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
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