Joy in the Journey Take 3 – Old Enough

I am definitely old enough to know better. Mercy!

I have started many reupholstering projects through the years. I should know from past experiences I CANNOT reupholster anything!

Like the mess I am, I can tear things apart – which I do with great abandon and a great deal of optimism.

In the early days, Mother and Daddy gave us a couch. I intended to recover it. Ended up with it in a million pieces – which went to the garbage man. Needless to say, my parents were disappointed with my lack of determination.

A number of years ago, I got this chair stripped down to the bare essentials, cut out the pieces perfectly, got it about 2/3 of the way finished, realized I didn’t have the strength to finish it out, and took it to the local upholstery shop. (How’s that for a run on sentence!?!) They finished it out nicely after complimenting my sewing abilities. A total fluke!

Anyway.

I have a rocking chair pad I want in the same fabric. It is sewn exactly by the pattern of the original which I dismantled. The pillows to stuff the pad are purchased.

The project was full steam ahead – then …  a few problems reared their ugly heads.

I went to Walmart and Hobby Lobby. Neither had buttons that would match. I bought a long tool which I assumed would work to push through to tuft the pad. It was way too fat to work for the buttons I already had. Sigh.

The pillows don’t exactly match how the pad was stuffed. I tried adding the stuffing saved from the original and squishing it around where the pillow stuffing was lacking. Didn’t work. Took it out.

I’m going to make some pillow cases that will work for the stupid pillow inserts. Yeah, I’m the stupid one! I already took off the ‘do not remove’ tags from the pillows and threw away the receipt. Ugh!

So what is my next step?

I was going to promise Ronald supper out if he took me to Walmart again for the proper sized foam. Then I decided my best choice is taking the cover sections I made to the local upholstery shop and have the pad finished by a professional.

That way, other than feeling ‘less than adequate’, I will keep some semblance of peace and joy. Cleaning up the mess I have made will give me a small sense of accomplishment which will be enough for today.

Along with – maybe a cookie or an ice cream bar. You never know.

Though the Bible speaks of persevering, I think the choice I am making in this instance is the wiser choice.

Jesus spoke of building a tower AFTER sitting down FIRST and figuring out if he has what it takes to complete the project. He said wise kings think about battles and figure the chances of winning before the battle starts. I’m promising myself to do better next time.

In this case, I trust I will remember my misguided optimism in regard to upholstery and stick to making angel dresses. Or pirate costumes. Or ornate fascinators. Sounds fun and totally doable! The thought of that, crazy as it is, gives me my joy for the day.

I’m writing instead of cleaning up my mess. I’d better change that wicked way as well.

Blessings

KaraBeth