Karen, I hope you are steadily getting stronger.
I have done enough drapes this year already to be excited about the prospect of only having slipcovers to do later.
Funny, absence makes the heart... da da da da da da.
Funny, I have been trying to warm up to all these luxury fabrics. It's always been a source of pride for me that slipcovers are functional and sturdy. I don't know why I get off on that, it doesn't really seem like much to crow about. I love white beyond all logic.
I don't get into the beautiful expensive delicate fabrics idea about slipcovers. Heck, I wouldn't want someone sitting on my window treatments!
Hot here now, humid, too many excuses to play. I'll be excited about Brown when it becomes a reality. Play play play. Alicia, where are you ?
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
The Slipcover Network Forum
Ha, stir crazy.... I can only walk or stand for so long before the stitching inside my body pulls and my muscles get tired.
My butt hurts from sitting and I look forward to the day I can lay on my stomach again. Small pleasures, but you miss them when it can't be done.
Today I get to drive my car. I am going to my office, and a few errands. Yeepie
As for the Summit content, Angie, Claudia and I are hashing things around. We should have classes soon, and know the teachers.
Thanks for asking..
always
K with SA
Ha, stir crazy.... I can only walk or stand for so long before the stitching inside my body pulls and my muscles get tired.
My butt hurts from sitting and I look forward to the day I can lay on my stomach again. Small pleasures, but you miss them when it can't be done.
Today I get to drive my car. I am going to my office, and a few errands. Yeepie
As for the Summit content, Angie, Claudia and I are hashing things around. We should have classes soon, and know the teachers.
Thanks for asking..
always
K with SA
Sunday, June 26, 2005
The Slipcover Network Forum
Hi All, it's Sunday..............
Jeannie to have you know I am not just lying around in bed.
No I am not sewing slipcovers because the doctor said
NO LIFTING or DRIVING
Yeek it is hard and I am not use to being kept still.
I have overdone a couple of days, and went to bed
hurting.
I do get to drive on Tuesday.
So I am taking it easy, computer stuff, contacts, planning
but my brain gets tried from overuse. Is this possible?
Working on Slipcover Press and Summit for 2006.
Oh Dee so glad to know you've been working out!!!!
always
K
Hi All, it's Sunday..............
Jeannie to have you know I am not just lying around in bed.
No I am not sewing slipcovers because the doctor said
NO LIFTING or DRIVING
Yeek it is hard and I am not use to being kept still.
I have overdone a couple of days, and went to bed
hurting.
I do get to drive on Tuesday.
So I am taking it easy, computer stuff, contacts, planning
but my brain gets tried from overuse. Is this possible?
Working on Slipcover Press and Summit for 2006.
Oh Dee so glad to know you've been working out!!!!
always
K
Saturday, June 25, 2005
The Slipcover Network Forum
As usual I start reading this in the middle of some on-going discussion. So, when I read that Dede got a bench-press you can imagine what I pictured: Dede working out on her shiny new bench press, developing muscles strong enough to lift a chair with a single hand.
Hey Karen--are you walking? Don't just sit and work on your computer. I'm a tyrant, but I want you to get feeling healthy real fast.
Jeannie
As usual I start reading this in the middle of some on-going discussion. So, when I read that Dede got a bench-press you can imagine what I pictured: Dede working out on her shiny new bench press, developing muscles strong enough to lift a chair with a single hand.
Hey Karen--are you walking? Don't just sit and work on your computer. I'm a tyrant, but I want you to get feeling healthy real fast.
Jeannie
Friday, June 24, 2005
for Karen:
Green methods would be any method that uses the chair continuously. The chair is in the workroom ( or the sewing machine is in the home ). Cutting and sewing are done alternately. Uses chair to pin into, and real fabric spread over entire chair, face out. Sewing is done both from the face ( RS ) and from the back ( WS ).
Results of Green: Absolutely fitting, develops visually, no guessing required. Perfect for portable sewing machine use, least bulk in seams of any method here. Not at all abstract, easy to visualize for beginers.
Yellow is any method which, as above, real fabric is spread and pinned onto entire chair usually RS face out, BUT NOW: fitted entirely before any sewing is done . All fitting is done in one session, then all sewing is done later, sewn all on the WS ( more bulky ). Yellow may also be interpretted as WS out, and / or pinning in a pre sewn welt cord. Chair not needed in workroom. Only a little abstract guessing required. A must for one arm furniture, or any furniture that is manufactured as assymetrical.
That makes for four possible combinations to choose one for yourself from yellow: WS out with cord, WS out without cord while fitting. RS out with cord, RS out without cord while fitting. All may end up being sewn with cord inserted, the distinction is whether or not cord is pinned in while cutting.
Results of Yellow: They all feel very different, requiring different skills and giving different results. Each has it's own advantages and drawbacks. All are the same in that the entire chair is used to spread out real fabric, and fitting done before sewing begun. All sewing done later, off site, sewn from the back only. If cord pinned in and WS out, the sewing is easier to delegate than with Green. Very good fit, though slower to pin fit than Orange.
Orange: uses ONLY half the chair, real fabric, pinning all done, only then sewing begun, pinned ALWAYS without cording. Pinned with double layers, WS out usually, though RS out is done as well. Can be done double~double for two chairs at once. This is for on site use, chair not needed in workroom. Double checking fit with additional trip not done, as this is chosen for symetry rather than absolute fit. Sewing delegated after fitting, only to a highly skilled seamstress. More difficult to sew than Yellow or Green. More abstract.
Results of Orange: Very fast for cutter.
Red method again uses the only half the chair, real fabric, face in (WS) or out (RS), but in a SINGLE layer on the arm, double or single on the middle body areas, pin fitted completely then sewn at later time. Some cutting done on site, some cutting done in the workroom later. You are duplicating the mirror image missing arm later. Can be accurate enough to not need double checking fit, with judgement and experience. If chair available in workroom, or with second trip, gives good symmetry and perfect it, sacrificing neither. Best sewn by cutter, or permanent ( dedicated ) team. Even more abstract.
Results of Red: terrific for drop matches, chintz, unbalanced plaids, and very worn chairs.
Purple methods use MUSLIN ONLY to pin fit and cut, then uses that muslin as a pattern. Red method used to pin fit. Purple distinguished by using judgement to interpret that muslin, this is the first instance where you manipulate the fitting by deliberately cutting real fabric differently than muslin is cut, once muslin is off the chair. Off site only if you are confident. Good judgement will require practice. This one fitted muslin you have made may be used for many subsequent duplicate chairs. Fitting trip to recheck optional, as duplication is chosen purposely for averaging. Differences are acceptable, as the benefits of averaging is deemed more important than absolute fit. More and more abstract. Dedicated team best if sewing delegated.
Results of Purple: fits many occaisions and unique demands, saves time, trips, yardage. It's cautious, gives due care to expensive goods.
Blue: Covers are cut from information collected by observation, ( using TAPE measure ) . Shapes and sized then DRAFTED onto the real cloth at workroom, squaring and making grain perfect the real cloth while drafting. NO FITTING is done. Allows for manipulating sizes and shapes, allows the person cutting to bend less, and makes a distinctively attractive if slightly less fitting cover. Launders best of all methods when method is done well. Method only usable when chair ( usually sofa ) can in fact be measured, thus limited to squarish furniture. The only method where true grain is purposely chosen over true fit. Highly abstract. Actually very easy to sew once cut well.
Blue as well: using muslin again as in purple, but with few pins, and perhaps template paper and pencil as well. Avoiding using real goods untill pattern is made. Real cloth can be cut in the workroom, without bending. This yields a more approximate fit. The more pins used while fitting muslin, the better the fit. The primary use of this is ESTIMATION or a chance to think about a difficult chair, repeat visit absolutely recommended for double checking fit untill confident. Launderability can also be a goal, and grain true cutting can be a priority. More fitting than if measured only, applicable to all chairs ( sofas ). This information can also be used to employ Green method off site in one repeat trip, taking machine to sew, but overlocking can be done in the workroom prior. Getting now less abstract than measuring. Once cut well, not hard to sew.
Results of Blue: again, for unique demands, for the occasion where other methods won't work as well. Allows for a good plan for a washable cover. You think longer, in more detail, you come to grasp abstract cutting in the process. This can save time once understood.
Brown : combines, at will ( yours ) COMBINATIONS of the prior methods. My own uses measuring to accomplish the square shape information collecting, templates for the small round shapes ( such as panels ) muslin chalked or pinned for the inside body and inside and outside arms, or whatever is the least bending for the chair that presents itself. Can be an off site method, if so, then,requiring judgement and perhaps a trip to double check. Distinguished by an opportunuty to stitch in the ditch using an off site cutting method, if stitching that way is comfortable or necessary. Real fabric may be pinned to face WR or RS out, seams may face you or face inward, and all cord except for skirt line is already applied at pin fitting. Much more fitting than Green or Blue. Requires the skills learned in all other colors. Most easily learned last, though no step is difficult. This is just my own concoction, your choices may differ as needed. I suspect many of you do this now. Less abstract than blues. Sewing best done by cutter, or by dedicated team.
Results of Brown: it can take you more time, but I like to think it would yield good symmetry, good fit ( instead of having only one or the other ) and give you same advantanges of problem solving as Red or Purple. This needs more experimentation.
This group is presented as a circle, with six primary and secondary colors making wedge shapes. Brown belongs in center, circle within a circle, presented as a blending of colors. The color assignment is purposeful, in that one color shoulders skills with the next, making the order of learning natural. Green is absolutely GO, it is a starting point, though not at all unsophisticated, and not be be regarded as done once and no longer useful. Green is continuingly useful in problem solving when other methods offer no answers.
Green methods would be any method that uses the chair continuously. The chair is in the workroom ( or the sewing machine is in the home ). Cutting and sewing are done alternately. Uses chair to pin into, and real fabric spread over entire chair, face out. Sewing is done both from the face ( RS ) and from the back ( WS ).
Results of Green: Absolutely fitting, develops visually, no guessing required. Perfect for portable sewing machine use, least bulk in seams of any method here. Not at all abstract, easy to visualize for beginers.
Yellow is any method which, as above, real fabric is spread and pinned onto entire chair usually RS face out, BUT NOW: fitted entirely before any sewing is done . All fitting is done in one session, then all sewing is done later, sewn all on the WS ( more bulky ). Yellow may also be interpretted as WS out, and / or pinning in a pre sewn welt cord. Chair not needed in workroom. Only a little abstract guessing required. A must for one arm furniture, or any furniture that is manufactured as assymetrical.
That makes for four possible combinations to choose one for yourself from yellow: WS out with cord, WS out without cord while fitting. RS out with cord, RS out without cord while fitting. All may end up being sewn with cord inserted, the distinction is whether or not cord is pinned in while cutting.
Results of Yellow: They all feel very different, requiring different skills and giving different results. Each has it's own advantages and drawbacks. All are the same in that the entire chair is used to spread out real fabric, and fitting done before sewing begun. All sewing done later, off site, sewn from the back only. If cord pinned in and WS out, the sewing is easier to delegate than with Green. Very good fit, though slower to pin fit than Orange.
Orange: uses ONLY half the chair, real fabric, pinning all done, only then sewing begun, pinned ALWAYS without cording. Pinned with double layers, WS out usually, though RS out is done as well. Can be done double~double for two chairs at once. This is for on site use, chair not needed in workroom. Double checking fit with additional trip not done, as this is chosen for symetry rather than absolute fit. Sewing delegated after fitting, only to a highly skilled seamstress. More difficult to sew than Yellow or Green. More abstract.
Results of Orange: Very fast for cutter.
Red method again uses the only half the chair, real fabric, face in (WS) or out (RS), but in a SINGLE layer on the arm, double or single on the middle body areas, pin fitted completely then sewn at later time. Some cutting done on site, some cutting done in the workroom later. You are duplicating the mirror image missing arm later. Can be accurate enough to not need double checking fit, with judgement and experience. If chair available in workroom, or with second trip, gives good symmetry and perfect it, sacrificing neither. Best sewn by cutter, or permanent ( dedicated ) team. Even more abstract.
Results of Red: terrific for drop matches, chintz, unbalanced plaids, and very worn chairs.
Purple methods use MUSLIN ONLY to pin fit and cut, then uses that muslin as a pattern. Red method used to pin fit. Purple distinguished by using judgement to interpret that muslin, this is the first instance where you manipulate the fitting by deliberately cutting real fabric differently than muslin is cut, once muslin is off the chair. Off site only if you are confident. Good judgement will require practice. This one fitted muslin you have made may be used for many subsequent duplicate chairs. Fitting trip to recheck optional, as duplication is chosen purposely for averaging. Differences are acceptable, as the benefits of averaging is deemed more important than absolute fit. More and more abstract. Dedicated team best if sewing delegated.
Results of Purple: fits many occaisions and unique demands, saves time, trips, yardage. It's cautious, gives due care to expensive goods.
Blue: Covers are cut from information collected by observation, ( using TAPE measure ) . Shapes and sized then DRAFTED onto the real cloth at workroom, squaring and making grain perfect the real cloth while drafting. NO FITTING is done. Allows for manipulating sizes and shapes, allows the person cutting to bend less, and makes a distinctively attractive if slightly less fitting cover. Launders best of all methods when method is done well. Method only usable when chair ( usually sofa ) can in fact be measured, thus limited to squarish furniture. The only method where true grain is purposely chosen over true fit. Highly abstract. Actually very easy to sew once cut well.
Blue as well: using muslin again as in purple, but with few pins, and perhaps template paper and pencil as well. Avoiding using real goods untill pattern is made. Real cloth can be cut in the workroom, without bending. This yields a more approximate fit. The more pins used while fitting muslin, the better the fit. The primary use of this is ESTIMATION or a chance to think about a difficult chair, repeat visit absolutely recommended for double checking fit untill confident. Launderability can also be a goal, and grain true cutting can be a priority. More fitting than if measured only, applicable to all chairs ( sofas ). This information can also be used to employ Green method off site in one repeat trip, taking machine to sew, but overlocking can be done in the workroom prior. Getting now less abstract than measuring. Once cut well, not hard to sew.
Results of Blue: again, for unique demands, for the occasion where other methods won't work as well. Allows for a good plan for a washable cover. You think longer, in more detail, you come to grasp abstract cutting in the process. This can save time once understood.
Brown : combines, at will ( yours ) COMBINATIONS of the prior methods. My own uses measuring to accomplish the square shape information collecting, templates for the small round shapes ( such as panels ) muslin chalked or pinned for the inside body and inside and outside arms, or whatever is the least bending for the chair that presents itself. Can be an off site method, if so, then,requiring judgement and perhaps a trip to double check. Distinguished by an opportunuty to stitch in the ditch using an off site cutting method, if stitching that way is comfortable or necessary. Real fabric may be pinned to face WR or RS out, seams may face you or face inward, and all cord except for skirt line is already applied at pin fitting. Much more fitting than Green or Blue. Requires the skills learned in all other colors. Most easily learned last, though no step is difficult. This is just my own concoction, your choices may differ as needed. I suspect many of you do this now. Less abstract than blues. Sewing best done by cutter, or by dedicated team.
Results of Brown: it can take you more time, but I like to think it would yield good symmetry, good fit ( instead of having only one or the other ) and give you same advantanges of problem solving as Red or Purple. This needs more experimentation.
This group is presented as a circle, with six primary and secondary colors making wedge shapes. Brown belongs in center, circle within a circle, presented as a blending of colors. The color assignment is purposeful, in that one color shoulders skills with the next, making the order of learning natural. Green is absolutely GO, it is a starting point, though not at all unsophisticated, and not be be regarded as done once and no longer useful. Green is continuingly useful in problem solving when other methods offer no answers.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
{{{{{Karen}}}}}
Oh, honey... I know you feel lousy, but surely you're due for a vacation - okay, this isn't what you had in mind, but...
You're right, it stinks. :-(
There's absolutely nothing USEFUL I can do for you, so I'll think good, healing thoughts from wa-a-a-ay over here!
Feel better soon... okay? :-)
Oh, honey... I know you feel lousy, but surely you're due for a vacation - okay, this isn't what you had in mind, but...
You're right, it stinks. :-(
There's absolutely nothing USEFUL I can do for you, so I'll think good, healing thoughts from wa-a-a-ay over here!
Feel better soon... okay? :-)
The Slipcover Network Forum
HI All...
I am still out here. After teaching a week in Chicago
I thought I'd stop by St Lou to have a little surgery.
Recovered at Donna's for a few days and then flew
home to Washington. Took me a day to recover from
the trip. Can't drive until next week, so thought I'd
get the Slipcover Press underway.
Shirley have you pulled that article together?
Does anyone have photos from the Summit to share?
Can someone make me feel better???
always
K
HI All...
I am still out here. After teaching a week in Chicago
I thought I'd stop by St Lou to have a little surgery.
Recovered at Donna's for a few days and then flew
home to Washington. Took me a day to recover from
the trip. Can't drive until next week, so thought I'd
get the Slipcover Press underway.
Shirley have you pulled that article together?
Does anyone have photos from the Summit to share?
Can someone make me feel better???
always
K
rushing here, too much to do in the near term. I will have a slow summer if I stop saying yes now. I am just now doing job I quoted eight weeks ago, windows, 13 of them. Rollease romans and banding. No shortage of work.
Yesterday I was reminded of some stuff ( while I was sewing a slip ) that I mentioned once or twice before.
When customers indicate too me that they want extra large ( loose ) slipcovers and show me with their fingers that they think they want two inches extra everywhere I generally do not do this.
I may leave extra in spots, like perimeter at the bottom of chair, and the inside back some tucks along the top. I create the appearance of big by purposely mis alligning seams a bit. A little twist puts it askew enough to look ill fitted without making it swim on the chair.
We'll see if she likes it. She's the same person who last month wanted half witdh rod pocket panels. It isn't wrong, it's just not what you see done everyday.
Yesterday I was reminded of some stuff ( while I was sewing a slip ) that I mentioned once or twice before.
When customers indicate too me that they want extra large ( loose ) slipcovers and show me with their fingers that they think they want two inches extra everywhere I generally do not do this.
I may leave extra in spots, like perimeter at the bottom of chair, and the inside back some tucks along the top. I create the appearance of big by purposely mis alligning seams a bit. A little twist puts it askew enough to look ill fitted without making it swim on the chair.
We'll see if she likes it. She's the same person who last month wanted half witdh rod pocket panels. It isn't wrong, it's just not what you see done everyday.
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
If we're talking weekdays, then after August 5 works best for me. All other dates are possible, but if you're asking about the BEST days...
I never expected to own a setting press, at least not so soon - there's sooooo much else that I REALLY need. Sooo... I was cruising the Fasnap website (the manufacturer; they also sell direct) and saw an UNBELIEVABLY low price for the very model I craved. I called them - turned out to be a computer glitch, but they said they'd honor that price so naturally, I HAD to buy it! Moments later, the glitch was fixed.
I don't have any dies, though, but I surely don't mind paying for them after such an amazing stroke of luck. So, seriously - if there's something you'd like to try, please let me know and I'll get the proper die (hardware is cheap).
I never expected to own a setting press, at least not so soon - there's sooooo much else that I REALLY need. Sooo... I was cruising the Fasnap website (the manufacturer; they also sell direct) and saw an UNBELIEVABLY low price for the very model I craved. I called them - turned out to be a computer glitch, but they said they'd honor that price so naturally, I HAD to buy it! Moments later, the glitch was fixed.
I don't have any dies, though, but I surely don't mind paying for them after such an amazing stroke of luck. So, seriously - if there's something you'd like to try, please let me know and I'll get the proper die (hardware is cheap).
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Date wise nothing looks good for me until this dogone house is sold, not even close to being ready to list this week. I'm crazy for even thinking about this...But I really, really want to come - probably one or two days.
I will overnight at my friends house - you are in the D.C. area, Shirley?
Last week of July, first or second week of August would be best for me. I can do it during the week - Wed, Thur, Fri? If I am choosing, then I say around August 3, 4, 5. What say?
Grommets and snaps? What can you use for your outdoor cushions and your motorcycle seats?
Kim
I will overnight at my friends house - you are in the D.C. area, Shirley?
Last week of July, first or second week of August would be best for me. I can do it during the week - Wed, Thur, Fri? If I am choosing, then I say around August 3, 4, 5. What say?
Grommets and snaps? What can you use for your outdoor cushions and your motorcycle seats?
Kim
Kim - what looks good for you, date-wise? Weekdays will be trickier for me, but I'll manage if it's best for everyone else.
Seriously... hardware. Are we talking grommets? Snaps? Vents? Rivets? Grommets start at #00 (hole diameter = 5/32" [4.5 mm]) and #0 (hole diameter = 1/4" [6 mm]). I think #00 is as small as my machine will go - up to #4, possibly. Snaps and rivets are of various sizes; vents come in 1" and 3/4". I need to order the correct dies plus hardware (generally brass or nickel).
Maybe corset lacing over red (black?) faux suede, or...? I am soooooo not a designer, but I need an excuse to buy accessories for my new toy so let me know! :)
Seriously... hardware. Are we talking grommets? Snaps? Vents? Rivets? Grommets start at #00 (hole diameter = 5/32" [4.5 mm]) and #0 (hole diameter = 1/4" [6 mm]). I think #00 is as small as my machine will go - up to #4, possibly. Snaps and rivets are of various sizes; vents come in 1" and 3/4". I need to order the correct dies plus hardware (generally brass or nickel).
Maybe corset lacing over red (black?) faux suede, or...? I am soooooo not a designer, but I need an excuse to buy accessories for my new toy so let me know! :)
Dede I bet they looked great, she'll never know how you agonized over the method. I'm a praise junkie too! I was delivering a second piece to a lady and telling my 9 year old to stay in the car because she's not too nice. My daughter kept asking why isn't she nice? Is she mean? Does she torture little girls? (sigh) "Ok" I said, "to be honest, when I delivered the couch last week she would not tell me that she loved it." And she wouldn't! No matter how I tried to wheedle it out of her..."what do you think? is it what you wanted? doesn't it go nice with your carpet now? ARE YOU STILL BREATHING LADY...(grrrrrr)" I took it to mean she HATED it, but since then I've gotten 2 referrals from her. Sure glad I didn't follow my instinct to grab her by the neck and shake...
Kim
Kim
I'm leaning toward driving, not because I particularly enjoy driving... but it affords a lot more flexibility. Weekends do work better for me, but I can figure something out if it's not the best choice for everyone. July is pretty open right now. Also August.
Ah, pillows... I delivered three (she had less yardage than she realized) and will make two additional if she can find more. She was on the phone when I dropped them off, so no oohing and ahhing (I HATE that - I'm a praise junkie!). I made a straight inverted pleat at each corner - didn't see Shirley's post about the 45 degree angle until AFTER I had started them (which also looks like Chris Watts' example *sigh*).
I'm serious about the dies. I would loooooove any excuse to buy extra sizes. #00 and #0 grommets are especially tasty...
Ah, pillows... I delivered three (she had less yardage than she realized) and will make two additional if she can find more. She was on the phone when I dropped them off, so no oohing and ahhing (I HATE that - I'm a praise junkie!). I made a straight inverted pleat at each corner - didn't see Shirley's post about the 45 degree angle until AFTER I had started them (which also looks like Chris Watts' example *sigh*).
I'm serious about the dies. I would loooooove any excuse to buy extra sizes. #00 and #0 grommets are especially tasty...
I am more interested in getting you here than caring when that is. One proviso, my husband would probably prefer it not be the weekend, as he brings the grandkids here.
I don't consider the weekends off limits, he'll just have to adjust. I am taking them four days in a row this week, I have done my doooty.
I know I said bring real work, you need to know it needs to fit down basement steps if the weather is too bad outside. I do have sun shelter, but if it's humid, you'd rather be inside.
I don't consider the weekends off limits, he'll just have to adjust. I am taking them four days in a row this week, I have done my doooty.
I know I said bring real work, you need to know it needs to fit down basement steps if the weather is too bad outside. I do have sun shelter, but if it's humid, you'd rather be inside.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Our in-house designer (Jessie, age 11) directed our workroom (me) to re-do cord, and it does actually look much better. Z-Tex assured our sales staff (also me) that new samples are on their way - will report upon arrival.
Man, is it HOT... Stuffing pillows and trying not to sweat all over them... *bleah*
Man, is it HOT... Stuffing pillows and trying not to sweat all over them... *bleah*
Shirley - thanks! I did figure out a method, but there has to be a better and more efficient (and standardized) way of doing this. A reconnaissance mission to Calico Corners may be in order before I attempt this again.
The cord is giving me fits. I followed the tutorial, but the cord insists on untwisting and fraying - bad cord! Sit! Stay!
My shiny new aluminum bench press arrived yesterday (oooh... pretty...), but it looks nekkid without any dies. Seriously, if anyone here is planning to attend Shirley's Open House and wants to set some hardware, let me know 'cause I'll be ordering dies.
The cord is giving me fits. I followed the tutorial, but the cord insists on untwisting and fraying - bad cord! Sit! Stay!
My shiny new aluminum bench press arrived yesterday (oooh... pretty...), but it looks nekkid without any dies. Seriously, if anyone here is planning to attend Shirley's Open House and wants to set some hardware, let me know 'cause I'll be ordering dies.
on hard core twisted braid, I just say no, or get out my 1/2" cord foot. Mending it never consistent for me either. I allow 3" total overlap, it never seems to do right with less.
butterfly :without saying how much to allow in the over all sizing ( because you know the fill pressure you want, how elastic the cloth is, and how much you sew in your seam allowance ) : ( though for the shape of them I will say this, I tend to cut 90 degree angles on corners, and I do not bow out sides for cresting ).
mark the stack of cushions all at once. Fold in quarters, lay atop one another, and clip where the pleat needs to begin to form. Or, measure each one.
Insert a pin on the wrong side, folding each pleat at 45 degrees, insert a pin just at where the line of seam would be.
Flatten pleat fullness with RS facing you. The two sides of the cushion will now appear to be a straight line in front of you. Place cushion top RS up under needle dividing half the pleat fullness ( neatly flat ) to either side of center, and inserting needle an inch back from where it would tack down this fullness.
Gently and evenly pull on the tongue as you stitch across seam line to tack down pleat fullness ( on RS ). It may be willing to pull a great deal, you need to decide how much force to apply, evenly on all corners. You could pull it out of shape if you tried, you just want to round it down some.
If this isn't what you mean by butterfly, then Dede, tell me what you mean. This is what I call a butterfly, and this makes it uniform for me. I do not try to pull the tongue and join both halves all at once. I two stage this process.
You cannot reverse grain on the halves with this and hope sides match. I get enough uniformity in my pleats where I do not have to wait and join the sides and then pleat the last set of corners. Not rounding the original cutting helps this match happen.
This isn't turkish to me, turkish is the same procedure, but gathering up the pleat fullness, and it takes a deep cushion to do it.
butterfly :without saying how much to allow in the over all sizing ( because you know the fill pressure you want, how elastic the cloth is, and how much you sew in your seam allowance ) : ( though for the shape of them I will say this, I tend to cut 90 degree angles on corners, and I do not bow out sides for cresting ).
mark the stack of cushions all at once. Fold in quarters, lay atop one another, and clip where the pleat needs to begin to form. Or, measure each one.
Insert a pin on the wrong side, folding each pleat at 45 degrees, insert a pin just at where the line of seam would be.
Flatten pleat fullness with RS facing you. The two sides of the cushion will now appear to be a straight line in front of you. Place cushion top RS up under needle dividing half the pleat fullness ( neatly flat ) to either side of center, and inserting needle an inch back from where it would tack down this fullness.
Gently and evenly pull on the tongue as you stitch across seam line to tack down pleat fullness ( on RS ). It may be willing to pull a great deal, you need to decide how much force to apply, evenly on all corners. You could pull it out of shape if you tried, you just want to round it down some.
If this isn't what you mean by butterfly, then Dede, tell me what you mean. This is what I call a butterfly, and this makes it uniform for me. I do not try to pull the tongue and join both halves all at once. I two stage this process.
You cannot reverse grain on the halves with this and hope sides match. I get enough uniformity in my pleats where I do not have to wait and join the sides and then pleat the last set of corners. Not rounding the original cutting helps this match happen.
This isn't turkish to me, turkish is the same procedure, but gathering up the pleat fullness, and it takes a deep cushion to do it.
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Ah... my Wise Friends... I have learned two important things these past few days:
1. There is a secret to fabricating perfect butterfly corners; and
2. I do not know this secret.
Oh... and twisted cord is the Devil's Own Invention. First join didn't look too bad, but the second looks like cr@p. Haven't decided yet if I should tear out that section and splice in another (= two joins instead of one, but hopefully will look better).
1. There is a secret to fabricating perfect butterfly corners; and
2. I do not know this secret.
Oh... and twisted cord is the Devil's Own Invention. First join didn't look too bad, but the second looks like cr@p. Haven't decided yet if I should tear out that section and splice in another (= two joins instead of one, but hopefully will look better).
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Finished and picked up! I got pictures of the attached back cushion tub chair and the button tufted wing, but not of the channeled (sausage style, dd) couch. the couch and wing got a simple treatment of a layer of bonded dacron, the tubs got a padded undergarment so the upholstery fabric would not show through the white. Denim twill and Carr-go canvas from carr textiles. I had the couch on saw horses and when I got it down I discovered my skirt was too long in the back - minutes before the lady was due to come get them! My fingers were flying to rip out and resew, and MAN it was hot out today! (no a.c. in the garage).
I'm amazed I pulled it off without a drop of machine oil or grimey sweat smudges.
Well the rest of the week is dedicated to clearing out my house and painting all surfaces, carpet layer comes Monday and the "for sale" sign goes on the lawn. Whew!
Kim
I'm amazed I pulled it off without a drop of machine oil or grimey sweat smudges.
Well the rest of the week is dedicated to clearing out my house and painting all surfaces, carpet layer comes Monday and the "for sale" sign goes on the lawn. Whew!
Kim
The Slipcover Network Forum
All this is so interesting, but if I skip a day a can't figure out what is answers and what is questions. It 's so backwards. Noone else has this problem?
I just slipcovered a deep button tufted barrel (tub) loveseat in white denim.(luckily it had a cushion---but no back tuckins at arms, of course.) Which means I got to play with lining as well. The lady didn't care about ever seeing the leaf green fabric again so I glued, stapled, sewed, and tagged on the linings.
But the cool, though greedy, thing I just did was "create the right circumstances" so that a customer just bought 10 yards of$87/yard fabric from me instead of $24/yd.
(guess I can spend the rest of the afternon blogging! not.)
Jeannie
All this is so interesting, but if I skip a day a can't figure out what is answers and what is questions. It 's so backwards. Noone else has this problem?
I just slipcovered a deep button tufted barrel (tub) loveseat in white denim.(luckily it had a cushion---but no back tuckins at arms, of course.) Which means I got to play with lining as well. The lady didn't care about ever seeing the leaf green fabric again so I glued, stapled, sewed, and tagged on the linings.
But the cool, though greedy, thing I just did was "create the right circumstances" so that a customer just bought 10 yards of$87/yard fabric from me instead of $24/yd.
(guess I can spend the rest of the afternon blogging! not.)
Jeannie
" In the olden days"........when department store work was very common, and the process was "vanila for everybody", no risk outside " normal " was attempted or desired in any way, channel chairs were commonly done. The way they turned out was accepted, the channels were accomodated, and the wood left exposed. They were cut open, on the whole chair most often, face out.
Cottons were used almost exclusively in those days, and they were mid heavy weight, starchy, and at the least patterned and maybe even textured as well.
I was in my late teens at the time, I saw them leave the shop in a brown wrapper, I never saw them personally on the cahirs untill I started to cut them myself. I was happy with my own, but this will still the eighties when cotton ( great disguise cotton )was the norm.
With the popularity of luxury fabrics you do need to invent a whole new plan. I won't, I am sticking to cotton. ( I hope )
Well, for the most part. I am stuck now with upholstery weight crap to put on button tufted barrel chairs with no loose cushion. It's a receding color and has too few threads for safety. Dede, we make it up as we go along, cross your fingers, amd hope for the best.
Cottons were used almost exclusively in those days, and they were mid heavy weight, starchy, and at the least patterned and maybe even textured as well.
I was in my late teens at the time, I saw them leave the shop in a brown wrapper, I never saw them personally on the cahirs untill I started to cut them myself. I was happy with my own, but this will still the eighties when cotton ( great disguise cotton )was the norm.
With the popularity of luxury fabrics you do need to invent a whole new plan. I won't, I am sticking to cotton. ( I hope )
Well, for the most part. I am stuck now with upholstery weight crap to put on button tufted barrel chairs with no loose cushion. It's a receding color and has too few threads for safety. Dede, we make it up as we go along, cross your fingers, amd hope for the best.
Monday, June 06, 2005
Maybe "channel" isn't the correct term - the top of the back and arms had "puffs" (?). Like tying twine around a sausage. Sort of. Looked crappy under the slip, anyway.
And we're still friends. Don't know what she did with the Sure-Fit... haven't asked, not sure I want to...
PS: I am exceptionally fortunate that I did not inherit my mom's arthritis - her knees and back are toast.
And we're still friends. Don't know what she did with the Sure-Fit... haven't asked, not sure I want to...
PS: I am exceptionally fortunate that I did not inherit my mom's arthritis - her knees and back are toast.
oh my ! What we do for neighbors ?
Traditionally ( not that this matters ) the channels are left as is, and the slipcover is allowed to fall into those areas. Was it great ? Not unless it was un~sat~on. Traditionally, wood is left exposed.
Not that you can always afford to mess with neighbors, but as long as there isn't a feud now....no harm done ?
Big one for me, is I never mess with the furniture itself unless I am assured it has zero value as is. I cannot say I have never ever patched a hole or draped muslin over a rough spot, but it's rare and it's always messy looking when I am " finished ". It still looks unfinished when I consider myself finished. I tell them the price to do that is zero, about it's value. That's me.
Channel chairs are already ( usually ) poorly symetrical, it would be very difficult to make them symetrical externally. My back hurts just picturing you leaning over this......
Traditionally ( not that this matters ) the channels are left as is, and the slipcover is allowed to fall into those areas. Was it great ? Not unless it was un~sat~on. Traditionally, wood is left exposed.
Not that you can always afford to mess with neighbors, but as long as there isn't a feud now....no harm done ?
Big one for me, is I never mess with the furniture itself unless I am assured it has zero value as is. I cannot say I have never ever patched a hole or draped muslin over a rough spot, but it's rare and it's always messy looking when I am " finished ". It still looks unfinished when I consider myself finished. I tell them the price to do that is zero, about it's value. That's me.
Channel chairs are already ( usually ) poorly symetrical, it would be very difficult to make them symetrical externally. My back hurts just picturing you leaning over this......
Background:
I did this for a neighbor, whose new Sure-Fit (ugh) didn't fit over the cushions AND draped badly in the channels and over the exposed decorative wood. The plan was to cover the channels and wood with Dacron and muslin, and try to squeeze enough fabric out of the slip to make cushions covers (with new fabric on unexposed sections). I got as far as the Dacron/muslin - as I said before, it took forever, looked sloppy around the edges (but, again - I don't know HOW it's supposed to look). The slip DID look much better over the newly covered sections, but she ended up tearing everything off because she had holiday parties to host before I could fabricate the cushions.
I did this for a neighbor, whose new Sure-Fit (ugh) didn't fit over the cushions AND draped badly in the channels and over the exposed decorative wood. The plan was to cover the channels and wood with Dacron and muslin, and try to squeeze enough fabric out of the slip to make cushions covers (with new fabric on unexposed sections). I got as far as the Dacron/muslin - as I said before, it took forever, looked sloppy around the edges (but, again - I don't know HOW it's supposed to look). The slip DID look much better over the newly covered sections, but she ended up tearing everything off because she had holiday parties to host before I could fabricate the cushions.
okay, let me dissect this a little ? Expect that I never do this except under expensive chintz, and then only if color shows through. Kim in Oregon may be a better person to ask this question of.
what were your expectations ? See if you can name them for yourself.
Slipcovers at best are clothing. They are never, and can never be skin. A skin like appearance is lucky, and still it will slip ( like cat's skin ).
Your best disguise is still a dull surface, woven pattern, a print that contains colors with vivid contrast or just enough swirling contrast that creates movement. Bulk or stiffness, and then hot or white color, but not receding colors, especially if lacking any of the other qualities.
If you padded up a piece of furniture the best way you could, which still isn't upholstery, but the most time you could possibly devote, if the fabric didn't have help from the list above, it would still not appear to be skin like. Even then, it's cats skin. It's only as nice and perfect as it was recently tucked in.
Lining at best will only help to disguise a vivid pattern on the upholstery if poking it's head through a too thin a and too light colored slipcover fabric. At best, it's a slip, think the thing you wear under the dress you don't own.
You can never disguise enough with lining and padding alone, button tuft depressions, so well that you will forget they are there. Forget is a good word here, if it bugs you, it will continue to bug you, unless you choose to forget it.
I accept pretty easy, the boogers that go with ownership of the fresh cover of my choosing that goes on the furniture I happen to own. This is key, I can choose fresh fabric, the chair or sofa is what it is. Lumpy, dumpy, and bumpy never goes away. Wholey arms and crooked cushions only get a little better with padding out.
Lining at best is white out, helping my fabric choice cover COLOR better. The chair or sofa may still be as lumpy as it ever was, if not to my eye, certainly in my memory. It will now also shift like cats skin, but worse, there's two layers to shift, if a garment was made. Staple it on for less shifting.
Now major makeovers, I leave to my upholsterer. People who consistently choose white slips or expensive chinzt should do this, reupholster in muslin. I make clothing, I don't do cosmetic surgery. That's just me. Where there's a budget for cosmetic surgery, heck, take the money, and practice.
what were your expectations ? See if you can name them for yourself.
Slipcovers at best are clothing. They are never, and can never be skin. A skin like appearance is lucky, and still it will slip ( like cat's skin ).
Your best disguise is still a dull surface, woven pattern, a print that contains colors with vivid contrast or just enough swirling contrast that creates movement. Bulk or stiffness, and then hot or white color, but not receding colors, especially if lacking any of the other qualities.
If you padded up a piece of furniture the best way you could, which still isn't upholstery, but the most time you could possibly devote, if the fabric didn't have help from the list above, it would still not appear to be skin like. Even then, it's cats skin. It's only as nice and perfect as it was recently tucked in.
Lining at best will only help to disguise a vivid pattern on the upholstery if poking it's head through a too thin a and too light colored slipcover fabric. At best, it's a slip, think the thing you wear under the dress you don't own.
You can never disguise enough with lining and padding alone, button tuft depressions, so well that you will forget they are there. Forget is a good word here, if it bugs you, it will continue to bug you, unless you choose to forget it.
I accept pretty easy, the boogers that go with ownership of the fresh cover of my choosing that goes on the furniture I happen to own. This is key, I can choose fresh fabric, the chair or sofa is what it is. Lumpy, dumpy, and bumpy never goes away. Wholey arms and crooked cushions only get a little better with padding out.
Lining at best is white out, helping my fabric choice cover COLOR better. The chair or sofa may still be as lumpy as it ever was, if not to my eye, certainly in my memory. It will now also shift like cats skin, but worse, there's two layers to shift, if a garment was made. Staple it on for less shifting.
Now major makeovers, I leave to my upholsterer. People who consistently choose white slips or expensive chinzt should do this, reupholster in muslin. I make clothing, I don't do cosmetic surgery. That's just me. Where there's a budget for cosmetic surgery, heck, take the money, and practice.
Indications: When is underwear/padding appropriate? What problems can it solve/disguise?
Materials: What should you use?
Methodology: How do you apply the materials? Specify order, technique, etc.
Didn't know what it was supposed to look like when I was done (still not sure - examples?). I really was working blind, with 1" Dacron, quilting muslin, poly thread, and a curved needle. I did it in layers, stitching everything directly to the sofa as I went along (trying to soften channels on the IB and arms, and cover/smooth exposed decorative wood).
Also, a time frame - I know I took w-a-y too long, and I still wasn't happy with it.
Materials: What should you use?
Methodology: How do you apply the materials? Specify order, technique, etc.
Didn't know what it was supposed to look like when I was done (still not sure - examples?). I really was working blind, with 1" Dacron, quilting muslin, poly thread, and a curved needle. I did it in layers, stitching everything directly to the sofa as I went along (trying to soften channels on the IB and arms, and cover/smooth exposed decorative wood).
Also, a time frame - I know I took w-a-y too long, and I still wasn't happy with it.
Saturday, June 04, 2005
I posted yesterday but can't find it - so if this is a repeat sorry!
I'll take pictures of my progress but I don't know...my garage is crammed with stuff (also cobwebs and such in the corners...) and it all shows on the photos.
The pieces are either tufted or channeled so I'm adding a layer of batting on each inside back, also 2 chairs have a pattern that shows through the white. Instead of lining the slip (which I've never done) I'm making the underwear the lining.
About bringing real work to Shirleys - I'm so excited! I have 2 pieces that need to be slipcovered to be put on display in my new shop. We can have fun with it maybe...hmmm...how about faux suede with grommets and leather straps as closures!
Kim
I'll take pictures of my progress but I don't know...my garage is crammed with stuff (also cobwebs and such in the corners...) and it all shows on the photos.
The pieces are either tufted or channeled so I'm adding a layer of batting on each inside back, also 2 chairs have a pattern that shows through the white. Instead of lining the slip (which I've never done) I'm making the underwear the lining.
About bringing real work to Shirleys - I'm so excited! I have 2 pieces that need to be slipcovered to be put on display in my new shop. We can have fun with it maybe...hmmm...how about faux suede with grommets and leather straps as closures!
Kim
Hmm... don't know then - for some reason, I really thought it was you (Shirley). I'll try my improvised method* and see how they turn out. She originally wanted knife-edge, but this is more in line with the soft, casual look she wants for her living room.
Thanks, though. :)
*Even though it probably isn't the One True Way...
Thanks, though. :)
*Even though it probably isn't the One True Way...
wasn't me, I don't think I have ever used the word butterfly pertaining to a cushion.
If you mean the bendable ones, I guess it would depend on how you made that junction. Either making them as two with a piece added to bridge, or just making one envelope, pleating it at the center edges, and stitching that down.
If you mean the bendable ones, I guess it would depend on how you made that junction. Either making them as two with a piece added to bridge, or just making one envelope, pleating it at the center edges, and stitching that down.
Friday, June 03, 2005
In response to my own post...
I think I worked out a rough formula: Top and bottom of cover = measurement from one middle of insert width to the other (i.e., middle-of-one-side of insert to middle-of-opposite-side of insert). Measure 1/2 of width of insert away from each corner. Pinch together at that point and baste. When cover pieces are stitched together, the SA will eat 2" overall = proper insert:cover ratio.
I really hope this makes sense to me in the morning...
I think I worked out a rough formula: Top and bottom of cover = measurement from one middle of insert width to the other (i.e., middle-of-one-side of insert to middle-of-opposite-side of insert). Measure 1/2 of width of insert away from each corner. Pinch together at that point and baste. When cover pieces are stitched together, the SA will eat 2" overall = proper insert:cover ratio.
I really hope this makes sense to me in the morning...
I just bought a Fasnap bench press for setting grommets, eyelets, snaps, rivets, and vents. Yes, there are many things I need more than this, but... I got a really good price on it, and the shipping wasn't too bad. Haven't bought dies or supplies, yet - not sure what sizes I'll need. I can bring it with me to Virginia - let me know if you need anything set (sizes, specifically, so I can have them on hand).
Dede (hmm... maybe I'll do Ren Faire bodices with all these grommets...)
Dede (hmm... maybe I'll do Ren Faire bodices with all these grommets...)
Husband is suggesting I drive to Virginia, rather than fly. Hmm... Grandmother had another TIA ("mini-stroke") - they're technically not strokes at all, but are often precursors of the real thing, and she's had A LOT of them. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, and if I fly I can get home a lot faster if I have to.
Just thinking out loud...
Just thinking out loud...
The Slipcover Network Forum
Kim... Are you taking photos as you do the work on this padded
undergarment? Why are you doing a padded undergarment?
Would make a great article for the slipcover press, which
I am putting together now for our Summer issue.
Kim... Are you taking photos as you do the work on this padded
undergarment? Why are you doing a padded undergarment?
Would make a great article for the slipcover press, which
I am putting together now for our Summer issue.
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
this is a peculiar time around here ( Washington D C ). People seem to not care what stuff costs. Only thing I can imagine is that the housing appreciation makes them feel rich. Calico employees say pretty much same thing.
Not greater number of calls taking place, in fact maybe fewer. Larger jobs per call, and people buying unusually expensive stuff ( for my experience at least. ) Ralph Lauren and Pierre Deux in one case.
A couple sales here does not a trend make even if it fills out a month for me.
Anyone else finding big jobs and people loosening up about what it costs ?
Not greater number of calls taking place, in fact maybe fewer. Larger jobs per call, and people buying unusually expensive stuff ( for my experience at least. ) Ralph Lauren and Pierre Deux in one case.
A couple sales here does not a trend make even if it fills out a month for me.
Anyone else finding big jobs and people loosening up about what it costs ?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)