Messages

I do some sail repair as well.  In fact, that is why I have the zig zag machine.  The sailors, all the books and sailrite, always suggest a zig zag for sail repair.  As far as I know, the zig zag stitch was invented as a stretch stitch.  It gives as the fabric stretches so the threads don't break.  It was also used to prevent raveling at the fabric edge.  A precursor to the serger.  With all that being said, I am not sure in this application it would be all that important.  It would probably look better to restitch with a zig zag, between the double rows of straight stitch.  Other than looks, I don't really see any benefit.  Thanks everyone. 

Thanks for the help.  It is for a paying, friend of mine.  He thought the zig zag would be better.  I really don't see the point except more thread and more holes.   I will check to see that it is not rotten.  I think he just wants to get another year (in Wisconsin this year about 3 months:) )out of it and then go to individual covers.  Thanks for your input.  I always sound smart when I check in with all of you! 

Hello everyone.  I have a pontoon cover to be re-stitched.  I have a zig zag machine available.  Is there any benefit or detriment to zig-zaging the seams?  I was worried about extra holes.  Customer requested zig zag. 

Thanks  Carol

Thanks for all of the replies.  If I inadvertently, used "your" instead of "you're" I am sorry.  My father and English teacher are rolling in their graves! 

I was at a dinner party on Thursday:), and I mentioned my dilemma to some friends.  The neighbor lady said she had some chairs upholstered at the Philips Center (employment education center 30 miles away) 3 years ago.  She went home and got the receipt!  $374. each, included fabric.  The chairs were almost identical to the above mentioned chairs. 

I do have a wood working shop and am ok with repairs thanks to my high school shop teacher.  Yep only two girls in the class.  I also have some folks to help if I would need it.

After a few days of contemplation, I have decided to go for it.  I cant afford to purchase fabric and furniture to learn with.  I will just have to take it when it comes and figure it out.  The pontoon I did (thanks for all of your help by the way) turned out beautiful and the customers were so satisfied they gave me a 100. tip. 

I like the suggestion to tell the customer to get some extra fabric.  I just envision them going to the rem table and picking out just enough.  No more to be had if I mess up.  If it turns out to be way too much, I will make them a couple pillows at no charge.  They will be happy. 

Now if I could just convince some of you furniture folks to do a "time standard" list, akin to what is in Marine Fabricator, I would be thrilled.  As I have stated before, I don't think it is fair to charge customers extra for learning time.  With little experience doing big projects, I have no idea how long it would take someone who knows what they are doing. 

Thanks for all of your help.  No guts, no glory! 

Sincerely,

Carol Thompson
upholsterer

I'm not a full time upholsterer either but if I was in your shoes and had the ability to expand - I would hire an accomplished upholster to work side by side with -  based on a percentage split you can both live with. 
SA

There is no one else in this area doing upholstery, so this would not be an option for me.  Also, I couldn't afford to pay anyone. 

Poor workman ship has always bothered me.  I see it all the time and it drives me crazy.  I am definitely a perfectionist with my work.  I understand that every piece of furniture is different, and you can only learn by doing.  I also know that it will take me longer while I am learning. 

I do not carry fabric so my biggest fear is that if I mess up, I cant purchase additional fabric at my expense to fix it. 

I received an email about two of these chairs yesterday.  I will work up an estimate after the holiday.  I do have a button machine and have done tufting before.  I think I can figure out the pillow back.  The customer said they have been in the family for many years and have been reupholstered once. ( I thought the skirts look terrible by the way )  I am just afraid that they may be too difficult for a intermediate.  What do you all think?  Any perceived trouble spots?

I am truly thankful for all of your help!  When I consider this work, I always know you are all there for me for advise. 

Happy Thanksgiving and Hanukkah!

Carol

ps.  I have tried to attach a picture of the chairs with no success.  The file is small enough, so I don't understand why it is not working.  I am using Microsoft photo editor.  The chairs are swivel rockers, button tufted arms and back, with attached pillow back.

I have sewn professionally for over 30 years.  Mostly alterations, repairs, production, design, bridal etc.  I have also dabbled in canvas, sail repair, and upholstery for as many years.

My question is this.  I have never advertised upholstery.  I do not know if my skills are competent enough.  I have a lot of miscellaneous project for people with the help of you all.  Chairs, restaurant booths, snowmobile seats, tractor seats, pontoon, bar rails, foot stools, ottomans,  countless cushions and pillows etc.  It as been all from word of mouth.  When people call, I try and do a best guess to determine if I have the necessary skills to complete the project.  I have all the books, and cd's and you, for help.  I also have a public library and university library available. 

I have determined that I would rather have a big check from a big project, than a little "hem the jeans" check.  I'm just not sure when I can change  from....."I do some upholstery" to "I am an upholsterer". 

I live in a town of about 15000, and there isn't anyone else doing upholstery in the area.  In the closest town, there is a shop where folks with disabilities learn to do the work.  There is a one year wait.  I have most of the tools, and a pretty good stash of supplies.  Any insight would be appreciated.  Thank you.

Nunyo.  Your comment about a "fibre picker" gave me an idea.  Wool...  I called a girlfriend and borrowed her wool picker!  It worked really well.  I can't believe I didn't think of it.  I will only cost me bottle of wine to use it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hg6mTIFHcgI  (hopefully this works, I'm not sure how to post a link)

I did a large cushion and 4 pillows in a couple hours.  If I would have thought of it earlier, the project would have been more profitable. I also added new stuffing as suggested.

I called my customer, she came right away, wrote me a check, and was thrilled.  Thanks everyone!  It is so nice to have all of this experience available to me. 

Happy Thanksgiving and Hanukah everyone!

Thanks Lo.  Your machine looks like a beefed up wool drum carder.  I thought about borrowing one, but I am afraid the feathers will clog the machine.  The pins are quite close and the machines are upwards of 400.00.

I ended up using one wool hand card and a self ejecting dog slicker brush.  I fill the card with fluff, brush a couple times and eject into a laundry basket. It work ok and is cutting my time in half.  It is still taking a very long time.

I talked to my customer to explain the time issue.  She said to keep going.  She has had the couch for 8 years and really likes it.

If I did this this more often, I would definitely purchase a machine.  My hands are sore and my house looks like a chicken coop.  Now if I could just figure out a way to keep my puppy from eating the stray feathers!

Gene,

I am a wool spinner.  I tried my wool carding paddles and it actually took more time.  I will try my flicker brush, which is like the one you pictured.  Because of my wool fleece picking experience, I knew this would be quite a project. I also thought of a drum carder, a tool used to straighten wool fibers, but it is a 400.+ tool I wish I had but do not own.   

I think it would be really fun for my customer and her kids!  I have a call in so she can decide if she wants to spend the $'s having me do it.  Do any  of you have any idea how long the "fluffiness" will last?

I will see if I can track one down.  I hate to spend the 124.00 for one project.  Thanks

Sofa,  do you think a leaf blower would work? 

Well Sofadoc, that would certainly speed things up!  Can you give me a bit more information on the fan?  I would have to MacGyver something around here.  I don't do enough of this kind of work to warrant an expensive purchase.  Thank you.

I checked the archives and could not find anything relevant to my question.  I have a customer who brought me 4 stuffed couch pillow backs. There are also 4 decorator pillows.  She wanted the stuffing removed, the stuffing fluffed up and re-used. 

My question is:  Is there a faster way to do this?  I knew it would take awhile, but it took me two days to do one large and one small pillow!  They are a fiberfill and down mix.  The result is nice, but I certainly cant guarantee how long they will stay fluffy. 

I sat and teased/pulled it all apart, and then re-stuffed the pillow. It looks really nice but takes forever. Is there a magic tool or trick to speed this up?  I did suggest new stuffing, but she didn't want that. 

Any ideas would be appreciated.  Thank you.  Carol

I am "fortunate" to work out of my home so my over head is low.  I also always seem to have more time than money :)  I can't post pictures because my computer crashed and Kodak no longer supports the software. As soon as I get around that little issue, I will post before and afters.

I am going to give it a try with my little chair.  I just saw a hand caned rocker at friends house and it was truly a piece of art.  With more experience and advice from all of you, I will be able to see if it is something I want to offer as a service. In my little town, I would be surprised if I got one a year. 

Thanks for all of your advice.  Warm regards.  Carol

I did two sets of camper cushions for a lady last week.  She was in a rush and it worked out ok because I needed the money.  When I called her to tell her that I had them finished and what her invoice total was she replied, "if I pay you cash, can you remove the tax that is added"?  I replied, "only if you are willing to send it to the government for my social security." 

She picked up the cushions at 9:45pm, told me I did a great job, and promptly paid me the full amount.  I doubt I will see her again.