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Man o man I can't get my boss to give me an idea of what I'm being paid based on pieces I complete. In another words, if he charges $1,200 for a couch re-upholster job, I don't know the %.  I do multiple pieces and stitching for other upholsterers weekly and it's impossible to figure out my payscale. I did learn that if he gives a discount to a customer, I'm getting the hit as well. We touched upon this once and it was incredibly uncomfortable and I never got a straight answer. There are many pros to this job and I don't want to lose it. Is there a standard % paid to upholsters? I need to get this straightened out. This is an awful position to be placed in. Any insight would be appreciated.
Nora

Hi all, I went to work for a design store as their in house upholsterer. What is a standard percentage to ask for from the owner for business I bring in? IE... I sell an upholstery job for a chair and a couch... 20%? 50%. I also get paid for doing the piece but is there a standard number or sales?

Hi all, I am doing my first (and hopefully not my last) canvas bimini  for a water taxi. Its roughly 8'x20' . Any pros or con's, tips or "run for life" thoughts on using the orig canvas as a template? Its in okay shape (been patched over the years) and zips are a mess. Plus they wanted to change the color....Tad nervous but excited about this venture...
Thanks
Nora

Okay, ready to yank hair out... Have to sew a 90' angle on a vinyl cushion where the cushion becomes wider. Where I am pivoting, is producing a visible stitch hole. I have changed needle size, thread length, attempted more of a curve then a corner... Ugh! This is such a waste of time I am beside myself. Part of this cushion also has a 2" square bump out on one side. I really need to get this figured out. It looks so bad. Using Spradling nautilus capitano. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. French stitch?

Thanks
Nora

Hello everyone. I have a customer who would like me to re-carpet his engine box as it has deteriorated. It is a dome shape and only the bottom half is carpeted (think ski boat). Top is vinyl. This is a first for me. I've ordered extra carpet to deal with the curves and marine carpet adhesive. I know I have to sand the  old stuff off etc and will attempt to place the carpet before glueing to make sure it is laying properly. I figure I will start in the center and move from the left and from the right of center until each side meets up  Any advice re: layout or  gluing etc. would be greatly appreciated! I've got to deal with cut-outs for drink holders and shelves. Thinking cut those last when everything is in place. Carpet doesn't disturb the vinyl that's on top (thank god).
Nora

Hi everyone,

I have a customer who would like me to sew some curtains for their portholes (7x14) rectangles in a Mainship. They want simple rod pocket panels on either side of window but how the heck will the curtains close if the porthole is open? It opens from the bottom to the top. I'll be happy to create something else for them if anyone has any ideas as to how to have closed curtains with an open porthole...
Thanks!
Nora

Hi everyone,

I am thinking about adding vinyl/leather repair to my uph biz. Has anyone considered a franchise or would finding classes on repair be enough? I have never repaired vinyl/leather and I think it would be a nice niche to add. Worried about the cost of a franchise vs. will I get enough out of a training course on repair from, say a non franchised company. Thoughts?
Thanks!
Nora

This a first for me.. I am making cushions for church pews (thank you all who answered my last email about them.) The foam, Dacron, and fabric all meet the CA 133 fire code requirement.  I have been told that I need to sew in tags stating this on each cushion. No problem. I spoke with the MA compliance office and they said these tags come from the fabric supplier. The owner of the drapery co who has contracted me to do the cushions stated she called the fabric manufacturer and they know nothing about such tags and have no clue as to what she is referring to. Anybody ever run into this??

Hi  everyone, I'm making some cushions for a church. The seats are 15" depth by 159" length, 2" thick. Considering this length, should i be cutting this foam 1/4" short? There will be welt cord which at this length, I guess Iam worried about fit. Or, jut leave it alone?
Thanks
Nora

Hi - working on a curved engine cover with three different colors of vinyl (think ski boat). Does anyone use anything in particular that they really like for making templates - white dust cover? Plastic? Not sure that will work on a such big curve..Thanks!

 :o Hi- okay, I have pulled out the majority of my hair trying to find this vinyl... Does anyone know of any manufacturer that makes a perforated marine vinyl with a hole punch design.  I'm working on a pontoon boat and the cushions have three color schemes with this dark green punch hole design in the center. Has anyone seen or have this color/design?  I have tried so many companies, I could scream. I'm going to have to call the owner and get the hull number/boat make and maybe the actual manufacture of the boat will be kind enough to give me the name of the vinyl  - not betting on that one...  Nora

Hi - I mainly do residential upholstery but have started to move a bit into marine work. I live along the NE coast and it seems like there is more money to be had in marine cushions than couch cushions....
With that said, I used Sunbrella for my first boat cushions but what about vinyl or naugahyde? Is there a difference? I have been asked to do a few seats that I am assuming are in vinyl for a ski boat. Does anyone recommend a particular manufacturer of vinyl? How about a good wholesaler? I have no idea what a barrel shaped ski boat seat would price out at.. Foam in good shape. Just replacing vinyl. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Nora

Hi - I have an opportunity to do some marine cushions but frankly, I have no idea how to price the labor. Any suggestions would be of great help. I'm up in New England. They are interior cushions -most likely going to use Sunbrella. I have stock priced. I would like to be competitive but also concerned of being too low.
Thanks
Nora

Hi - I'm working on a long ottoman w/ a striped fabric. The width of the fabric is  1" short on each side from where the original boxing/welt was stapled. Would you add 1" to the boxing height, or would you add additional fabric on each side. This would make a seam though so I'm not sure which way to go since I'm soooo close.  I've pulled it so tight to the original welt line, the tacks kept popping out! Good thing I was wearing my glasses - yikes!
Any thoughts?
Nora

Hi all and thanks for everyone's reply re: good service/sales people in New England. Looking at different machines..Is a 1/2 Hp too fast?
Nora

Hi - I live in Mass and need to buy a used walking foot machine. Does anyone know any reputable sellers/servicers in the New Eng area?
Also, I have an old Singer 241-13 and someone told me I could use light-weight motor oil in it instead of sewing machine oil - is this true? Tad nervous about this one...
Thanks!
Nora