Tis’ the season for spring cleaning, so that means it’s also prime pickin’ for a junker like me. Likewise, others are also always on alert to find gems too. Would you say this vintage sewing stool is worthy of a landfill? I don’t know if we can be friend if you answer in the affirmative. However, if you say, “NO MA’AM!” you are receiving a high five from me. {{yahooooo!!}}
While I would gladly say I found this one, I honestly did not. Another gal found it in the trash during city clean-up. Take a look inside this find…
TEARING IT UP
Let’s get this DIY party started, shall we? First, grabbing my drill, I begin by removing the legs. My jaw dropped when I see the original color. Unbelieveable! It used to be blue?!?
How on earth did that underbelly of this gets so tainted? Anyhoo, after I remove the legs, I use my seam ripper to begin taking the upholstery apart. This is where it’s gets good, am I right?
Then, I save every bit for the next steps of making new upholstery. Nothing against vinyl, necessarily, but I definitely think this Ikat will suit it better. The first time I used this exact upholstery was on this rocking chair makeover. If you’d like to view my upholstery tutorial, you can find Part 1 HERE.
Or, check out the video below to see me upholstering another curbside find in leather.
So here’s the deal, I know the correct way to do upholstery, but in this instance, I’m making use of what I have to dress up this curbside find. I don’t have exactly enough to replace the welting on the bias, or enough to make the pattern line up perfectly. However, I want to show you what you can do with what you have and still make it look good.
SEWING FUN
Next, out come my sewing machine and serger to whip my a twin to the original vinyl. I don’t know about you, but I do love a good stent of sewing therapy.
This serger is an awesome machine that makes my job a whole passel easier. Here’s the base with not only a brand new look, but a sweet personal addition of mine too. tee hee. It’s not attached yet, but I think it’s entirely better than that dirty blue.
Before I call it complete-o, I tackle the legs by also giving them a freshening up. Much better! Don’t worry, I also cleaned up the metal feet as well.
FINISHING
Finally, after my DIY stent, here’s my vintage sewing stool in brand new duds.
I’d say that this is definitely not trash-worthy. Do you agree? I’m excited that I had just enough fabric to cover it and that the legs came out light and bright. Now for the inside…
Did you notice I reused the inside pocket and pretty much left the interior as-is? I saw no reason to replace it and it already matches the fabric. yippeeee!!
As an avid seamstress, I’m so absolutely stoked I am able to give this vintage sewing stool a new lease on life.
If you’d like to add this to your home story, you can find it and more available in my online store. Stop by to see what else is new too!
SHARE
In addition, the whole reason for doing what I do is to inspire you to give revitalizing your own vintage find a try. Even inspire others by pinning and sharing too.
Be sure to sign up for my newsletter so you can see what I do with this hand-me-down my dad offered me. HEAD HERE. Until next time!
Also, more Mid Century makeovers like this vintage sewing stool:
What a beautiful makeover, love the material, was dubious but its gorgeous, so glad you saved such a lovely item.x
These kind of finds are fun for me and I love hearing from you. Thank you, Janette.
What a GREAT find! Another Larissa beauty ?!
It’s blessing to have friends in the junking business. tee hee! Thank you, Susan! 😀
I’ve never seen a sewing stool. Why on earth would anyone throw something like that out? It now looks brand new. My “sewing therapy” usually ends up in tears, but you are so gifted. Well done.
Aww…I want to give you a hug! I have tears too, at times, believe me. ;)j Thanks so much for loving on my work, Sigrid.
I don’t sew at all….home-ec was as far as I got. I figured getting a C in that class while getting an A in shop explained a lot. That was 32 years ago.
The sewing stools I remember usually had some avocado or marigold embossed plastic/Naugahyde on them. This is so much better Larissa. It’s all freshened up and has sort of boho beach vibe.
bwahahaha! In junior high I signed up to take shop class for two years and they kept sticking me in home ec because I was a girl. grrrr… Then at college I wanted to work in the woodshop and again, I was told it was for boys. I don’t get it, does having a body part make you better at woodworking? Thanks for the love, Niki! 😀
Absolutely fabulous!!!I think that would be a keeper.but you know what you need and don’t. Can’t keep everything!!Love this ,love the fabric and that color,just too gorgeous. Have a blessed day.
You’re so fun, Charleen! I would if I didn’t already have my grandmother’s. Thanks!!
Oh my gosh, Larissa – seriously this is my fav save of yours to date. This looks FABULOUS and will sell fast, I just know it!
What a WONDERFUL gift for a sewing mom for Mother’s Day, right??? Love it. You did a fabulous job on this!
You always make me smile, Michele. Thank you!! I just have fun and makes me feel good to rescue things. Thanks!
I have no doubt this pretty lady is not going to last long in your shop. I’m always in awe of your sewing skills. Beautiful save, Larissa!
Best part is that it didn’t take too much effort – yay! Thank you so much, Marie. Miss you!
Super adorable! I absolutely love it! You are such a talented sewer!
You sure did make my day, Barb. Thank you so much!
I got my pulley plant holder! I LIOVE IT!
Thank you!
Kim from Texas
How awesome to hear, Kim! Thank you. Enjoy! 😀