I actually did this! This couch is a wonderful place to sit, study, nap etc, but it is also a piece of art and a huge source of pride for me. :) I feel very accomplished. There is also something very appealing to me about being able to do all of these things that are no longer being done. The "old arts" if you will. I think my grandmother would be very proud of me. :)

The finished product

Close up of the cording I added today