Sewing continues to take me places I never imagined. Today’s sewing adventure landed me squarely
in the world of Tuffeteering. Haven’t
you ever heard of the magical world of Tuffeteering? It’s a pleasant place and you can find
yourself transported there by Sharyn Cole, a fabulous educator at ThimblePleasures who teaches a class in tuffet making. Sharyn’s positive, upbeat attitude makes
learning fun! She loves what she does
and it totally shows - as you can see from her photo below! I just adore her!
Don’t you know what a tuffet is? It’s a mushroom shaped seat made famous by
none other than Little Miss Muffet of nursery rhyme fame. After my experience today, I believe that no
home should be without at least one!
Two weeks ago during session one of the Tuffet Making Class,
we learned how to sew strips of fabric on to muslin backed wedge-shaped
strips. After completing one wedge using
this easy flip and sew technique, we were sent home to return today with our
completed tuffet covers. Each student
had both unique fabrics and plans for their finished tuffets – we couldn’t wait
to reconvene to see each other’s results.
After only a few missteps on my own, I finished my cover
with happy results (see the photo below). I actually enjoyed
the process much more than I ever imagined.
Just knowing that I would have a pretty swanky piece of furniture to
show at the end of the project was enough to keep my eyes on the finish
line. Sewing the strips together was
kind of therapeutic and once I got a little rhythm going, it really didn’t take
too long. The flip and sew procedure was
new to me and took some concentration to master, but in the final analysis isn’t
too complicated.
After the wedges are sewn together, a small drawstring is
attached to the bottom of the fabric circle to pull the fullness around the
tuffet. We were instructed to come to
the class today with our finished cover, a 6-inch square of fabric for the
covered button center and an 18-inch square of fabric for the underneath of the
tuffet. I had previously purchased the
class kit, which included my batting, foam and plywood. Sharyn graciously allows the class to use her
power tools and let me tell you – they are serious power tools that involve an
air generator and safety goggles!
It was so exciting to arrive and see everyone’s finished
covers. Each one was a shining example
of creativity and hard work. The fabric
strips had been transformed! There were
examples of whimsical, elegant and sublime!
The atmosphere inside the classroom was a little like Santa’s
workshop. All the little elves were more
than enthusiastic to get started!
We hit the ground running, with only 3 hours of class time
and 6 tuffets to finish, we had to be serious about getting it all done. We did things today I never imagined I would
experience. We cut our foam using
electric kitchen knives – yep, you know the Hamilton Beach type that Dad used back
in the day to carve the Thanksgiving Turkey!
We used a spray adhesive to affix the foam to the plywood, mastered a high-powered
staple gun to adhere our upholstery batting and we hammered bolt holders into
the plywood. We covered buttons,
stretched fabric, poked holes and affixed wooden feet.
The energy in the room was giddy with possibilities. Some of us (mostly me) were nervous around
the power tools while others were brave and dove right in with gusto! We worked in teams, stayed focused and kept
our rhythm. I would have never guessed
it possible – but we did it! By our 5:00
deadline, the world was a much more tuffety place and no one was injured!
To my complete and utter joy - I have
actually created and completed my very first piece of furniture! I am still in shock over the fact that I
created this very tangible proof of my ability to follow directions, do my best
and finish the job! I am now the proud
owner of a tuffet. I can sit on it,
stand on it, or better yet - share it
with someone who looks simply adorable sitting on it!
Hugs and stitches,
Lori
Sew Sleepless
