Swags and Tails

[Karen]

[attachment=0:1h8b187u]kswags2.jpg[/attachment:1h8b187u][attachment=1:1h8b187u]kswags.jpg[/attachment:1h8b187u]

[Guest]

That is nice work Karen and so good to see that you have taken your pelmet board as close as possible to the ceiling as well. not like my first effort.

I am not sure I like the position of the tiebacks but given the line of the bottom of the cill I can see why that line has been taken. I think I would have agonised over that one probably ending up with the same as you have created.................

[Karen]

Thank you. This was the first time I had made swags and agonised over the points. A quick call to Rebecca Day solved the problem. I had not finished these until the day before hanging. I did not take the bulk out of the tails which I did subsequently. They are a bit too puffy. Customer was very happy. What they don't know does not hurt them.

As you can tell its all Merrick and Day patterns. I am doing some for my office at the moment and using the short tails witha trumpet in the middle covering the join. I will post a pic when done

[Jules]

Karen,

Was this really your first attempt at swags and tails? They are magnificent and, as I've never made any (would die if asked) don't notice a thing wrong with them.

In awe,

Jules

[kathy]

They look amazing Karen - I have never made them either and would be in a huge panic if I was asked.

I am in the middle of making italian strung curtains and been avoiding them rather than finishing them.

Kathy

[Karen]

Yes it was but there a first time for everything. I have never shyed away from a challenge. Thats how you learn. I have been working with fabric since I was five when I attemped to make a rug from a knitting nancy!!

I love it to bits. I also love knitting and tapestry.

I did a City and Guilds in soft furnishings which was a waste of time. and did a couple of M& D courses previous. I have to say that Merrick and Day courses are money well spent. The courses tend to back up what you already know. I have just finished two sets of cream silk italian strung curtains for this same customer. Bordered edges in green. They have been my best customer this year.

[Ali]

Karen - your work is excellent and more to be admired as a first attempt. Edinburgh is lucky to have you!

[Jules]

I can't resist telling you girls what the first 'funtional' thing I made was. Turned out to be very disfunctional. I was packed off for half term break to my Granny's. I'd not been there long before she made me a up of tea. Oh, I thought, poor old Gran can't afford tea bags, as she spooned the loose leaves into the pot. After tea, I used her sewing box for needle and thread to make her some tea-bags (pink loo paper filled with spoons of loose tea). Well, once the water hit, the loo paper disintegrated and blocked the spout of the tea pot. I think she was ready to send me home, there and then. Oops!

[Karen]

Thanks Ali

I wish someone would tell problem customer No 1. They said I would not know what a quality job was!!????

[Jules]

Karen,

That sounds too serious to be flipant about. If someone is discrediting your work they obviously don't know quality work when they see it. Your work, from these posting, looks to be of a most professional quality.

Jules

[kathy]

Karen do you have a picture of the italian strung curtains?

Kathy

[Karen]

Not yet. I will be going back to see the customer soon and I will get some pics.