Being Melissa

at the studio, Being Melissa, just for fun

weaving custom fabric, and developing tool envy.

It's an occupational hazard.

I love my upholstery tools.  They're simple and so perfectly formed for their function:  A perfectly balanced, magnetized hammer for throwing tacks, a (dangerous) claw-like tool for pulling webbing super tight, a v-shaped tack-puller for when tacks aren't perfectly placed.  But I've recently been exposed to an even more amazing tool:  the loom.  Functionally, it's straightforward, capable and strong.  And when thread is running through it, it's gorgeous.  I have to admit, that for me it's all about the thread.  

We've been working with Soraya at www.studiofournyc.com on some custom fabric inspired by a vintage swatch of Chanel tweed--and it's been a riot.  We're almost ready to create the yardage, and I have to admit, I'll be sad when it's over and I can't go visit the loom (and related thread) anymore!  On the other hand, I can't wait to work with the fabric!

Being Melissa, one kings lane

Five Finger Furnishings has two new homes...

...at One Kings Lane and the New Yorker!

Today, our first pieces go on sale at One Kings Lane--with more to come.  Check them out!

(And in case you missed it, we delivered a sofa to the Articles Editor at the New Yorker.  What better place to sit and contemplate the next issue (or just enjoy the view from their new offices at 1 World Trade Center)?  

What's next?  Stay tuned--this promises to be a September to remember!  

Enjoy.   


just for fun, at the studio, Being Melissa

Shop's open...Stop by!

Well, it's been a crazy month but we've moved into our new studio space in Crown Heights!  We literally went from an empty room without electricity to a showroom and workshop space in three weeks.  And we love it.  Plenty of room, lots of color and great work and storage spaces.  

Special thanks to Taryn Christoff of Christoff Finio.  She really anticipated needs that I didn't know I had, and it makes a difference every day.  Also thanks to Sam Zeif for his drawings and visits to Home Depot, and to Andrew Zeif for sheer strength and moral support.  And finally, thanks to my apprentice, Sonja Beck Gingerich for rolling with the punches and coming to work without fail--even when we worked by daylight!

Come by and see us!

1093 Pacific Street, Brooklyn NY 11238 by appointment

Take the 2-3 / 4-5 or C train to Franklin Avenue