Book Description

Everywhere you look, the look is Brunschwig.From grand rooms in the White House and the Palace of Versailles to romantic retreats in country cottages and seaside homes, Brunschwig & Fils fabrics, wall coverings, and furnishings are used to create timeless, personal, and beautiful interiors. ... Read more

Book Description

Capture this popular and pretty look with the help of Christina Strutt, owner of the renowned design firm, Cabbages & Roses.She takes a tour of town and country homes to showcase, with beautiful photographs, hundreds of decorating ideas. Comfy living rooms feature patchwork cushions and oversized family sofas. The style is beautiful and timeless.
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Book Description

Dream Windows is both unique and complete in its scope of window decorating ideas. One glance and you will be inspired as you marvel at the information contained in its pages. This exquisite guide is simply stunning in not only the beauty of its illustrations, but also in its wealth of window decorating ideas. You will be encouraged to bring together draperies and swags, add fringe to cascades or place an arched valance atop a set of wooden shutters. And guided by the brilliance that fills each page, there is no limit to what you may create. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An exquisite guide to soft window coverings
Dream Windows is both unique and complete in its scope of window decorating ideas. One glance and you will be inspired as you marvel at the information contained in its pages. This exquisite guide is simply stunning in not only the beauty of its illustrations, but also in its wealth of window decorating ideas. You will be encouraged to bring together draperies and swags, add fringe to cascades or place an arched valance atop a set of wooden shutters. And guided by the brilliance that fills each page, there is no limit to what you may create. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

If you want to learn upholstery, start here.
After reading all the good reviews, I bought this book when I wanted to reupholster my couch. I had never reupholstered anything before, though I have intermediate sewing skills and very basic carpentry skills. I started by making new cushion covers, and moved on to the rest, and I was able to do an amazingly good job, I still sit across from it and admire how well it turned out! I even learned a few things about what I can get my clunky old sewing machine to do with special feet.

I don't think I have ever seen a better, more clearly written and organized instructional book. The photographs really support the text, step by step, I think it's as good as taking a really good class. I'm excited to try retying springs now, though who knows how that will turn out...

Best out of 30
As a master upholsterer and teacher, I have searched though over 30 books to find one I could use to teach my students. This is the only one I found. Do what it tells you and you will learn how to upholster most furniture.

Thorough
Thorough and helpful. Everything you need to know about reupholstering and nothing you don't. Project examples fill the last 1/8 of the book. If you want to learn how to reupholster for the first time, get this book. Filling, stuffing, springs...you can do all this yourself. All you need is a sturdy frame.

This book is tops
I was looking for a book that would show me how to re-upholster antique French Provincial furniture. This book shows you how. It is so well illustrated, that I wouldn't hesitate to tackle the job myself. Complete instruction on how to install padding, liners or fabric, stapling the edge, then trimming the overage, then installing the braiding with brass tacks. To look at the outside, I always thought it was attached with the tacks, when in reality, the material is attached first underneath with staples. That creates an even overall attachment. Then you can concentrate on adding the brass tacks to the brading-cover evenly.
That is just one example of the step by step instructions-something unusual in most books. A picture says a thousand words, so it is well illustrated with photographs.
It is easy to be disappointed in how to books, this is not one of them. I don't have anything negative to say about this book at all. Buy it, you won't be sorry.

simply the best
I have several books so far about upholstery, but by far, this singer book is the best. The title is not misleading. It is about basics, but with it's common sense instructions and useful illustrations, the techniques demonstrated can be combined and used to reupholster many styles of furniture. If you are looking for a book to teach you about more advanced techniques, you will have to look elsewhere, but if you are just beginning, then I can't think of a better source to take fear out of your first project. ... Read more

Book Description

Gheen presents a wealth of detail on tools, furniture styles, padding materials, fabrics, estimating, cleaning and maintenance, buttons, channeling, tufting, finishing alternatives, working with vinyls, stripping, stuffing, padding, and more. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

generally useful
While highly detailed on many aspects of upholstery, there are some glaring gaps, which forced me to seek additional information in other books. Also, the photographic reproduction in this book is rather poor, making some of the photos barely discernible. ... Read more

Book Description

For the beginner inspired to renovate, update, or restore an existing piece of upholstery, this new and practical guide, by prominent author David James (Upholstery: A Complete Course, Upholstery: Techniques & Projects) is the essential color-illustrated reference. It contains everything a novice needs to know and covers all the basics: planning the project; buying equipment; selecting good-quality material, such as foams, animal hair, webbings, and twine; choosing the right fabrics and trimmings or making your own; removing old upholstery; and preparing new frames. Ten beautiful, fully-detailed projects, presented in order of difficulty, include a Mahogany Stool with a Drop-in Seat, small Edwardian Country-Style Armchair, 19th-century Walnut Writing Chair, Bed Headboard, Four-Fold Screen, and Balloon-Back Dining Chair.
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Book Description

About This Book: This collection of projects and techniques is a comprehensive guide to sewing fabric decor for the home. It includes a variety of unique designer pillows with lots of ideas for personalizing them. Window treatment projects cover a wide range of styles and forms, from tried-and-true pinch-pleated draperies to fun-and-funky triangle pointed valances; some that require minimal sewing and others that are a bit more elaborate.
There are styles suitable for every room in the house, every skill level, with valuable information about window treatment hardware and installation. Slipcovering techniques also run the gamut from casual quick and easy to formal fitted, with expert advice for achievingprofessional-quality results. As an added bonus, each section includes pertinent information on selecting fabrics, working with patterns and colors, and developing a personal decorating style.
Highlights:

A comprehensive guide that covers all aspects of sewing for the home.

Includes a wide range of styles; suitable for all decorating schemes.

Covers a range of skill levels-includes something for everyone.

Features step-by-step photos and concise directions for every project,

with inspiring ideas for variations.

Eliminates the need for expensive patterns. Measuring and cutting directions are part of each project.

Includes information on window hardware options and resources for locating the right components for each job. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Comprehensive Step-by-Step Instructions
I wish I had seen this book first! This one reference combines numerous topics in one. What I like best are the step-by-step instructions - with photos! I am new at sewing and being able to see what the steps should look like is extremely helpful. Also, the book covered every type of curtain I could think up does such a thorough job with pillow descriptions that I think of the slipcovers section as an added bonus. If you want to decorate your home with neat and professional looking work, get this book!

Good on Pillows and Windows
I love this book , the instructions for pillows are just what I needed and the photos and inspiration for windows are perfect. More attention is paid to other types of decorating though than window treatments. Still this is among my top 5 favorite home decorating books.

Making the difficult things in life easy
What a great book! I'm not good with sewing... in fact, I've never done it before... but this book made everything so easy to understand, and therefore everything was so easy to make. Nobody wants to believe me that I did it all myself! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

An interesting and informative survey of the art of upholste
If you're looking for a step-by-step guide or a source-book, look elsewhere. This book is a general introduction to the history of upholstery, with general descriptions of traditional and modern upholstery techniques, of more value to those considering upholstering as a vocation or to the serious hobbyist than to the casual do-it-yourselfer. ... Read more

Book Description

This is a revised and expanded edition of a highly successful reupholstering book that has sold thousands of copies. It gives step-by-step instructions with 350 clear and detailed photographs to show how to rebuild that dilapidated chair or sofa to look like new. The author explains what tools and materials you will need, and offers expert advice about which types of fabric are best for your needs. The author then leads your through specific steps with text, photographs and captions to reupholster your chair, couch, or hassock. The result is furniture you are proud to own for years to come, and you did it all yourself! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An excellent starting point
This book is well written, concise, and easy to follow. It is especially good for first-timers as the authors take you through many steps most beginners do not consider. ... Read more

Book Description

Accessories lend an existing room personality, character, and polish. In this book, interior designer Linda Lee shows readers how to add a special touch with pieces they make themselves at a fraction of what they would pay in the store. She provides instructions for pillows, napkins, curtains, lampshades, tablecloths, throws, runners, slipcovers, and more for four different rooms in four different styles: a modern country bedroom, Victorian parlor, Asian dining room, and Americana family room. With over 30 projects, Lee offers something to suit every budget, taste, and skill level. She walks readers through each one with clear patterns, step-by-step directions, and full-color photos of finished pieces. ... Read more

Book Description

S-t-r-e-t-c-h decorating budgets! Revitalize home furnishings! Stylish, versatile, and inexpensive slipcovers transform dated furniture with minimal expenditure and limited technical skill. They offer the option of shopping consignment stores, flea markets, and yard sales with the assurance that it is possible to coordinate with existing decor, regardless of established fabrics, patterns, and colors.

Slipcover Style presents the inspiration and the technical know-how to create 26 fantastic new covers for chairs, sofas, stools, deckchairs, beds, and tables. Offers step-by-step instructions and detailed diagrams, and features beautiful photographs of finished projects for inspiration. Includes a section explaining all the essential sewing and finishing techniques needed to successfully complete each project.

* Revitalize home decor with 26 easy-to-make projects * Create classic and contemporary slipcovers for chairs, sofas, beds, and tables

* Presents clear step-by-step instructions and illustrations ... Read more

Book Description

Whether you're a home sewer, working with a designer, or are a designer yourself, here are inspirational ideas for curtains, pillows, loose covers, household linen, and other soft accessories. A workshop section shows how to accomplish the important details, and features fabulous techniques from stitching French seams to edging braids to fitting a wooden batten above the window. Over 50 unique projects--some with templates--include formal swags and tails, romantic bed canopies, and beaded cushions that liven up any room. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Easy for beginners with a lot of inspirations!
I paid double the price (compared to that of Amazon) for this book and I still think it worths every penny! I have made a Roman blind recently and nobody believes that I did it!

There are a variety of projects that you can do including making curtains, upholstery, bed and table linens, cushions as well as accessories like lampshade. The instructions are well illustrated and easy to understand and to follow, even for beginners like me. The book is full of pictures for inspirations. I find the information on different type of fabric and how to work out your color scheme is very useful. My favourite part is the chapter about basic sewing technique, how to use your sewing machine and how to fix the curtain pole.

However, there is not much upholstery project(only include chair slip cover and loose cover for chairs) and there is no information of the suppliers. Nevertheless, I still highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Book Description

Amazon.com

"Slipcovers are to furniture what clothing is to the body," declares this creative, common-sense guide. "They camouflage, dress up or down, give character, and convey style." They can transform an ordinary item into something exciting that helps make a room work. Less pricey than new furniture or reupholstery, they can nevertheless be somewhat costly when custom-made--unless you learn to make them yourself. Simply Slipcovers is an excellent choice for this purpose. In keeping with Sunset's winning how-to series format (see also Simply Window Treatments and Simply Upholstery), the book offers a common-sense approach to choosing style, fabric, and trim, supplementing its extensive step-by-step instructions with good, clear photos and diagrams. In addition to actual construction information, the 20 projects explain measuring and cutting (with measuring diagrams and cutting layouts) and include loads of great tips on achieving a professional appearance. Besides cover-ups for futon, daybed, and ottoman, and both simple tailored and elaborately swagged sofa designs, projects feature various chair styles, from easy folding- and dining-chair disguises to skirted armchair and welted wing chair covers. Several projects also feature "designer details," ideas for finishing touches like contrasting borders, decorative bows and binding, or pleated swags. The "basics" section explains yardage calculations for many types of soft furnishings, cutting and fitting directions, general construction techniques, and an overview of essential equipment. Although some pieces require advanced sewing skills, many can be handled by the novice. --Amy Handy ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Simply Amazing Results
I'm a novice seamstress. I bought this book, bought some fabric on eBay, bought some supplies at Ben Franklin, and sewed a slipcover and six zippered cushion covers for my 7' tuxedo style sofa. My slipcover is machine washable (fits in with my dog and kid lifestyle), stays firmly in place on my couch (unlike the ones you can buy cheaply) and looks pretty professional! I could not have done it without this book; I followed the directions line by line and it worked out great. If you have a sewing machine and can sew a straight line, give it a try. My next project is my wing chair and ottoman.

This is dated
This book is very dated. The instructions are okay if that's all you want, but style-wise this book is old, old, old.

Simply amazing
This is a really good book.
I'm not very good when it comes to sewing (I only know the very basics, like where the thread goes), yet this book managed to make the whole process seem simple and everything went very smoothly.
I've made slpipcoves for my dining chairs and they look terrific, no-one can believe I made them myself. Best of all, they were really cheap--about $8 per chair. I'm now starting to make a slipcover for a sofa, and things are looking good! The most trouble I've had is deciding on a project. Everything else is really quite simple, and the results are amazing.
Buy this book, you won't regret it.

I'm Really Happy I Bought This Book
I know the very basics of sewing--how to thread the sewing machine and where to put your foot to make the needle go up and down. I bought 2 books on slipcovers and this one is my favorite. It covers all of the basics for beginners like me, yet it includes beautiful, detailed covers for the advanced. I hope I'll be making slipcovers with the best of you in the near future. I'm really happy that I bought Simply Slipcovers.

A Perfect Fit
This book is full of ideas,encouragement,and inspiration. It's directions are clear and easy to understand. While promoting creativity and personalization of your project, it gives you the basics needed for selecting fabric and style, measuring, cutting and sewing. I am not terribly skilled at my sewing machine, but with the help of this book, slipcovers are now in my repertoire. ... Read more

Book Description

Whether you're looking to sew a few new pillows for your sofa or to decorate a bare room, Sewing for the Home is exactly what you need. Packed with instructions for more than 50 classic home decor items, this book is one that will be used for years to come. The book begins with the basics of sewing for your home, including information on fabric, fiber and color selections, sewing machine equipment and notions, timesaving tips and advice.

The rest of the book is divided into four sections.

1. Windows-Offers a wide range of treatments, including tab topcurtains, rod-pocket curtains, pinch-pleated drapes, and Romanshades.

2. Pillows-Covers forms and fillings, closures and cushions, and how-to's for many different pillow designs.

3. Tables-Includes instructions for a variety of tablecloths, placemats and cloth napkins.

4. Bed & Bath-Covers information on creating a new comforter, shams, dust ruffles and even shower curtains. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Best Home Decor Sewing Book
This book is fantastic! It covers how-tos on all the basics! My experience with these kinds of books is that they'll show you how to make ruffled valances and rosette pillows, but never cover the basics, like how to make a cloth shade or a simple removable pillow case (ie. sans buttons and zippers which can intimidate the beginner). This book has it all, and also great hints for making the kinds of minor modifications that make a pillow/curtain truly "special." The best home deco sewing book I've seen.

Very detailed instructions
Very helpful book, very informative and detailed instructions. You'll not regret getting it. ... Read more

Book Description

Suddenly the whole world seems to be in bloom!Floral furnishings and fabrics are in all the stores.Rooms in Bloom celebrates this trend, with unusual, creative, and fresh ways to use florals in the home.This photo-rich book moves beyond the obvious fabric choices, showing how to introduce flower motifs into every room though alternativee methods such as photomurals, light projections, lighting, ceramics and flooring, and through more traditional methods like soft furnishings, wallpaper, and paint/stencilling.Much more than just a picture book, Rooms in Bloom features ideas for hands-on home decorating projects complete with step-by-step instructions.The pages are alos packed with tips and helpful hints to guide amateur decorators in adapting floral ideas (stylishly but inexpensively) into their own home.In addition, Rooms in Bloom is peppered with quotes from famous ladies about their favorite flowers and includes features on designers who have made the floral styles their own. ... Read more

Book Description

Best-selling author Sandra Betzina has teamed with interior designer Debbie Valentine to produce a home decorating book that is stylish and appealing. This book includes dozens of projects for sewers that can be personalized to suit every taste and skill level, along with complete step-by-step instructions for every project and more than 400 color photos and illustrations. Betzina is renowned in the sewing world, and this is the next installment in her line of very successful sewing books. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Uninspired
Sandra Betzina is wonderfully talented when it comes to garment contstruction. I have several of her books and love them. However, her expertise and creativity do not seem to extend to home sewing. The projects in this book are not inspiring. The fabric choices are questionable. It is difficult to glean the 'tricks of the trade' as this book is organized entirely by project, not technique. Save your money. If you are truly interested, check it out from the library before you invest in this publication.

Down to earth useful book
I received this book as a gift and am buying it for a friend. I found the instructions down to earth and based around how to create patterns for furniture, windows, pillows etc in a non-intimidating way.

Some creative ideas that I haven't seen before (like a house for kids designed to fit over a card table. ... Read more

Book Description

Upholstery: A Manual of Techniques is designed as a comprehensive how-to manual for anyone with a stool, chair, or sofa to refurbish. Providing detailed instruction in the skills of all traditional approaches to upholstery-rushing, caning, stuffed, and sprung-this is an excellent introduction to techniques that can be applied to a huge range of projects and furniture. Featuring 160 color photos. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

its a good book
its a comprehensive how-to manual for anyone with stools, chairs, or sofas to repair. it Provides detailed instructions in the skills of all traditional approaches to upholstery-rushing, caning, stuffed, and sprung-this is an excellent introduction to techniques that can be applied to a huge range of projects and furniture. i also like the photos :) ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Disappointing
This book is very dated with mostly black & white photographs and some colour shots that show 60's interiors. It is a technical manual which is of little use in planning an interior in the 21st Century. I would not recommend this book as it is also poor quality paper and considerably overpriced.

Fabric for Interior by Jack Lenor Larsen
Jack Lenor Larsen's name should be widely known and respected throughout the textile arts community. He was originally a hand weaver trained at the Cranbrook Academy of Art. He saw the commercial and aesthetic potential of ethic handwoven fabrics from India, Africa, etc. He designed exquisitely beautiful and original fabrics, some of which were based on traditional folk weaves, hired others to produce them by hand and marketed them to the architecture and design community. That was the start of the Larsen empire. His fabrics today are still uniquely original--he produces fabrics from wire, plastics, synthetics and natural fibers, and the construction of the fabric is always a surprise. Because of his originality and the depth of his understanding of textiles, he is especially well suited to creating a book of this type. There is nothing about textiles that Larsen doesn't know! I have used this book as a text in a Textiles class (in an Interior Design department). It is better organized and more clearly presented than any other textile book I know. It's easy for students to understand the construction of different weaves; the text is clear and the illustrations (both photo and line drawings) are excellent. Larsen has also targeted just the right information (including a chapter on professional practices) and just the right AMOUNT of information, for students of design, architecture and textiles. This is not a book for handweavers to learn from--it is intended for the interior design student--but even long-time weavers will have a better understanding of their craft after reading this book. I recommend it without hesitation. ... Read more