That's  a very interesting look at what is indeed happening now Tim.  I can see this with my customer base especially. I do a lot of touch-up for the under 30 bunch because their "new" furniture is quickly trashed long before they have it paid off.  The over 30 people are restoring and refurbishing some really nice stuff.  I like the fact that they are seeing value even in the better quality American made up through the 60s and 70s.  We have been doing a lot of 2nd and 3rd bedroom sets as well as recreational area furniture.  We've even seen an increase in restoring older outdoor stuff.  I think that's one thing I'll always like about this business, it's never boring!

This thread reminds me of a lecture I heard at a Smithsonian Conservation class I took awhile back.

The speaker was discussing furniture design and manufacture.  He made the comment that following WW I, the American furniture market was design driven.  People selected the furniture that had the LOOK they wanted.  Alternativly, the European market following WW I was SUPPLY driven.  People bought what they could get cheaper to replace what had been destroyed.  The war had also destroyed so many factories and so many craftsmen, the market would take whatever could be produced.  Manufacturing convenience overruled aesthetic values.

An important feature of good furniture is durability; whether it is in the wood, the joints, the hardware fittings - or the finish.  Another very important feature is the design; does it look good, is it functional, etc., etc.  IKEA and other marketers have lead us into the Supply side of commerce vis a vis WW I - they have lots of functional stuff, cheap.  Typically, replacement or 'second time around' buyers want better design - and they're not so obsessive about price.

As restorers, we usually serve the second time buyer - who wants good solid furniture, but more importantly wants something of value that has a great look or a classic storey.  We're in the furniture business, but we're also in the business of historic preservation for our customer's heirlooms.

Tim Inman     

just an update:

Received the package today from ebay purchase...CRAP!  not the right color background...the photos and description were close....but.....not quite...back to the drawing board...I think next time I see this stuff I may pick it up to hang on to it...I use to see it every where...not now...I'll keep looking.

There is nothing wrong with mass-producing furniture especially if the quality of the product is not put in jeopardy. After all, the most important thing to consider with furniture is their durability as well as style. I just hope that the furniture pieces will still have their own distinct quality even if they are mass-produced.

It could be formaldehyde that gave a different kind of smell in your furniture. But it could also be the mixture of lead. Both are dangerous to health. Better check with the manufacturer what they used for your furniture just to be sure it will not affect your health. And the fact that it should not smell bad.

Senior center...nice...I actually found one on EBAY that is a real close match...shoiuld arrive any day now.  I did find a source (china of course) that could match the pattern and make a new seat, front, and back for $400 (American dolalrs).  They do everyting there....Told them no thanks...I will keep looking.

Try your senior citizens center.

Dave White

Thanks..I will give them a try...its funny..I use to see this stuff every where....should of, could of bought it then....go figure...

Jeff,
I had found these people awhile back but didn't end up needing the stuff.  You might give them a call or email.  Check out this page... http://spinayarn.com/preworked_needlepoint.htm

Does anyone have or know of a source for some old needle point work?  I have a chair  I am working on with a substitute back on and we need to replace it.  Looking for the Blue/Flowers or just blue color.  I have attached a photo of what I am looking for.  It doesn't have to match exactly...Mainly looking for the needle point material. Any help would be appreciated.

Jeff