Messages

Thanks June,
J" welt would work, but I'm not sure if it would lye flat. I will keep looking.

I am wanting to make a bikini tip for my jeep. I was wanting to use the original mounting lip on the top of the windshield. I need a source for the plastic lip piece that sews into the canvas.
Here is link to a picture:
http://www.etrailer.com/faq-jeep-soft-tops.aspx

Sweet!  We love Formulas, but right now have a Baja 38 Special.  Whatcha got under the hood?

June

Under the hood is all stock. 502's, turn the key and go. No problems/hassels

Yes, it is a 93' Formula 357. Great boat.

We spend most of the time on Lake Mead

Here is a little history. I bought a brand new Econosew 10yrs ago and decide to try making something with it. Never had any experience. Used it off and on for first 8yrs to just do small repairs and some cushions here and there. 2yrs ago  I decided I wanted to really take this further and redo the upholstery in my boat. I really didn't know how to even make the patterns and allowances. I figure I could save myself quite a bit of money. I lingered on her for quite some time and learned alot. (Thanks to all by the way).

I went to a upholstery class for 5days and that was all the hands on training I got. The rest was trial and error and mostly error. I was a carpenter at one time so the wood repairs where not difficult.

Here is the start. Had to rebuild the corners of the rear seat.
http://s608.photobucket.com/user/srl520/media/Projects/P1020344.jpg.html
http://s608.photobucket.com/user/srl520/media/Projects/P1020374.jpg.html
http://s608.photobucket.com/user/srl520/media/Projects/P1030380.jpg.html

Then the rest of the bench. I still have to redo the center cushion.
http://s608.photobucket.com/user/srl520/media/Projects/P1030375.jpg.html

Then the Hatch.
http://s608.photobucket.com/user/srl520/media/Projects/hatch_40.jpg.html

Then I got crazy with the audio system.
http://s608.photobucket.com/user/srl520/media/Projects/P1060216.jpg.html

Then it took another year of doing other friends stuff to feel I was ready to tackle these bolsters.
As far as hours, I am very slow. I don't know how I could make a living at it. I don't think I could get anyone to
pay me for all the hours I have into this upholstery project.
Yes, the next time will go better, but very time consuming.

Here are pic of finished product.
http://s608.photobucket.com/user/srl520/media/Projects/P1070589.jpg.html
http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/srl520/Projects/P1070590.jpg
http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/srl520/Projects/P1070591.jpg

where was that video from East coast customs where the guy showed a heat alternative without
a steamer. ?
He used a microwave to heat towels in a bowl of water and used them to heat out the wrinkles.

rich

I saw that video. I tried it, but it still did not work the same.

I will post pic this week. Problem fixed.
First a correction, I used 1/4" sew foam. I just was not happy with the way this skin fit. It was to loose. I took apart the seam that was wrinkled and took it in and was careful not to pull on to much on either pieces when sewing. The wrinkle was better and my wife says you would not notice it. Well I still new it was there.

I decided it was time to go buy a steamer and "Wulla" the wrinkle is gone and the skin fits much better. I am happy with it now.
Like I said, I will get some finished pics this week.
Thanks for all the helpful responses.

Thanks for all responses,
I will try the heat again first, then take staples out and twist and reposition.
I sew all the foam, no glue. I felt there was less chance for pucker and wrinkles if the foam can float per say.

I just use standard 1/8 foam not the premium.

Seats are in a Formula Boat and I have copied the work that was original when I took all  these pieces apart. There where areas in these seats that did not have foam and areas that did. All was sewn.

For future jobs-Try cutting with a smaller seam allowance, but sew using the same allowance as you've been doing.
Rich

Yes, this is what I was thinking I will need to do.
Thanks

I am surprised heat did not take that out, do not heat directly on the wrinkle, but heat around it, as the surrounding area cool and shrinks it will pull the wrinkle out...I have heated wrinkles far worse than that out...honestly though it look really nice and I doubt a customer would say anything about that, of course it would bother me  still

I will try heat again. I was thinking of taking it apart again and pulling it taught and sewing. Oh, this one is in my boat and I plan on it being my example of my work to generate me more business.

I was originally taught to roll the vinyl out and stretch it some and staple at edges to hold. Then place patterns, mark and cut. Then when you cut pieces, sew and install there would be a little more stretching needed. I have never practiced this way and wondering if maybe I should to illuminate the wrinkles. Any thoughts?

What do I need to do different to prevent this from happening

If you're asking how to avoid the problem next time---It looks like the one section moved on you a bit sewing it, so lots of reference marks and staples is all I can offer as your patterning must be okay for everything else to look so good.

If you're looking to get rid of this wrinkle---It isn't real bad; I would try  opening it up and add add a little unbounded terylene (Teddy bear guts) and it should behave for you. ;)

You have the same idea as I did. I was going to put some foam behind it to fill it out a little and it will look alittle better.

Do you have listings/pulls/stretchers under that seam?  Or is it just sewfoam and a regular seam?  I'm guessing you used sewfoam since the piece looks "puffy".

June

Yes, it is sew foam and regular seam. I was sure to cut pieces all with the same grain.

This is a bolster seat I am working on. It has turned out pretty nice except for this wrinkle. I do not have a steamer and not sure if that would fix it anyway. I have tried steaming hot wet towel and I have tried a commercial blow gun. No change.
What do I need to do different to prevent this from happening?

http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/srl520/Projects/P1070568.jpg
http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/srl520/Projects/P1070567.jpg