The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

Theory Of Decoration

Cut a straight band of material the desired width in one length for boxing, making allowances for scams and join to the top and bottom pieces just cut. One of the back seams should be left open and fastened with snaps.

While this explanation only applies to one type of chair, the same general rules may be followed for all large upholstered chairs or sofas.

Ruffles for Slip Covers

Large upholstered chairs are made more effective by the addition of a gathered or a box pleated ruffle at the bottom. To make such a ruffle take the complete measurement around the chair about 10' from the floor to find out the length of material needed. If the ruffle is to be gathered, add one-half of this amount to the length for fulness, or figure on three tiines the measurement around the chair for box pleating. For instance, if the measurement around the chair where the ruffle is to be placed is 80", add one-half of this amount for gathering, which equals 120". Divide this figure by the width of the goods to find the number of breadths required. If the material is 86" wide, the number of breadths will be three and one-third. To obtain the total quantity of material for the ruffle, multiply the number of breadths by the depth, phis allowance for hems top and bottom. The depth plus hems should be about 12" and this amount multiplied by three and one-third breadths equals 40" or one and one-ninth yards. The ruffle is attached to the slip with a narrow heading or by binding the edges of the slip cover and sewing the ruffle on to the binding underneath. This method is illustrated in the picture of the living room. A box pleated ruffle is shown in the picture of the bedroom.

Examination Questions

1. Give a general rule to follow in determining the depth of a valance.
2. What material would be appropriate for making a pleated shade for a Chinese porcelain base; for a small boudoir lamp?
3. What important fact should be considered when making a slip cover of a large patterned material?
4. How much material would be required to make a ruffle which is to be added at the bottom of a slip cover for a chair that measures 126 inches around the chair where the ruffle is to be placed?
5. What special features are to be considered before purchasing material for draperies?
6. If the circumference of the lower ring of a wire frame for a lamp shade is 30 inches, how much material should be allowed in length at that point if the shade is to be made of chiffon or georgette. How much material for a lamp shade of taffela?