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 I need to let the hem down in some drapes to fit the windows better. There are no tags on them, but I think they're a polyester mix. It's a thick material that is very textured feeling. I'm not looking for perfection, although it would be nice, I just want to know the best thing to do so there won't be crease marks. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Diane
Answer Good morning.... Hope I can help.
Without testing the fabric, you don't know what it is going to do, or if you can get the crease fold out of the hem.
So you need to be creative.
1)Test the drapery somewhere so you know you can steam it with an iron. Test for shrinking and melting and if it can take steam.
2)If you pass that test now you know you can try to steam out the fold lines. But if it is a true polyester the fold may not come out.
3)Alternative is to embellish the fold line with a trim, or machine embroidery stitch.
