Sunday, March 1, 2009

I Finally Did It! My Grainboard is DONE!

It's soooo cool, and I'm soooo happy! I've kept putting it off, yet every time I start cutting a new project I'm so angry at myself for not getting it done. DH got me the blankets yesterday so I was all out of excuses. Actually, my other excuse was that I needed my new gravity feed iron to be hooked up in the ceiling, and he got that done too. Well not him personally... he's not your typical DIY kinda guy. But ask him about restoring a vintage Porsche and you will get more info than you care to know :)) So my iron was set... until I tried filling up the tank. It's got a leak at the bottom where the plastic is spliced :( I emailed the dealer so hopefully I get a replacement. But it was back to my leaky, sputtering Rowenta.

For those of you who still don't own a copy of Roberta Carr's "Couture, the Art of Fine Sewing", I know Bunny is as devoted as I am :)), you might be wondering just what all the fuss is about regarding a grainboard. I can't speak for other couture books since this is the only one I have, but so far each and every thing I've used from her book is absolutely fantastic, so of course when she says a grainboard is needed, then it's NEEDED! It's a large padded surface to be used for graining-up and cutting fabric, and also as a large pressing surface.

I took some pictures of the process of putting it together, but it will in no way replace her book. You will most definitely need it to get the job done right.

First off, I got the cover from AllBrands
You will also need good quality muslin fabric, wool blankets, and a plywood 1/2" thick cut to measure 36" by 54".

And these tools:

If you'd like to take the grainboard journey, click below in order of appearance :))







I want to thank Angela of RiAnge Creations. Every time I use Carr's book I think of you, Angela. It was your post on her passing that made me go and buy the book. I'm forever grateful.

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7 comments:

  1. VickiMarch 1, 2009 at 8:20 PM

    I made one of these years ago using Roberta's instructions. I use it all the time. My cover is only calico but I just put my rotary cutting mat onto it when I want to grain up. I use it most for pressing.

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  2. VickiMarch 1, 2009 at 8:21 PM

    Oh, I forgot to say - yours looks fantastic. Very professional.

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  3. BerryMarch 2, 2009 at 12:45 AM

    Grainboard??!! At first I got scared (I'm easily impressed), what is a grainboard? Thanks to your detailed info I feel way smarter this morning ;o) It looks very pro!

    Great springy portrait from DD!

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  4. BunnyMarch 2, 2009 at 5:49 AM

    Fabulous! I am so green with envy. I use my large cutting mat for graining but could really use this in my heirloom sewing for blocking. Right now I have a much smaller board for that task.

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  5. MegMarch 2, 2009 at 5:49 AM

    Birgitte, I have a cardboard fold-up cutting board that has grainlines on it. It's not as wonderful as what you made, of course, but wouldn't you get the same result from both? Can you enlighten me here? Thanks!

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  6. Nancy WinninghamMarch 2, 2009 at 6:34 AM

    Yay!!! I've been wiating for this post. And thanks for the link to the cover. I've looked on all brands several times, but could not find it. Now that I your link, you know what I'll be ordering. Now, to just find a space big enough to use it:-) Aren't you so glad this is done?

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  7. VirginieMay 16, 2010 at 9:58 AM

    Thank you so much for posting all those pictures - that's a lot of work. I've never heard of a grainboard before, but now I need one!!!

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