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 My Bernina sewing machine can't handle the thickness of sewing shirred piping to decorative pillows. I'm thinking I may need to move up to an industrial machine. I sew custom draperies and pillows out of my home. Can you recommend any sewing machine makes or models for heavy jobs like French pleats and pillows with thick piping? Also, do you have any tips that make installing piping easier? Thank you!
Answer Wow I hope I can help. We are here to help not only those who want to sew for their home, but also professionals in business.
I teach a lot of classes and I know several people who have Bernina's that have this problem. An industrial machine is not always the answer, but you should definitely try a few before purchasing.
Where do you live in the USA.... Where and maybe I can send you to someone I know.
Are you sewing over thick piping? Or is it welt cord?
We usually remove the cord and do not sew over that.
Do you have photos of what you are trying to sew, so I can have a better vision, and can give you advise.
Thanks so much
always
Karen Erickson
homefashionu@gmail.com
www.homefashionsu.com
