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!

For the love of Saffron

(From Apartment Therapy, which I love even more now that we share a favorite fall color!)

With the start of September being the culturally accepted (if not technical) start of fall, my thoughts are on the riot of color just around the corner. Maybe it's the association of falling leaves, or the pair of back-to-school bootcut cords I sported in grade seven, but the color I most associate with the season is a rich saffron yellow. It's perfect for these early fall days- vibrant enough to mix with summer shades, but rich enough to hint at cozier things to come.

Decor-wise, saffron (and its greener sister, mustard, and more yellow cousin, goldenrod) is a surprisingly versatile shade. It straddles the line between "feminine" and "masculine" color (if you even buy into that) and works particularly well as an accent. The gorgeous Moroccan temple above is wall-to-wall saffron, but here are some spaces in which smaller doses of the rich, bold yellow have been used to great effect...continue reading

So here's to the Wilhemina Swivel (second photo above)!

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.