Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Rocker Redo

This is one of those projects that has been sitting around waiting for me. A family member in his 80s moved into senior living about 7 years ago and gave us this rocker. He said it had been around as long as he could remember. It belonged to his parents.









As you can see, it wasn't in the best shape, but it was a good sturdy rocker and I hate to give up on family heirlooms.







I just hate to give up on antiques. Below is another project waiting for me. A garage sale find for $5.00!











Back to the family heirloom... When I removed the upholstery on the back, these slats were revealed!




The rocker had obviously been reupholstered at some time. This old potato sack was revealed under the upholstery fabric.




As was this straw or some sort of stuffing and cotton batting.




All the tacks used had pierced the otherwise perfect wood.









This was my first attempt at recovering anything except maybe a simple footstool. I had read that you are to use the old cover as a pattern if possible.





I chose my fabric and bought cording, thread etc.




The burlap I used to wrap the springs was some I had on hand.








I added a couple layers of padding over that and stitched in place.



















I covered all that with a 2" foam pad on top and three layers of upholstery batting, securing that in place with fabric from an old sheet. This baby was going to be soft! I hadn't taken into account that this might make the pattern from the old cover a bit snug ~ oops. I pulled and stretched and made it work. I am so happy with the results!



I ended up not adding the band. I didn't think it looked natural or authentic.






After sanding and polishing the wood, the tack holes are barely visible.




I can already tell this is going to be a great rocker to curl up in this winter while I work on my other projects! I just love antiques!

8 comments:

Marsha @ Tattered Chick said...

Oh, Connie, the rocker is just absolutely beautiful!!!!! It's ready for many more years of enjoyment!!!!!

What are you going to use the old potato sack for?!

xxoo

Shawkl said...

What a great job you did! I just adore it, and the open back reminds me of my own grandmothers chairs. I think that is very much the look of that era...great work!

Blondie's Journal said...

Beautiful, Connie! You gave the rocker a new life!

XO,
Jane

Magpie's Mumblings said...

I never would have guessed the back was slatted and looks so beautiful on its own! Looks great Connie.

Cathy said...

Wow, you did a superb recovery job on that lovely old rocker! Now you deserve to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Hugs, Cathy K

Michelle Kildow said...

This is awesome, Connie! How beautiful! It really is a gorgeous piece.

NickiLee said...

Fabulous job - thank you for sharing. I have a very old hand carved rocker sitting up over my garage that I need to take down and make a seat for... you've given me to tools to do so - thany you!

Jane said...

Great story and great job redoing this... how funny that noticing the fabric would show what a cool chair it resides on. You are one talented lady!