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oldsofas
264 Posts |
 Posted - 05 Feb 2007 : 20:50:07
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Ruth and I have decided to stop doing upholstery. We're going to keep hosting this forum because, thanks to you who have breathed new life into it since New Year, it's got its own momentum and feels a lot more fun and worthwhile. (OK, so the real reason is that after Lorre's record breaking post on reglueing chairs we didn't have the heart to pull the plug.) But we're not selling supplies, covering buttons, reupholstering chesterfields or doing any of the other stuff that we've been doing for the past decade or so - except for shamelessly plugging our fabulous book of course.
We plan to redesign the oldsofas website as an on-line upholstery magazine incorporating this forum and lots of other useful, interesting and, most importantly, free stuff for anyone who's interested in upholstery. So let me know what you'd like in a magazine and we'll see what we can do.
D & R
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Lorre
USA
107 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2007 : 23:06:27
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Like me, I am sure everyone is in a state of shock. In fact, I was so shocked, I immediately called David and Ruth. Luckily, I was able to catch them; and after a long conversation (very much overdue), I feel better and am very happy for them, as they embark on their new adventure. After all, life really is -- and about -- adventure. It is about journeys and making decisions, about taking risks; and sometimes even about falling down. But in the end, I know we are always better for the experience.
So I raise a glass (yes, I am drinking) to Ruth and David -- for starting this forum and sharing their knowlege. But especially for their friendship, their humour, and their sense of adventure. And because I know (personally) that they have hearts bigger than I could ever imagine any human beings possibly could have!
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jean
France
198 Posts |
Posted - 06 Feb 2007 : 07:04:55
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You've given me so much encouragement over the last year or so. I too will raise a glass - but it will have to wait twelve hours as I have a rule about not drinking at breakfast!
Good luck with whatever your future plans bring you.
Jean |
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laura
United Kingdom
24 Posts |
Posted - 06 Feb 2007 : 09:12:43
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Shock is the word!! I feel so sad, but don't know why. If David and Ruth are kindly keeping the forum going, I guess that is the main, social part of this site. It is so friendly and supportive here. I may be a sad case, but I feel we are all friends. Maybe in a pretty limited way, but... well, you all understand, because we all keep coming back!! :)
Good luck David and Ruth. I guess the upholstering has become just plain work for you, rather than the passion it probably started as...and I know customers are usually a pain, so I hope your new adventure is great.
Your book instilled that passion in me. I have been busy this week webbing my dear chairs, and stitching on new springs, fingers numb and a huge smile on my face... and I thank you for that.
Kindest regards
Laura |
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Lorre
USA
107 Posts |
Posted - 06 Feb 2007 : 13:15:28
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Laura, your post made me chuckle. But I know how you feel; and you are not a sad case. I imagine you smiling, as you work, which is what I do often, even when things are not going well (OK -- I listen to music on my iPod, but not always!).
As a purist and perfectionist, it seems things do not go well often! Yesterday, there was horse hair everywhere, as I experimented with different ways of upholstering on two foot stools I am restoring -- Ruth's method and one of creating an edge roll first and then filling in the well. I love this work and am passionate about doing it well and doing it right -- historically and traditionally. I hope I never lose this feeling. Although I do understand David and Ruth's wanting a break . . . and a new adventure.
But you are right -- some customers are a pain. They don't do the work, so they don't understand, let alone appreciate the sweat that goes into restoring a piece properly. So I have a rule of thumb (which means I will never make much money doing this) -- the moment the cost for the work becomes an issue, I decline the job. Bad business, perhaps, but so far it has worked for me. Currently, I have twelve projects in the shop.
And Jean . . . drink up! I won't tell you how many I had last night! :)
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jean
France
198 Posts |
Posted - 06 Feb 2007 : 13:57:07
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| Still only lunchtime here Lorre - Too much work to risk falling asleep and then the small matter of perhaps forgetting the school run...! |
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Lorre
USA
107 Posts |
Posted - 06 Feb 2007 : 14:19:51
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| Jean . . . As you can imagine, last night I slept quite well. Sometimes, drinking is a good thing! By the way, where in France are you? I have friends I have known for near 30 years who live near Chartres and another who lives in Orgeval. I try to visit them whenever I can and did so just before I spent my time with David and Ruth. One friend is actually studying upholstery and is passionate, as well. |
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Veronica
United Kingdom
34 Posts |
Posted - 06 Feb 2007 : 15:14:47
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Dear Ruth & David
Only just read this & I am in a state of shock as well! Are you sure you don't need a little holiday & then reconsider your decision to give up upholstery !
What on earth are you guys going to do instead ? I am so pleased the forum is continuing . I have only just joined before Christmas so it will be good to keep in touch via this format .
There is no shame in changing your minds !
All the best for now to you both .
Regards Veronica |
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paula
United Kingdom
34 Posts |
Posted - 06 Feb 2007 : 19:00:43
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Dear David and Ruth
I guess whatever you decided wasn't easy, so having made the decision congratulations and I will certainly raise a glass to you both and wish you every success in whatever you're going to be doing!!! On a personal note and like everyone else - I'm shocked and confused. I love the forum and like so many of the previous posts regard as this a place to catch up with friends, have a good banter and share with the obsession of or should that be addiction to upholstery!
It's great (a little trite)indeed selfless (not meant to be patronising)that you've decided to keep the forum going - THANK YOU. Perhaps all the forum regulars should throw a party/descend on Wales for a celebration of all the good work, inspiration and advice you have given over the years.
Wishing you every success.
Paula |
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oldsofas
264 Posts |
Posted - 06 Feb 2007 : 20:20:09
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You're all too kind. The forum is what you've made it so there's no need to be too nice to us - but we are very flattered - thank you. No doubt Marge would see this as more evidence of megalomania - the power of life and death. But nothing is going to change here, we're just giving up running our upholstery business that's all. We'll still read all the messages every day, chip in if we think we've got something useful to add and post your pictures up. Now do me a favour and let me make you some avatars - lets get some more colour to the pages.
I'll leave you with a clue to Ruth's chosen career path.
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jean
France
198 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2007 : 07:39:00
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| So that would be the perfume industry then? |
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Veronica
United Kingdom
34 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2007 : 09:03:24
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Jean , this is England
Its eco friendly hair drying !
We are off to Paris next week ,hope the weather is good .
Best wishes to all
Veronica
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jean
France
198 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2007 : 10:04:24
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Eau de colon I think we call it here
Weather can't decide if it's a teenager with attitiude - definitely can't make up its mind anyway. Bring an umbrella and warm gloves. |
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Veronica
United Kingdom
34 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2007 : 11:28:25
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Hi Jean
Very witty .I think we should all keep this formum going as a tribute to Ruth & David .I really hope their on line magazine takes off .
I shall not only miss them ,but also have to source my supplies from elsewhere.I need to contol my stock , because I have a load of stuff in the french house ,but cant remember what it is ! This means I double up on some things , but run out of others & find it difficult to obtain in France.
We expect loads of snow in England tomorrow .
Talk soon
Veronica
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Lorre
USA
107 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2007 : 13:06:49
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David . . . what exactly do you need from us to create the avatars? I have no idea what they are.
xo,
Lorre |
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paula
United Kingdom
34 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2007 : 13:19:58
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| Hi Lorre if you go into your profile there's a box with avatars - just pick one you like! My son is currently obsessing on Nemo, and as my short term memory is short term thought Marlin and Dora in a state of shock (hysteria) were appropriate!! |
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Lorre
USA
107 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2007 : 14:33:50
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| Thank you, Paula! I am a dope! OK, I picked one, but not sure what it all means. |
Edited by - Lorre on 07 Feb 2007 14:41:16 |
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Veronica
United Kingdom
34 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2007 : 15:31:11
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Hellooooooooo
From somebody who is slow ,where exactly is this box. I looked in profiles and could not find any !
They do brighten up messages .
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laura
United Kingdom
24 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2007 : 15:49:47
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I was trying too!! I love to draw/paint sunflowers, so that's me now.
Veronica, click on profile at the top of the page where it says 'home' and then click 'edit'... the list of choices will come up.. |
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Lorre
USA
107 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2007 : 16:34:07
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Well, to tell the truth, there were so many choices, I had to scroll through the list. We have two Scottish Fold cats, which is the reason for my choice. Are our avatars supposed to represent us in some way? Then I fear mine would be dazed and confused!
Hey, David . . . Can our avatars be photos or drawings of a chair -- our favourite, perhaps! I'm sorry . . . I ramble. |
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oldsofas
264 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2007 : 17:24:25
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I can make you avatars of any pictures, just send me one - david@oldsofas.com - but make sure it will look OK when reduced down in size.
I'm unemployed so I need something to keep me busy and to echo Veronica - they do brighten up messages - so I might have to make them compulsory. |
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Veronica
United Kingdom
34 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2007 : 20:39:12
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Thanks for advice but I still cant manage it ! As you are not busy David , I would like a sheep of some description as that is part of my address .
Many Thanks
Veronica |
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Lorre
USA
107 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2007 : 13:37:44
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| Hmmm . . . if they can be anything, I may have to change mine. I'll see what I can find and send it along. By the way, why is Laura's avatar only three quarters sunflower? |
Edited by - Lorre on 08 Feb 2007 13:39:58 |
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laura
United Kingdom
24 Posts |
Posted - 09 Feb 2007 : 16:25:47
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I was wondering the same!! It just came that way...
I like Veronica's avatar. They ARE fun.
Well, my chair-springs are all tied up now, and it's SOOOO comfy! :- ) I have to keep sitting on it, to believe it!! I've got splits in my fingertips, but what the heck.
It's been handy, this illness I've had.. going on three weeks of dizziness now, from the inner ear imbalance. Can't really drive, so I'm stuck at home, upholstering!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (shame). |
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Lorre
USA
107 Posts |
Posted - 09 Feb 2007 : 22:53:41
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| Laura . . . CONGRATULATIONS on springing your chair. I say, "You go, girl!" I know . . . this is so totally American! |
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laura
United Kingdom
24 Posts |
Posted - 10 Feb 2007 : 10:02:29
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Thanks Lorre! I'm trying to think of a suitable reply, but having lived in the UK for 20 years now, I think my American slang is probably abit dated!!! : [ Like, totally...
I hope to be stuffing later today ( that's the chair, not my face). So expect a new barrage of questions!!!!!!! :- ) |
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Lorre
USA
107 Posts |
Posted - 10 Feb 2007 : 14:14:14
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Laura . . . That is not dated. My neices still use that term and they range in age from 9 - 17! My problem is I still think I am 18! My boyfriend shakes his head sometimes when he sees me in flip flops and hiphuggers. He thinks it's too young a look for me. But quite frankly, if I could wear flip flops, jeans, and a T-shirt everyday, I would be a very, very happy (albeit, old) woman!
I would very much like to see your chair in progression and when it is done. I spent most of yesterday stitching and stuffing two foot stools for a client. I expect to finish them next week and hope to post them in the "Show Your Work" section at some point. I think that part of the Forum would be a great source for seeing how work is done and perhaps learning a few new tricks from fellow Forum participants. But could be a lot of work for David to post photos, I suspect! |
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laura
United Kingdom
24 Posts |
Posted - 10 Feb 2007 : 18:52:07
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Here's to growing old disgracefully, which I fully intend to do!!!!! ; j
I will send in progress photos soon. I have today done the first stuffing, but ran out of tacks :( , so down the shops tomorrow. Steve and I also worked out the cutting plan, which was hard work. Thank goodness he has a head for numbers!!
It looks like a real chair now!!!!!!!!!!!!!! happy happy.
x Laura |
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Louise
United Kingdom
3 Posts |
Posted - 14 Feb 2007 : 20:26:24
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Well, thats just typical of my luck! I've been visiting your site for the past couple of months, and today was the day that I was actually going to purchase something. And your closed!!
So seeing that the forum is still running I thought I'd post a desperate plea to see if anyone has any of your wonderful sounding CDrom tuition disks for sale. Or of course if they are still available from yourselves.
Any sympathetic offerings gladly welcome........... |
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Lorre
USA
107 Posts |
Posted - 15 Feb 2007 : 01:22:37
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Welcome, Louise! Better late than never, I say! And no need to fret -- I am certain David and Ruth can help you with getting a set of their CD-Roms, which are so informative; as is their book. So if you do not have a copy, I definitely recommend getting it. You will not be disappointed!
Again, welcome! Best of luck and remember -- we are always happy to help. Or at the very least, we do our best to be supportive. Are you working on a particular project? |
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Louise
United Kingdom
3 Posts |
Posted - 22 Feb 2007 : 09:35:56
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I'm curently restoring a round-backed nursing chair as part of a project at college. However a local upholsterer recommended the Old Sofas site to me as he found it so useful, and I must admit from what I saw when it was active, it was more informative than my college course!
I will have a look at the other forums to see if I can get the CD roms. Unfortunately I couldn't email direct and ask for them as my computer didn't seem to want to load AOL to make it possible.......(why do I need to anyway??) |
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oldsofas is dead, long live oldsofas.
