Back in November of 2011, we lived in Richmond, and I found myself perusing Craigslist for chairs. (I'm not really sure why exactly, as we didn't have any room for more chairs, but whatever. I have a thing for chairs, so what do you expect?) I recall that it was late in the evening when I saw a post asking $50 OBO for this pair of chairs.
I loved the fact that the picture wasn't the best. Diamonds in the rough are my favorite!! |
I felt my heart go aflutter, and I got that excited feeling of butterflies in my stomach as my mind raced over how amazing these chairs were. They were everything I'd been looking for in a pair of chairs that I didn't need! All signs pointed to them being vintage--their smaller size with the straight arms, even that orange fabric, and I simply loved them from the first moment I saw them.
Of course, I emailed the seller right away, and when I didn't hear back I made an appointment with my primary care doctor for some anti-anxiety medication (KIDDING!) In all seriousness, I grew very concerned when my inbox continued to go without a reply. Over the course of the next couple of days, I tried to make sense of the silence. Judging by the picture in the listing, I figured the seller was a dude, and he probably wasn't all that in to Craigslist, right? Maybe he hadn't checked his email? Perhaps I should just send another quick email and ask if the chairs had been sold? (At least this way I could move on with my life) Well, a week went by and I heard nothing. I was beginning to come to terms with the fact that these chairs were just not meant to be mine. My husband and I talked about how my feelings over losing the chairs were similar to his when his Cavaliers lose a game. Our marriage was enriched by this mutual understanding we now had for one another, so all was not lost.
Fast forward about one week, and I'm sure you can imagine my sheer delight when I opened my inbox and saw this:
Let's just say there was much shrieking accompanied by children with confused looks on their faces. (Also, this email confirmed that the squeaky wheel does in fact get the grease, thankyouverymuch.)
I made arrangements to pick up the chairs right away! No matter that Philip was out of town! (which meant I'd have to take both of my kids with me to retrieve the chairs) Fortunately, the seller lived nearby, so it wasn't as big of a deal as it could have been that I had to make two trips in order to get both chairs home with me...
Once I got back home, I recruited one of my neighbors to help me unload them into our garage, where they would remain for the next seven months (until we moved at the end of July). Most of my friends can attest to my love for these chairs, as I would insist on bringing them back to the garage to see them. I would go and check on them from time to time and dream of the day when I could have them made over and give them the new life they deserved.
Shortly before we moved, I knew the time had come. I had contacts for getting reupholstering done for much cheaper than typical rates, and who knew if I'd be able to find that in Illinois? (In case you are wondering why I would want to deal with all of this before a move, let me remind you that the military takes care of all the moving details!)
One last look at them before, on my parent's porch, before they were picked up by my upholsterer. |
Now, choosing fabrics is no decision to be taken lightly. Especially when you are talking about reupholstery--these are not mere pillows that can be changed up when your mood strikes. I was also going to need twelve yards of fabric, so I wanted to be really confident with what I chose. To make matters even more complicated, please recall that I had no idea what the room these chairs would live in would even look like!
{Here is where I need to thank the many friends who helped walk me through this very difficult decision-making process. You know who you are :) }
As you can see, I ended up choosing a solid green indoor/outdoor fabric that I purchased from Lewis & Sheron in Atlanta. And I am so pleased to report that I am very happy with the chairs. It is so great to be able to enjoy them after all those months of waiting :) When it came down to it, I basically chose this fabric because I liked it. I love green, and while I didn't know what my living room would look like, I figured these could work somehow. As
I told you my rug was beat up! Do you think spills or crumbs concern me? Nope. Also, please try not to be jealous of my stylish footwear! |
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Storypiece's Favorite Find
Love them so much! I'd love to find chairs and dream with you...someday, someday I hope to find my diamonds in the rough. :)
ReplyDeleteCute post! I totally know the feeling about getting no response on Craigs List. It almost makes you want whatever it is even more!
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned that your husband loves the Cavs. Are you guys originally from Cleveland?
Katie
Oh. My. Word! I can't even tell you how excited I am that you shared this story. I have a similar one... like crazy similar! About 8 years ago I bought two almost identical chairs from Goodwill. And I had the grand idea that they would be my very first reupholstery project. No big deal, right? They do it all the time on HGTV. I got this. I picked out 18 yards of a darker green fabric and got to work. It was the HARDEST thing I've ever done. No... attempted. Not only did I have no idea what I was doing, I was doing it with silk drapery fabric! It was the curve in those arms that did me in. I couldn't get the fabric to lay flat with the curve. After months of trying, I had to let the project go. Sorry to blather on... I'm just so tickled to see yours. They are beautiful and look amazing with the rug. Looking forward to reading more of your adventures!
ReplyDeleteYou know I looooove these chairs!! I think everyone else on the Internet has a better goodwill than we do :( Haha! So happy to have "met" you via Instagram! Thanks for linking up!!!
ReplyDelete