With many a quiet “yay”, I have snuck pieces off the roadside into the boot of the car and scored some beauties at op shops and online. Why? It has nothing to do with being frugal. It is because these pieces are just too important to be chucked out. They ooze beauty and character, make us reminisce on simpler times, and honour the lost crafts.

When: Two consecutive Sundays 9:30am-4:30pm.

Upholstery for Beginners: Sun Mar 26th and Apr 2nd

Upholstery for Beginners: Sun May 14th and May 21st

Upholstery for Beginners: Sun June 25th and July 2nd

Upholstery for Beginners: Sun Aug 13th and Aug 20th

Where: Waitoki Hall, Kahikatea Flat Rd, Waitoki (next to DD's cafe)

Cost: $290.00 Deposit: $80.00 due within 7 days of booking date.

Tutor: Christina Neubert

What you need to bring:

• Hand tools will be available, but if you prefer your own: pliers, a small to medium flat head screwdriver, small/tack hammer, sewing scissors, tape measure.
• A chair! The ideal piece is a fireside type armchair with an upholstered back and base like the one in the photo. Wingbacks and separate back and base cushion or squabs are not ideal for beginners level. An upholstered dining chair is also suitable and you may well be able to cover two in one workshop as they tend to be less involved than armchairs. If you have a chair but are unsure if it is suitable, just send me a photo.
• An old blanket or sheet to cover your chair between workshops.
• A box to keep all your bits together in.
• Pen and paper for notes.
• 2.5-3m of “upholstery grade” fabric. No leathers, acrylics or stretch fabrics. Upholstery grade means ideally if you hold it up to the light, you cannot see through it.
• Lunch!

Supplied: Tools, hand staple guns and staples, webbing, calico, glue, metal tacking, dust cloth… and the all important home baking and great coffee! Tetron wrap will be available to purchase at a nominal price as will cushion foam if you find you cannot re-use the base of your chair.

I will have chairs that need reupholstering available for purchase if you are short on time, let me know if would like a photo of what is available.