Fabric Shopping for a Comfy Chair

This old chair was purchased at Israel's Other Store 20+years ago.  It welcomed guests into my livingroom for years.  Before adding a den off the dinningroom, I'd go to it and read while my daughters would learn the art of collaboration: aka doing dinner dishes. However, the basement provided the best  hiding place for that ordeal.  The last couple years the Chair has been in the den, as needed for a family growing.  The fabric on the arms began fraying last summer and the backside of the cushion began a few weeks ago.  It's a solid chair, so I ventured to The Brass Tack, near my home and inquired if it's worth reupholstering.  After explaining its history and showing him the label he agreed and his price was less than a new, "good", but not outrageously expensive chair.  After checking out a fabric book and literally being overwhelmed my the hundreds of other books I opted to visit Fishman's Fabrics in Chicago.  Since I had plenty of time yesterday waiting for my daughter while she was at the dentist, I had a fabric chosen, but my guardian angel advised to borrow a sample.  Anna and I had agreed to meet at Eppels, on Roosevelt Avenue.  Eppel's is a great diner from the past with reasonable prices (a find in Chicsgo).  While walking there commiserating the departure of Vogue Fabrics, I came across a small fabric shop selling mostly silks for saris. The proprietor has the most gorgeous beaded, embroidered, brocaded and  plain silks.  However, he did have four bolts of upholstery fabric. Well, OK, the young man took me to them.  Bingo!

The store owner said that this side was the right side, but I may use the wrong side.  The leaves on the reverse are woven with the colors of the stripes. It's a very heavy velvet type brocade.  After an iced tea at Eppel's, I went back , purchased 7 yards for less than $100!  Since the two dogs are often on my lap or in the chair warming it for me, this fabric should be perfect.  Below are pictures of his cottons, mostly African, but, oh so colorful!!  These cloths were priced between $4.99 and $7.99.  Even with Chicsgo's 10.3% sales tax, still not a bad deal for cottons not easily found in GR!

In the upper right of the above photo you get a peek at the bejeweled collars and neckline decor available.  Oh to be young, slender or have a swirly dress of silk and sequins.....oh my....

If you are for adventures away from North Michigan Avenue, Chicago's South Loop along and off of Roosevelt, has many interesting shops to visit.  While I guess it's a good thing for the big box stores move into urban Chicago, the long time proprietors have so much to offer. 

       Despite a scare from my daughter, my car was still parked at Fishman's and Binney's!