upholstery student with her completed chair

Carla is such a resource for Livingston. This class was a great opportunity to learn the ins and outs of upholstery and it came at the perfect time. I’d been fascinated in furniture for a while and was excited to find the course shortly after moving to town. The class size was small, so each student received individualized attention and guidance in addressing the intricacies of their chairs. Carla brought each of us through the process of upholstering our chairs step by step. I’m not a seamstress, so I was nervous about sewing. Carla showed me how to sew the welts, accurately measure the pieces, join the fabric, stretch the burlap & tack and staple the upholstery. I ended up with a beautiful chair that I’m super proud of.

Cheryl Watson Cooney, Livingston, MT
Upholstery class: Cathy staples her seat

Before taking Carla’s workshop, I felt uncertain of my ability to do a good job on a big cushion seat project. During the class, I was able to create a piece I am proud of! I came away with a professional looking (by me!) booth seat for my vintage camper. I feel empowered, confident and anxious to complete the next seat so I can enjoy entertaining in style in my ‘new’ camper.

Cathy Johnson, Coffee Creek Espresso

Carla, I could never had changed over to all latex in the cushions I was having remade without your help! I had a good upholster here in Houston, but they had never worked with latex. You were so kind and generous with your time in communicating with my upholsters so they knew exactly how to cover and what to cover it with. Also Getting your organic cotton and wool was so important and your figuring out how much I would need of each was so generous in giving of your time and critical to accomplishing my task.

Carol Sweich, New Mexico
Boxed cushion upholstery class project with brightly colored leaf fabric

Before taking Carla’s class, I was excited to learn how to make cushions for upholstery under skilled guidance while completing my own project. During the workshop, I got an appreciation for how complicated and time-consuming sewing a boxed and corded cushion can be. I finished one cushion in class, and now after completing four cushions for my patio chairs, I think I better understand the process.

Amanda Knuchel, Livingston, MT

Before taking this class, I was unsure how to measure my project to figure out how much fabric I needed. Carla’s worksheets provided a handy outline for how to measure and lay out my fabric to be sure I didn’t over-buy. This class also clarified for me how to make and sew cording into my cushion-top ottoman. I am more confident about tackling my next project and meanwhile enjoying putting my feet up!

Lill Erickson, Livingston, MT
Reupholstered child’s chair with turtle fabric

I want to thank you again for such beautiful work on our chair. The placement of turtles and the beautiful matching of pattern across the front piping are a delight and something that I didn’t fully appreciate in the excitement of taking it home. Little Elsa hasn’t seen it yet, but I’ll take a picture of her to add to the other archival materials you imaginatively put together for us.

Linnea Pritchard, grandmother
Reupholstered chairs for a birth center

The chairs are fabulous! Makes a huge difference in our waiting area. Thanks for the great work!

Lisa Blank, Bozeman, MT
Upholstered bench seats

Chan and Carla are pros, we worked together on Starky’s Authentic Americana Restaurant. The custom built-in seating was expertly designed, detailed and delivered right on time. The entire team appreciated your positive attitude and flexibility within the tight time frames and schedule changes that lead up to completion of the job. Nice job on the styling, comfort and durability, too.

Ben Lloyd, Bozeman, MT

Carla, thank you for all your help and attention to details. I was hesitant initially to buy the sofa, but you made me feel very secure with the purchase. Thank you for providing all the pictures and detailed information and keeping me updated throughout the shipment. The sofa arrived yesterday without any damage, secured and packed incredibly well. You made a stressful experience very easy for me, and I am really happy with the end product.

T.W. psychotherapist, Boston, MA