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 Hi Karen
I have been making draperies both lined and un lined for a number of years. However I have been asked by my daughter in law to make some silk drapes. I have never used an interlining in drapery before and I am unsure as to how it is attached. Is it attached only to the heading (to the buckram) and does it hang freely at the sides? The heading will be inverted box pleats, do I need to use a sew on hook for this type of heading. I was hoping to find a drapery sample in a fabric store to have a look at but none available
Your help is appreciated, Regards
Ruth
I do have a few questions beyond what you have written.
1)Silk drapes what type of silk?
2)Inverted box pleat is this working or will they be stationary?
If they are working they will not stack back tightly. The will need to hang flat, and stitched for the pleat on the back stay in place. I do have photo of this if you would like to see photos. You can use drapery hooks, or hang from rings, depending on the use of the treatment.
3) The interlining is insterted into the header... you do not need to use buckram, as you will have so much thickness already.
4) Double fold the decorator fabric, fold it down and press, insert the intlerlining, and the lining, then pleat. No need to double fold the lining.
5) The lining is folded into the side hem, and is included in half of the double fold for the side hems.
6) The interlining hand in between the lining and the decorator fabric of the side hem.
7 The interlining hand loose on the bottom of the drapery between the decorator fabric and the lining.
If you would like to see photos, do write and I can seen you more info about hooks for the back.
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