|
Today, beautiful fabrics by the bolt are
available to everyone who has designs on
reupholstering their furniture. When you visit
the fabric store it can be a bit overwhelming.
Your mind will go from not being sure of what
you want to recover your furniture with, to
having so many options it seems like a daunting
task to make a decision. Be prepared for the
myriad of choices you will have.
The first thing that you need to do is make
a list of the furniture that you would like to
recover. Have an upholsterer visit your home and
give you measurements for all of the pieces you
would like to have recovered; they should
happily do this in anticipation of the business
it will bring them. Typically, you will be given
a measurement in yards. This is the number you
will want to take with you to the fabric store
because, upon finding the perfect material, a
store representative will ask how many yards you
would like to have cut from the bolt.
Next, you will want to take some small
things from home, that will give you an idea of
the color for which you are looking. You might
have a favorite accessory that would assist you
in matching fabrics to your room. One helpful
tip is to take color chips from the paint store
with you. These can easily be taken in your tote
bag and will be invaluable in selecting your
fabric.
Make a game plan as to how you navigate the
stores. Most fabric stores have a very
deliberate way that they organize their bolts. A
particular arrangement is the store’s method of
enriching a customer’s experience for them.
Upon arriving at the store ask about the
store’s sample policy. Most fabric stores have a
specific sample policy which they will ask that
you adhere to because you are sampling their
inventory and cut after cut slowly but surely
costs the store money which raises the prices
for you. So sample lightly! Here are three
sample policies from around the Atlanta area.
1.
Samples have been cut and are provided on a
safety pin attached to the bolt.
2.
You can obtain a pair of fabric scissors from
the desk and cut your own samples. When doing
this make sure the sample is smaller than a
dollar bill.
3.
A store representative will cut the sample for
you.
Keep in mind that more expensive fabrics, such
as silks, will require a store representative to
assist you or have samples already available.
After learning about the stores sample
policy, you must then determine how the store is
organized. You may also want to ask someone from
the desk about this when you are inquiring about
sampling. Most likely you will find the fabrics
have been organized in one of the following
ways.
1.
By Color:
Solids and patterns of the same color will be
grouped together.
2. By Pattern:
Solids will be separated from stripes without
regard to color, etc.
3.
By Fabric Type:
Silks will be separated from chenilles, etc.
Once you have
determined the layout of the store,
pull out your accessories and color chips and
begin your search. There will be an overwhelming
amount of fabric from which to choose. Do not
let that intimidate you. Once you have chosen
your color, material or pattern of choice, begin
looking in the appropriate section. Decide what
attracts you to particular fabrics. What is the
most important thing in making your decision? Is
your room in need of glamour, or do you need a
sturdy, durable weave to withstand the children?
In general, lighter weight fabrics will be less
durable that weighty fabrics. When selecting a
fabric, also pay attention to the weave. Is it
dense? The denser a fabric is, the more durable
it is. Thick and tightly woven fabrics are great
for the years when you are raising a family,
while silks add glamour and are far more
delicate and difficult to clean.
Whatever your goal in selecting fabrics,
you can be sure that you will find the perfect
one at a local fabric store. Surprisingly, they
are very reasonably priced and you can take your
selection home with you the same day. You will
love your reupholstered furniture all the more
because you selected the material on your own. Have
fun shopping for fabric. It will bring out the
designer in you. |
