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The first step was to slit the top of the cording and remove the interior. I then bought four yards of muslin (two yards for $1.00 at a discount store) and covered the back and seat of the couch in the following manner: I held the piece of fabric over the portion to be reproduced, pinned around the shape, and cut outside the markers leaving a seam allowance. The sections were pinned together and laid on the davenport as a final check before sewing. (If the old material is greasy, it must be cleaned before the muslin is applied so the oil won't-bleed through.) The finished inner cover was then stapled to the framework. (See Photo 2.)

This preliminary operation gave me the experience I needed to begin on the new upholstery fabric, and also provided a more solid surface by protecting the threadbare areas. The outer cover was made in exactly the same way except that this time around I inserted the cording (either during the sewing process or by tacking where conditions allowed).

Photo 3 shows the finished davenport. Its transformation cost a total of $45.00, including materials, tacks, staples, thread, and cording.

I'm writing in the hope that these few ideas may help someone else. My method isn't as easy as Virginia's (in which the stripped-off pieces of old covering serve as models for the new). It does, however, offer a fairly simple method of fitting and cutting without a pattern and might give others the courage to reupholster a piece when they realize that they don't have to uncover it first.

In closing, I'd also like to mention how happy I am with the whole concept of MOTHER and her very useful and practical articles. With the economy in its present state, I'm sure this magazine will continue to be a most instructive publication. Thanks to MOM and her contributors!.

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