If it can’t be fixed with a needle and thread, a glue gun, a staple gun, WD-40, or duct tape, either toss it or call the handyman.   And keep these things in your car and kayak for emergencies. I’m just off to buy a new staple gun for my reupholstering task.

I love this old sofa.  It has classic lines and is as sturdy as it was before dogs, cats, and girls made use of it.  It has had several coverings over time.  This time, the professional upholsterer wanted $1600 just for the work, and the fabric I liked was $20 a yard.  With that in mind, whatever a new staple gun costs will be a bargain.