My favourite part of this is watching Elio get more and more into the teaching process as the video goes on, because Rajiv is such an enthusiastic student.
I really appreciate that you are giving a spotlight to the craftspeople doing the work. So many online influencers act as if they can do everything themselves and it doesn’t give credit to the laborers that have spent years mastering their trade. Much respect and I’m looking forward to future content! ❤
My thoughts exactly! It's easy now to dismiss the beautiful craft thinking it's something we all can make. This really is a piece of furniture you will keep forever.
Have you seen EATER? The channel's amazing! The chefs are talking most of the time not the interviewer.. They are not craft channel tho, a culinary channel I might say.
So glad you’ve finally got your own channel. Your interests are so diverse, and your presentation so inviting, that I’m hoping you’ll share your world with your fans as often as possible.
This has got to be one of the most educational and enjoyable RUclips channels. Rajiv always explains the how and why of so many things we use daily, but never consider how they were made. There are so many people behind the scenes who go unnoticed. Thank you for acknowledging them and making us more aware of our fellow humans and their countless contributions that enhance the quality of our lives.
Anyone who has ever attempted to reupholster anything, even a “simple” stool can see the stunning difference when it’s done by a skilled and much practiced hand. Wow. Never would I ever be able to get corners that sharp and perfect. I think this video may have just ruined me for any DIY reupholstering 😂. I’m so glad you have your own channel. I love watching masters at work. You can see that it’s difficult for them to even explain to you what they are doing. The muscle memory is so deep it’s hard for them to do it slowly now. They can’t even think about what they are doing or it messes them up a bit. They don’t think anymore, they flow. I love it. It’s amazing what humans can do. I’m so glad you are here sharing all of these wonderful skills with us. We have lost touch with so many of them and to our detriment, I think. Bringing appreciation for it to an audience is a wonderful thing to be spending your time doing. ❤
Thank you, I totally agree with everything you wrote in your comment...it's really inspiring to me when I read a message like yours, knowing that people like you 'get it', you're seeing exactly what I am hoping to share through these videos. Many people like Elio, skilled craftspeople working quietly, are tucked all over the boroughs, in nondescript warehouses. I love going out there and finding them!
Elio’s confidence and self-assuredness in each move is amazing to see! He’s just going at it with those staples and makes the fabric bend to his will - thank you for sharing the craftsmanship.
There was one moment in the video where the stool looked "ok" and then a few strokes of the hand and a couple of staples later it looked like magic. It's true, the corners are everything. Thank you so much for featuring this business!
1. I had no idea I'd be interested in this topic -- but it was totally mesmerizing and thoroughly enjoyable. 2. Rajiv shows such respect and interest in the craft, his interest is infectious! 3. Elio must feel such satisfaction and gratitude that his work is so appreciated and will be viewed by many. 4. Albert's office should be preserved as a timepiece from NYC history -- it's a work of art -- and a great place to do the interview. 5. I don't think most people would know the difference between a quality handmade product and something mass produced. Just knowing you own and use such a piece is so rewarding in itself. Beautiful job! I honestly do not usually bother making a comment on youtube -- and here I am gushing!
My grandfather owned his own upholstery shop. He was so smart to this day, when we need to solve a problem we say it needs to be “papaized”. Love you Papa. Thanks Rajiv and Hugs to everyone here💕✨
I started this video thinking, "Oh I want to learn how to do this myself"... after watching the process, I want to find and pay a craftsperson instead! Maybe I could learn, and there is joy in that too. But as you two discussed there is so much that experience and repetition brings to the table, and I'm not sure I want to invest into the proper tools/time to make one or two finished pieces. Either way, very fun to watch and your enthusiasm is infectious!
As you have heard many times from me the old time potters said "The first thousand are the hardest " . Decades show in every move he made ... Great great great .... Yay Rajiv...
Rajiv, I LOVED your video! As a certified upholsterer and a lover of all things ‘kissed’ with perfection, I totally resonated with your presentation. Craftsmen who truly care about their work are few and far between these days so when you come across them, it’s a gift. You, Rajiv, are amazing. Thank you for being you, and creating inspirational, meaningful and entertaining videos! Best, Nory :)
Well stated. "Thanks" are important, I don't always have the "words", so I like when others can Express my own feelings . Thanks for this video; thankyou, Rajiv; thanks for this thankyou post! ( well, that was a lot of words, eh?)
Rajiv, that is a gorgeous bench. You were so right to rescue it from the trash and to put some money into it. I hope you and the harp and bench make beautiful music for decades to come! Thank you for the video.
Ahhh the antithesis to the DIY. It’s always a pleasure to witness a craftsman apply their skills. Thank you for this enjoyable video and the lovely music. I was hoping for a clip of you sitting on your beautifully reupholstered seat, playing your harp and you did not disappoint . I welcome more videos like this. Thank you Rajiv for being you. 🙏🏻
My Father, my uncles were upholstery maestros. Many condos in the fifth avenue with furniture made by them .I know , my father learned from German upholstery ❤Sadly, we lost the tradition. Thank you for sharing
What craftsmen! I had a great upholsterer in the Bronx. The place looked like a cyclone came through, but his work was impeccable! I hope young people keep going into this profession.
Absolutely amazing Rajiv. Thank you. Wonderful to see true craftsmen at work. But also, in these days of fast fashion, it is lovely to see why quality matters, eg why quality lasts. Just wonderful.
Hey Rajiv! The best way ever to celebrate a new year - Congratulations on your channel! Absolutely love watching a skilled & talented craftsman - his attention to detail is superb!
Wonderful ! I would love to be a trimmer in that shop; I was that person thinking “oh that can’t be that hard” 😅 after trying to upholster six chairs by myself I learned to respect and appreciate this amazing functional art.
Just wonderful, wonderful content. I love the “how it’s made” aspect, but also showing Albert’s office and all of the history that must be represented there. Elio is a true artisan. Thank you, Rajiv, for taking us along a personal journey of yours to have your harp stool upholstered. I also love the chalk intro and outro. Just so well done all around. Congratulations on your channel. I’m looking forward to all that you will share with us.
I have tried upholstering several chairs and, even with a good stapler and other supplies, my “experiments” turned out to be passable-and very hard work. It’s always energizing to see the pros do their work.
I always learn something from your videos Rajiv. Sometimes it is about you, sometimes about me and sometimes its about a finer way of living. Today I learnt the difference between an Artist and a true Craftsman. Artist have their skill and often creativity, but a true craftsman knows his materials and chosen craft through and through. Elio is a true Craftman who insists on perfection.in fact he is an upholstering Maestro. Thank you and blessings. Muffy from Oz
Love seeing this. I used to work at a high end made to order furniture factory. The difference of quality workmanship is lovely to see. Americans generally are accustomed to cheap throw away furniture and clothes. Many aren't willing to save (if necessary) and buy once. Well made clothing and furniture will last many years if propetly cared for. It seems many are starting to turn toward well-made items. Buying vintage furniture & clothes is a good way to go. I love that you are showing people how to appreciate and care for these beautiful things. Keep it up! 👍
I so appreciate your comment! I have long had this philosophy and it pains me to see people buy and discard furniture because it was cheaply made and didn’t last.
I think we were conditioned to buying new and cheap because it was so easy and I am just as guilty. But I totally agree with you, I am learning to buy better quality if I need it and I have stopped buying clothes, I have enough and do not need the latest fashion. Learning how to repair and repurpose is actually quite fun and I feel less guilty.
I always enjoy watching a master craftsman ply his trade. There are things to try ourselves, and things to leave to the pro's. Thank you for taking us along with you!
We forget that human hands make things so it was such a pleasure to watch the craftsmanship behind a "simple" stool pillow. I appreciate the work & thought that goes into this and thank you Rajiv for sharing Elio’s work with us. Like a true craftsman, he made it look so easy.
It's like the Mr. Rogers crayon factory episode for adults, ie the best thing EVER. I love watching this genius craftsman at work. Just seeing the way he moves is an education. Thank you for making this.
After all this loud new year party stuff everywhere yesterday, this is exactly the content I need today. I love, that your videos are long and I am so happy to watch it on your own channel. I wish you all the best, dear Rajiv, thank you so much, I really appreciate you! ❤
I love long videos, too. Please, Rajiv, ignore all that YT “guidance” that videos must be under 10 minutes long. Not all of us have an attention span that short, especially those of us who don’t watch TV (it trains our minds to “break away” for commercials every 10 minutes or so).
Wonderful content! I might request that your team consider quieting the background music score so it does not compete so much with the dialogue. This would help a variety of your neurodiverse and/or hearing-impaired audience; thank you!
Something about this episode reminds me of Mr. Roger's if he made a show for adults. I learned a lot, but my blood pressure is now reduced and my inner child is healing.
Brilliant work by Mr. Vitiello. And it's not about the time it took. His experience was years and years in development. We get what we pay for! And I'd be so proud to have his beautiful quality work in my home.
I don't think I could ever grow tired of watching artists create. Such a treat to see real craftsmen take such pride in their pieces. Wish I lived closer to this shop. I may have everything I own reupholstered. :)
The devil is truly in the details! Elio was a great teacher, I learned so much about dealing with a corner! And that magnetic hammer!! I like that you don't dumb down the education and I can't wait to learn from your future episodes.
This was so informative and interesting. I’ve found a fabulous upholsterer in my city, and it’s a game changer. Now, I look for old pieces of furniture that I buy inexpensively, or find for free, and then search for fabric then have it upholstered. Every piece becomes uniquely my own. Thank you for sharing.
Elio is amazing and his dedication over the years shines with his precision. I only hope someone will follow in his footsteps. Places like this need apprentices who are eager to learn and hone these skills.
The craftsmanship and attention to detail in Elio's upholstering is incredible! It's lovely to see how much pride he takes in his work. Thank you for this video, Rajiv. I'm so excited you have a channel of your own! Can't wait to see what you have in store for us. Greetings from your hometown of Toronto!
This totally makes me want to rescue an old piece of furniture that has great wood bones but just needs new upholstery, and get this done with it! Amazing result.
❤☀️Thank You All so very much ❗️❗️❗️Greetings from Sweden. Those kind of informative, interesting and uplifting videos are so, so gainful. My husband and I are working with Awnings since many years and we appreciate doing a well done job, making our customers satisfied and seeing them return after often more than 25 years, wanting to change fabrics that we are sewing on industrial sewing machines in our small workshop and we can then return and keep the original construction of aluminum that my husband made and we mounted together long time ago , of AMA Design high Swedish quality. They will nearly look like new as Your wonderful stool now does‼️ Wishing more people will find Your lovely videos and get tips and learn a lot of useful skills and techniques related to different things in their daily life. Once again Thank You Mr Rajiv Surendra 🌸🌸🌸🦋👋🏻
I’m still so thrilled you have a YT channel now!! It has been a long time coming! And this just happens to be exactly the project I’m working on now - reupholstering a stool!! This has been so helpful because for stools the finish really does need to be smooth and seamless since there’s no back to detract from the cushion 😂. This was so helpful. Thank you for the great content!! It’s so good to see such enthusiasm to learn these skills, especially from our generation!
It never ceases to amaze me how Rajiv can take the simplest or sometimes unappreciated tasks and turn them into what they are: a work of art. Who thought upholstery could be so fascinating? By taking us in these trips he makes us see things we didn’t see before. And makes us fully appreciate and respect the work of these craftsmen 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
This was great! My Great Uncle had an upholstery shop in New York City decades ago! Beautiful work. Smelling the fabrics that filled the shop, furniture lined up for completion! This brought back beautiful forgotten memories! Uncle was such a love! Thank you for the memory recall! 🥳
I attempted doing my own dining chairs that my mum picked up for free. They look nice but nowhere near the professional finish that Elio achieved. I absolutely love the care and artistry in his work. I hope you get many years of use from your Harp stool.
I loved this video!! It’s so nice to recognize and give credit to the talent of craftsmen. Elio did an amazing job! I learned soo much! It’s difficult to do at home, I’ve tried😅 but now I know it might be more expensive but soo worth the price tag to have it professionally done. Thank you for a great video! I’m so excited to watch more!
Guess where I’m going for my upholstery. Such craftsmanship and care. To see and hear craftsmen care about giving a customer what the customer wants, and not what is fastest to advantage them. Well done.
Mind blowingly good! In my 70 years, I’ve upholstered and had things reupholstered and Albert’s guys are the crème de La crème. Love the care with which you live your life
Amazing video and props to the videographer. This was probably so difficult to shoot, and they were able to keep us in focus and zoomed in the perfect moments.
I'm one of those DIYs who would have made a cushion, and then been unhappy with how unprofessional it looked. This video gave me a bunch of tips to make my DIY projects look a little more professional. Love the channel and I'm a subscriber! Thank you
I love the joy in your eyes as you watch him working. You can see that you truly appreciate his craftsmanship. I so appreciate this channel. Thank you.
I never really got starstruck all my life, (50in Feb2023)I've seen famous ppl here and there, in airports, working for airlines and traveling free in the US, but I seriously would drop dead from delight if I ever saw and got to chat with Rajiv😍🥰🌈🦄✌️
This makes me wonder how many treasures have been thrown out or left on sidewalks with no one to pick them up. Loved that you featured Elio and his craft! Years of experience can be seen and Elio is a great teacher as Rajiv is a great student and documenter!
Wow, the precision, the delicate yet confident nature in which Elio knows what steps he’s going to take and the small but important details are magnificent. Of course, I had no idea that there was so much that goes into upholstering but the end result makes me want to reupholster everything in my house because nothing I own looks like this! Job well done, Elio!
Rajiv is a domestic God, I can’t wait for more of his videos! I discovered most of these techniques, like the cotton padding and muslin cover, re-upholstering old chair and stool seats, I’ve done many over the decades. Most of my furniture is rescued antiques. One 200+ year old, hand-made oak stool was cushioned with straw and moss and covered with layers of antique needlepoint, all of which I rescued and used on others, that was fun. (I had to rebuild the missing seat supports, too, a little carpentry comes in handy). I can’t nearly match the quality of a pro like Elio, though, my corners, etc., are far from perfect. I also don’t know how to reupholster items that don’t have a hard seat, like sofas, I would love to learn.
Another interesting lesson! I made a slipcover for my kitties’ bench so I can wash it often. I would never attempt to upholster furniture myself. I have an upholsterer for that!
Such a pleasure to see good techniques in reupholstery!! This is not a common video. Upholstery is an art that hopefully will rise to the forefront again as we strive for quality and originality and turn away from cheaply made fast furniture, clogging our landfills. Thanks for this!!
Rajiv I am so psyched you have your own channel! I was an insta subscribe as soon as I saw the trailer. Your love and attention to detail wins everyone over, especially the incredible experts you work with.
I am delighted to see you have your own channel! This episode was really special - in a word filled with automation and tech, seeing such highly skilled individuals in action has filled me with such joy. Am sharing with as many as I can 😊
Congratulations on your channel, Rajiv! Learned the fine details on upholstering. You inspired me to upholster the ottoman I have for years and to give a new look. Thank you.
WOW! Incredible craftsmanship & artistry. Thank you for sharing this look into the world of upholstering . I love the pride taken in a job so expertly done. The care & attention to providing a quality product is admirable. ❤ Enjoy your gorgeous “new” stool!
Congratulations Rajiv! What an absolute delight. I love hearing about all these wonderful craft folks in and around NYC as someone who lives there. A sneaky wish is that you get to travel to India one day to interview folks working in textiles over there!
I like what the owner says in response to your question of whether someone can learn at home. Yes, you can teach yourself a craft but it will take a lot longer and it's more efficient to find a mentor who can critique you and show you time-tested technique that has already been perfected and passed down. There's also the issue of practicing your own faulty technique. You can't compete with hundreds of years of skill building. It's the difference between making something good and something excellent.
You know what I truly love about this? It's the fact that they don't give a $h!t about views or social media (no offense to anyone) but they care only about the craft and that is it! They did not put on a show and that is refreshing!
So great to watch this craft. It's not easy to recover a stool and Elio makes it look easy. His eye for detail is worth the money to pay for professional upholstery!
As someone who has very broad curiosity about artisanal work and even try to experiment with some myself, finding Rajiv on youtube was such a joy. Like finding a platonic soulmate, you know what I'm saying? Thank you, Rajiv, for your approach to life and to the value of beautiful, handmade things. ❤ now you can say you've got a fan from Brazil. 😊
I love how patient you are with people who aren't as inclined to teach you graciously. I love the fact that you show the process. Very interesting ❤ Love all your videos
Thank you for showing how master craftsmanship is still alive and thriving in this DIY crafty world. There is definitely room for both, but important to see and appreciate the masters!
I once did Maria's job - at Maritime Canvas Converters in Halifax and an upholstery shop in Boston long ago. It was not an easy job - sitting long hours with perfect stitching - very hard on the body. No air-conditioning. In Halifax, the owner kept the plastic on the windows all summer rather than take the time to remove it - we literally baked. I was released by a period of unemployment and applied to Nova Scotia College of Art and Design - the rest is history - still in the making. I love ❤️ your channel. Warm regards Jennie
Ok your channel is awesome 😎. I love how your personality shines through and your teaching is the art of taking care of things, making our stuff more beautiful, and more importantly for me; helping to reuse ♻️ more!
How fun! I always wanted to spend a day shadowing in an upholstery shop as a boy. Now I'm 64, and am learning to tune pianos. When I get my dream upright, and need the perfect bench, I know who to network with in New York. Then, there's the shipping from California. But, if this guy does quality--it's worth it! Blessings in Christ, Kurt
Elio is incredible!!! This shop is wonderful and I loved when the owner said, “you have to do what you say.” Feel like that is so hard to come by these days.
Rajiv, I am down a huge rabbithole watching all your videos featuring these craftsmen (wizards😊). Started in Florence. Thank you for your wonderfully absorbing content🙏
So thrilled to see that your You Tube channel is up and running. This was such an interesting video to see a master craftsman at work. Looking forward to more. Congratulations!
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
My favourite part of this is watching Elio get more and more into the teaching process as the video goes on, because Rajiv is such an enthusiastic student.
agreed, Rajiv’s eyes and voice light up with genuine joy, respect, admiration and understanding of Elio’s mastery of his craft🥰
Great video! Watching skilled craftsmanship is a real joy. Thanks Raijiv
Almost nothing in the world makes me as happy as watching a good teacher teach.
Same! I'm a teacher and Elio is a natural. Multitalented!
I really appreciate that you are giving a spotlight to the craftspeople doing the work. So many online influencers act as if they can do everything themselves and it doesn’t give credit to the laborers that have spent years mastering their trade. Much respect and I’m looking forward to future content! ❤
My thoughts exactly! It's easy now to dismiss the beautiful craft thinking it's something we all can make. This really is a piece of furniture you will keep forever.
Yes this 👏 ❤
So true!
Have you seen EATER? The channel's amazing! The chefs are talking most of the time not the interviewer.. They are not craft channel tho, a culinary channel I might say.
As an upholsterer myself, I love to see our talents portrayed to people who don’t understand the craft. Keep up the good work. And well done to Elio.
So glad you’ve finally got your own channel. Your interests are so diverse, and your presentation so inviting, that I’m hoping you’ll share your world with your fans as often as possible.
This.
His own channel? What channel did he start with? I love his work.
@@edgar5814 he was an occasional contributor to HGTV Handmade. Just search his name on youtube
This has got to be one of the most educational and enjoyable RUclips channels. Rajiv always explains the how and why of so many things we use daily, but never consider how they were made. There are so many people behind the scenes who go unnoticed. Thank you for acknowledging them and making us more aware of our fellow humans and their countless contributions that enhance the quality of our lives.
Anyone who has ever attempted to reupholster anything, even a “simple” stool can see the stunning difference when it’s done by a skilled and much practiced hand. Wow. Never would I ever be able to get corners that sharp and perfect. I think this video may have just ruined me for any DIY reupholstering 😂. I’m so glad you have your own channel. I love watching masters at work. You can see that it’s difficult for them to even explain to you what they are doing. The muscle memory is so deep it’s hard for them to do it slowly now. They can’t even think about what they are doing or it messes them up a bit. They don’t think anymore, they flow. I love it. It’s amazing what humans can do. I’m so glad you are here sharing all of these wonderful skills with us. We have lost touch with so many of them and to our detriment, I think. Bringing appreciation for it to an audience is a wonderful thing to be spending your time doing. ❤
Thank you, I totally agree with everything you wrote in your comment...it's really inspiring to me when I read a message like yours, knowing that people like you 'get it', you're seeing exactly what I am hoping to share through these videos. Many people like Elio, skilled craftspeople working quietly, are tucked all over the boroughs, in nondescript warehouses. I love going out there and finding them!
Elio’s confidence and self-assuredness in each move is amazing to see! He’s just going at it with those staples and makes the fabric bend to his will - thank you for sharing the craftsmanship.
Missed the GoFundMe, but am so glad to see that you are making the channel happen! Best of Luck!
Thanks so much, Hoklai! This contribution will go towards making more videos, greatly appreciated!
There was one moment in the video where the stool looked "ok" and then a few strokes of the hand and a couple of staples later it looked like magic. It's true, the corners are everything. Thank you so much for featuring this business!
Those few strokes of the hand took so many years of practice. That's why I looks so effortlessly, a true professional is Mr. Eliot.
1. I had no idea I'd be interested in this topic -- but it was totally mesmerizing and thoroughly enjoyable. 2. Rajiv shows such respect and interest in the craft, his interest is infectious! 3. Elio must feel such satisfaction and gratitude that his work is so appreciated and will be viewed by many. 4. Albert's office should be preserved as a timepiece from NYC history -- it's a work of art -- and a great place to do the interview. 5. I don't think most people would know the difference between a quality handmade product and something mass produced. Just knowing you own and use such a piece is so rewarding in itself. Beautiful job! I honestly do not usually bother making a comment on youtube -- and here I am gushing!
My grandfather owned his own upholstery shop. He was so smart to this day, when we need to solve a problem we say it needs to be “papaized”. Love you Papa. Thanks Rajiv and Hugs to everyone here💕✨
I started this video thinking, "Oh I want to learn how to do this myself"... after watching the process, I want to find and pay a craftsperson instead! Maybe I could learn, and there is joy in that too. But as you two discussed there is so much that experience and repetition brings to the table, and I'm not sure I want to invest into the proper tools/time to make one or two finished pieces. Either way, very fun to watch and your enthusiasm is infectious!
As you have heard many times from me the old time potters said "The first thousand are the hardest " . Decades show in every move he made ... Great great great .... Yay Rajiv...
He is going to be at a million subscribers in no time congratulations Rajiv ❤️
HOPEFULLY! Please tell all your friends to subscribe. Thank you!
Rajiv, I LOVED your video! As a certified upholsterer and a lover of all things ‘kissed’ with perfection, I totally resonated with your presentation. Craftsmen who truly care about their work are few and far between these days so when you come across them, it’s a gift. You, Rajiv, are amazing. Thank you for being you, and creating inspirational, meaningful and entertaining videos! Best, Nory :)
Thank you!
Plze play us a simple tune on your harp, sitting on your new stool!’
BTW:, my sister is harpist w. CSO
Well stated. "Thanks" are important, I don't always have the "words", so I like when others can Express my own feelings . Thanks for this video; thankyou, Rajiv; thanks for this thankyou post! ( well, that was a lot of words, eh?)
My favorite part is watching Rajiv do anything. Looking, breathing, smiling, learning. More Rajiv please!!
The stool turned out beautiful and you can really see the difference in a professional doing the job ❤
Rajiv, that is a gorgeous bench. You were so right to rescue it from the trash and to put some money into it. I hope you and the harp and bench make beautiful music for decades to come! Thank you for the video.
I absolutely love Elio’s passion for his profession. I usually skip through parts of videos like this but I loved every second of it.
Ahhh the antithesis to the DIY. It’s always a pleasure to witness a craftsman apply their skills. Thank you for this enjoyable video and the lovely music. I was hoping for a clip of you sitting on your beautifully reupholstered seat, playing your harp and you did not disappoint . I welcome more videos like this. Thank you Rajiv for being you. 🙏🏻
It's the respect for hand-crafts, pottery to upholstery to making a bed. Rajiv is the next Martha, and then some.
My Father, my uncles were upholstery maestros. Many condos in the fifth avenue with furniture made by them .I know , my father learned from German upholstery ❤Sadly, we lost the tradition. Thank you for sharing
What craftsmen! I had a great upholsterer in the Bronx. The place looked like a cyclone came through, but his work was impeccable! I hope young people keep going into this profession.
Me, too, so many traditional skills have been lost.
Absolutely amazing Rajiv. Thank you. Wonderful to see true craftsmen at work. But also, in these days of fast fashion, it is lovely to see why quality matters, eg why quality lasts. Just wonderful.
Thank you for watching! So glad you enjoyed this video!
Hey Rajiv! The best way ever to celebrate a new year - Congratulations on your channel!
Absolutely love watching a skilled & talented craftsman - his attention to detail is superb!
Wonderful ! I would love to be a trimmer in that shop; I was that person thinking “oh that can’t be that hard” 😅 after trying to upholster six chairs by myself I learned to respect and appreciate this amazing functional art.
From one Master Upholsterer to another excellent 👌 he's a great teacher. So few upholsterers left that are skilled the old school way .
This video is giving Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood vibes and I love it. 🥰
Your channel is immaculate. It’s even better than I anticipated (if that’s possible). Just gorgeous all around, Rajiv.
Just wonderful, wonderful content. I love the “how it’s made” aspect, but also showing Albert’s office and all of the history that must be represented there. Elio is a true artisan. Thank you, Rajiv, for taking us along a personal journey of yours to have your harp stool upholstered. I also love the chalk intro and outro. Just so well done all around. Congratulations on your channel. I’m looking forward to all that you will share with us.
I have tried upholstering several chairs and, even with a good stapler and other supplies, my “experiments” turned out to be passable-and very hard work. It’s always energizing to see the pros do their work.
I always learn something from your videos Rajiv. Sometimes it is about you, sometimes about me and sometimes its about a finer way of living. Today I learnt the difference between an Artist and a true Craftsman. Artist have their skill and often creativity, but a true craftsman knows his materials and chosen craft through and through. Elio is a true Craftman who insists on perfection.in fact he is an upholstering Maestro. Thank you and blessings. Muffy from Oz
Elio's tutorial was exceptional. Great pride in what he does.
There is such joy in watching people who are good at what they do, do what they do. Thank you! Beautiful video!
Love seeing this. I used to work at a high end made to order furniture factory. The difference of quality workmanship is lovely to see. Americans generally are accustomed to cheap throw away furniture and clothes. Many aren't willing to save (if necessary) and buy once. Well made clothing and furniture will last many years if propetly cared for. It seems many are starting to turn toward well-made items. Buying vintage furniture & clothes is a good way to go. I love that you are showing people how to appreciate and care for these beautiful things. Keep it up! 👍
I so appreciate your comment! I have long had this philosophy and it pains me to see people buy and discard furniture because it was cheaply made and didn’t last.
I think we were conditioned to buying new and cheap because it was so easy and I am just as guilty. But I totally agree with you, I am learning to buy better quality if I need it and I have stopped buying clothes, I have enough and do not need the latest fashion. Learning how to repair and repurpose is actually quite fun and I feel less guilty.
I always enjoy watching a master craftsman ply his trade. There are things to try ourselves, and things to leave to the pro's. Thank you for taking us along with you!
We forget that human hands make things so it was such a pleasure to watch the craftsmanship behind a "simple" stool pillow. I appreciate the work & thought that goes into this and thank you Rajiv for sharing Elio’s work with us. Like a true craftsman, he made it look so easy.
It's like the Mr. Rogers crayon factory episode for adults, ie the best thing EVER. I love watching this genius craftsman at work. Just seeing the way he moves is an education. Thank you for making this.
We get three videos? Yay! Thanks, Rajiv. ♥️
After all this loud new year party stuff everywhere yesterday, this is exactly the content I need today. I love, that your videos are long and I am so happy to watch it on your own channel. I wish you all the best, dear Rajiv, thank you so much, I really appreciate you! ❤
I love long videos, too. Please, Rajiv, ignore all that YT “guidance” that videos must be under 10 minutes long. Not all of us have an attention span that short, especially those of us who don’t watch TV (it trains our minds to “break away” for commercials every 10 minutes or so).
Wonderful content! I might request that your team consider quieting the background music score so it does not compete so much with the dialogue. This would help a variety of your neurodiverse and/or hearing-impaired audience; thank you!
Yes, please, it’s difficult for me to hear the speakers with the background music.
So many important steps! A new appreciation for this craft. Thank you Rajiv for taking us along on this journey of the harp stool.
Something about this episode reminds me of Mr. Roger's if he made a show for adults. I learned a lot, but my blood pressure is now reduced and my inner child is healing.
Brilliant work by Mr. Vitiello. And it's not about the time it took. His experience was years and years in development. We get what we pay for! And I'd be so proud to have his beautiful quality work in my home.
I don't think I could ever grow tired of watching artists create. Such a treat to see real craftsmen take such pride in their pieces. Wish I lived closer to this shop. I may have everything I own reupholstered. :)
The devil is truly in the details! Elio was a great teacher, I learned so much about dealing with a corner! And that magnetic hammer!! I like that you don't dumb down the education and I can't wait to learn from your future episodes.
Oh my! What a treat Rajiv. You are throwing your videos like candies. Love it! Definitely binge watching.
This was so informative and interesting. I’ve found a fabulous upholsterer in my city, and it’s a game changer. Now, I look for old pieces of furniture that I buy inexpensively, or find for free, and then search for fabric then have it upholstered. Every piece becomes uniquely my own. Thank you for sharing.
LOVE! Thank you for blessing us with 3 episodes straight away, what a treat.
Elio is amazing and his dedication over the years shines with his precision. I only hope someone will follow in his footsteps. Places like this need apprentices who are eager to learn and hone these skills.
Agreed. I hope these videos inspire young people to maybe explore a trade that they might turn into a full-time profession.
The craftsmanship and attention to detail in Elio's upholstering is incredible! It's lovely to see how much pride he takes in his work. Thank you for this video, Rajiv. I'm so excited you have a channel of your own! Can't wait to see what you have in store for us. Greetings from your hometown of Toronto!
This totally makes me want to rescue an old piece of furniture that has great wood bones but just needs new upholstery, and get this done with it! Amazing result.
❤☀️Thank You All so very much ❗️❗️❗️Greetings from Sweden. Those kind of informative, interesting and uplifting videos are so, so gainful. My husband and I are working with Awnings since many years and we appreciate doing a well done job, making our customers satisfied and seeing them return after often more than 25 years, wanting to change fabrics that we are sewing on industrial sewing machines in our small workshop and we can then return and keep the original construction of aluminum that my husband made and we mounted together long time ago , of AMA Design high Swedish quality. They will nearly look like new as Your wonderful stool now does‼️ Wishing more people will find Your lovely videos and get tips and learn a lot of useful skills and techniques related to different things in their daily life. Once again Thank You Mr Rajiv Surendra 🌸🌸🌸🦋👋🏻
Great video. There is simply nothing better than excellence in craftsmanship, no matter what's being crafted.
I’m still so thrilled you have a YT channel now!! It has been a long time coming! And this just happens to be exactly the project I’m working on now - reupholstering a stool!! This has been so helpful because for stools the finish really does need to be smooth and seamless since there’s no back to detract from the cushion 😂. This was so helpful. Thank you for the great content!! It’s so good to see such enthusiasm to learn these skills, especially from our generation!
It never ceases to amaze me how Rajiv can take the simplest or sometimes unappreciated tasks and turn them into what they are: a work of art. Who thought upholstery could be so fascinating? By taking us in these trips he makes us see things we didn’t see before. And makes us fully appreciate and respect the work of these craftsmen 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I hope one day I can master a craft to the level that Elio has mastered his. Truly exceptional, beautiful, and inspiring.
This was great! My Great Uncle had an upholstery shop in New York City decades ago! Beautiful work. Smelling the fabrics that filled the shop, furniture lined up for completion! This brought back beautiful forgotten memories! Uncle was such a love! Thank you for the memory recall! 🥳
I attempted doing my own dining chairs that my mum picked up for free. They look nice but nowhere near the professional finish that Elio achieved. I absolutely love the care and artistry in his work. I hope you get many years of use from your Harp stool.
Elio’s passion for making things beautiful is top notch!
I loved this video!! It’s so nice to recognize and give credit to the talent of craftsmen. Elio did an amazing job! I learned soo much! It’s difficult to do at home, I’ve tried😅 but now I know it might be more expensive but soo worth the price tag to have it professionally done. Thank you for a great video! I’m so excited to watch more!
Guess where I’m going for my upholstery. Such craftsmanship and care. To see and hear craftsmen care about giving a customer what the customer wants, and not what is fastest to advantage them. Well done.
Mind blowingly good! In my 70 years, I’ve upholstered and had things reupholstered and Albert’s guys are the crème de La crème. Love the care with which you live your life
Amazing video and props to the videographer. This was probably so difficult to shoot, and they were able to keep us in focus and zoomed in the perfect moments.
I'm one of those DIYs who would have made a cushion, and then been unhappy with how unprofessional it looked. This video gave me a bunch of tips to make my DIY projects look a little more professional. Love the channel and I'm a subscriber! Thank you
I love the joy in your eyes as you watch him working. You can see that you truly appreciate his craftsmanship. I so appreciate this channel. Thank you.
I never really got starstruck all my life, (50in Feb2023)I've seen famous ppl here and there, in airports, working for airlines and traveling free in the US, but I seriously would drop dead from delight if I ever saw and got to chat with Rajiv😍🥰🌈🦄✌️
This makes me wonder how many treasures have been thrown out or left on sidewalks with no one to pick them up.
Loved that you featured Elio and his craft! Years of experience can be seen and Elio is a great teacher as Rajiv is a great student and documenter!
Wow, the precision, the delicate yet confident nature in which Elio knows what steps he’s going to take and the small but important details are magnificent. Of course, I had no idea that there was so much that goes into upholstering but the end result makes me want to reupholster everything in my house because nothing I own looks like this! Job well done, Elio!
Rajiv is a domestic God, I can’t wait for more of his videos! I discovered most of these techniques, like the cotton padding and muslin cover, re-upholstering old chair and stool seats, I’ve done many over the decades. Most of my furniture is rescued antiques. One 200+ year old, hand-made oak stool was cushioned with straw and moss and covered with layers of antique needlepoint, all of which I rescued and used on others, that was fun. (I had to rebuild the missing seat supports, too, a little carpentry comes in handy). I can’t nearly match the quality of a pro like Elio, though, my corners, etc., are far from perfect. I also don’t know how to reupholster items that don’t have a hard seat, like sofas, I would love to learn.
Another interesting lesson! I made a slipcover for my kitties’ bench so I can wash it often. I would never attempt to upholster furniture myself. I have an upholsterer for that!
Rajiv, you have charmed so many people with your videos. You truly are a gift. Keep up with your positivity and with your open mind on the world.
Such a pleasure to see good techniques in reupholstery!! This is not a common video. Upholstery is an art that hopefully will rise to the forefront again as we strive for quality and originality and turn away from cheaply made fast furniture, clogging our landfills. Thanks for this!!
Rajiv I am so psyched you have your own channel! I was an insta subscribe as soon as I saw the trailer. Your love and attention to detail wins everyone over, especially the incredible experts you work with.
I love this Rajiv! Showing Elio’s work explains why good upholstery is expensive. It’s an art form. Thank you for taking us behind the scenes.
I am delighted to see you have your own channel! This episode was really special - in a word filled with automation and tech, seeing such highly skilled individuals in action has filled me with such joy.
Am sharing with as many as I can 😊
Congratulations on your channel, Rajiv! Learned the fine details on upholstering. You inspired me to upholster the ottoman I have for years and to give a new look. Thank you.
WOW! Incredible craftsmanship & artistry. Thank you for sharing this look into the world of upholstering . I love the pride taken in a job so expertly done. The care & attention to providing a quality product is admirable. ❤ Enjoy your gorgeous “new” stool!
One thing i'd love to see is Rajiv sitting on his new stool and play his harp.
It’s so special to see this done by a professional! I’ve recovered things before and I wouldn’t say it looked like garbage but this is perfection.
It’s so nice to see people enjoying their job and giving such attention to detail to the work.👏🏻
Congratulations Rajiv! What an absolute delight. I love hearing about all these wonderful craft folks in and around NYC as someone who lives there. A sneaky wish is that you get to travel to India one day to interview folks working in textiles over there!
I like what the owner says in response to your question of whether someone can learn at home. Yes, you can teach yourself a craft but it will take a lot longer and it's more efficient to find a mentor who can critique you and show you time-tested technique that has already been perfected and passed down. There's also the issue of practicing your own faulty technique. You can't compete with hundreds of years of skill building. It's the difference between making something good and something excellent.
You know what I truly love about this? It's the fact that they don't give a $h!t about views or social media (no offense to anyone) but they care only about the craft and that is it! They did not put on a show and that is refreshing!
So great to watch this craft. It's not easy to recover a stool and Elio makes it look easy. His eye for detail is worth the money to pay for professional upholstery!
As someone who has very broad curiosity about artisanal work and even try to experiment with some myself, finding Rajiv on youtube was such a joy. Like finding a platonic soulmate, you know what I'm saying? Thank you, Rajiv, for your approach to life and to the value of beautiful, handmade things. ❤ now you can say you've got a fan from Brazil. 😊
I love seeing experts share their craft. Thank you for demonstrating respect to this art and dedication.
I love how patient you are with people who aren't as inclined to teach you graciously. I love the fact that you show the process. Very interesting ❤
Love all your videos
Thank you for showing how master craftsmanship is still alive and thriving in this DIY crafty world. There is definitely room for both, but important to see and appreciate the masters!
I once did Maria's job - at Maritime Canvas Converters in Halifax and an upholstery shop in Boston long ago. It was not an easy job - sitting long hours with perfect stitching - very hard on the body. No air-conditioning. In Halifax, the owner kept the plastic on the windows all summer rather than take the time to remove it - we literally baked.
I was released by a period of unemployment and applied to Nova Scotia College of Art and Design - the rest is history - still in the making.
I love ❤️ your channel.
Warm regards
Jennie
Watching Elio move his hands and work with the piece was like watching a choreographed dance. So beautiful!
Sensational. Give me more ideas when I see things on the side of the street. If you play your cards right you can make a set!!!!!
I’m 59 and still learn so much from you. Thank you for the videos ❤️
The perceived effortlessness these guys exude in this craft is truly beautiful to us mere mortals, thoroughly enjoyed it thank you!
Ok your channel is awesome 😎. I love how your personality shines through and your teaching is the art of taking care of things, making our stuff more beautiful, and more importantly for me; helping to reuse ♻️ more!
How fun!
I always wanted to spend a day shadowing in an upholstery shop as a boy. Now I'm 64, and am learning to tune pianos. When I get my dream upright, and need the perfect bench, I know who to network with in New York. Then, there's the shipping from California. But, if this guy does quality--it's worth it!
Blessings in Christ,
Kurt
I’m so excited for what Rajiv has in store! Thank you for a behind the scenes. I never knew how much goes into great work like this.
Elio is incredible!!! This shop is wonderful and I loved when the owner said, “you have to do what you say.” Feel like that is so hard to come by these days.
Rajiv, I am down a huge rabbithole watching all your videos featuring these craftsmen (wizards😊). Started in Florence. Thank you for your wonderfully absorbing content🙏
So thrilled to see that your You Tube channel is up and running. This was such an interesting video to see a master craftsman at work. Looking forward to more. Congratulations!
Thanks, Kristine. ❤