Beginning with coverage of the basics--fabric types and characteristics, welting and trims, tools, cutting and sewing directions--this book offers solid information on using upholstery to transform the look of a room. From the simplest additions (pillows and loose coverings) to the more complex pieces (tailored slipcovers and reupholstery), the projects are well explained and appealing, and include interesting variations such as incorporating decorative buttons and ties or upholstering a table. In addition to detail photos of work in progress, several full-room photos offer ideas for coordinating the total look of a room.

Instead of dashing out to buy new furniture, it is once again in vogue to change the look of sofas and chairs with slipcovers. This manual explains basic terminology, measuring techniques, and how certain fabrics are easier to handle when sewing cushions or stitching cover-ups. Beginners will certainly be challenged by a variety of difficult projects, but Parks also shows charming, simple ways to transform chairs, stools, and ottomans with appealing loose-fitting covers. Advanced methods, such as reupholstering a classic wing chair, are shown in photographs that clearly illustrate the necessary stages in the process, from stripping old covers to padding, cutting, fitting, and stapling on new material. Alice Joyce

Some people get books like this because they want to see how things are done but rarely do they actually do a project. I on the otherhand am a doer and not just a looker. This book makes doing it easier.

Just over 140 pages long this is a book that really gave me the step by step info on how to both make slipcovers which are a European maindstay as well as how to redo upholdtery of chairs and sofas.

The authors covers everything from what type of fabric to use to preparing it ahead of time re: washing and sizing. On pages 56-66 she gives a step by step with photos instructions on how to do a slipcover for a couch that is of sound construction.

Pages 67 thru 71 a club chair is redone. But it is the tailored slipcovers starting on page 73 which I can do and do well. The Quick Tied cover for a chair on 87 is just perfect for those of us who live the casual California lifestyle or for someone in a small cottage on Marthas Vineyard.

The book covers Materials; Tools and Equipment; Cushions and Pillows; Simple Coverups; Making a Tailored Slipcover; Tailored Slipcover Projects; Quick Upholstery; Reuposletring a Chair; Upoholstery Projects. The issues of padding and stuffing, webbing, tying spring cord, threads, zippers, tacks, welt, sewing and sizing are all covered.

See if your library has the book. Then take your time, and plan well and measure twice and cut once and pin and baste and you will discover that you not only can redo your own furniture but have fun and probably save money as well.