Not all jobs go well.

There’s no sense in sugar coating the reality of a consulting, service and manufacturing company’s daily toil. But nothing makes for good writing better than an inside glimpse into how a big potential mistake can turn into a big win – not only for us, the shop, but the client as well.

First off – the client is always right.  This can be problematic when The Workroom (!) doesn’t speak up.

Well… fear not, there’s a happy ending.

The problem started with simple physics, texture and fabric issues: Delicate silk fabric is likely to dimple when stretched and stapled over a cornice board.  Believe me, I knew that my poor silk didn’t want to meet this fate – but the client *really* envisioned something working that way.

A great fabric choice in so many places…. just not this one.

But the challenge of having a consultative relationship with my clients is that while I’m the guide, ultimately it is their call.  Amazingly, working with the client’s vision, we were able to suggest a soft board valance with corner pleats.

Here’s the thing about silk – she does not like to be pulled to tight.  She would prefer to hang freely over the sides of the board.  Once the client saw the intuitive, obvious and natural needs that silk had (as a fabric) it became an easy fix to take their original vision and have them embrace a better vision and set up, using the very same fabric that they were bent on using.

Working with fabrics can be challenging when the application desired may not fit the geometry, location or style.

Interested in learning more about how silk can be your best friend? Leave me a comment on your favorite fabric  or just zip me a note to say hi.