March Featured Project

March Featured Project – Cowhide Upholstered Bench

Sweet Pea’s March Featured Project was to use a steer’s unusually-patterned cowhide from a ranch near the local Cowtown Rodeo to cover a wooden bench seat. This was an unusual project, but the challenges involved in this transformation intrigued Vicki Scott, the custom-sewing professional here at Sweet Pea’s. “This was the first time I’d ever been asked to do that!” Vicki laughed.

The request was simple – upholster this bench using this hide.  The hide, white with black markings scattered randomly across the back, stretched out on the floor. The bench seat frame stood nearby, a solid wooden structure with short black legs.

cowhide

First Vicki sized up the hide and decided how best to balance the markings on the hide with the shape of the bench seat.

Then she worked her magic…  Although the dark end of the hide was a bit narrow, she skillfully pieced together some of the surplus white sections. When she finished with her detailed cushion construction, Vicki sewed the leather into place.

~     narrow end of hide artistically repaired    ~

Despite the unique challenges, the project was a success!

~                 Mission Accomplished!                 ~