Supplies.

Those familiar with upholstery will know that you need a multitude of supplies in order to tackle the simplest item of furniture (in my case, a multitude of footstools). From tools (magnetic hammer; pliers; tack lifter; regulator; double pointed needle; mattress needle and staple remover), to sundries (fibre; hair; twine; hessian; webbing; skim; calico; back cloth; skin wadding and tacks of various sizes), and lots of lovely lovely fabric. In addition, you also need various bits and bobs to restore said item to its full glory before you can start upholstering (is this even a verb?) (paints; varnish; shellac; methylated spirits; white spirits; steel wire; various grades of sandpaper; sawdust and wood glue). And last, but not least, a healthy supply of savlon and plasters.

To the average hobbyist, this is more of an inconvenience than a deterrent and you may even have some of these items lying about in your shed anyway, but if you are an unemployed designer maker (previously corporate lawyer) this means lots of shopping (and not the fun kind). Its rather alarming how these costs keep piling up. Nonetheless, I've had to bite the bullet and dig deep, and have now reached critical mass, just about ready to tackle a project or two on my lonesome (or will be once my staplegun arrives!).

Tools of the trade

Sundries

Bags and bags of stuffing