{"id":785,"date":"2019-07-08T09:00:07","date_gmt":"2019-07-08T13:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/?p=785"},"modified":"2023-02-03T13:36:05","modified_gmt":"2023-02-03T18:36:05","slug":"diy-life-creative-story","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/home\/diy-life-creative-story\/","title":{"rendered":"The DIY Life: One Man’s Creative Story"},"content":{"rendered":"

When amateur woodworker and DIY enthusiast Bruce Steinert realized his La-Z-Boy\u00ae recliners were looking a bit worse for wear, he set out to have them reupholstered. To his shock and disbelief, the lowest quote from an upholstery shop cost almost as much as the original purchase price of the recliners. Being a handyman with a \u201ccan do\u201d spirit, he began researching ways he could reupholster the recliners himself. Along the way, he learned a lot about sewing, the upholstery process, and what it takes to tackle a new hobby. He\u2019s shared his story with us.<\/span><\/p>\n

Over the years, Bruce had completed many woodworking projects, both big and small. He built a workbench and router stand for his workshop as well as smaller home projects and repairs. Two of his most complex and impressive woodworking jobs were for a local church. He built a 12- by 16-foot, 4-foot-high stage that disassembled into 4- by 8-foot sections for storage. He also constructed a 5-foot-diameter oak pulley wheel to restore function to the church\u2019s bell. Other projects, including electrical work, plumbing and window sash replacements, added to his skill set.<\/p>\n

Bruce credits his woodworking and other crafting experience for his seamless transition into sewing and upholstery work. Having previous DIY projects under his belt also gave him the confidence to tackle a new hobby. \u201cFor most DIY projects, I find there is a stage in the project when you can\u2019t go back and your only choice is to forge ahead to completion. It\u2019s a great confidence builder. Online videos are a great learning tool.\u201d<\/p>\n

Prior to his La-Z-Boy upholstery project, Bruce had done some basic sewing. He sewed curtains, baby clothes, and had made clothing repairs. At an estate auction, Bruce and his wife purchased a Morris chair (an early 20th-century version of a recliner) at a great price because it had no cushions. They tried to make do with a purchased cushion, but it wasn\u2019t ideal. The chair was such a great find that they didn\u2019t want to settle for a mediocre store-bought cushion.<\/p>\n

\"morris
The store-bought lounge chair cushion (left) is no comparison to Bruce’s well-fitting, custom-made cushions (right).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So, Bruce set out to sew a custom-made cushion for the Morris chair. While researching how to sew a cushion, he came across Sailrite\u2019s inventory of how-to videos<\/a><\/strong><\/span>. By watching the Sailrite marine cushion video and applying his pragmatic approach to learning new skills, he was able to create a great looking chair cushion. It was this successful project that convinced Bruce he could handle the recliners. \u201cMaking new cushions let me practice with a larger project that needed the fabric pattern to match, new foam and zipper plaques. That gave me the confidence to tackle the recliners.\u201d<\/p>\n

In preparation for reupholstering the recliners, Bruce knew he\u2019d need a better sewing machine. His old machine couldn\u2019t handle more than two or three layers of fabric. He needed a sewing machine with more power and slow speed control that could handle thick fabric assemblies. When working on his Morris chair cushion, Bruce had watched many of Sailrite\u2019s free project videos featuring the Ultrafeed\u00ae. Watching the Ultrafeed handle the various sewing applications in the videos is what sold Bruce on the machine.<\/p>\n

With his new Ultrafeed LSZ at the ready, he again turned to Sailrite\u2019s project videos. He watched the \u201cHow to Reupholster a Recliner Chair\u201d<\/a><\/strong><\/span> video and followed it step by step. \u201cThe patterning techniques were all applicable. My process mirrored Cindy\u2019s process in the video.\u201d He made sure to take careful notes during the recliner disassembly process as he knew this would help him smoothly reassemble all the pieces. \u201cWhen you are about to start removing the fabric, think through how the pieces were probably assembled at the factory since you will want to remove them in reverse order. There were 47 pieces for each of our chairs. Start to finish I completed both chairs in about four weeks but did not work nonstop.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not only did Bruce follow Sailrite\u2019s recliner upholstery video, but he also watched the accompanying \u201cHow to Make an Upholstery Work Table\u201d<\/a><\/strong><\/span> video so that he\u2019d have a nice, elevated workstation on which to reupholster his recliners. With his woodworking know-how in his back pocket, Bruce took the Sailrite work table design and improved it by making his table collapsible for convenient storage in his workroom.<\/p>\n

\"collapsible
Bruce’s collapsible work table. He stores the legs, fabric and hardware pieces inside the table so everything stays together.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cI highly recommend building the stand if you don\u2019t have a suitable work surface,\u201d Bruce advised. \u201cMy workshop is fairly small and storing the stand was going to take up a lot of space. It needed it to be compact, yet easily reassembled.\u201d Bruce modified his work table to make the legs detachable. The legs, trunk liner fabric and a bag of various hardware pieces are stored inside the collapsed table. The top and bottom of the table latch together for a secure hold. \u201cFrom the original 9 square feet of floor space occupied, it\u2019s now less than 3 feet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now that Bruce has successfully reupholstered his recliners with his new Ultrafeed, he\u2019s also used the machine to repair a tear in his computer bag. He used Sailrite\u2019s video on how to repair a tear in a sail and adapted the technique. On the same bag, he replaced the worn out faux leather handle with real leather, also using his Ultrafeed. \u201cIt is a very well made product and simple to operate. It makes sewing truly a joy.\u201d<\/p>\n

One thing he learned along the way during his sewing DIY was to take it one step at a time. \u201cDon\u2019t let the scale of a project dissuade you from giving it a try. Reupholstering a chair is just a lot of little projects done in a sequence. Tackling these projects not only gives a great sense of accomplishment but is also a wonderful stress reliever. Put down the phone, turn off the TV and get started.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"completed
Bruce enjoying the results of his hard work!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What\u2019s next for Bruce? He doesn\u2019t have any future sewing projects planned, but as he put it, \u201cone never knows what might happen along. Long term, I have a desire to restore classic cars in my retirement. I\u2019m sure there will be opportunities to upholster and make door panels for those. Who can say, maybe there is a second career out there for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Who We Are<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

Sailrite is your one-stop DIY shop! We are a passionate crew of do-it-yourselfers who strive to equip you with the supplies and how-to knowledge you need to tackle your next project. Do you want to learn upholstery, leatherwork, canvaswork, hobby sewing, bag making or more? We have the fabric, tools, hardware, sewing machines and notions you need to master any DIY. And even if you’ve never sewn before, our tutorials and how-to videos are designed for beginners and experienced crafters alike.<\/span><\/p>\n

Start your DIY journey today: www.sailrite.com<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When amateur woodworker and DIY enthusiast Bruce Steinert realized his La-Z-Boy\u00ae recliners were looking a bit worse for wear, he set out to have them reupholstered. To his shock and disbelief, the lowest quote from an upholstery shop cost almost as much as the original purchase price of the recliners. Being a handyman with a … Continue reading The DIY Life: One Man’s Creative Story<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":789,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false}}},"categories":[9],"tags":[14,20,37,70,25],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Reupholstered-Recliners.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/padSoq-cF","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1510,"url":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/home\/sewing-upholstery-ultrafeed\/","url_meta":{"origin":785,"position":0},"title":"Sewing Upholstery With the Ultrafeed\u00ae","date":"June 29, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"All DIYers, whether they're a sewer, woodworker, crafter or other, have the same thing in common. They love the satisfaction they get from accomplishing a project on their own. Cory Springer is no different. She owns a small upholstery business in Virginia, and one of her favorite things about sewing\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/upholstery-collage.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":713,"url":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/automotive-rv\/driven-to-sew\/","url_meta":{"origin":785,"position":1},"title":"Driven to Sew: A Lifelong Hobby","date":"May 14, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"The DIY spirit can take any number of forms \u2014 there\u2019s no end to what you can create with the right supplies, a good idea and a little extra time on your hands. That\u2019s exactly the same mindset held by Sailrite\u00ae customer and long-time crafter Louis Cossey. Following his retirement\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Automotive\/RV"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/LouisCossey5-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":1385,"url":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/marine\/boat-canvas-sewing-diy\/","url_meta":{"origin":785,"position":2},"title":"Weathering the Storm: Sewing & DIY","date":"April 6, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Bruce Carlile is a lifelong boater. He grew up in California's San Diego Bay Area sailing, racing and enjoying life. From participating in the Junior Sailing Program at his local yacht club to racing a variety of sailboats, including Sabots, Lasers, Hobie Cats, Star keelboats and more, to speeding along\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Marine"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/new-duffy-top.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":815,"url":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/marine\/sewing-upholstery-uss-slater\/","url_meta":{"origin":785,"position":3},"title":"A Stitch in Time: Sewing for the USS Slater","date":"June 24, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Out with the old and in with the new is a phrase we\u2019ve all heard. In fact, the DIY spirit is often centered around transforming something old into something new. But what happens when that old thing isn\u2019t just a secondhand knickknack, but rather a part of American history? Fred\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Marine"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/USS-SLATER-1945.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":332,"url":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/outdoor-living\/diy-tipi-sewing\/","url_meta":{"origin":785,"position":4},"title":"Sewing Through the Generations","date":"January 2, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Every family has a legacy \u2014 something defining that has been carried through the years between its members. In Dave Moore\u2019s case, his family has been passing down the creative gene through the skill of sewing. We\u2019re quite familiar with the idea of creating custom projects here at Sailrite\u00ae, so\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Outdoor Living"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/IMG_0948-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2363,"url":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/leather\/upholstery-leatherwork-sewing-machine\/","url_meta":{"origin":785,"position":5},"title":"A Thoughtful Hobby: Leatherworking With Willie Sandry","date":"February 10, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"When you find a way to combine your two favorite hobbies into one handcrafted piece of art, that's the mark of a true craftsman. And that's exactly what Willie Sandry did. Willie's journey into leatherworking actually started with woodworking. Willie has been building wood furniture pieces for years. When his\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/pjimage-3.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/785"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=785"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/785\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2786,"href":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/785\/revisions\/2786"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/789"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=785"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=785"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=785"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}