You've been walking around your house for a few months now knowing something is missing. It just doesn't quite feel like home to you. That could be because it's not a space you have truly invested in, making your own. Sure you could go to some chain furniture store and buy something that might last a year or two that you mostly like. But maybe the color isn't quite right, it doesn't fit as well as it could, its not as soft as you thought it would be. Its not PERFECT. It's not made for YOU.

That pillow or cushion has been mass manufactured and is in THOUSANDS of homes. THOUSANDS. We buy these cheap, potentially toxic items, knowing we will eventually cycle through, throw them away and keep chasing the "trends" that we don't really like anyways. This endless cycle of consumerism is terrible for our environment, but also horrendous for our wallets.

Steer clear of the furniture chain stores and look for local creators. They are the key to making a space truly YOURS. I promise you, if you shop around in your local area you will find someone who is passionate about making a piece that is perfect for you. Maybe you bought the chair a little bit cheaper at a furniture store but you don't like the fabric, or it needs a little extra padding. There is someone in your community who has the answer to your problem and can make a quality piece out of the bones you have. There's so many options on ways to get good, quality pieces. Go to a thrift store, check out Facebook Market Place, Craigslist, estate sales. There are all great options if you want to find some good quality bones to fix up for cheap. Furniture is no longer made the way it used to be. Most furniture shops these days are more interested in quick turn around, cheap processes and a fast buck. The result of this mindset is cheaply made products that you will not be passing down through the generations. Heck, you'd be lucky to pass it on to next year.

It's so easy to fall into the cycle of endless trash, products etc. that you're always having to get rid of. What a time suck. Think about your parents or grandparents. They bought the best quality products that they could afford so they wouldn't have to buy them again next year when they broke or got outdated. Maybe you ended up with some of their vintage or antique pieces and just love the memories behind them but hate the old fabric. That's an easy fix. Find a color or style (solid, groovy, modern, vintage, contemporary), fabric type (velvet, mohair, leather, suede, chenille, natural linen), find a local upholsterer or seamstress. Get a conversation started with them. In the long term you will build a relationship with them where they want to help you as quickly and efficiently as possible. You won't have to wait in line or be bombarded at a large chainstore by sales people who just want to sell you anything, not the perfect thing.

Some things to think about before throwing out that chair, pillow, whatever the case may be. Why don't I like this piece? Are there good bones and shape to it? Does it need a simple facelift, fluffing and some new fabric? Do I want to add or take away any design elements such as tufting, double or single welt, pleats, sewn corners, etc etc? What is my budget? Do I have enough in my budget to redo this piece in an expensive fabric or something more budget friendly? Should the fabric be easy to clean? Pet friendly? Kid friendly? Your local artisan is here to help you make these decisions and bring your dream to life.

Some personal recommendations I have if you want to add or change a piece you have is to:

• Find fabric samples and place it on the current piece you have to make sure you will be happy with the new color and material type. This is a great option if you are on the fence between a few different samples. Most local creators will have sample books you can borrow to see what options you like in your space. Lighting makes a HUGE difference. What looks good in a store with lots of lighting may not look the same in your home.

• If you're adding a whole new piece, buy some painters tape and mark out where the piece will be in your home so you know you like the size. This is great to do with items like pillows, side tables etc. The tape allows you to walk around the piece and start to envision what your room will look like with it in there.

• Print out an inspirational photo representing the new piece and hang it up where you want it to be. Look at it everyday and write down any changes you would make to it to make you happy.

• Print out different stitching options you might like. Some options include,
• Top Stitch
• French Stitch
• Lapped Seam
• Double Stitch Seam
• Plain Seam.



Seamline Creations is here to help. Contact me to get started!