Alcantara interior build

[m3f_cmcon98_d61dd8ea87]

I think that if you switched to black thread for the stitching, any imperfect stitches would be much less obvious. I like the alcantara idea, though, and more power to ya for diving into it.

[m3f_Djohn415]

props for having the balls to take on this project...



seriously

[m3f_cracky_88af6b7d5a]

uh,like others mentioned. not feeling the stitching...or the colour. change that

[m3f_Braymond14_63960d99c1]

Your comment is mild and constructive --- others however ...


Well it wouldn't be much of a forum for BMW's if there wasn't a little negative criticism. No one could fault him for trying, but what we are seeing isn't good by any means. That's just the truth.


Pointing out those who disagree just adds unnecessary drama to thread (and yes, me replying to you is hypocritical, so you won't get another response from me in regards to this after). If you really feel a post is inappropriate, you can report accordingly.


You need to keep in mind this is a public forum and that posting anything means you'll get a public response. Blatant attacks on people I could agree with you, but pointing out poor execution is par for the course. Every post I make, I make with the understanding that not every one person will have something positive to say.

[m3f_Alex Lipow_b7a1a06896]

Don't have a reference shot, but Alpina does some really nice, trick stitching with blue/green threads that has a nice and classy appearance to it.



Kudos for giving it a try.



Don't think I'd have the patience to execute the near perfection that a machine gives for sewing.



And I'm a surgeon for g-ds sake. I operate often!

[m3f_n1kogr]

I like it but I would just try to make the stitching closer together.

[m3f_KBuva06_44ef6e0a42]

Don't have a reference shot, but Alpina does some really nice, trick stitching with blue/green threads that has a nice and classy appearance to it.



Kudos for giving it a try.



Don't think I'd have the patience to execute the near perfection that a machine gives for sewing.



And I'm a surgeon for g-ds sake. I operate often!



what kinda surgeon are you

[m3f_M3_ATW_ee160d765f]

I don't mind the color combo, the stitches are just uneven.


I think if you get your technique down you will make the rest of the car look good without the need of a sewing machine


I mean hey, it will look better than the dove/dirt colored leather its covering up.

[m3f_ccaarmerci_00818b2657]

Haha, yeah if you guys could only see my interior now. Every square inch of dove is soo cracked, and dirty that anything is better. I'll be working on the stitches over the next few days. The rear headrests like I said I'm not too worried about being perfect. The only other spots that may require stitching is the back panel cards, and the handle for the front doors. For those I definitely will be using a machine, Maybe I'll pick up a machine and eventually re-do the rear headrests. They can't be too expensive, and if i remember correctly, I wasn't horrible in home-ec class back in the day.

[m3f_Braymond14_63960d99c1]

Haha, yeah if you guys could only see my interior now. Every square inch of dove is soo cracked, and dirty that anything is better. I'll be working on the stitches over the next few days. The rear headrests like I said I'm not too worried about being perfect. The only other spots that may require stitching is the back panel cards, and the handle for the front doors. For those I definitely will be using a machine, Maybe I'll pick up a machine and eventually re-do the rear headrests. They can't be too expensive, and if i remember correctly, I wasn't horrible in home-ec class back in the day.



:thumbsup2:

[m3f_Rider_39c915e433]

See? That's the spirit. A few false starts, a few re-attempts, and eventually you'll either get it right or give up and have someone else try it. But either way, you will have some good experience to share with the next person who shows up on this forum trying to do something like this.



All the experts weren't born experts. And hopefully the majority on here are here to learn and share, not pass (too much) judgment. Good luck!

[m3f_deadlysyns]

I am also redoing my gray interior to Alcantara. I am currently on my passenger side seat.



What kind of thread are you using? It looks really big.



Here is my progress...



http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn273/M3-6spd/IMG_0301.jpg



http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn273/M3-6spd/IMG_0299.jpg



http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn273/M3-6spd/IMG_0280.jpg



http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn273/M3-6spd/IMG_0281.jpg



http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn273/M3-6spd/08677307.jpg



http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn273/M3-6spd/72d001a5.jpg



http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn273/M3-6spd/1e9deb3b.jpg



http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn273/M3-6spd/cc26d723.jpg

[m3f_Alex Lipow_b7a1a06896]

what kinda surgeon are you



Ob/Gyn..... not a general surgeon.



Open cases are getting less frequent as advances in technology for laprascopic procedures get better and better.



I can do complete hysterectomies now on an outpatient basis, home for dinner, through 4 small incisions... the largest of which is 11mm, and then 3 small 5mm ones. Pretty trick stuff, certainly requires a steady pair of hands.



Stitching for cosmetics from my standpoint is limited to episiotomy repairs, (and let's face it, few people are going to see my handiwork there), and low incisions on the abdomen, again, I put them down low where the sun don't shine so they can wear any outfits they want, and no one knows they had a C/S or open case. Haven't used staples in years, the plastic surgery sutures and proper building up of the layers gets great results.



Anyway, even if I have the skills, I think time-wise, I'd rather invest in a good machine and some sewing lessons from artisans in upholstery. I'm sure there are many tricks to getting it right.

[m3f_hencini_38d4e99411]

OP, I agree with a lot of what I'm hearing here already-- mad props for tackling this project, not sure I agree with your aesthetics. It *does* give me some inspiration for recovering my seats in some sort of Alcantara, tho... Just maybe not by my own hand... :shifty:

[m3f_Braymond14_63960d99c1]

Deadlysyn is a great inspiration for doing it right.