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Sunday, October 5, 2014

Hepplewhite Upholstery





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www.SobolEditions.com
www.TheSobolEditions.blogspot.com
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The Hepplewhite Settees and Dining Room Chairs are from some of Ferd’s most recent editions. Because so many mini collectors have asked us just how we upholstered them, we thought we’d share some of our Behind the Workshop Door photos.

Above with a pair of tweezers, Ferd is inserting the petite piping that has been custom created to fit into the settee base. It perfectly matches the seat fabric for a lovely effect as seen in the soft jade green chair below. It is one of those extra finishing touches that Ferd always offers, and is so appreciated by miniature collectors.

Above Millie examines each and every piece after it has had the finish applied. If her quality control approves, then the piece is ready for upholstery. If not it goes back to either the workshop for a refinishing, or sometimes to the reject pile to be destroyed.

Many jigs are used to keep the upholstery fabric wrinkle free and aligned to the chair or settee base. Here the batting and cushioning materials are seen on the right. Ferd created a holding jig that is equivalent to having an extra pair of very much needed hands.

Note the many tiny holes around the perimeter of the jig, allowing wires to be inserted to position the correct angle of pressure needed to hold everything very securely during the glue drying stage. Without this jig the chore of clamping would be difficult and any movement of the silky fabric could be very problematic.

A similar jig is used to insert the cushion fleece. Ferd is seen here trimming to size. As he trims flush with the top edge of the surface, all chairs are identical in padding. This makes for a very uniform and smooth even appearance.

Another jig is used to create the settee upholstery. Millie is shown placing the cushion, batting and silk fabric into a cut out template that allows her to safely attach everything evenly and securely. She will then trim and affix the seat to the settee base. Each and every step along the process is accompanied by further inspection.

Ferd holds the male and female components of yet another jig. When the fabric has a pattern, and you wish to have all chairs in an edition appear identical, it is imperative to accurately align the section of fabric over the seat of the chair. Doing this task by eye alone can only get one close to the desired result. With a jig it is possible to obtain much more precision and consistency. Take a look!



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