New upholstery

Once upon a time, the only ways to learn the finer points of upholstery were through an apprenticeship or a hands-on course (or two or three). Until British home-furnishings owner and creator Fulton and upholsterer Weston collaborated. Here, in a mere 176 pages, is the step-by-step information anyone needs to redo a sofa, a wing chair, even an ottoman--or to simply assess a vintage piece. The directions, though not succinct, leave little room for misinterpretation, starting with stripping back to making cushions, accompanied by color photographs, long captions, and cross-references. These basic instructions are followed by 18 projects, each posting its own set of challenges--a wing chair recovered in black-and-white stripes, a cowhide-upholstered ottoman, a dramatic fabric screen. The beginning chapters--on tools, materials, and fabrics--also live up to the top billing; charts, swatches, and numbered pictures more than adequately explain the what's what of seating. --Barbara Jacobs Copyright 2006 Booklist