DIY Slipcover Classes

Angie Knowles

2011-12-02T06:18:00.001-06:00

I first met Angie several years ago at the Slipcover Summit she hosted in Florida. It just so happened that she was not only my teacher, she was also my roommate. I have learned sew much from Angie and at times I must confess, I sit back and marvel at how much this gal knows about sewing. I often wonder, "how on earth did she ever think to even do that."

This leads me to the reason I wanted to write about Angie today. My first jaw dropping experience was back all those years ago at the Summit when I first heard Angie talking about making an entire slipcover from just measurements. Next came her awesome Parson's chair slipcover pattern.

Now Angie's done it again with her Quick Pleaters for making knife pleats and box pleats. The really cool thing about Angie's pleaters is that they are not just for home decor items, you can actually use them in garment sewing as well. You name it, pillows, skirts and seam finishes, dust ruffles, window treatments, hand bags, jackets, skirts, blouses and the list goes on. If you can imagine it, you can use Angie's pleaters to make it!

The pleaters come in two different sizes, there is a Mini Set that includes 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″ pleaters and the Reg Set which includes 2″, 3″, 4″ pleaters.

Check out Angie's video!

I hope you will remember the Quick Pleaters on your next project and give Angie a call!

Angie Knowles
threadneedle studio
threadneedlestudio.com
727-328-1431

Slipcover Classes In The Privacy of Your Own Home!

2011-11-28T19:33:00.000-06:00

If you have 8-10 hours one Saturday and an ample amount

of space to host you and 2-4 of your friends who are also

wanting to learn how to make slipcovers, then you have a

Sheffield's Custom Slips Slipcover Class!

Here's how our Slipcover Classes work:

ROLL CALL: It can be only you, or you and up to 4 of your friends.

FURNITURE: The piece of furniture must be small and light enough for you to comfortably transport and move around as you make the slip.

MATERIALS LIST: You will need your sewing machine, serger if you have one, and your 100% cotton PREWASHED fabric.

TUITION: (within Metroplex)

Each Student - $125

HOST: For each BFF you get to come

you will receive $10 off your tuition!

Each student must have basic sewing skills, know and understand

how to use your machine and basic knowledge of slipcover styles.

To host your Sheffield's Custom Slips email barbie@sheffieldscustomslips.com

The Winner is...

2011-06-29T19:50:00.002-05:00

First Place goes to Jeanne Liberkowski of Orlando,FL
Absolutely incrediable design and workmanship!
If you have a minute, go over to the
Slipcover Network Blog and see the other winners!

Have a blessed week and be a blessing!

Barbie

Slipcover Network Contestants

2011-06-25T22:56:00.001-05:00

Here are a few of the entries in the 2011 Slipcover Network Contest. Such great talent. The winner has yet to be announced and we are all anxiously waiting!

Enjoy!

Slipcover Network Contest

2011-06-22T19:44:00.002-05:00

Hello Everyone,

I hope you all are staying cool this summer!
The 2011 annual Slipcover Network contest entries are in and it is time to vote for your favorite slip! If you have a minute go over to the Network blog and vote. I know all those who entered will be thankful!
The voting started today and goes through June 24th. Please don't vote in the comment section but rather send an email to slipcovernetwork@gmail.com with your top two picks.
There are some pretty cute slips this year and a whole lot of talent!

Lots n Lots of love,

Barbie

French Flange Seam Finishes

2011-05-29T20:31:00.000-05:00

For as many years as I have been making slips I have been using a French Flange seam finish. Until recently though, most people prefer welt cord seam finish. Both are cut on the bias and both, typically, are cut at 2 inches in width, which when finished and sewn in, makes for a half inch flange.
One very special friend happened to walk by while I was making my pattern on her chaise and saw the raw edges before I trimmed for my seam allowance. She absolutely loved the wide width of the edges.

We had already decided that we would use a flange seam finish on the chaise but since she loved the larger width we decided to go with a one inch flange. Here is the result.

Another shot after the piece was moved to different

part of the house.

The moral of the story is this: don't be afraid to try new things. If you have an idea in mind, go ahead and try it. My friend loves her chaise slip. Is it traditional? No. Is it like any you will see out there? No. That is the beauty of custom and that is the beauty of using your imagination to design unique, one of a kind slips!!! If you can think, honestly, you can do it!

She said she wanted ties!

2010-11-03T08:34:00.002-05:00

Me: "When you place your chair in the room,
will the back be seen?"

She: "Yes."

Me: "Then may I do some type of detail on the back?"

She: "OH YES YES YES! Can it be ties...
and lots of them? And all over?"

Me: "Do you want the wood to show on the arms?"

She: "Yes. Can you put ties there too?"

Me: "Let me see what I can do."

The back

The front

This is a great chair for a slip!

2010-10-31T20:43:00.000-05:00

We used fabric from two club chair slips for this little chair and reversed it with the pattern side out.

Even though the fabric had been washed several times it was still a little stiff. With a little pressing (after this photo of course) the skirt conformed to its newly formed pleats.

November Is Full...

2010-10-25T08:29:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to let you know that the November schedule is now full and we are working on December.
It's a great time to learn how to make those holiday slips!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like....

2010-10-12T08:07:00.000-05:00

No, not Christmas...not yet anyway. Only 73 days away though and NOW is a great time to get all those holiday slips started!

It's beginning to look a lot like MORE SLIPCOVER CLASSES!!!

We are fast at work preparing for two classes in November! There is still one class weekend open. If you are interested in hosting a class in your home please let me know!!!

Just can't wait to get on the road again!

Nothing At All To Do With Slipcovers

2010-08-26T08:19:00.002-05:00

I recently read this quote by
Mark Twain on A Gathering Place blog.

Forgiveness is the fragrance

That the Violet sheds

On the heel

That has crushed it.

Let's you and I face it...Life is hard sometimes and people are not always nice to us. In fact, if we were realllllly honest...it would only take a few seconds for us to recall hurts and injustices done to us, and most likely by those closest to us.

Today, when my mind brings those hurts to the forefront and I am tempted to harbor anger, resentment, and bitterness toward that person, or personS, I will try my hardest to take that thought captive to the obedience of Christ and choose rather to FORGIVE and be free from that which only hurts me more.

Will you join me?

More Slips - It's too hot for classes!

2010-08-03T21:52:00.003-05:00

106 forecast here in Dallas/Ft. Worth tomorrow. Guess we didn't have it so bad when it was only 95 here after all. I do remember when we didn't have A/C in school. How did we ever make it?

Sweet little chair

Another piece I sold at Red Shed

This little chaise was almost new but I heard it calling, "Slip me Barbie, slip me."

Awesome medium weight linen with button detail

Shell buttons and a little continuous pleat lined skirt

Just A Few Of My Favorite Slips

2010-07-31T16:08:00.005-05:00

Hello slipcover lovers!
I decided to post pictures of the some of the slips I have done for customers over the years. Some bring back such sweet memories and others, well...never mind, and still others I just love the picture itself. Hope you enjoy!

This chair was given to our customer by her Mother-In-Law and was her husband's grandmothers if I remember correctly. She wanted to show a little of the wood carving so I made a small opening and added a couple of tabs for a little extra detail.

On these matching sofas we simply followed the same pleats the upholster made and rather than using a flange or welt cord seam finish, we did a double top stitch using a heavy vintage cotton thread that just so happen to match the linen perfectly. I wish now I would have thought to get a close up of the top stitching.

These dinning room chairs were over 100 years old and as you can imagine, not one of them had the same measurements! We also made 'underware' for each chair due to the fact that the upholstery fabric underneath was a fairly bold stripe which could be seen under the linen. Challenging, yet fun. Over the years I have been very blessed to have some of the most awesome seamstresses help me sew. That was the case on this project. All I can say, and I do so most humbly...Roberta, you rock!!!

This linen Barley Twist Jacobian with button details on the arm sides and in the back was a challenge, but as they say, 'practice makes perfect.' The little chair and ottoman sitting in the chair I did in the same linen. It was really fun and came out so cute!

Brushed denim and a box pleat skirt - need I say more?

This little scalloped skirt turned out so cute and the ties, which you can't see, added such a casual feel to these linen slips. Often times I have added details that may not traditionally 'blend' but once the slips are finished, everything comers together perfectly. I just love adding details to slips. Whether it a dressmaker detail or a long standing home decor tradition, the more details the better!

This was a piece I made and sold at the sale at Red Shed in Grapevine. This is a really bad picture but this was just about the most awesome cloth I have ever worked with. It was a pale green cotton blend Jacquard and I made a continuous pleat seam finish out of silk. It was just incredible. Needless to say I wish I could get my hands on more of this cloth...and it was washable!!! Oh yea, it sold in the first 5 minutes of the sale.

Simple little slip with a box pleat skirt.

And last but by no means least...a couple of my favorite pictures of all.

Sunday morning in our back yard a long time ago. :o)

Toile's well.

The Most Awesome Slipcover in Oklahoma!

2010-07-24T08:55:00.006-05:00

Sheila you are so talented girl!!!

I wish I could shout it from the roof tops!

"Everyone look at this piece of art!"

Would you just look at the front arm panels, the perrrrrrrfect cushion covers, and that LINED SKIRT!!!

Sheila has to be one of the most talented people I know. She worked so hard to get every pattern piece marked and perfectly in place. Her sewing is meticulous and is clearly seen in her first ~~slipcover~~ PIECE OF ART!

What Do You Get In Oklahoma USA?

2010-07-11T11:26:00.002-05:00

Well, first you get to see that there are still corn fields in Amercia where one is very tempted to stop and pick a few ears right off the stalks and eat them like we did as kids!

Then, you get to learn about Okie Noodling What is Okie Noodling? It's a sport, and good ole clean American fun! I think....

But most of all you get to meet really great people! Here are some pictures from teaching in Oklahoma. I most humbly say: Thank you so much for allowing me in to your home Sheila and Terry~

Pattern making techneque

Hot Texas Summer & A Break From the Heat

2010-05-30T12:25:00.000-05:00

Hello all you slipcover enthusiast! It looks like summer is here in Texas! 97 degrees today with 76% humidity. I think that's a sure sign!

If you have been thinking about having a slipcover class in your home now may be the time to do it before it really gets hot!

Thank you to Sarah who provided the absolutely perfect spot for a slipcover class, or any class for that matter. The pool and the shade from the beautiful mighty oaks were almost like a dream. And those slips are pretty "dreamy" too!

On The Road Again . . . The life I love is making slips with my friends!

2010-04-02T10:07:00.014-05:00

Can't come to us? Good! We'll come to you!

Avon, Tupperware, Pampered Chef,

all have nothing on our latest endeavour!

If you have 8-10 hours one Saturday and an ample amount
of space to host you and 2-4 of your friends who are also
wanting to learn how to make slipcovers, then you have a

Sheffield's Custom Slips Slipcover Party Class!

Here's how the Slipcover Party Classes work:

ROLL CALL: It can be only you, or you and up to 4 of your friends.

FURNITURE: The piece of furniture must be small enough for you to comfortably transport and move around as you make the slip.

MATERIALS LIST: You bring your sewing machine, serger if you have one, PREWASHED fabric, all of your sewing supplies (thread to match your fabric, scissors, pins, tape measure, rotary cutter and mat, marking pens and/or chalk, and piece to be slipped.

TUITION: (within Metroplex)

Each Student - $125

HOST: For each BFF you get to come

you will receive $10 off your tuition!

Each student must have basic sewing skills, know and understand
how to use your machine and basic knowledge of slipcover styles.

To host your Sheffield's Custom Slips party email barbie@sheffieldscustomslips.com

Another DIY Custom Slipcover Class!!!

2010-03-14T15:20:00.008-05:00

This youth room remodel at a church in Plano Texas called

for slipcovers for 5 sofas, an oversized chair, and 7 'Puff' chairs.

These volunteers took the hands on approach

& were excellent students!

As you can see, we had way too much fun!

Thanks girls! You rock!

Look for more classes coming to the Metroplex soon!

It's Almost Here!

2010-03-04T12:40:00.000-06:00

The next Slipcover Class is this Saturday, March 6th!

We still have one more space so sign up now!

Mark Your Calendars!

2010-01-29T10:19:00.013-06:00

Saturday, March 6th
at
Collected Treasures in Arlington!

Totally affordable and Totally Chic!

All day workshop for beginner slipcovers

10:30 to 4:30

Cost: $125 per student

You will learn:
Traditional Pattern Making Techniques
Pattern Cutting Process
Sewing Order
French Flange Seam Finish
How to make & add skirts to projects

The cost of the class includes all day workshop
your own pattern making kit
and a clean used Parson's Chair

Classes are limited to 4 students
so sign up early for the the fun!
You don't have to be an accomplished seamstress but students should have basic sewing skills
know how to use their sewing machine
and knowledge of different slipcover styles

What the student brings to class:
Portable sewing machine, thread and scissors
(& a rotary cutter & mat if you have them)
4 to 5 yards of PRE-WASHED
100% medium weight cotton or linen fabric
(please no stripes or patterns that must be matched)

Come expected to conquer your fear of making your

own custom slipcovers and having fun while doing it!

Bring your sack lunch and all your questions!

Go away with your new totally custom slipcovered Parson' Chair and the skills you will need to slipcover anything and everything in your home!

Please RSVP to barbie@sheffieldscustomslips.com
Payment due in full the day of class
Workshop taught by Slipcover Artisan
Barbie Morgan Sheffield
of Sheffield's Custom Slips

Beginning Slipcover Classes 2010

2009-12-02T18:05:00.003-06:00

We are looking forward to teaching more Beginner and Intermediate "Work of Your Hands" Slipcover classes round the Metroplex in the coming New Year. Please check back soon for class schedules.

Finally! Affordable custom slipcover classes. Right here in the Metroplex!

2009-11-05T09:13:00.013-06:00

The Work of Your Hands Beginner Slipcover Class

If you have ever wanted to make custom slipcovers for your furniture, this exciting and fun class is just for you! The traditional pattern making technique taught in this class has been used for many generations & will help you create custom slipcovers for every piece of furniture in your home! All slipcover classes taught by Professional Slipcover Artisan Barbie Morgan Sheffield

November 21st 9:00 to 5:00

At Collected Treasures

406 W. Main St in Arlington Texas Cost: $125 per student You will learn: Traditional Pattern Making Techniques Pattern Cutting Process Sewing Order French Flange Seam Finish How to Make & Add a Skirt to Projects The cost of the class includes all day workshop, a pattern making kit, and a clean vintage Parson Chair ~ Box lunch will be provided ~

Students must have basic sewing skills and knowledge of different slipcover styles. This class will require students to bring their own portable sewing machine, thread, scissors (& rotary cutter & mat if you have them) & 4-5 yards of 54” wide pre washed medium weight cotton fabric (Please no stripes or patterns that must be matched) ~ Cotton Or Linen Only ~ Class size is limited to 6 students so sign up early for the fun!

DIY Slipcover Classes Coming Soon!!!

2009-11-04T17:09:00.001-06:00

Hello all you Do It Yourselfers.

The creative class you've all been waiting for is finally here in the Metroplex.

Saturday, November 21st, 10:00AM to 4:30 (or when ever we get finished)

We are teaming up with Collected Treasures