chuppah redux

Last spring I had written for help in planning the chuppah I was to
stitch for my dd's November wedding. Well, I am finally almost
finished. Does anyone know how best to fasten this to the poles?
Would the cross stitch fabric (a polyester blend) be strong enough for
gromets?

On 9/25/08 12:18 PM, "Fran" wrote:

Last spring I had written for help in planning the chuppah I was to
stitch for my dd's November wedding. Well, I am finally almost
finished. Does anyone know how best to fasten this to the poles?
Would the cross stitch fabric (a polyester blend) be strong enough for
gromets?

How big is the Chuppah? You could do grommets - but be sure to reinforce the
fabric in the areas before you put in the grommets. I would sew on a small
square of sturdier fabric (or even just do a bondable type iron on double
adhesive) before you do the grommets. And be sure that you do them on
either side of the poles. You could run a strong ribbon through a few -
that would distribute the load so the fabric won't tear out.

I know that was clear as mud - but if you want a better idea - send me
something directly and I'll try to draw a diagram. It's pretty
straight-forward - kind of like doing the grommets along the side of a
pull-up fabric shade.

Ellice

On Sep 25, 12:18*pm, Fran wrote:
Last spring I had written for help in planning the chuppah I was to
stitch for my dd's November wedding. *Well, I am finally almost
finished. *Does anyone know how best to fasten this to the poles?
Would the cross stitch fabric (a polyester blend) be strong enough for
gromets?

Fran,

I agree with Elice. Cross stitch fabric of just about any size and
type is not very strong. I would highly recommend reinforcing the
area you want to add a grommet.

In fact, when I frame my cross stitch works, I actually stitch
together the folded over edges instead of gluing them like I have seen
so many do.

Rick Boesen
Olivet, MI
www.FiberArtFest.com
www.QuesoCabezaFarm.com

On 9/25/08 2:49 PM, "Rick" wrote:

On Sep 25, 12:18*pm, Fran wrote:
Last spring I had written for help in planning the chuppah I was to
stitch for my dd's November wedding. *Well, I am finally almost
finished. *Does anyone know how best to fasten this to the poles?
Would the cross stitch fabric (a polyester blend) be strong enough for
gromets?

Fran,

I agree with Elice. Cross stitch fabric of just about any size and
type is not very strong. I would highly recommend reinforcing the
area you want to add a grommet.

In fact, when I frame my cross stitch works, I actually stitch
together the folded over edges instead of gluing them like I have seen
so many do.
Whatever you do - DON'T GLUE Them. Even those "ez" do it yourself adhesive
foam-core backings are not good for your stitching. Unless it's some really
little, not caring about it cute decoration that's just to go on a little
top or something.

As someone who has spent plenty of time re-framing, restoring needlework -
the worst are pieces that were glued - even only the edges.

If the piece is pinned, or laced, that's fine. I have used acid free
framers tape with pieces that were pinned, and the ownere doesn't want any
of the extra fabric trimmed away, so it's bulky - then you have to tape it
down to be able to have it sit properly in some frames.

Thanks for the agreement. In particular with chuppahs - they're up there
for a while, and you never know if someone will knock into a pole, or how it
gets stressed if carried around, etc.

Ellice