Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Rowley Company Regional Seminars

Susan Schurz demonstrating
roman shades 9/2/10.

Rowley Company has been on the road, presenting regional seminars across the USA.  First stop, Wilmington, NC where Susan Schurz shared new products with the Southeast NC chapter of the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA).  Next, closer to home for a seminar detailing new shade lift systems with Laurie Medford and Susan Schurz presenting for the Charlotte, NC WCAA chapter at CHF Academy.

Next, on to Georgia where Rowley participated in a lively round-table event "Windows of Opportunity" sponsored by the Atlanta, WCAA on September 9, 2010.  Our topic was "Cordless Roman Shades" and the attendees were very interested to see and learn how to create
shades in new ways.

Susan Schurz attends the Atlanta WCAA
educational event.  Photo courtesy of Debbie Green
The next seminar was held at the Paoli Design Center, Paoli, PA where Susan Schurz unveiled her latest display creation and shared how to layer multiple design ideas in one treatment for the Southeast PA chapter of the WCAA on September 14, 2010.  Attendees loved the detailed handout included with the program.  Susan and her sample case then headed south to the lovely Tampa Bay area to present the same program on September 25, 2010.  This event included a delicious lunch and enough door prizes for everyone to go home with something wonderful.

Valerie Kile, President, Greater Tampa WCAA
welcomes attendees.  Photo courtesy Anne Lubner.
Next stop... Iowa, New York, New Jersey, Massachuttes and Illinios.  Stay tuned for updates as Rowley hits the road to share information about the products and services that will help to make your workroom, design or installation business a success.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

How to Join Fabric when Deep Tufting

In the recent webinar, Deep Tufting for Upholstery presented by Rowley Company, Laurie Medford showed steps for creating deep tufting; a beautiful, padded upholstery surface. 


Included here are the steps for joining fabrics.  This was a popular tip and many attendees requested to see the steps again so we are sharing them here.


 If you missed the webinar and would like to learn how to do deep tufting from start to finish join in on the next live presentation  November 5, 2010 at 11:00 am EST. 
Click here to register:  https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/133974963
When creating deep tufting in upholstery, the fabric is joined on the piece, and not sewn together prior to tufing the project.  To do this place the next fabric piece over the area to be covered and match the pattern/grain line.  Tuck the fabric into the hole as if you are adding a button and tufting and mark.    (Note: On this sample the fabric was turned in the opposite direction for photography purposes, the grain line should match).
Draw lines to connect the marks.

Cut fabric allowing at least 1/2" past the lines drawn and clip at the "V".
               
Tuck under the allowance and pull as usual, making sure to catch the edge of the fabric with the needle when adding the buttons.  Continue tufting the piece using tension to match the rest of the piece.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Pet Beds


Custom pet bedding is a hot trend, from small upholstered settee's to large, over-stuffed cushions, luxury bedding can be created for your customers homes and for their pets.  Most pet beds are square or round boxed cushions.  Details such as ruffles or appliques can make pet beds a conversation piece and helps them to fit smartly into the room decor. 

When creating pet beds, pre-wash fabrics and serge all seams for longer wear.  Add zippers or hook & loop closures so the covers can be removed for cleaning.  Create a soft, cozy bed by using Poly Cluster Fill (PJ90) or Pillow Stuffing Fiber (PF90) which is available in large, 10 lbs bags, covering with a durable fabric like canvas.

For free, printable instructions visit our website for this and other project ideas.

Add ruffled and match the room decor with elegant fabrics.
Photo courtesy of Susan W. Schurz

A very simple pillow is used with a small, iron daybed.

Fun prints in faux fur will delight your pet.