Take an idea and make it happen !
Each project contains the help and instructions needed to make the photographed item in your fabric. The Design and Make series contains the core principles of our international workshops – each project directly or indirectly inspired by furnishings that we have made for clients.
Design
A few notes on the design shown and suggestion for the materials you can choose or use:
Materials
The materials and sizes used include, as appropriate:
- Cutting plan
- Chart for alternative sizes
- Pattern sheet than can be enlarged or adapted
- Cutting and materials list
Prepare
- Work from one end of the table to the other, always fold materials that are not being worked on.
- Have all the pins, rulers, threads and needles, etc. close by and in one tray.
- Start with all of the cutting out, seaming and pressing – everything that requires a clear, flat table surface.
- Make up and prepare the small items and trimmings first – everything that you’d like to have finished and ready to hand when you need it.
- Make all eyelets, buttonholes and embroidery details in one sitting to keep the stitching consistent – even a day between can visibly affect the end result.
- Keep the iron by your side and press at every stage. Press over the stitching line and press seams from the right side to embed the stitches.
Making up
- Work methodically – enjoy the rhythm and order of the process and the therapy of hand stitching.
- Follow the order of work given in the instructions and you won’t fail.
- Some makes will take half an hour, others several days. For the larger projects try to time the sessions to the stages.
- Finishing details make a huge difference to the end result – neatening and trimming seams and corners for example.
- We’re looking for professional finish and compliments !
Hanging and Fitting
Well-made furnishings can be let down by careless fitting and hanging – to make sure the finished work looks it’s very best ….check out the Guides and Techniques Library.