AboutKaren Erickson Expertise All about home decor sewing, with many tips and trick on how to make a finished project look like a professional was hired to sew them.
Specialize in "home decor" sewing. From how to measure, to how to cut and sew. Slipcovers, deocrative pillows, bedding, table accessories, drapery toppers, top treatments and more...
I am not able to answer questions about trouble shoot various sewing machines. I can help through most problems with a machine, but when I have done the basics I would refer to an expert.
No quilting or garment sewing.
Experience Started sewing at the young age of 10 years.
In 1986 opened up my own Designer Sewing Workroom, in 1998 started teaching workshops and classes to others in my Industry.
In 1998 established Slipcover America Inc, produced 3 DVDs. I have traveled to the American Sewing Guild Conferences and various Sewing Expos in both the US and Canada, as a speaker, teaching and instructor. Also was on staff at the CHF Drapery School in North Carolina as the Slipcover Instructor. Continue to speak at special engagements at Fabric and Sewing stores throughout the country.
In 2006 established Sonoran Sewing with an associate Claudia Buchanan in Arizona where we do specialized in "home decor" sewing workshops and retreats throughout the year.
Organizations Slipcover Network
Drapery Pro
Window Coverings Association
American Sewing Guild
Publications Sew What Magazine (trade)
Window Coverings Magazine (trade)
Sew News Magazine
Drapery and Window Coverings
Mary Engelbreit Home Companion Magazine
Education/Credentials College degree in Photo Journalism, Chaffey Community College in Cucamong, CA.
Years of continual education through conference and workshops dealing with the sewing industry.
Question QUESTION: I have made straight panels of silk duponi with lining of the type that blocks the sun. The side of the drapes want to flair out and the lining (white) shows. I have tried curtain weights. The height of the curtain is 10 feet. They are pleated at the top and hung on a drapery hook with is then on a ring. They hang straight. What else can I do to keep the sides turned towards the window to not show the lining?
Thanks for your help.
ANSWER: Oh my I hope I can help...
You did not mention if there was a side hem or not?
QUESTION: Yes there is a side hem. It was sewn from the inside and then the curtain flipped to right sides out. The pleating done and the hem. I've been sewing for 40 years and never had this happen.
Answer I can understand your frustration...
Is there anyway you could send me a photo of this at homefashonu@gmail.com.
The lining you are writing about is it insulated with the rubber backing?
Or are you using a regular lining.
Have you done this combination before of insulated lining and silk?
It sounds like the lining is turning the light silk out.
Sometimes we use an interlining and a lining with silk in order to achieve the same results, as the rubber backing has a tendency to be stiff.
Again without seeing some sort of photo.
If the side hems were sewn as a dressmaker would sew a hem into a skirt 1 1/2 plus 1 1/2 sewn from the outside, this too helps with the weight issue of the silk fabric.
It is the weight of both fabrics together one being more over bearing than the other...
