*The Paradiso leather sofa, seen above, is one of many quality leather sofas produced at the leather sofa factory featured in this post.

The Making of a Sofa

The factory visits that I have the opportunity to do are one of the highlights of my Italian routine. I know that for many of the workers it is just another ordinary day, but for me it is a rare opportunity to see and to show others the skill and pride that goes into a "Made in Italy" product. It is also a wonderful learning opportunity: both spiritually and mentally.

Entering the Assembly Area

Recently we made our way to one of Friuli's top leather sofa producers, where we enjoyed a tour and some first hand trials of their beautiful sofas. We entered the lobby and went to a conference room for a quick chat with the owner, Piero, then headed down to production area to begin our tour.

First we saw the finished products that were lined in rows, waiting be be shipped out. I felt like I was in a movie theater with first class seating!

We passed quite a few phases of production, so I'll have you check out the pictures below to get a bird's eye view of everything:

Cutting and Controlling the Leather 

This particular factory specializes in real leather sofas, so after we left the assembly area we headed to the leather warehouse.

WOW! Leather, leather and more leather! The hides were draped over what looked like large, blue saddle racks.

The lady working in this area had the task of quality control and cutting the leather pieces that would later be sewn in another room.

She selected the leather color that was needed and spread out the hide on a large work table. With a pencil in hand, she scrutinized every inch of the leather, circling every single flaw that she found. 

Once she had identified all of them, she laid the templates on top, carefully avoiding the flaws that she had circled

Sewing the Cushion Covers

I'm actually a fan of sewing, something I developed an interest in as a teenager, so entering the sewing room was a real treat for me.

It was lined with numerous industrial sewing machines, each one used for a different purpose. Spools of thread, pieces of leather waiting to be sewn, cushion covers in various stages of production...

The machines hummed away as the workers skillfully maneuvered and guided the leather under the pressure feet. 

Pride in the Product

After the sewing area, we wrapped up the tour and thanked Piero for taking time out of his busy schedule to show us around. 

With each factory I visit, I'm enlightened on what the real Made In Italy is all about: pride in one's product, high standards and and having a skilled team who is passionate about what they do.