Hello!
Working with fabric is one of the essential tools that I use to enhance + add layers to a space.
Fabric has the ability to add many dimensions through colour, texture, pattern and weight.
This may not be the most exciting topic for you, if you jump on board with the story of fabric + how a thoughtful fabric plan will benefit your space it will be worth the jump.
Originally before the birth of synthetic fibres thread was made from fibres such as cotton, silk, wool, linen. These fibres were spun into thread + then woven to create cloth.
Today we commonly use woven and printed fabrics of both natural and synthetic fibres.
I have an appreciation for the natural fibres. Each has a distinct feel and look.
I love the hand of natural fibres - "hand" is an industry term which refers to the feel of the fabric when you run your hand across it.
While there are both strengths and weaknesses of natural fibres, I've learned over the years that these fibres lend themselves to drapery, upholstery and rug applications and have longevity with a lasting effect.
Here's a big doozy that we don't tend to think about - the weight of fabric.
Weight comes into play when specifying draperies + how the fabric will "hang" or drape. This character of fabric is essential to a beautifully finished product ( + a happy client!).
The application to the space and style of the window covering will tell the weight that is required.
So for example, if a client is looking for a clean, light window covering on a larger window the fabric specified may be a light weight linen (lined of course), or a blended fabric of a lighter weight.
When specifying upholstery fabric, it is more than important to choose the correct weight.
There are so many things that can go wrong in the upholstery process if the fabric is not strong enough, has too loose of a weave, the pattern size is inappropriate - fabric choice here is an attention seeker, a must!
The fallout from the wrong choice can be one of those mistakes where without a doubt a hard lesson will be taught. Let's hope we don't go here!
This story will continue...................... we haven't explored the lovely marriage of textures and colour with fabric and how it can turn around an unassuming space.
Live well + enjoy!
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