Visiting a custom Upholsterer with Rajiv Surendra 

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! ❤

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.

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. ❤

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.

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.

This has got to be one of the most educational and enjoyable RU-vid 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.

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...

He is going to be at a million subscribers in no time congratulations 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 :)

My favorite part is watching Rajiv do anything. Looking, breathing, smiling, learning. More Rajiv please!!

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

The stool turned out beautiful and you can really see the difference in a professional doing the job ❤

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.

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.

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.

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.

Your channel is immaculate. It’s even better than I anticipated (if that’s possible). Just gorgeous all around, Rajiv.

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.

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. 🙏🏻

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😍🥰🌈🦄✌️

Elio's tutorial was exceptional. Great pride in what he does.

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.

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!

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! 👍

When my babies were little and I needed some extra income, I worked for my neighbor in her upholstery shop. The kids played while we worked. I already knew how to sew, and she showed me the tricks to beautiful-looking upholstery. Making box cushions with piping was the hardest, getting everything even and the corners to be just right. She was a perfectionist also; while it was extra hard work, I am thankful to have had the opportunity to learn to do it the right way.

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.

From one Master Upholsterer to another excellent 👌 he's a great teacher. So few upholsterers left that are skilled the old school way .

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!

My dad was an European Upholster from the time he was 12 in 1913, in the Netherlands until 1974, a year before he died, in West Los Angeles. So he was an Upholster for over 60 years!!

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! ❤

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.

At the start of the pandemic I found an old wooden rocking chair on the side of the road with beautiful carved ducks in the arm rails. It was so beaten up and the fabric on the seat ripped. I took it home with no experience but a willingness to restore it. I brought it to a local upholstery shop after I realized I needed some help and worked out a deal with the owner. I would work the month of december to help him finish some pieces for christmas and he would help me fix my chair. The people in the shop were just like this. Perfectionists, but also complete goof balls and jokesters. They would hide money in the seams of the old couches I was taking apart to prank me. Every day after my work we would spend 30 minutes working on my chair. After the month I had fully restored it. Its probably the best thing I have ever made. I love that you encourage people to just stay curious. Love ya Rajiv -your pal Logan

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Your channel is the perfect mix of Martha Stewart and Fred Rogers. I secretly hope someday you will take up Mr. Rogers’s mantle and host Mr. Rajiv’s Neighborhood. I think children would love you and obviously adults do too.

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.

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!

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. :)

My Dad is a German master Upholsterer and its so nice to see some light shed on the field. Reupholstering the stool is pretty basic, but its nice to see how hard even that is and how somebody with 35 years of experience does it as if its nothing. Such a beautiful craft

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.

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.

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.

There is such joy in watching people who are good at what they do, do what they do. Thank you! Beautiful video!

I work at an interior design firm and we have an in-house upholsterer. He is AMAZING at his craft and it’s 50% of what we do. We desperately need more young people to start learning this craft NOW, so that they can be like Elio and carry on another generation of talented artists because this is an art form and can be a very lucrative one.

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

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

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 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Very helpful, although instead of reupholstering my chairs at home I'd rather ship them to New York and let Elio work his magic. Thanks for the video!

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!

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!

I hope one day I can master a craft to the level that Elio has mastered his. Truly exceptional, beautiful, and inspiring.

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.

Elio’s passion for making things beautiful is top notch!

It’s like the best episodes of Mr Rogers, celebrating the people in your neighborhood.

So many important steps! A new appreciation for this craft. Thank you Rajiv for taking us along on this journey of the harp stool.

I think upholsterer's should sign there work somehow with a tag on the bottom of a piece. It really is an artform. I have an re-upholstered wingback side chair bought at a consignment shop for $75. The striped fabric alone was worth more than that and whomever did the work was highly competent and professional. The stripe matching between the cushion and the chair is perfection. I could never do in a million years.

This was a wonderful lesson. My family owned and operated a upholstering business for years, and I spent some hours there watching them do this work, along with sewing, refab, and even create their own furnishing. It was so amazing. Thank you for bringing this to the front, for this is an art that few people know. I also loved your video when you went to the ribbon shop. Many of us artists, long to find places like this, and seems that NYC still heads the show in some outstanding places. And it's wonderful to see and hear the old timers who have been doing this for years - these people are gems. Happy New Year to you. Be safe there.

Missed the GoFundMe, but am so glad to see that you are making the channel happen! Best of Luck!

We get three videos? Yay! Thanks, Rajiv. ♥️

Watching Elio move his hands and work with the piece was like watching a choreographed dance. So beautiful!

Great video. There is simply nothing better than excellence in craftsmanship, no matter what's being crafted.

My grandfather was an upholsterer. He worked out of his garage. I wish I would have learned how to do it but I was just a little girl. Upholstery is a beautiful art. I love your harp stool. 😃

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 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.

HELLO SOMEBODY!!! GIVE MR. RAJIV HIS TV SHOW. He inspires! He Reminds me of The Great Anthony Bourdain R. I. P, he would travel around the world just showing good eats and how it was made and how to eat it- discovering the unknown. It’s about the passion of how things are done with delicacy. WHAT AN ART!

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!

this guy helps me understand why i find vintage craftsmen/handmade goods so beautiful which cannot me achieved by machinemade ones

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!

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

LOVE! Thank you for blessing us with 3 episodes straight away, what a treat.

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!

Rajiv, to see my country, Ecuador, be represented through Elio brought me such joy. My country’s long history of craftsmanship skills being celebrated and valued healed me a little bit. Thank you.

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!

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

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.

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! 🥳

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.

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!

What a fantastic video. After reading that Albert has retired, I can only think about the people that worked on that place for so many years, and now it's closed, I can imagine that last day at the shop, the mixed feelings, the lights turned off for good. However, its good to know that Elio has his own shop and the good work and tradition will live on. Thank You Rajiv!

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!

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!

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

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!!

Oh my! What a treat Rajiv. You are throwing your videos like candies. Love it! Definitely binge watching.

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.

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!!!!!

Rajiv, this was an absolutely wonderful experience - thank you very much!!!

I’m looking at my dining chairs that I tried to cover, which are falling apart. I’m in Westchester County and I think I’ll be making a trip to see Elio in Long Island. Thanks for this video! I cannot wait to see your reupholstered sofa.

As an oil painter, I always stretch my own canvases, I love it! Doing it just right does take a lot of practice, especially corners etc. Although no padding work is involved, when I do it, I think "this is like a form of upholstery". Now I see how complex and skilled it is to make such upholstered items like a harp stool.

This is meant as a compliment. Your channel is like Mr. Roger's for grown-ups.❤ thank you neighbor 😊