The Slipcover Network Forum
Heepie.... glad you figured it out. Others say it is too hard.
Good to have you with us...
Hey Shirley, Rita has joined us. You remember Rita she was one of our Scholarhip Awardee
at the Summit...
always
K
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Monday, July 18, 2005
The Slipcover Network Forum
So are you doing the upholstery job????
Good you are an upholster...
always
K
So are you doing the upholstery job????
Good you are an upholster...
always
K
Friday, July 15, 2005
The Slipcover Network Forum
Dede a year membership with the Slipcover Network is $45 all info is on the website
at www.slipcovernetwork.com on the contack page.
thanks
k
Dede a year membership with the Slipcover Network is $45 all info is on the website
at www.slipcovernetwork.com on the contack page.
thanks
k
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
I will help you recycle your as yet unwashed all~cottons, when they are unbleached natural in color and tightly woven. I will pay you for your postage ( only ) , and donate $3.oo a yard to Karen, if this is okay with you, Karen ? Donations to be applied to all the many PR costs associated with the website, summits, booths, flyers, transporation etc.
I will set aside a budget of $500 for this, first come first serve, dig'um out.
I need at least ten yards per type, fairly continuous yardage, enough for a chair. Maybe twelve yards minimum if in more pieces. No canvas or twills, sorry, as I am SO saturated with that already.
This may wind up in the samples made for the next show or summit, so if you were curious as to what could be done with it, now's the time to find out. I will likely wash it untill it shrivels like a prune and then bleach it high white. This is really recycling, this is a much prettier product than the raw materials.
Karen, I'll edit this is you don't want to do this............ let me know.
I will set aside a budget of $500 for this, first come first serve, dig'um out.
I need at least ten yards per type, fairly continuous yardage, enough for a chair. Maybe twelve yards minimum if in more pieces. No canvas or twills, sorry, as I am SO saturated with that already.
This may wind up in the samples made for the next show or summit, so if you were curious as to what could be done with it, now's the time to find out. I will likely wash it untill it shrivels like a prune and then bleach it high white. This is really recycling, this is a much prettier product than the raw materials.
Karen, I'll edit this is you don't want to do this............ let me know.
The Slipcover Network Forum
Help Us Raise Money
with
Simple Recycling
We need funds for more folks to attend the Slipcover Summit in Arizona in June of 2006. and to pay for booth expenses at the International Window Fashion Expo in Florida the end of March 2006. Instead of raising cost to be on the Slipcover Directory or to keep asking for donations, we have come up with an easy fundraising solution.
1)Do you use ink in your inkjet or laser printer? What do you do with the empty cartridges????
2)Do you have old cellphones sitting in a drawer in your house or office?
Simple Recycling is willing to pay us to recycle our ink cartridges and cells phones. All you have to do is save your recycling products and when you get 3 or 4 send them to me at 8118 Skipley Ave, Snohomish Wa 98290.
When we have enough I will turn them into the company and they will pay us for RECYCLING.
It is that easy. Please send me an email at info@slipcovernetwork.com or call 800-267-4958 to let me know you will be participating.
Help Us Raise Money
with
Simple Recycling
We need funds for more folks to attend the Slipcover Summit in Arizona in June of 2006. and to pay for booth expenses at the International Window Fashion Expo in Florida the end of March 2006. Instead of raising cost to be on the Slipcover Directory or to keep asking for donations, we have come up with an easy fundraising solution.
1)Do you use ink in your inkjet or laser printer? What do you do with the empty cartridges????
2)Do you have old cellphones sitting in a drawer in your house or office?
Simple Recycling is willing to pay us to recycle our ink cartridges and cells phones. All you have to do is save your recycling products and when you get 3 or 4 send them to me at 8118 Skipley Ave, Snohomish Wa 98290.
When we have enough I will turn them into the company and they will pay us for RECYCLING.
It is that easy. Please send me an email at info@slipcovernetwork.com or call 800-267-4958 to let me know you will be participating.
Monday, July 11, 2005
now is the time to tell me, while I am writing up class descriptions for summit 2006, what you would like to see included in undergarments.
I would suggest ideally ( if I had the time ):
the full range of fabrics used
how layers seams, cords, zippers are treated when you line direct
when to go separate with your " lining ", sewing VS stapling, complete VS incomplete coverage
undergarments when used to add padding, applying it, tools, materials, techniques.
That's way too much for two hours, so if you can point me in the direction you need to go, let me know here soon.
Brown will be on the saturday after this class, so we can incorporate your remaining questions in the process of covering the chair you bring for Brown. For Brown: bring the ugliest, most difficult to slipcover chair that you own, but for this first time, please bring cotton fabric. The old rote saying applies here well: light color, pattered, textured, having body and dull surface ( opposite of : dark plain smooth limp glossy ).
I would suggest ideally ( if I had the time ):
the full range of fabrics used
how layers seams, cords, zippers are treated when you line direct
when to go separate with your " lining ", sewing VS stapling, complete VS incomplete coverage
undergarments when used to add padding, applying it, tools, materials, techniques.
That's way too much for two hours, so if you can point me in the direction you need to go, let me know here soon.
Brown will be on the saturday after this class, so we can incorporate your remaining questions in the process of covering the chair you bring for Brown. For Brown: bring the ugliest, most difficult to slipcover chair that you own, but for this first time, please bring cotton fabric. The old rote saying applies here well: light color, pattered, textured, having body and dull surface ( opposite of : dark plain smooth limp glossy ).
Sunday, July 10, 2005
The Slipcover Network Forum
Yea, it could be half full. Go and see what they are wanting, and then decide. I personally don't like to make vinyl slipcovers.
We have classes for the Summit in order. Hope to get this written up
and to folks tomorrow, Monday..
Thanks.
K with SA
Yea, it could be half full. Go and see what they are wanting, and then decide. I personally don't like to make vinyl slipcovers.
We have classes for the Summit in order. Hope to get this written up
and to folks tomorrow, Monday..
Thanks.
K with SA
Hi, all
I've got to call someone (far away) tomorrow about slipcovering restaurant booths. I don't know anything else at this point. All I can picture is torn slippery vinyl with smears of catsup and old egg. Well, instead of this "glass half empty" ('cus beer also spilled on the booths) approach, I should instead think that maybe the booths are for some cute country diner. Anyone ever done anything like this?
Jeannie
I've got to call someone (far away) tomorrow about slipcovering restaurant booths. I don't know anything else at this point. All I can picture is torn slippery vinyl with smears of catsup and old egg. Well, instead of this "glass half empty" ('cus beer also spilled on the booths) approach, I should instead think that maybe the booths are for some cute country diner. Anyone ever done anything like this?
Jeannie
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Thursday, June 30, 2005
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 ?
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 ?
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 ?
Monday, May 30, 2005
Sunday, May 29, 2005
I think I should probably qualify what I think Brown is going to be good for, and I am going to contrast it with double on half, simply becuz I do think that way.
I like brown because it's fitted on the whole piece, without giving up the symmetry of double on half.
Double on half is automatically symetrical whether the furniture is the same on right and left or not. The differences, if not perceptable to the eye, are genrally a non issue, provided you use cotton, no backing, the cotton has some weight and or body, and it's tweedy or it's busy. That will disguise your differences.
Brown takes over when the shortcomings of left and right sides cut the same ( though they are not ) are perceptable. Perception is key, you may be lazy like me and pretend you don't see it, or overly fearful and believe the differences are stark when nobody else would care.
Brown has pieces cut symetrically, and then fitted on the whole chair. You might choose brown ( or Karen's method, or Pat's or Janelles if RS out or Alicia's) so that the left and right are given equal due, but Brown gives you some tricks.
Brown lets you take some lazy ( my favorite ) shortcuts and chalk out, measure or trace for speed, and table cut those pieces so that you aren't bending, and then overlock and cord. Then, you get to assemble ( after pin fiitng double on half ) and overlock inside body pieces, and then the final fitting is seams facing you, so that you can hand them off to a unskilled person to sew. It's already corded, pinned in a single layer to sew, and RS out or WS out as you prefer.
Sorry, I gotta get psyched to get the creative juices flowing. Call me obsessive compulsive. THis will be what I dream about for a month.
I like brown because it's fitted on the whole piece, without giving up the symmetry of double on half.
Double on half is automatically symetrical whether the furniture is the same on right and left or not. The differences, if not perceptable to the eye, are genrally a non issue, provided you use cotton, no backing, the cotton has some weight and or body, and it's tweedy or it's busy. That will disguise your differences.
Brown takes over when the shortcomings of left and right sides cut the same ( though they are not ) are perceptable. Perception is key, you may be lazy like me and pretend you don't see it, or overly fearful and believe the differences are stark when nobody else would care.
Brown has pieces cut symetrically, and then fitted on the whole chair. You might choose brown ( or Karen's method, or Pat's or Janelles if RS out or Alicia's) so that the left and right are given equal due, but Brown gives you some tricks.
Brown lets you take some lazy ( my favorite ) shortcuts and chalk out, measure or trace for speed, and table cut those pieces so that you aren't bending, and then overlock and cord. Then, you get to assemble ( after pin fiitng double on half ) and overlock inside body pieces, and then the final fitting is seams facing you, so that you can hand them off to a unskilled person to sew. It's already corded, pinned in a single layer to sew, and RS out or WS out as you prefer.
Sorry, I gotta get psyched to get the creative juices flowing. Call me obsessive compulsive. THis will be what I dream about for a month.
It's the little tips and techniques that are almost inadvertantly thrown in with the instruction that I love to pick up!
I had a chance to go to a local upholstery shop and observe them working. I came home with my head full of new twists and better ways. When I tried them out for myself some of it made sense, and some just didn't work for me. It was a great experience. Learning from another professional isn't always copying their method but tweaking it to fit your method. The summit is a great place for that!! Shirley, still looking forward to the brown session in July, let me know when you set a date!
Kim
I had a chance to go to a local upholstery shop and observe them working. I came home with my head full of new twists and better ways. When I tried them out for myself some of it made sense, and some just didn't work for me. It was a great experience. Learning from another professional isn't always copying their method but tweaking it to fit your method. The summit is a great place for that!! Shirley, still looking forward to the brown session in July, let me know when you set a date!
Kim
Saturday, May 28, 2005
I had underestimated how many locals~beginers could be registered. They would probably prefer saturday. This is for the summit 2006 , not the july 2005 event at my house.
Suggesting perhaps Karen's wing chair class first day half day demo and then my Brown and then Karen's full beginner class saturday. Maybe saturday we could have more than two at once ?
That's out of order but best I can do at the moment. I'd hate to be the person playing with the possibilities to chart for vote: yuk, did I just volunteer ?
Kim, you may have had one class with me ( or more ? ) but since I actually do all eight methods, and many people do more than one, you haven't heard it all.
Brown is new. Brown is my own concoction of the other colr on the chart I did about four months ago. Mix red orange yellow green blue and purple and you get brwon. More confuzed ? WE are exploring the benefits and pitfalls of Brown at my house in july 2005.
Suggesting perhaps Karen's wing chair class first day half day demo and then my Brown and then Karen's full beginner class saturday. Maybe saturday we could have more than two at once ?
That's out of order but best I can do at the moment. I'd hate to be the person playing with the possibilities to chart for vote: yuk, did I just volunteer ?
Kim, you may have had one class with me ( or more ? ) but since I actually do all eight methods, and many people do more than one, you haven't heard it all.
Brown is new. Brown is my own concoction of the other colr on the chart I did about four months ago. Mix red orange yellow green blue and purple and you get brwon. More confuzed ? WE are exploring the benefits and pitfalls of Brown at my house in july 2005.
The Slipcover Network Forum
Your ideas for tracks is great for the Summit. Good idea to get the methods the 1st day and then to go from there, building.. progression.
We also have to remember the Summit is open to new folks just starting out and are still working other jobs. That is why the Saturday classes have been offered in the past (the only reason)
I guess we can't meet everyones needs....
always
K
Your ideas for tracks is great for the Summit. Good idea to get the methods the 1st day and then to go from there, building.. progression.
We also have to remember the Summit is open to new folks just starting out and are still working other jobs. That is why the Saturday classes have been offered in the past (the only reason)
I guess we can't meet everyones needs....
always
K
Lobbying the masses here, you know how I like to box things tidy.
I think there's three tiers to this class stuff.
Basic methods ( all eight or nine, which can be combined for fewer ).
Two, basic methods taken further, to speed and make more exact. This would include notches, overlocking, lining........but key is, you almost have to assume a method to start the explaining........at least I think that way. Or have one or more teacher take you through aall the variations assuming different methods.
Three, fancy stuff, special items, special techniques, design elements, maybe linings belong here, special zippers like separating zippers.
Lobbying here so that I can direct this to who's coming !!! .........it's so hard to limit the classes, and then so hard to choose.
Suggestion...... " tracks"
Karen ~Shirley, in that order, that first day all students go from one then the next, as Brown and Karen's flow one into the other well.
Maureen ~Bernice first day, students go from one to the next, those are similar and flow.
That's day one, basic method addressed, so that students on day two and day three can ask questions of teachers taking methods further, to get pointed questions about " how does this apply to my method of choice". All the speed and exactness come with context, you have to start by assuming, we should have nailed down a method by then ( context ). Second day cushions, zippers, accesories, headboards, whatever flows.
Third day, lings, design elements, special zippers, high end stuff, business stuff.
Think pyramid, the basics are the bottom, I think we need to track people, or have them pick a track. Either is good. Then, the speed and accuracy elements, then the design and business at the top.
Never more than two choices at a time, and making embelisments compete with embelishments, methods with methods.
Problematic is second day where we'd pair the track with the speed and accuracy class with a person who can address " tracks ". This if just one class offering, and that might be great, would have to be taught by more than one person.
I think there's three tiers to this class stuff.
Basic methods ( all eight or nine, which can be combined for fewer ).
Two, basic methods taken further, to speed and make more exact. This would include notches, overlocking, lining........but key is, you almost have to assume a method to start the explaining........at least I think that way. Or have one or more teacher take you through aall the variations assuming different methods.
Three, fancy stuff, special items, special techniques, design elements, maybe linings belong here, special zippers like separating zippers.
Lobbying here so that I can direct this to who's coming !!! .........it's so hard to limit the classes, and then so hard to choose.
Suggestion...... " tracks"
Karen ~Shirley, in that order, that first day all students go from one then the next, as Brown and Karen's flow one into the other well.
Maureen ~Bernice first day, students go from one to the next, those are similar and flow.
That's day one, basic method addressed, so that students on day two and day three can ask questions of teachers taking methods further, to get pointed questions about " how does this apply to my method of choice". All the speed and exactness come with context, you have to start by assuming, we should have nailed down a method by then ( context ). Second day cushions, zippers, accesories, headboards, whatever flows.
Third day, lings, design elements, special zippers, high end stuff, business stuff.
Think pyramid, the basics are the bottom, I think we need to track people, or have them pick a track. Either is good. Then, the speed and accuracy elements, then the design and business at the top.
Never more than two choices at a time, and making embelisments compete with embelishments, methods with methods.
Problematic is second day where we'd pair the track with the speed and accuracy class with a person who can address " tracks ". This if just one class offering, and that might be great, would have to be taught by more than one person.
Friday, May 27, 2005
The Slipcover Network Forum
we have so much to keep learning and teaching.... I love that about what we do
Dede we are all forever in training..............
we have so much to keep learning and teaching.... I love that about what we do
Dede we are all forever in training..............
Speed, accuracy, symetry, along with playfulness and aesthetics. Durability and practicality (am I starting to sound like Shirley? :)
THAT's what I'm after. Time is money right?
I don't have any fears about double on half...I know where all the pieces go but sometimes can't figure out up or down, right or left. That's why I pin and unpin to serge. I definitely need a notch system.
Shirley, later July would be better for me, on a weekend- hopefully I'll be set up in my shop by then. But I'll try to make it whenever.
Hey Jeanie, I finally checked out your website, really nice!
Kim
THAT's what I'm after. Time is money right?
I don't have any fears about double on half...I know where all the pieces go but sometimes can't figure out up or down, right or left. That's why I pin and unpin to serge. I definitely need a notch system.
Shirley, later July would be better for me, on a weekend- hopefully I'll be set up in my shop by then. But I'll try to make it whenever.
Hey Jeanie, I finally checked out your website, really nice!
Kim
The Slipcover Network Forum
You did find Jeannie.... html gargace is the title of the blog. If you post after that
things do get posted...
Yep Shirley we could do a month with her ideas...
K with SA
You did find Jeannie.... html gargace is the title of the blog. If you post after that
things do get posted...
Yep Shirley we could do a month with her ideas...
K with SA
I don't think the blog likes me: it gave me HTML garbage once and then I don't think it printed my recent post. (My fault, I'm sure). Why do people like this blog thing--it always seems backwards to me? I'm usually pretty good with computers but not this!
I'm trying again:
Thanks for all your ideas to add to the list of classes. Kim you have so many great suggestions. Dede, thanks for your ideas about closures. Shirley--we could do a week with just your ideas. I've got them all (more or less) in a form that I'm sending off to the "planning committtee for furthur comment.
Jeannie
I'm trying again:
Thanks for all your ideas to add to the list of classes. Kim you have so many great suggestions. Dede, thanks for your ideas about closures. Shirley--we could do a week with just your ideas. I've got them all (more or less) in a form that I'm sending off to the "planning committtee for furthur comment.
Jeannie
The Slipcover Network Forum
drivel.... never drivel Shirley. You are right regarding the big guys wanting to streamline cutting and sewing slipcovers.
Not that we shouldn't do this ourselves to make it all faster
that is why understanding these different techniques is so
important.
Thanks so much
alwasy
k with sa
drivel.... never drivel Shirley. You are right regarding the big guys wanting to streamline cutting and sewing slipcovers.
Not that we shouldn't do this ourselves to make it all faster
that is why understanding these different techniques is so
important.
Thanks so much
alwasy
k with sa
while we are discussing double on half, let me remind those who try to read my drivel ( and cannot dig through it ...) that double on half IS the method of choice of large scale custom slipcover production shops.
It has drawbacks, and many sensible people have pointed them out. Pat. R. doesn't trust the symetry, Dede points out the overlock problem, and many people cannot envision taking the pins out ever. They are all correct, and if we didn't seek out better answers, we wouldn't be acheiving anything new.
There are better answers, and as individual people running shops where we do not have to dumb down the sewing, we can have it both ways. We can have the speed and apply problem solving to minimize the drawbacks. These are good summit classes, which can only survive if they are attended....
those who come to Brown method can tell me all their fears and resistance to double on half. July a good month ? anyone have dates to suggest from Brown ?
It has drawbacks, and many sensible people have pointed them out. Pat. R. doesn't trust the symetry, Dede points out the overlock problem, and many people cannot envision taking the pins out ever. They are all correct, and if we didn't seek out better answers, we wouldn't be acheiving anything new.
There are better answers, and as individual people running shops where we do not have to dumb down the sewing, we can have it both ways. We can have the speed and apply problem solving to minimize the drawbacks. These are good summit classes, which can only survive if they are attended....
those who come to Brown method can tell me all their fears and resistance to double on half. July a good month ? anyone have dates to suggest from Brown ?
there IS a pool here if you prefer to use bathing suit THERE.......
64 and 66 is at least a quiet ride, better than 70 and 76.
Angie came twice, once to learn measuring and then to polish that up some more. Judit's been here a dozen times. We can get Denise O. and maybe Susan K. too to come to this one. They ask good questions.
My head is like a stew of ideas, I can think purposely trying to meet a deadline ( like a summit ) and later when there's no deadline get a much better idea. Brown just popped out one day, it's better than any other I have had, including measuring.
64 and 66 is at least a quiet ride, better than 70 and 76.
Angie came twice, once to learn measuring and then to polish that up some more. Judit's been here a dozen times. We can get Denise O. and maybe Susan K. too to come to this one. They ask good questions.
My head is like a stew of ideas, I can think purposely trying to meet a deadline ( like a summit ) and later when there's no deadline get a much better idea. Brown just popped out one day, it's better than any other I have had, including measuring.
Thursday, May 26, 2005
You guys crack me up! Sharing the shower in our bathing suits are we? Reminds me of the time I picked up my daughter from high school basketball practice, walked in on them as they were showering - they were in their underwear and bras for gawd's sakes! (When I was in school we had to file past the gym teacher naked and wet so she could check off that we had, in fact, showered-oh the trauma!)
I'd sure like to drive out, it would only take me about 10 hours. I have a friend in DC I'd like to see too! Keep me posted.
Kim
I'd sure like to drive out, it would only take me about 10 hours. I have a friend in DC I'd like to see too! Keep me posted.
Kim
The Slipcover Network Forum
when Shirley says you have to share the shower at her place, she means one at a time. Also the accomadations are very comfortable if she lets you use her couches... they make into a bed pit.
If you get the opportunity to take her up on the offer, you should go, you will learn a lot.
always
K with SA
when Shirley says you have to share the shower at her place, she means one at a time. Also the accomadations are very comfortable if she lets you use her couches... they make into a bed pit.
If you get the opportunity to take her up on the offer, you should go, you will learn a lot.
always
K with SA
we will have a session ( free ) for exploring brown method here in Jly, I still don't have date for you.
Anyone interested or know someone who would be, contact them and let's agree to meet here.
Sorry for the obsession about not bending, it really preoccupies my every waking moment. But, it does give me a perspective and drive to find a way to cut a slipcover that avoids overuse of knees and back. It may not seem that important to you personally, hopefully, it will never be.
I promise you fun as well. Let me know if you want to participate. slipcoverlady at juno dot com
Anyone interested or know someone who would be, contact them and let's agree to meet here.
Sorry for the obsession about not bending, it really preoccupies my every waking moment. But, it does give me a perspective and drive to find a way to cut a slipcover that avoids overuse of knees and back. It may not seem that important to you personally, hopefully, it will never be.
I promise you fun as well. Let me know if you want to participate. slipcoverlady at juno dot com
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
I am not saying they won't be there ( sewing machines ) I am saying that I cannot know at this time. Dede, we can make the skirt without an additonal trip, there are choices to be made and judgements, but there are default decisions available. It isn't as much a risk when you make some choices, and record some additional data.
One thing I am asking ( if it's not obvious ) is this is the time to get less generic, more tailored to you. Tailor it for us, and then register early so we know who and what to plan for.
I still want to do brown, I think it's a seconadry need to advanced double on half, but it's got my attention, and I'll be researching it this year for you.
One thing I am asking ( if it's not obvious ) is this is the time to get less generic, more tailored to you. Tailor it for us, and then register early so we know who and what to plan for.
I still want to do brown, I think it's a seconadry need to advanced double on half, but it's got my attention, and I'll be researching it this year for you.
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