Chair Repair School, textiles and woodworking teacher

Chair Repair School

Chair Repair School

local_activity classes: Sewing and EmbroideryTextilesWoodworking

5.0 (80)

Chair Repair School is run by a collaboration between two makers who call themselves We Us and Stuff.
 The pair: Fiona Edmeades artist and upholsterer (Reign of Chairs) and Steve Thomas woodworker (Creek Furniture), share an affinity for rejuvenation of old wares, the use of reclaimed materials and the process of the handmade.

Fiona trained as a traditional upholsterer and gained her City and Guilds Certificate in the craft, at the London College of Furniture in 1991. Fiona takes on commission upholstery jobs and teaches upholstery classes in Sydney and greater NSW.

In 2009 Fiona graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the National Art School. she also makes sculptural works using reclaimed metals and objects.

Steve has been collecting and recycling timber for decades. As Creek Furniture, he makes doors, windows and customised furniture pieces in a variety of reclaimed timber. His materials come from a myriad of sources: old workshop floors, farmhouse and shed demolitions to name but a few.

Steve delights’ in breathing new life into old timber, he teaches the timber element of the course and deals with any frame repairs on chairs, that are needed during the workshop. Steve also makes all the frames of the our footstools and bedheads used in various classes.

Steve and Fiona love to share their skills and they delight in helping others to learn new skills and seeing them experience the joy that can be had from making something by hand.






Classes






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Reviews

(80)


Peta Erickson Feb 2024


We had an amazing weekend doing this course. Steve and Fiona are great, they were so patient and truly do a great job in sharing their knowledge and skill set. I learnt so much and had a great time doing so.
We came away from the course with chairs we will enjoy for a very long time. Thanks again Fiona and Steve, we will be back.

Erica van der Walt Feb 2024


Such a wonderful weekend learning upholstering. Fiona and Steve are so helpful and knowledgeable and I learned so much. Already planning my next project!

Karen Groth Nov 2023


Fiona and Steve are very patient, kind and extremely knowledgeable about their craft and industry. Highly recommend their workshops.

Judy Grady Nov 2023


Great teaching and a generous sharing of expertise, delivered in a great environment, couldn't have enjoyed it more. And love my new óld' chair.

Margo Lawson Oct 2023


Fiona and Steve are great teachers and soo knowledgeable in their trades. Another wonderful weekend being challenged learning and appreciating new skills.

Anonymised ClassBento student Oct 2023


I loved the workshop - I learnt so much and my chair looks great. Can't wait to attend another one.

Myfanwy Crowe-Palmer Oct 2023


I highly recommend this upholstery course and was very happy with the final product that I managed to complete with the help and dedication and skill of the hosts.

Textiles class review by Myfanwy Crowe-Palmer - NSW Country

Sarah Stonnill Sep 2023


Fantastic course- teaching, venue equipment all great (love the compressor driven staple gun). And I came home with a chair.

Margaret Tresidder Sep 2023


Fiona and Steve are both so knowledgeable, and so willing to share their expertise. Totally love working with the tribe of the chair-obsessed.

Two-day Chair Upholstery Course review by Margaret Tresidder - NSW Country

Michele Sep 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended


A fantastic and productive two days of hands-on learning about how to upholster a chair!
Fiona and Steve are very skilled, generous and patient teachers and excellent at problem solving. The class was small so we each had lots of one on one instruction and lots of support at each stage. First class tools and equipment, additional materials if needed, Fiona and Steve have thought of everything. Recommend!

Lucy Klippan Sep 2023


Fiona & Steve are excellent teachers - they really know their stuff and we’re in hand the whole time to help you make decisions and learn new skills. Upholstery is an involved process, but I feel like I was able to get enough info, hands-on practice and materials to be able to take my project home to finish myself.

Judy Grady Aug 2023


Excellent weekend. Fiona and Steve's expertise and passion are contagious. I learnt lots. group of students added to the fun.

Textiles class review by Judy Grady - NSW Country

Kate Stotskaia Aug 2023


What an incredible course! Fiona and Steve are two of the most passionate, patient and generous teachers. The weekend has equiped me with the skills to try another chair reupholster as the one completed in class was such a success. So lovely to learn in a supportive group atmosphere.

Two-day Chair Upholstery Course review by Kate Stotskaia - NSW Country

Meryl Connolly Aug 2023


I just had the best 2 days in the experienced hands of Fiona and Steve. I got to upholster a chair, Steve made it sturdy and Fiona talked me through each stage and step until finished. I loved it and highly recommend it and will be back to do it again! Thanks Fiona and Steve cheers Mez

Ceri Cameron Aug 2023


What a great experience! The course was excellent and hands-on with the delicate balance of demonstration and guided support reached superbly by Fiona and Steve. The other participants were amazing too. It was such a pleasure to learn together for 2 days with like-minded peops Thanks again for offering such a well organised and crafted workshop. Ceri

Margo Lawson Aug 2023


Fiona and Steven were very welcoming and skilled in their trades. They were both very supportive and guided me every step of the way. They had all the extra materials and tools there for my use. Great weekend of learning and achieving something new. Thanks Heaps Margo

Tish Marie Aug 2023


Such a great workshop. Fiona and Steve give great all the advice and help you need and anll the equipment and supplies you need to complete your project are available. Highly recommend

Chloe Wilcox Jun 2023


Fiona and Steve were so kind, inspiringly skilled and excellent teachers. I would highly recommend this workshop!

Michelle Denham May 2023


I had a great time learning lots of how to upholster a chair i didn’t quite get mine finished but it was a bit involved so pretty happy with what i got did get done.

Catriona McComish May 2023


Fiona and Steve are great teachers and each is so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the wood, the materials and craft of upholstery.
The weekend was creative and inspiring.

Marci Outtrim May 2023


Highly Recommended. Excellent tuition very sound knowledge of subject. Fiona and Steve were most welcoming and made you feel very comfortable. Will definitely book another class in the future. Marci

Cecily Griesser Apr 2023


Both Fiona and Steve are incredibly knowledgeable, patient and helpful. They run things very smoothly and no matter what type of project you bring, you come away with new skills and knowledge.

Norman Farrell Mar 2023


This class taught me so much, I am now confident to go on and recover all 8 dinning chairs.
The advice on materials to preserve the timber and techniques to achieve a professional finish are so helpful.

Deborah Baker Mar 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended


Great course, small groups so plenty of support from Fiona and Steve. Great setup with all the tools you need. I’ve done a couple of courses with Fiona and the recent addition of wood remediation is an excellent plus

Fiona Brien Mar 2023


Fiona and Steve were amazing teachers - patient, knowledgeable, passionate and incredibly attentive
The course was fabulous - taught us lots of valuable new skills and the hands on approach terrific
Small class so lots of individual time with both teachers
throughout
Highly recommend Fiona and Steve’s course - ten out ten

Two-day Chair Upholstery Course review by Fiona Brien - NSW Country

Katie Wilson Mar 2023


A fantastic weekend spent improving my upholstery skills! Fiona is a very patient teacher, and was easily able to jump between people with different skill levels, all without making anyone feel inadequate Steve had the most amazing tips and tricks on how to repair chairs!

Will definitely be doing another course at some point in the future!

Barbara Reed Mar 2023


This was a terrific hands on, get down to it, course. Fiona and Steve were fabulous - helpful, patient and incredibly knowledgeable. I learned heaps and would recommend this to all newcomers to upholstery. Watching my chair emerge from decades of neglect, with really great tips and guided instructions, was as satisfying as the beautiful end result.

Louise Maher Mar 2023


Fantastic workshop with friendly, talented and patient teachers. Fiona and Steve explained, demonstrated, shared tools, materials and expertise and got stuck in to help with our projects. So happy for the experience and the outcome.

Catherine Froome Feb 2023


I had an amazing time at this workshop. Fiona and Steve were both so knowledgeable. They were both so patient and helpful and the small class size meant that they were able to provide excellent one on one teaching as well as group display.
So much work to do and skills to absorb, so still to provide the final covering to the chair (calico all done) so have already booked in for the next class

Textiles class review by Catherine Froome - NSW Country

Rowena Gibson Feb 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended


What a fantastic class! Total guidance through the art of chair upholstery by Fiona and Steve. The tuition and the abundance of fabulous tools was outstanding. It’s a busy weekend, very satisfying and I will be looking forward to the next project with them.

Textiles class review by Rowena Gibson - NSW Country

Caroline Powell Feb 2023


Steve Andy Fiona are incredibly patient and professional.
They share the joy and sense of achievement which comes with giving new life to an old chair

Textiles class review by Caroline Powell - NSW Country

Cecile Nightingale Feb 2023


Great day. Learned so much. Fiona and Steve are so knowledgeable and helpful. Thank you!

Meera Agar Feb 2023

5 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews


Thoroughly enjoyed this class situated in the wonderful Blackheath. Taught by professional s and plenty of help and tips given. You will create a piece that will be in your family for a long time to come. Will be back to do their chair workshop for sure

Textiles class review by Meera Agar - Southern Highlands

Elizabeth Holden Dec 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended


This course was amazing! Completely new to the world of upholstery I wasn't sure that I was up to the task of recovering a much loved bridge chair. Tutors Fiona and Steve were fantastic. The are incredibly knowledgeable, patient and encouraging.

The Living Space Blackheath venue is excellent with easy parking and great cafes and bakeries nearby. The workshop is spacious and very well equipped with tools and materials. Learning how to use the tools was very satisfying. Over the two days Fiona and Steve gave us an abundance of useful tips including timber preparation and maintenance, correct use and maintenance of tools and sewing and knotting techniques.

It was very exciting to see my project take shape and I was thrilled to complete it by Sunday afternoon. Similarly, it was exciting and inspiring to see the progress of projects that others in the class were working on.

I thoroughly recommend this course.

Kerrie Flynn Dec 2022


Fiona & Steve are so helpful, friendly and passionate about what they do. I had a fabulous 2 days and it was so lovely to restore some old family chairs .

Two-day Chair Upholstery Course review by Kerrie Flynn - NSW Country

Pam Groot Nov 2022


I was so thrilled with how my chair turned out. Fiona and Steve are sooo generous with their time and expertise. Nothing phased them. I am now able to work on my other dining chairs for the full set. It is so good to have these chair done after so many years. I only had to bring basic supplies as all the rest was supplied. I am now keen to take on a larger project.

Textiles class review by Pam Groot - NSW Country

Sally Stawman Nov 2022


Great teachers in Fiona and Steve - very calm, gave everyone really individual attention and masses of help where needed. Loved seeing everyone's different projects and learned heaps based on the differences.

Petah Blanch Nov 2022


Best course I’ve been to in a long time. You really got your money’s worth. Two very full days. Fiona knows her trade and help from Steve with the wood on my chair was a much appreciated bonus.

Textiles class review by Petah Blanch - NSW Country

Vanessa Tiernan Sep 2022


Fantastic 2 day workshop. Fiona and Steve were fabulous! I’ll definitely be going to another workshop soon

Two-day Chair Upholstery Course review by Vanessa Tiernan - NSW Country

Margaret Tresidder Aug 2022


Had a great time. Learned heaps. Will be back. Chairs Freaks Anonymous really is a thing!

Trish Carroll Aug 2022


I loved the course and the one on one interaction with her, our teacher has so much experience and knowledge I'll be signing up for another course.

Two-day Chair Upholstery Course review by Trish Carroll - NSW Country

Angela Cice Jul 2022


I thoroughly enjoyed this workshop. So much I learned in a friendly well organised weekend. Fiona and Steve are great teachers who enthusiastically lead you through your project. They seem to know when you have the confidence to finish off each task yourself. Great to see other people's projects as well and observe lots of different techniques and skills. And I got my chair finished! Love it!

Suzanne Putten Jul 2022


What a fantastic class, Fiona & Steve were extremely knowledgeable in their teachings and lovely people. We were provided with some pre-class preparation tips and what we were required to bring for our individual projects. All other materials and tools required were supplied and any costs were very reasonable. The venue had good parking and facilities. I’ll definitely be going back for a second class to learn more skills for my chair restoration project.

Trish Fallon Jul 2022


Fantastic 2 day upholstery course. Fiona and Steve were amazing. So knowledgeable, calm and fun. It was wonderful to arrive with a dining chair frame and leave with a completed, comfy, reupholstered chair. I can’t wait to attend another upholstery course with them. The Tempe venue is was perfect location. Easy to get to, great parking facilities. Was a little cold in the hall but still great. 100% recommend Fi and Steve’s courses.

Textiles class review by Trish Fallon - NSW Country

Lisa Wilmott Jul 2022


The two day chair workshop was absolutely fantastic. I had tried to upholster chairs in the past but was disappointed with the results. The two days taught me so much and transferable skills. Fiona and Steve were so skilled and true artists. They were generous with their knowledge and passionate. I have come home with a list in my head of friends and family that I will be recommending the course to. Thank you Fiona and Steve for a wonderful weekend.

Two-day Chair Upholstery Course review by Lisa Wilmott - NSW Country

Kylie Parker Jun 2022


The instructions and teaching experience was fantastic. I really enjoyed the two days, appreciated also having Fiona being helped by Steve who helped with the stripping of my chair frame.

Love my finished chair!

Jane Mahood Jun 2022

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews


Awesome! Loved every minute of it and met some really lovely people! I’m booked already for a repeat so I can do another chair. Fiona and Steve are great teachers and we’re helpful before the class with answering enquires. If we could do a 4 or 5 day course I’d be up for that too

Helen Glover May 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


Great class size of 6 and perfect venue allowed us to park very close to workshop space. Tutors were amazing. Learned how to upholster a chair and watch others in the class learn new techniques. I’ve booked my next class to make a matching footstool. Can’t wait.

Textiles class review by Helen Glover - NSW Country

Cleone Robson May 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


Venue was good, class size was good. Liz was very knowledgeable, providing guidance, showing what to do and then encouraging you to do the rest. Steve provided support for the practical side of the structure of the chairs, and well Liz was brilliant with the technical side of covering them

Rachel D'Arcy May 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


Fantastic course So happy with my refurbished chair. Fiona and Steve are so knowledgeable and great teachers. My friend and I have actually booked for another course with them.

Rosemary Joyce May 2022


Fantastic class very knowledgeable and professional teacher. Learned all the basics . Fiona very meticulous, small class numbers. All materials/ tools supplied. I was probably bit ambitious thinking I would complete my project in weekend but will return again - I loved learning all new skills and a gorgeous chair in the making.

Donna Bozowsky May 2022


The most hands on, practical workshop that I have ever attended! Fiona and Steve are lovely people and so very helpful. If you have an upholstered chair that you would like to restore, this is the course for you!

Caroline Halliday Feb 2022


I absolutely loved this class, Fiona was a wonderful, talented teacher and I walked away feeling very proud of my two revitalised 100+ year old chairs, with enough confidence to tackle the remaining five in my own time.

Textiles class review by Caroline Halliday - NSW Country

Antonette Sandre Feb 2022


I found the course excellent. Great teachers - very helpful and went out of their way to be help produce a great chair! I’m so happy with my chair’s end result made even more special since this was a chair with sentimental value. Thanks Fiona and Steve. Great experience, learned heaps and feel now I have to confidence to tackle other projects.

Textiles class review by Antonette Sandre - NSW Country

Louise Selles Feb 2022


This class was fantastic Fiona and Steve were so knowledgeable, skilful and passionate about their craft! I would happily do this class over and over again, as I know that I would learn new and exciting skills each time. I was so impressed with all the completed projects from this course. I would highly recommend this class to anyone and everyone!

Deborah Dennis Nov 2021


Great weekend , Fiona was very knowledgeable & extremely helpful.
Everything we needed was on hand , tools , dacron , foam , sewing machines - you name it !
Nothing was too much trouble . The venue was good having all the facilities needed.
I and others felt that the workshop was very good value .
Completed most of chair but forgot top fabric for back ooops !

Two-day Chair Upholstery Course review by Deborah Dennis - NSW Country

Kylie Swain May 2021

11 ClassBento workshops attended • 9 reviews


The Upholstery course was a great experience, this is my second time, I’m picking up more skills and very happy with the result.
Fiona the teacher is helpful and extremely talented,with the help of Steven for the wood work!
The group were friendly and I enjoyed every moment! Will do another class!

Textiles class review by Kylie Swain - NSW Country

Mandy Haddon Mar 2021

7 ClassBento workshops attended • 5 reviews


Great workshop. Very experienced teacher. I love my chair and the confidence I’ve gained.

Tsen-Hwee Williams Mar 2021


WOW, what an experience! I was so pleased to learn some new techniques in upholstery. It was really interesting to see the variety of chairs brought to the session - also fascinating to see the different methods employed. Would highly recommend this course - I feel that it has given me the confidence to try tackling some upholstery on my own now.

Nicola Oram Nov 2020


Fantastic teachers,
The organisation and equipment was very professional.
Really happy with what we learnt.

Laura Hart Nov 2020

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


I really enjoyed this course. Fiona is a great teacher who explaines every step clearly and patiently. She really worked hard to make sure everyone's project stayed on track. The venue was great, with tons of parking, and all the materials, tools and equipment we needed were on hand. It's a small class and the other classmates were fun to be with. I am thrilled with my finished chair.

Textiles class review by Laura Hart - NSW Country

Deborah Pitt Nov 2020


Loved this workshop and learned so much. Fiona and Steve were very friendly and helpful. They have enormous knowledge and experience between them. I thoroughly recommend this class and am looking forward to doing another in the near future.

Two-day Chair Upholstery Course review by Deborah Pitt - NSW Country

Blossom Adams Oct 2020

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews


Great teacher, hands on, relaxed and confident, spacious set up, learnt a lot about upholstery and how to be patient! We took my chair to the bare bones, then rebuilt it- very satisfying. I’ve already booked in for two more sessions.

Two-day Chair Upholstery Course review by Blossom Adams - NSW Country

Liezel Maquiling Oct 2020


Worth every cent spent! Been waiting for this workshop and lucky to have heard of an available spot.
I learned what I wanted to and Fiona is absolutely amazing and an expert upholsterer. Thanks heaps Fiona! ❤

Textiles class review by Liezel Maquiling - NSW Country

Nancy Niven Aug 2020


Had such a great first day with a group of lovely people. Fiona was terrific with explaining all aspects of stripping down a chair and carefully demonstrated different methods for different chairs. She was also careful to explain risks and care management to avoid injury. Can’t wait for tomorrow when we start putting it all together

Sara Aug 2020


I really loved this class. Our teachers were patient and professional and I really enjoyed thatvI made a lovelypiece of furniture.

Karen Schmidt Aug 2020


Trained in upholstery, Fiona was very knowledge and a great teacher with terrific attention to detail. All the tools were well- maintained and she was clear about their use in safety precautions. She had excellent fabrics available and the timber stools were sustainably sourced and beautifully hand-crafted enabling us to produce a special piece of furniture. Ample space to work in these covid times and relaxed atmosphere with freshly brewed. Highly recommended for an educational and fun morning.

Footstool Upholstery Workshop review by Karen Schmidt - Southern Highlands

Sharon Bonello Jul 2020


This is an amazing workshop, our teacher has so much knowledge and it is good fun too!
I love it!

Two-day Chair Upholstery Course review by Sharon Bonello - NSW Country

Jo-Ann Davidson Jul 2020


Fiona & Steve both very great teachers - very knowledgeable and very very patient. Terrific day & most worthwhile

Martha Birch Jul 2020


Fiona was really knowledgeable and very helpful and looked after us all very well. I learnt a better way to remove chair racks and progressed very quickly. The venue was pretty cold and bleak but adequate with plenty of parking. Tea and coffee were provided too

Lisa Polyblank Jun 2020


What a great weekend. We all had different chairs and skills but Fiona managed us all with ease. Very satisfying to finish our chairs.

Kylie Swain Jun 2020

11 ClassBento workshops attended • 9 reviews


I thought the teacher was helpful, and experienced. The tools and materials were available, Plenty for everyone.
I’ve learned a lot , I absolutely loved the class, I would like to do another one!

Two-day Chair Upholstery Course review by Kylie Swain - NSW Country

Rebecca Hoad May 2020

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


Great class, easy to follow with instruction and videos to support. Highly recommend for a beginner or someone who has experience sewing. Beautiful materials. Would do the class again, but also have the ability to do go away and make myself. Thank you

Penny Ewing Mar 2020


Fiona is very knowledgeable and presents well with the wide range of clients in her class. Each project is different as are abilities of the students. She flowed easily around each but involved the rest of the class in various steps, whether they would be required in your project or not. She gave direction carefully and demonstrated the process before the student continued the process but was available to check in when required. Class moved smoothly and the break was appreciated midway. Can't wait to finish next week - and start new project.

Textiles class review by Penny Ewing - NSW Country

Mary Caldis Mar 2020


Class is great Fiona as teacher is very helpful and its and the different tool that are available from the one I bought with me. The other materials provided that are needed are of great quality. I enjoyed it.

Peggy Oneto Mar 2020


I thoroughly enjoyed this class and would recommend it. Fiona our teacher is friendly, knowledgeable, patient and has found the right balance between teaching (by giving you demonstrations, handy tips and doing some of the hard work with you) and letting you drive your project at your own pace (allowing you tom learn by trial and error as well). I am looking forward to the second part of the workshop.

Ka Cheng Feb 2020

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


Fiona is very helpful and patient. It was a fun class and I got home with a nice footstool!

Deborah Baker Oct 2019


Small group with lots of help from Fiona. Managed to finish stripping the covers off my chair ready to re-cover and finish next week. Fiona also sourcing bits n bobs needed to finish the job. Plus I had lots of pre class help from Fiona to get started. Had a great day!

Darrianne Donnelly Oct 2019


After purchasing 2 chairs on Ebay that were showing as black and white Zebra print in the photo however, when they arrived they were dark brown very old and not what I was expecting. I purchased black and white fabric to recover them and did my research via Google and ClassBento were offering a Two Day Upholstery Course. You could do two consecutive Saturday's or two consecutive days, we chose the later. We had to have 3+ people for the individual class so I rang some friends and they agreed to participate. We found the Tempe Jet's Sports Club and immediately on meeting Fiona our teacher we felt that we had come to the right place. Fiona's teaching technique was informative and easy to understand for us novice upholsterer's. Two days in a row was tiring (I am not kidding but I want to be honest) as there were hundreds of staples to remove from my particular chair as it was a very old chair. The process of stripping back your chair and removing all the old foam and strapping and then making your chair come to life is an exhilarating experience and at every step Fiona was extremely helpful and assisted everyone at some stage during the 2 days.
We thoroughly enjoyed the entire process and as I have done one chair now I have the second chair to attack however, this time I will know exactly what to do and for that I say a huge 'Thank-you Fiona'.

Textiles class review by Darrianne Donnelly - NSW Country

Amelia Wong Aug 2019

2 ClassBento workshops attended


I've been looking into learning upholstery and Fiona's class completely surpassed my expectations.

A generous, fun and knowledgable teacher, Fiona helps you take a project from start to finish in just two days. The class covers all the major skills required to grasp the fundamentals of upholstery and gives you the confidence to carry on practising the skills that you've learnt on your next project.

The class was great value for money, run in a convenient location and most of the tools and materials that you'll need are available in class. All you need to bring is a scruffy chair to transform and your choice of fabric. I was really pleased with the final product and my cat loves her new stylishly upholstered throne.

Textiles class review by Amelia Wong - NSW Country

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