The Framers Forum

Roboframer wrote: my grandson has an action man I have christened 'Calvin'!!

As in Calvin & Hobbes?

As in Calvin Klein - he gets all the TK Max stuff Mrs R shrinks!

Roboframer said

**We have washed quite old pieces brought in for re-framing that have been stuck down in some way or are otherwise marked

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Mary said

if a piece is grubby I ask the customer to wash it, but explain how to do it

I would never ask a customer to wash an old piece. I send the customer to a local needlework restorer who is also a customer of mine. I don't get involved in the transaction. Much simpler for me.

Hi Pat

Being in much the same position distance wise from the nearest city - I agree about overheads etc not being high. As well as that, wages are not as high so people can't afford to pay so much - there are a few that can, but generally most are not earning the average uk wage or round about that.

I have got my thread for lacing tapestries off the net - just type in button thread or heavy cotton and shop around. Being in the "sticks", the internet is a real lifesaver! I could'nt operate without it

My catchment area is from Durness to Ullapool and I doubt there are more than 5000 people in the whole area so I could never get enough customers to make a living. The trick (as I am sure you know !) is to make hay while the tourists are around and I am looking forward to easter and beyond to boost my sales. However I am also offering photographic services, studio work as well as PC/IT. So hopefully the combination will pay off.

Yep, the internet is a great friend. I think perhaps I rushed into this job instead of geting the right gear together first.

Mind you, despite everyone telling me to use weaker thread, nobody has expalined why....

Over a period of time a heavier thread may cut through the tapestry fabric - if the thread is weaker it will give before the actual piece.

I actually don't get much trade from the tourists re. framing - the occasional ones will bring stuff with them to get framed if they are here for a couple of weeks! You will find that if people hear you do a good job - they will travel - especially as there are not many framers in the Highlands. Again it boils down to word of mouth - if you make one bad mistake it can really affect your trade.

I had a tapestry last summer very much like yours with just a frame and no glass - an absolute sod to get lined up with the frame edge!! I assume people who don't want glass have very clean homes and no open fires!!

The Crofter wrote:My catchment area is from Durness to Ullapool and I doubt there are more than 5000 people in the whole area so I could never get enough customers to make a living.

Pat,
In my area there are approximately 66,000 people and at least 13 framing businesses. Thats about 5076 people for each framing business. You may be able to do a lot better than you think!

The best thing do do is get yourself a specialty that will drag people in from further afield. Try to find out if your nearest framers do hand-finishing, box framing, photo restoration and the like. If they don't then gain those skills and advertise them!

Spit wrote:The best thing do do is get yourself a specialty that will drag people in from further afield. Try to find out if your nearest framers do hand-finishing, box framing, photo restoration and the like. If they don't then gain those skills and advertise them!

Wise words.

There is always room at the top.

Thanks for all the feedback, it is much appreciated. I have only turned away one job so far, big poster in a clip frame. Customer wanted it fixing (glueing) to a mountboard but I was very worried about rippling, bubbles etc. Plus the problem of glass on the artwork. I suggested they try Inverness so will be interested to see how that turns out.

Osgood - interesting statistic regarding possible customer base. I presume everyone keeps an eye on the competition.

Working in the gallery does present an opportunity for me to do an exhibition of my Antarctic pictures but the cost is prohibitive at the moment. Lets see how this year pans out.

I have added a picture sales page to my website, only a few at present but this will build in time. I would be happy to get feedback if anyone fancies visiting http://www.microft.co.uk/html/picture_sales.html

Apologies for the blatant advertising....

Mary Case GCF wrote: While I agree with that on principle, there is the very odd time when a customer brings a small piece of needlework on a large piece of cloth. (most of the time there's too little material ) What would you under those circumstances? I usually ask permission from the customer to cut off some of the excess, which I return to them. This is duly noted on the invoice we print off and handed to the customer.
How do you stand on washing needlework? I don't touch it, but if a piece is grubby I ask the customer to wash it, but explain how to do it.

I also agree that we should not trim, fold, tear or otherwise mutilate artwork. I usually feel more comfortable explaining to the customer on those rare occasions when there's too much fabric why there should be a little less, and then hand her a pair of scissors asking her to please trim *here*.

A good rule of thumb when lacing tapestries or other needlework is to use a thread slightly weaker than the fabric. It's similar in principle to using lighter paper for hinges. A good way to go is to use the same type of thread that was used to stitch the piece.

Oh, and one more thing. When lacing, the threads should go parallel back and forth across the back of the work, not on the diagonal. When the stitch comes through the fabric, bring it over a cm or two an then pass it back through the fabric. "Square rigging" like this will help spread the stress over a large area of the fabric and reduce the chances of puckering.

Oh, and washing needlework...

Do you have Orvus over there in the UK? If so it's really the best stuff to use. Originally meant for washing horses and livestock, fabric conservators use it for washing old and delicate fabrics.

It's pH neutral and free of colorants, bleaches, optical whiteners, softeners and anything else that would be difficult to rinse out or that could in any way damage the fabric. Over here it's sold in a lot of quilting supply stores, or it's cheaper to buy it by the gallon in farm supply stores. Considering that you'd use a few ml at a time, that's a lifetime supply.

If anyone's interested in a fairly decent article I did on pinning, lacing and cleaning needlework, here's a link to iton DECOR's site: http://tinyurl.com/35jtvo

Great article, Dave. Many thanks.

Brilliant article. Saved to my documents for printing out and scrutinising. Will keep it with my growing file of good information. Still learning after 17 years!

And Goddess willing, you'll be learning for the next 17, too!