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[Stiffchick]

Hi, I kind of fell into this on accident. I sew purses, wallets and quilts, for personal use. I had a friend ask if I could make curtains, so I did, then they needed box cushion covers, so I did those. Then that friend passed my name and number on (unknown to me at the time) and now I have a small ammount of work trickling in from a few companies that restore vintage RV's. Enough where I was able to upgrade (much needed) from my home use "heavy duty straight stitch" babylock to a new to me juki 1541s. Now those two are giving out my info and I have had a few inquiries about upholstering cars, boats and jet skis. In theory I can do it (I'm an over confident beginner ) I have the equipment and youbtube. I am going to invest in the Lucky Needle video series as soon as I finish moving and a few books that were recommended to me as well. My question is, because I over think everything; I'm worried that there are a ton of tips and tricks I will never know because I am "self taught" I don't know anyone in person I can intern for or ask for help. How have those that are self taught either learned those things (other than the hard way) or have any of you had luck finding a mentor while you had a seperate thing going from their business?
I never intended to do this, but I love it. I have always wanted to work on cars, and this lets me do something close, and be artistic at the same time. I won't ever be a full time shop, I'm way too slow, but I like making things and helping people. Heck next 4 -5 "jobs" i wont even get money for. I'm doing them in trade for an ATV for myself. I'm even considering asking the other guy I sew for if he would be willing to trade me sewing services for one of his smaller travel trailers.

[LeatherJohnny]

Welcome to the forum!

I wish I had a mentor as well... well, I have virtual mentors, as John, the creator of this really great forum, the very helpful forum users and other Youtube creators, like Cechaflo and Meca, but it would be really great to be able to see how an upholsterer works in person and being able to ask him or her something in front of the machine

In the meantime, this forum and its users help noobies like me to improve what we do!! Thank you very much!

[hapyrdr]

Yes I also rely pretty heavily on John , the forum, you tube and books I have been reading . I,m 73 and only want to do my own hobby cars . In 1969 I had a nice 1939 deluxe Ford coupe that I had built up as a streetrod . Couldn't afford a trimmer so set about doing it myself in black vinyl with my wife's singer portable sewing machine I sewed all of those pleats and stuffed them with foam between two yardstick and then pulled yardstick out at a time . Luckily the headliner was still pretty well intact for a pattern . The car took several trophies at local car shows which was something for first time paint job and body work first time engine build and swap and first time upholster . The Singer didn't like that job to well so when I saved up enough I bought a Consew but was still going with how I could figure it out.
Years and years later I have several car projects in different stages of build and want to upholster my own . The only way I can afford all of this fun is do it myself and I like to do it myself . I have bought a new fabricator sewing machine and other tools and looking forward to job at hand Watching John and you tube is like a light going on in my head (why didn't I think of that )

Thank You John and everyone on the forum for sharing your experience and questions When I set down at the pc this is the first site I go to

[LeatherJohnny]

Wow! You have already done lots of things! I'm sure that with what you already know and the tips and tricks that you will learn here and in the videos and Youtube you will have no problem in any project

By the way: It was an achievement what you did in 1969, without the valuable resources of Internet... I'm 49 and I always think how easy is for the newer generations to DIY... we were not as lucky when we were young!

[hapyrdr]

[vicstric]

@Stiffchick , it sounds like you may be helping us out...lol. You have found a great forum with a lot of talented upholsterers. I have learned a lot form these guay and gals. I understand wanting a mentor. I too would like one if nothing else for speeding up my processes... lol

Welcome to the group!!!

[BigRig]

@Stiffchick ,

You are going to do just fine! I have learned a lot from everybody here and to answer your question can we self teach the answer to that is yes. I started out with a Kenmore and John Apprentice course. All my work has been done on my own with the guidance of the lucky needle. I just designed and finished my own drop down diamond seat cover and wish I could post but not able to right now. @hapyrdr did you wear your Consew out? I have a Consew and wonder why you went to the fabricator? I really, really like sewing 1" foam diamonds for panels and wonder if that machine would handle that without problem.

[hapyrdr]

BigRig

well like most things of mine it went in divorce. anything important to me she wanted or it was auctioned and wasn't worth the lawyers fee to fight about
Haven't used it to much yet as I'm busy trying to catch up summer jobs here on farm. Sure like the motor though

[BigRig]

@hapyrdr Well understood!

[Cody]

I actually went to school for this and it really only taught you the basics. Teaching yourself through the lucky needle, YouTube, forums like this, I’ve even asked upholsters I follow on Instagram questions all the time. I don’t always get a response but it’s worth a try. But I feel the biggest teacher is trial and error. Don’t expect the first things to be perfect. Don’t expect anything to be perfect in your own eyes. If you’re like me the customer may love it but you’ll be able to see every little thing that bothers you. Just enjoy the challenge and you’ll get there.

[John]

Hi @Stiffchick! Its great to have you here and welcome to the forum!!
Unfortunately it can be hard to find a mentor in this industry. I find that most experienced trimmers are too busy to hire and teach a new person or don't want to share their knowledge at all because in the past their ex apprentices became their competitor. This is why I started The Lucky Needle and The Upholstery Forum. Its really difficult to find this information. I was fortunate to take the Upholstery class at WyoTech. It was a great start but I had to learn a ton of stuff on my own by just getting in over my head and figuring it out. I don't want it to be so difficult for people to learn upholstery like it as for me. I'm happy to help and advise you anyway I can here on the forum. Together we can all become better trimmers learning from each other

@hapyrdr What a cool story. Its so great to hear how much the forum and videos have helped everyone.

@Cody So true!

[Marcel Ellis]

John, without you and this forum members I don;t think I would have had the courage to start this. You are a true inspiration and although I have only watched a few of your videos, i bought the whole series, I am most impressed. I have been involved in education for over 40 years and you John, are an educator!! As I live in Australia you are the back-bone to all my questions and the answers you, and the forum provide, is always quickly received and much appreciated. Thanks, Marcel

[John]

@Marcel Ellis Thank you so much for the very kind compliments. I really appreciate that. All of you are awesome! I feel really lucky to be a part of such a great community of Trimmers.

[Cale]

Speaking of CECHAFLO, where do you get that wax pen that he uses and those funky jewelers pliers that he uses?

[hapyrdr]

These pliers are orthodontic pliers . You can pick them up on ebay for about 12 dollars

[John]

I believe the wax pen is a soap stone. You can get them from welding stores and most Ace hardware stores.

[Cale]

@John , @hapyrdr Thank you both for your input. Got the pliers coming and as soon as I can get away from the shop I will get the pen.