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From: blackie
Date: 05-25-2006, 05:36 PM (1 of 19)
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Hello! I am seeking some home-dec advise (I have rarely sewn for the home). So, I have a friend who wants me to sew 3 hospitality linen sets for her lodge in AK. The sets will be composed of one pleated table skirt (which goes around a center table and is fastened by velcro) and two matching cocktail tablecloths (round). My problem is, the cocktail tables are 30" and 34" tall. She estimates she wants a 24" drop. Looking at a picture (see below), I think a full drop to the floor would look better. But, how on earth do you find fabric with that kind of width? I can't imagine having seams in a tablecloth - tacky! Yet, by my calculations you need at least 80" of fabric width (for a 24" drop) or 100" for a full drop (including 1" hem allowance). Please don't laugh at my tablecloth-dumbness, I have never done anything like it before. I told her I would look into the cost and advised her to be open to allowing me to sew the ruffled skirts, then for her to find round tablecloths that compliment, but aren't of the same fabric. I told her it would definitely be cheaper, and if she likes I could sew runners or something else to coordinate the cocktail table setup with the pleated centerpiece skirt. Does anyone have any suggestions for A. how to make round tablecloths, B. where to find yardage for something like that, or C. any suggestions at all for pitfalls or considerations on this project? Here is a picture of the center table (http://kelly.hogaboom.org/tutorials/images/TNLcentertable.jpg) (for pleated skirt), a picture of the current skirt (http://kelly.hogaboom.org/tutorials/images/TNLtableskirt.jpg), and a picture of the cocktail table (http://kelly.hogaboom.org/tutorials/images/TNLcocktailtable1.jpg). Any help is very appreciated. Thank you! see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: jenny-o
Date: 05-25-2006, 06:01 PM (2 of 19)
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Just an idea for the cocktail tables if she really wants a particular fabric that doesn't come that wide would be: To cut a round top to fit only the top of the tables (plus seam allowance) and attach a pleated or gathered skirt (rectangular strip) just like the one for the velcroed table except of course it is sewn. It would look fitted / custom and be a lot easier to hem a straight edge too. A little strip of coordinating piping between the circle and the drop sides would look nice too. Hope that's clear. Jen |
User: jenny-o
Member since: 08-28-2005 Total posts: 132 |
From: LoveSewin
Date: 05-25-2006, 06:01 PM (3 of 19)
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My only advise it to find decorator fabric. It generally comes in wider widths than regular fabric. Sorry for the lack of advice!
Kim
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User: LoveSewin
Member since: 01-31-2006 Total posts: 103 
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From: blackie
Date: 05-25-2006, 06:07 PM (4 of 19)
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You ladies totally ROCK! Those are both great pieces of advise. Jen, that's a great idea, although I feel slightly nervous attempting it. Anyone tried anything like that? see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 05-25-2006, 06:09 PM (5 of 19)
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I was thinking like Jen -- round top with sides that hang down from there. Have you looked at commercial patterns? Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Patty22
Date: 05-25-2006, 06:10 PM (6 of 19)
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Jen had a great idea with making a custom tablecloth with fitted top, piping around edge and gathered skirt. Just be sure to pretreat your fabric and be sure your fabric washes well as it will get quite a bit of use in a hostess area. (That was a strange table with the pole down the middle [reminded me of a picnic table with patio umbrella]). Patty
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User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: blackie
Date: 05-25-2006, 06:21 PM (7 of 19)
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Thank you Dorothy! I actually have a McCalls Home Dec. pattern that includes directions on a round table cloth. I just dug it out and am studying it. Thanks! Pre-treating... Um... like Scotchguard? I'm assuming this is for staining, fading, etc? see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: paroper
Date: 05-25-2006, 09:54 PM (8 of 19)
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Some table cloth fabrics will be pre-treated. If you should decide that you want to seam the tablecloth (that is not all that rare), you use a full piece for the center and then, depending on how much more you need, you either cut another piece in half and sew half on each side of the center piece (before you cut) keeping each piece on the same straight of grain OR you sew two full pieces to make it wide enough. Most people will make a 1/4 circle and then carefully fold so that the folds are even and cut 1/4 of the circle instead of cutting all the way around the circle. A pin, string and pencil are great for marking this. Some people also make a full circle skirt in a neutral or contrasting color but the top skirt is a perfect square and is the dominent color (another option).
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: blackie
Date: 05-26-2006, 12:04 AM (9 of 19)
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Pam, Pam. Your advice is always so good I get a tear to my eye. I will be using cotton broadcloths - a casual look - and they won't be pretreated. Hopefully I can start sewing soon and then pretreat so I have time to research the options. The sets are due June 17, so I don't have tons of time to mess about. Your method exactly matches that of the McCall's pattern I have. Thank you for the description. The neutral cloth underneath with the patterned overlay was an option I suggested to save my friend money. However, she just wrote me an email telling me to do it the way you detailed (the "paneled" way with the larger center panel). I am going to re-write her to make sure she knows *exactly* how much yardage we're talkin' 'bout (15.5 yards per set of one skirt and two tablecloths, for a total of 46.5 yards!). Thank you all, this is very helpful for a home dec novice. Kelly see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: paroper
Date: 05-26-2006, 07:15 AM (10 of 19)
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Blackie, as an experienced sewer you can probably beat that yardage by quite a bit IF you are doing several table cloths. It will take a cyphering to figure out HOW much you can save. I'll try to explain...would be so much easier to draw out. Take your fabric and add it to the middle table cloth length...do not cut from the yardage until you have a "pattern for this. Then, after you cut your circle, cut your next table cloth sides from the OTHER side of the added circle. Even if you use the full 90 inches (and you probably will if it is broadcloth), you'll be able to pick up a portion of your next table cloth from the remnents of the first. Once you cut a pattern for the tablecloth (of newspaper or whatever) you can cut your side circles a whole lot easier. Some stores will allow you to return the excess fabric if it is more than 4 yards. You just take it back and they measure and stock the remaining fabric. (I don't even cut off the odd pieces until it has been measured to make sure that they are happy with the cut.) At first glance broadcloth may seem to be the best money choice for your tablecloths BUT I'd do some figuring there too. A wider fabric might pay you back and broadcloth may not cover much. I'd leave my options open until you don't some figuring and some looking. Since she is in Arkansas esp if she is in one of the lodges over toward Rogers direction, she might be able to make a killing on a Wal Mart dollar table if they happen to get in a good load. Some of our WM stores in Okla get killer fabrics..some get really yucky stuff. Another idea is that a print fabric will hide the seams better. I know she doesn't like the drop on top idea but she could do a lovely print underneath and put the square table cloth on top to change out quickly when soiled...just another idea. That actually could give her several cloth looks. Tables are just too fun! pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: blackie
Date: 05-26-2006, 10:53 AM (11 of 19)
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Tables are just too fun! Um... so you say. I am dreading the whole thing. I wish I understood what you meant with cutting out the tablecloths. But you should know we are not getting broadcloth, but 45" quilting cottons. Expensive, I know! First and foremost, she wants a high-quality cotton with a lovely print. Secondly, she is under a time constraint and our town does not have a large fabric emporium (or even a Joann's with decent quality stuff). I am also wondering how I'm going to do a hem on a large, round tablecloth. I haven't been trained on the serger I have, and I don't trust myself to use it. I feel "guilty" about how much this is going to cost her. But first off, I am telling her upfront about it. Secondly, this is for her business and for all I know she's totally cool with laying out cash on it. But yeah, I am feeling jittery. see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: paroper
Date: 05-26-2006, 11:07 AM (12 of 19)
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The serger is the very best way to hem these (you won't loose your religion over it if you use the serger). This is a business expense and she'll mark every red cent off on her taxes so don't feel bad about the expense she probably doesn't care all that much and impression is everything. Do a little practice on your serger to get started. I'd probably use a three thread rolled hem, but you could easily use a 4. It is really a matter of what makes you comfortable. If your rolled hem isn't real small it won't show that much on a print if the colors are close. My daughter is coming to Fayetteville in a couple of weeks but this year I'm not driving her...I'll be at home having a break down...it is about 3 1/2 hours away going I-40. This is the first of four years I haven't taken her and left and she has never driven that far by herself...but the roads are good. If I were taking her I'd ask if I could help (if you were in that part of Ark). About the layout. If you were doing a series of right angle triangles you'd lay first one and then lay the second one turned around and into it all the way across the fabric, same thing with gussets in a skirt..you can lay the sides of the table skirt the same way but they won't lay side by side as second will laid below the middle of the first. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: blackie
Date: 05-26-2006, 11:14 AM (13 of 19)
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Hello! I'm a dummy - I meant Alaska, not Arkensas! Hee hee... I guess I should have said AL? It looks like I should get a lesson on the serger for the rolled hem. It's a Simplicity serger and has always given me trouble - I even took it for a tune-up at the local repair shop. I just need a class or some kindhearted seamstress (whom I would pay for her time) to sit with me and show me the ropes. see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: paroper
Date: 05-26-2006, 11:19 AM (14 of 19)
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Sorry, it is me....I have Arkansas on the mind. Now, I'd LOVE to take another trip to Alaska, I have some geneology business up that direction in Fairbanks and Skagway! You should be able to get a little assistance with your serger. I'd do a little calling around and see what you can find out. If you have a church, put out some feelers there...you can be surprised at the number of people who sew in your groups at church. Even some of the quilters use sergers. You will probably need some basic help with threading and then adjustments. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: blackie
Date: 05-26-2006, 03:51 PM (15 of 19)
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The sewing teacher I like is available next Wed. She is $40/hour but thinks we can get alot done in 1 hour. I will call around a bit to see if I can get someone else sooner (someone who can "guarantee" we'll do a rolled hem) and go from there. Thanks for the advice!
see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: paroper
Date: 05-26-2006, 06:58 PM (16 of 19)
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I went for a refresher training with my new serger because it had a lot of things that I hadn't used before. With a class of 5 we got a lot covered in about 45 min. I was the only one who had ever used a serger before.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 05-28-2006, 08:15 AM (17 of 19)
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Kelly -- I know you have probably settled on a different idea, but if you are still interested in very wide cotton fabric you might try looking here. Not being a quilter, it took a while for me to think of this stuff. I'm surprised some of the quilters didn't say something about wide fabric. http://equilter.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/st_main.html?catid=265&start=1&sid=31U9Hz1UaJgb5yP-34106088599.61 I've ordered from equilter several times and always got a quality product and great service. The prices are similar to the better quilt stores around here but then there is shipping. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: blackie
Date: 05-28-2006, 10:31 AM (18 of 19)
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Hello, Thank you for the idea. I had thought of quilt backing but also thought they didn't have tons of options. I notice eQuilter doesn't have a swatch program - which denverfabrics.com (http://denverfabrics.com /) does. That's the store I recommended my friend browse at. see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: Patty22
Date: 05-28-2006, 04:10 PM (19 of 19)
Great idea Dorothy  about the extra wide fabric for quilt backing. I never would have thought about this because I never use it; I piece backings together with all kinds of fabrics...........way to save on $$. (No, they don't look bad.....just a bit scrappy though to tie in with scrap quilts.)The last time I was at my local quilt shop I noticed that Marcus Brothers has some nice prints to coordinate with their different fabric lines. Patty
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User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
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