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Add smocking to the top of a panel.
A customer needed new panels for two dining room windows and wanted the top to be smocked. I made this time-lapsed video of the smocking process.
Tube Fires
Have you struggled with how to get rid of those fabric roll cardboard tubes? The garbage collection wouldn’t take them. The trash collection wouldn’t take them. We tried folding them and sticking them in our trash bin but we had so many that we couldn’t fit them all in there along with our regular trash. We finally found a way to get rid of them at the same time as enjoying reaching the end of each fabric roll.
Continue reading “Tube Fires”Van shelves to keep ladders and drapes in their place
When we would load up the van to do an install, we’d put the ladders in first, a sheet on top of the ladders, and then gently lay the panels, roman shades, valances, or cornices on top. The tools, steamer, etc. would go wherever there was room. We knew there had to be a better way. We tried a few arrangements but weren’t satisfied until we thought of an insert that we could slide in through the back hatch and rest on the folded down seats. It worked great. Continue reading “Van shelves to keep ladders and drapes in their place”
Adding a flat trim to the leading edge of a panel
A customer wanted their new drapery panels with a flat trim running down the leading edge of the panels. The leading edges are those that meet in the center of the window when the panels are pulled closed. Continue reading “Adding a flat trim to the leading edge of a panel”
Pattern Matching
When constructing drapes that are wider than a single panel, you’ll need to join panels together. When working with non-patterned fabric, that process is not too complicated. However, with patterned fabric, you’ll want to make sure that the pattern continues evenly across the seam. This video shows the process that I use to join patterned fabric to make sure that the patterns match across the seam. Continue reading “Pattern Matching”
Fabric Organization
My fabric rolls were falling out my plastic containers or tipping them over. It drove me nuts. I asked my dear husband if he could make me some better, stronger bins. Continue reading “Fabric Organization”
Making a Bolster!
I am so excited. A customer wanted a bolster and wanted it to be firm. I’ve made them before but searched online anyway for some new ideas and found a brilliant one that made use of a pool noodle. I immediately ran to the store to buy one. Continue reading “Making a Bolster!”
New Website
Best wished on this Memorial Day. Please remember those that risk their lives to protect us and our families.
Today, Gerry and I updated my UsefulStitches.com website. The old site was several years old and was due for a facelift. It currently has the same content as before but this new layout will be much easier to update and add to.
Jackie
At Custom Workroom Conference in Tennessee
For the next three days I’m at the CWC in Murfreesboro, TN. Drove up this afternoon with my mother. I have four classes tomorrow, Tuesday is vendor day, and then two more classes on Wednesday . I’m excited. Will be a blast. I’ve been doing draperies for 20 years and there is still so much to learn. New techniques and new technologies. I’ll see some of that new technology on the vendor floor and maybe pick up some cool swag. Stay tuned.
Jackie