A customer asked me recently about my upholstery qualifications. I initially thought that quite naturally she was checking out my credentials, but actually she was interested in learning some basic upholstery skills herself.
When I made the decision to re-train in upholstery I took some time to research the courses available. Ideally I wanted something high quality, local and accredited by a professional body that would get me to a level that allowed me to start my own business
I discovered The Association of Master Upholsterers & Soft Furnishers (AMUSF), an organisation that was founded in 1947 to protect the interests of upholsterers, small furniture makers, and soft furnishers. They have a great website; http://www.upholsterers.co.uk/
The Association is highly active in training as it sees this as a vital contribution to the long term well-being and continuing strength of the upholstery and soft furnishing trades. Having been concerned by the lack of good practical craft skills being offered, the AMUSF has, over the past few years, developed their our own range of Upholstery and Soft Furnishings qualifications.
They now have a suite of qualifications that have been devised by professionals within the industry and are assessed by industry experts.
Training is offered by AMUSF Approved Training Centres; look for this logo;
For a complete list of approved centres click here.
There are two levels of qualification; 2 and 3 (not sure what happened to 1!). I finished Level 2 last year and and will soon complete Level 3. For Level 2 you study and/or produce the following:
• Basic Design Skills: sketching, colour co-ordination and scale drawings
• Health and Safety issues relevant to the work place
• Use of Tools and Materials
• Basic sewing machine skills
• Fabric pattern matching and trimmings
• An understanding of the Fire Regulations
• Upholster a Drop-in Seat using traditional methods
• Upholster a Stitched and Stuffed Seat
• Upholster a Stitched and Stuffed sprung side-chair
• Upholster a Sprung Arm
• Upholster a modern Stool or Headboard to be deep-buttoned
• Upholster a sprung TV/Fireside/Nursing Chair - traditionally
• Make a Boxed Cushion with Zip
• Produce a project on 20th Century Furniture Design
I chose to study at J A Milton in Ellesmere, Shropshire. It's only about an hours drive from Ruthin and they have a great reputation.
Our tutor is Stephen Franklin. We are so lucky! Steve is a Freeman and a Director of The AMUSF, has been given the Freedom of the City of London and is also a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Upholders - an ancient Livery Company of the City of London. He's also a member of The Furniture History Society, The Georgian Group and the Heritage Craft Association. He's basically Mr Upholstery and he also happens to be a brilliant teacher. He has a real passion for the craft and pushes hard for quality while supporting us through steep learning curves!
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| Steve cracking the whip! |
The course ran for one week a month for 7 months and it was tough but so rewarding. Level 3 is just as challenging but with a bit of experience under my belt I have more confidence..which helps!
If you're interested in learning some basic upholstery skills J A Milton run short courses where you can learn how to refurbish your own chair or if you're just looking for some pointers you can always bring your project to me and we can work together on it. Just contact me for more information.
Cheerio for now - I'm off to make another headboard like this one for a very lovely, stylish customer!
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