Relearning old skills: Sewing

Welcome to Wondercafe2!

A community where we discuss, share, and have some fun together. Join today and become a part of it!

Register Log in
JayneWonders

JayneWonders

Administrator
Pronouns
She/Her/Her
I have not sewn in years. This thread welcomes all to discuss anything and everything related to sewing.

There are many different folks with different interests and skills. Sewing is a broad topic, but, this one is just to capture what people are doing, and how it is going
 
So I will start with my current project.

I am working on making some seats for some 1920s spring steel outdoor chairs.
I had two of the three sandblasted & painted as they were quite rusty - recognizing that probably got rid of most of the antique valuation.

I am working on the seats, coming up with pattern based on old pictures. No two are the same in the construction or parts remaining. The one which has not been painted yet still has fabric on it, and appears to be partially right in the way it was recovered by my Mom.

pic1.jpg


I have figured out with new fabric, a design that will go over the top as the old one did, but, also be double fabric through to the bottom and NOT need the ties on the side. (the grommets took away some of the free movement). (Ignore the way it is flowing...haven't done the bottom snaps yet.

pic2.jpg


I just ran into a bit of a block for the seat portion in that the snaps that i added are not strong enough to keep the fabric together snapped together when someone sits on it. I really wanted a layer to go across the seat area for additional support.. (The snaps won't hold what 3 pins had done....hmmmm). They just come undone. So need to get either better snaps or figure out another method. Can't sew as it needs to be on the chair. I could do something with grommets and a thread, but, just don't think it will look right or feel right.

Anyone have ideas?

pic3.jpg
 
That's not strong enough either. I think I would hold in place with crazy glue, then use sail weight heavy thread to hand sew the two sides in. It's too bad @Tabitha is so busy. She'd be a great resource, on this, I think.
 
My thought was also Velcro. Failing that I think I'd hand sew it if I want to remove the cover for washing. If that isn't needed then a strong fabric friendly glue..
 
Make sure it is truly secure, though. It was a badly constructed "Giant Tiger" chair (and I don't weigh an awful lot) that failed into that terrible tumble last summer that bruised my rib/kidney so badly.
 
Chair is a challenge! But I'm sure you're up to it. They will be real treasures when done. I might be tempted to fabricate/add some strong long lasting webbing straps across the frame (or maybe even take it to an upholsterer to get the straps done), then make lovely cushions to go on top.
 
I haven't much sewing lately - except for masks! And I did make some pretty creative patching on my son's work pants recently LOL. He likes to wear old military cargo pants - great pockets for tools - but they do wear out eventually at some points - and how come the crotch seam is a weak point???
 
The chairs have a spring, which doesn't really show, so they are like sitting on a rocker. Very comfortable. I like the idea of the straps, had thought of them, but not thought of going to an upholsterer to get them made. good idea
 
This is the Complete cheater project. The plain red table runner I got as a gift years ago. The small embroidered piece with snowmen I picked up at a craft fair and the border is cut out of a larger print panel.
I am debating if I should add something to the right and left of the snowmen or consider it finished.
268CD36A-D500-4FB1-95EC-AA5CE7BCFD88.jpeg
 
Mrs.Anteater said:
This is the Complete cheater project. The plain red table runner I got as a gift years ago. The small embroidered piece with snowmen I picked up at a craft fair and the border is cut out of a larger print panel.
I am debating if I should add something to the right and left of the snowmen or consider it finished.
View attachment 4708
Click to expand...
I think it looks great as it is - wouldn't add more - might become too busy & detract from its beauty.
 
It’s hard to tell from the photos but we have had outdoor chairs with a sort of mesh type fabric. The side were sewn with “ tunnel” type openings for the chair rails. So you slid the seat cover onto the legs by inserting legs through openings. Not sure if that makes any sense or if it would work for your chair.
 
Lastpointe said:
It’s hard to tell from the photos but we have had outdoor chairs with a sort of mesh type fabric. The side were sewn with “ tunnel” type openings for the chair rails. So you slid the seat cover onto the legs by inserting legs through openings. Not sure if that makes any sense or if it would work for your chair.
Click to expand...
Interesting, but, due to the way the steel is turned into a spring, I don't think so. Will take a photo from the side when i get home.
 
So, you have heard of "stashes" -- ie people's stash of wool, or of fabric.

Well, I happened upon an auction of fabric -- multiple lots.

So, I kinda went wild, and now I have lots and lots and lots of wonderful fabric and laces.
Christmas fabric, Canada Day, hearts, and pinks, plus tapestries. Most are 2-3yds of fabric, some are a yard. There are also christmas banners.

I have some other things to do first, but, I am looking forward to setting up and doing some fun projects.

My sister-in-law has 6 granddaughters under 5, plus my 2, so lots of ideas circulating. Got a bunch of christmas organza so thinking of making tutus for the girls. They all love them
Plus, we are having Christmas in August plans (fingers crossed), and so are going to do some stuff for people to have fun with, such as Christmas boxers, or aprons, or hair ties.

Anyhow, will be fun -- and i won't care about trialing, given what i paid for it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top