Drapery & Design
PROFESSIONAL Volume 2014, Issue 5
Drapery & Design Professional
WORKROOM Of The Year
Outside the
Workroom A Look Inside
Fabricut A Year of Firsts! Ser ving The Custom Home Fashion Industr y Since 1993
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From The Publisher
A
s we are wrapping up the end of 2014, I’m sad to say we are also wrapping up the end of an era, publishing the Drapery & Design Professional Magazine. What started as a simple 8-page newsletter that Cheryl Strickland handed out to anyone she met, grew to be the largest drapery magazine for the workroom industry. Unfortunately it’s hardly a surprise these days for any publisher to cease publication due to new technology and the way business owners are able to get information through the internet. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the hundreds of professionals that took the time to write articles and share their knowledge with the industry along with the editors, graphic designers, salespeople, and assistants who worked hard over the years to produce a top notch publication. We could not have come this far without your dedication. I’d also like to give a special thanks to all the advertisers that supported us year after year. Your faith in us made it all possible. And to all of you, our readers, I wish you much success with your businesses and thank you for for being there and loving our magazine for the past 20 years. Regards, Khiki
Khiki Eke-Spiff Publisher, DRAPERY & DESIGN PROFESSIONAL Magazine
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2014 D&D Professional
Editorial Board Jill Robson, Owner at Designs by Appointment, has an extensive background in the visual and textile arts and considers custom sewing for the home a facet of this field. As lead instructor for WT301, Advanced Top Treatments and WT401, Advanced Drapery Panels for CHFA, education plays a significant role in her business (Jill also holds a teaching degree). She regularly attends business focused meetings, industry specific seminars and is a member of several trade associations, including: WCAA, D & D Professional forum, WFcp, and Drapery Pro. Jill feels strongly that education should be ongoing in order to stay aware of design trends, fabrication methods, new products, and current industry developments.
Sandra VanSickle is an ardent entrepreneur, continuing education instructor, and lifelong learner, with nearly 40 years of experience in the window fashion industry. Sandra’s newest “passions” are technology and social media. Using her technology “tools”, she is always looking for new ways to use mobile apps to optimize her business operations to increase her Return On Investment (ROI). She is the proud owner of Sew What’s New, a wholesale drapery workroom, and Cuddlebugs-n-Cocoons, an online, international retail business featuring her blanket and bedding designs.
Michele Williams is the owner of The Scarlet Thread, LLC. She runs a successful Life and Business Coaching practice, offers business education around the country and continues to offer window treatment design and fabrication services. Prior to a career in coaching and textiles, Michele worked for Dun & Bradstreet Software as a development manager for financial applications. Michele serves on the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA) National Board of Directors as Vice President and is a past president of the Atlanta WCAA Chapter. She is also a member of the Designers’Workroom Council in Atlanta, Georgia. Michele was formerly the Communications Director of the Custom Home Furnishings Academy and Drapery and Design Professional Magazine Editor-In-Chief. www. scarletthreadconsulting.com/
Beuancha Jeffries, operates Sew Cozy Interiors, a custom drapery workroom in Snellville, Georgia. It has served tail/ wholesale clients since 2003. She holds an Associates Degree in Electronics from Devry. She is a Career Professional in Advanced Window Treatments and Bedding from the CHF ACADEMY. She is a member of WCAA and Designer Workroom Council. Visit our website at www. sewcozyinteriors.net
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Drapery & Design PROFESSIONAL A publication of CHF ACADEMY Drapery & Design PROFESSIONAL is a bimonthly trade publicationspecifically for those who sell, design or create custom window treatments, upholstery, slipcovers, and related services. Contributions from readers are welcomed. We look for articles that teach new techniques, inspire readers to tackle new projects, and inform readers of current trends in fabrication and design. To request submission guidelines or a media kit, email editor@DDProNetwork.com.
Table of Contents 7.
Drapery & Design Professional Workroom of the Year: - Elizabeth Gerdes
11. 17.
Network Subscriber Grand Prize Winner 2014: - Dana Schroll Welcome Sarah Douglas, Director CHFA
18.
A Year of Firsts: Terri Booser
20.
Are You Prepared: - Michelle Williams
22.
Redecorating a Bedroom, Concept to Completion – Step-by-Step Part Five: Custom Throw Pillow - Square Bolster With Flat Flanges: - Donna Cash
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Teaching an Art of the Past to the Children of Our Future: - Stacie Kennedy
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Out of the Workroom: - Sue Sifakis & Carol Collard
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A Look Inside Fabricut: - Regina Allen
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Waterlogue, an overview: - Sandra VanSickle
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WCAA:Ways WCAA Chapter Meetings Inspire Its Members
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CHFA Class Schedule for Spring 2015
43.
Meet the Teachers
1025 Old Roswell Rd., Suite 101, Roswell, GA 30076 Phone: 704-333-4636 Fax: 704-333-4639 Scan the QR code to receive your master index list.
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WHAT’S
YOUR
TREND?
fabrics. trimmings. hardware. 800.945.3838 www.trend-fabrics.com Drapery & Design Professional Volume 2015, Issue 5|
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Drapery & Design Professional
Workroom of the Year 2014 Congratulations to Elizabeth Gerdes, Stitch Above the Rest, LLC, Woodstock, Georgia! We thought you would like to read her winning entry submission and see her exceptional work in the supporting photographs. Number of Years in Industry 10 Company website and/or blog www.StitchAboveTheRest.com
Describe your participation in window treatment related activities such as social media groups, show houses, charities, showcase-galleries, mentoring, and group networking, etc: I am a member of the local Atlanta chapter and the national WCAA. I am also a member of the WFCP program; In addition to teaching online webinars for them. I have been a member of the CHF since 2007 and got my certification with them. I attend trade shows and local exhibits related to window coverings. I participate in online Facebook groups, the forum, and through emails, texts, with fellow colleagues in the industry. I am on all of the social media sights, Facebook, Pinterest, Houzz, LinkedIn, and Twitter and promote custom window coverings consistently through them. I have my own website and a Facebook page for my business and interact with clients and potential clients in those mediums as well. I have attended many show houses in the Atlanta and Charlotte areas and have provided mentoring help to those with questions in reference to baby bedding. I have presented small seminars at the IWCE shows and have written articles for trade magazines over the years. I am always open to questions.
How did you get started? In 2003, I needed a way to be a stay-at-home mom of twins and be able to send them to preschool. The cost of preschool for us was the same as a car payment, and we were broke. I started sewing toddler and nursery bedding and sold it on Ebay, just to make enough cash to pay the monthly preschool payment. The more I made, the more they bought. Soon, the women in my local twins’ club asked me to make bedding for them and word of mouth started. By 2006, I had also made a name for myself in the craft show industry selling all baby related products; everything from bibs and burp cloths, to quilts and nursery bedding. I attended a local sewing/craft show and learned about CHF. I found it intriguing and decided this was the direction I wanted to take my business. I attended classes at the CHF in 2007 and became a certified professional. I then went on to absorb as much information as I could about this industry from the forum, shows, magazines, and leaders in the field. I never told a client no. I tried everything. If I had not done it before, I sought advice and tried it over and over until I got it right. Since then, I have built a steady business of referrals and return clients. I do not advertise and my clients have kept me well fed. I have been very blessed to call this a career.
When did you get started? Why did you choose this profession? I started making custom bedding in 2003. I attended a craft show in 2006 and learned about the CHF through that show. I then attended the CHF in 2007. I feel like I officially started my business in 2003, but I officially accelerated the business in 2007 to cover all sorts of custom window treatments, bedding, cushions, upholstery, embroidery, and more.
Originally, I chose this profession because I needed money and I needed to stay home with twin babies (and a third on the way). It was something I could do at night after they were in bed, which allowed me to bring in some extra income to our household. I stayed in this profession because it has allowed me the freedom to set my own hours, be my own boss, interact with new people, and Drapery & Design Professional Volume 2015, Issue 5|
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Two story drapery panels Drapery & Design Professional Volume 2015, Issue 5| Drapery & Design Professional Volume 2015, Issue 5|
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have a creative outlet for my ideas. I have thoroughly enjoyed the relationships I have built with the people in this industry and the clients that have chosen to use my services. I thank the Lord each day that I have been blessed with a talent that allows me to do all this. The communication with others in the industry and the access to information that we have is amazing, and I never feel alone in this adventure.
Where do you see yourself in five years? I have tried to figure this out over the years. Five years ago, I could not have predicted where I would be this year. Last year, I couldn’t have even fathomed the financial success I’ve had this year. To foresee where I might be in five years is hard to do. I can tell you that I would like to keep moving forward. Though it sounds like a lot of fun to have store front and interact with clients, the overhead and the responsibilities that come with that are overwhelming to me. I’d like to stay in my basement. I’d like to keep the schedule I have, which is my schedule, any way I want it, on any given day. I would like to continue to make my client’s dreams come true and continue to overwhelm them with the transition we’ve made in their environment. I’d like my clients to keep returning to me and I’d like to improve at my efficiency for getting projects done sooner. If I can accomplish a steady upward climb in this business over the next five years, I will consider myself a success.
Where do you see the industry heading in the future?
Close up of shade with valance (insert 4)
Though I think this industry is headed towards more computer friendly versions of everything, (ie: webinars, forums, magazines, photos, information, and more) I do think that we can never do away with the complete custom craftsmanship that our industry offers to the clients. Clients will always be able to find “readymade” items over the counter, but to have a completely crafted item change the way your room feels is something that cannot be changed. I think there will be advancements in the ideas of shades and shade safety, and I think more and more people will start to get involved and this industry will start to grow more. I think with all the easy access we have to everything, others will determine finally, that they too can be successful at this and find a way to make it work for them. As we grow, I think we will always have a need to touch and feel and therefore, those companies that can provide a product we can hold, in addition to one that we can utilize on line, will succeed because they can adapt to the changing times.
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Close up of queen bed
Pink cornice full view Drapery & Design Professional Volume 2015, Issue 5|
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Dear Diary:
My Merrick & Day Experience
By Dana Schroll, winner of the 2014 Network Subscriber Grand Prize September 27, 2014
Sept 14: Sept 14: I arrived in England at 10 am and proceeded to go through customs without incident. I met an old friend (who I hadn’t seen in 40 years) and her husband in the airport for breakfast. She happened to be flying to California the same day I was flying in, and we overlapped in the airport by about two hours. We were able to catch up and plan to get together again soon.
Rebecca to show me the pond, so we walked across the field and on the way we passed a “Haha,” which looks like a ditch with a grate over it. It was built to keep the animals from wandering too close to the home…Haha!
I took the Heathrow Express train to Paddington Station where I waited in the queue for the next available taxi to take me to Kings Cross Train Station. I had to wait for the train for about two hours, and while waiting, a woman who was about 65 or 70 years old sat down next to me and we started talking. She told me that she was tired of all the “stuff” she had and she had just given it all away. Everything she owned was sitting in front of us. She had a small overnight bag and a shopping bag. She was on her way to visit her son, and they would visit the solicitor so she could sign her home over to him. Then she was heading to the northern part of England where she would “camp out” and research her ancestry at the local library. I think this was a strong message to me to start cleaning out… though perhaps not quite to that extent!
We walked back to Rebecca’s home and she showed me her gardens; one has fruits and vegetables, raspberries, blackberries, potatoes, etc. And she had a beautiful new flower garden off of the family room where she is growing sweet peas. We wandered over to the fence and were greeted by their horses.
When we returned, Grandpa shared some family photos and showed me a picture of Nick conversing with Prince Charles after a polo match.
Rebecca gave me a tour of their home; it is beautiful. Her window treatments are great! They just added a new kitchen and family room. Notice how she matched the pattern on the roman shade and cornice above her sink.
I hopped on the train to Newark Northgate (about a two-hour ride) where I was met by Rebecca Day and her husband Nick. We arrived at her home and I went off to get settled. Then while dinner was cooking, we took a walk over to see “Grandpa” (Nick’s father) who lived next door. Grandpa encouraged
Rebecca’s Kitchen
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Her family room panels show a great example of “pleating to pattern.” The fabric she used is a hand embroidered fabric from Chelsea Textiles.
Another beautiful hand-embroidered fabric. And the last picture shows my bedroom.
Dana’s bedroom
Monday Sept 15 After eating breakfast-an egg (fresh from her coop) and toast-Rebecca and I were off on a one hour ride to Redbourne, home of Merrick & Day. The workroom is a building that was built next to Redbourne Hall, which is where Rebecca’s sister Catherine Merrick lives. M & D has three full-time employees. Most of the work done there is hand-stitched.
Rebecca’s Living Room
By the door in her hallway there are panels with a gathered heading.
When we arrived, they were working on six very long velvet English bump interlined panels which will mount under a single (large) swag and jabots. The fabric was very heavy and the treatments were for very long windows. Let me describe the work area - they had four very long work tables
Rebecca’s Hallway
Entrance to Redbourne Hall
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and at one point added a bridge between two tables to accommodate the extra long panels. There was a room to the right which was where the sewing machines were lined up. There was a stairway up to rods that could store hanging panels before transportation to the jobsite.
She shared some samples with smocked headings and she taught me how to smock.
Rebecca’s smocking sample
We talked about half drops and fabric quantity. She shared samples she had from presentations with different panel headings. Catherine offered a wonderful lunch of quiche and vegetables, and we were joined by her daughter Rebecca, who recently graduated from college. At the end of the day, Rebecca dropped me off at the other business that is owned by Merrick & Day (a supply company similar to Rowley) and Catherine’s husband Geoffrey gave me a tour of the plant. Catherine then gave me a tour of the village, and then we headed back to Redbourne Hall for dinner. Geoffrey cooked local Lincolnshire sausages on the grill while daughter Rebecca made vegetables, followed by a plum dessert. I spent the night at a local inn and stayed up (too late) to finish the smocking sample. Stairway to rods
The room to the other side of the workroom housed cut lengths draped over rodding, a couple of smaller tables and some storage. The fourth room housed a kitchen and a conference-sized table. Rebecca and I jumped right in and covered many subjects. We had to stop occasionally to discuss the terminology to make sure we were talking about the same things (for example, US pillow = UK cushion, US panel = UK curtain, etc.). She taught me the proper way to construct a panel with English Bump. I made a sample to bring home.
Dana’s smocking sample
I was running on pure adrenaline!
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Tuesday Sept 16 I woke up early and decided to take a walk through the village. Catherine had given me a map of old buildings to look for. There is an old schoolhouse, blacksmith, and other buildings that have all been turned into residences. It was beautiful out and the time change had not caught up with me, so it was a great way to get the feel of the area. Then back to Merrick & Day. We spent the most of the day discussing how to make swags and jabots.
Swag pattern drafting
We touched on arched swags and pillows. For lunch, Catherine served Coronation chicken (which is a fancy chicken salad that was served to the queen for her coronation) and flapjacks for a treat. They are like a tasty oatmeal cookie bar. Catherine shared the recipe for both if anyone is interested. Redbourne Hall is a beautiful old manor with 14 ½ foot ceilings. I have included some pictures of the windows. My favorite is the living room.
At this point, my original plan was to catch a train back to London, but Rebecca had surprised me a few days before leaving the United States with the opportunity to join her on Wednesday at Wightwick Manor (an original William Morris home) for an all-day event sponsored by Sanderson Fabrics. It took me about two seconds to say yes. There were many fun surprises along this journey and I wanted to take advantage of each one!
Wednesday Sept 17 Off to Wightwick Manor (an original William Morris home) with Rebecca. The day was sponsored by Sanderson Fabrics with speakers presenting the History of William Morris (Caroline Bennett- Jane) and the History of Curtains (Rebecca Day) and ended up with a presentation of hand blocked wallpaper. Yes, they still make hand blocked wallpaper…The Manor was lovely and had been donated to the National Trust by the family. The “Forest Tapestry” was on loan to Wightwick Manor by the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, and it was very impressive. The Manor had just acquired the original artwork for the fox and the rabbit for the tapestry and it was fun to see them hanging next to each other- unfortunately no pictures were allowed. It was a great day! Sanderson has a new line of Morris inspired fabrics coming out in the spring and we were able to preview them- one is being named Wightwick… I took a taxi to the train and headed back to London. Checked into the Rembrandt Hotel and had dinner in a nearby restaurant. Thursday Sept 18 Off to Buckingham Palace! I purchased tickets in advance as Buckingham Palace is open to the public in September while the queen is not in residence. Did you know that the palace has 775 rooms and 78 bathrooms? Well, they open up 19 rooms that are just gorgeous. The artwork, the ceilings--all of it is very impressive. I was able to tour the Royal Mews where the carriages and horses are kept. The carriage handle alone had 18 diamonds and several sapphires in it. Went back to my hotel room to regroup and then headed off to a local English Pub for dinner.
Friday Sept 19 This is where my journey should end, but I stayed on in London on my dime to see the sights. Merrick & Day Limited is located at Redbourne Hall, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, England.
Catherine’s Living Room
Visit their website at www.merrick-day.com.
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Catherine, Dana & Rebecca
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Tips from Merrick & DaySwags/ Jabots (tails) • • • • •
Always mount the jabot over the swags Merrick & Day recommends point to point swags- if they overlap swags, it would only be overlapping by about 2-3”- they usually add a tassel where the swags meet M & D recommends a stacked jabot with a finished width of 4-6” Swags are always cut on the straight of grain If there is too much bulk at the jabots- cut out the front of board about an inch and width of jabot
Panels (curtains) • Always, always, always pleat to pattern (size of space will vary from one fabric to another) • M & D standard hem is 5” dbl hem • English bump construction- all hand stitched- except for the lining hem and pleats • M & D rarely makes a non-functional panel • For panels w/ a contrast band on top edge- it should be 3/8” band Pillows (cushions) • M & D always cuts piping on straight of grain Other • • • •
M & D rarely installs an inside mount valance or shade The standard for M & D is to have the “fitter” (installer)- supply the board and mount on sight For smocked valance- M & D suggests a curved mount board For each job- M & D would make up a toile (a mock up of finished product made out of lining) and have designer/ client approval before proceeding
Supplies/ Tools • Thread- Merrick & Day only uses a polyester/cotton corespun thread (tex 80) so it does not get tangled- I am trying to find the thread here in the US • Bump interlining – Standard English bump for M & D is a 260g pre-shrunk 100% cotton • Lining- 100% Cotton sateen lining -137g • Scissors- KAI Estimating fabric • I loved this quote from Rebecca - “Estimating fabric quantities has many variables - you need a bit of luck” New version of “The Encyclopedia of Curtains” coming out in late 2015 Rebecca shared her progress with me- it looks great and she will let me know when available
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Welcome
Sarah Douglas
as the new CHFA Director in Roswell GA In December 2014 we said farewell to Peggy Brewer, who had been with the Custom Home Furnishings Academy for 14 years, and welcomed the new Director, Sarah Douglas. We are excited to have Sarah aboard and we think it’s important that you get to know her, and put a face to the name. Sarah – Tell us about your involvement with the home furnishings industry? I retired from the corporate world in Chicago, and moved to Georgia in 2004. The sewing expo in Chicago was always in October and I was responsible for open enrollment and could never take off to go. March of 2004 I attended the sewing expo at the Gwinnett Center and that is where I met Peggy at a booth for the CHFA. I signed up for the forum and stayed active for a couple of years. In 2007 I rejoined the forum and made preparations to attend the school. Yes I am proud to say I am a Career Professional. Do you live in the Atlanta area now? I am located north of the School, in Lawrenceville GA. Are you involved with any industry associations other than CHFA? I am a member of WCAA both national and local and served as secretary for 2 terms, and Designers workroom Council where I currently serve as Treasurer Tell us about some of your favorite sewing projects.
Do you still sew now? There are a couple of projects I’m preparing to do. My niece Just bought a new home and I’m having fun helping her decorate. We will get into the window projects once she has money. I tell her please don’t ask for family discount, it just doesn’t exist. We changed the theme and colors for my daughter’s room and took down the old cornices boards. We are looking for just the right fabric, then that will be on the table What are your goals for the school? I would really like to see the school grow, and will be looking into adding more classes and bringing the store back for the students to make purchases while they are at the school. Rome was not built in a day, and this is a one step at a time project. While the students are at the school I want their experience to be a good memorable one where they can’t wait to come back or tell other associates they should try it out. I want them to leave here with the confidence and knowledge of going into business for themselves.
I started fashion sewing about 45 years ago. Special occasion (weddings and proms) was my specialty. After the last bridezilla (they existed before the TV show) I decided I did not want to measure bodies any more. I could not get them to understand you need proper under garments for me to fit you. After learning about the school I thought I would give windows a try 1. They don’t talk back and 2. Measure twice cut once. I love adding something extra for the client that they were not expecting. Do you have any projects that you would rather forget? I had one project where I did not like the fabric that was chosen but the client loved it. It was an open weave that every so often the presser foot went in between the threads and if you were not paying attention you could rip the fabric. Oh happy day when it was completed. Drapery & Design Professional Volume 2015, Issue 5|
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A Year of Firsts!
Terri Booser These last two years since I have left the Custom Furnishings Academy have been adventurous and industrious to say the least. When we left Charlotte, we knew we did not want to return to our homestead in Pennsylvania. We had already sold my entire workroom (to a CHF alumni...go Rebecca!), and converted the building into rental housing. And besides, the economy in that part of the country was not exactly supporting custom window fashions. Jeff had no desire to return to the oil and gas industry, which he left a year prior in order to leave the corporate stress behind. So what did we do? We took an extensive road trip to decide where we should land. We had a pretty good idea it was going to be Texas, as we had friends there and we knew we wanted to know somebody in the state in which we decided to reside. But there were lots of states to explore between Pennsylvania and Texas, so we made an exploration road trip out of it. We got to the Houston area in June and decided this indeed was where we were going to set up shop. Jeff was going to pursue an installation business and I would start again with a custom workroom. But where? We have VERY good friends in Texas that knew our situation well. We still have a 60 acre home in Pennsylvania that we were not willing and or able to sell since it was Jeff’s parents home for the last 40 odd years and we did not want to uproot them. We were in no position to Drapery & Design Professional Volume 2015, Issue 5|
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purchase another home at this time, so our friends offered to let us to stay with them for as long as it took to get situated. We agreed and began to look for a rental place to set up a workroom. We had a few good prospects, but for anyone knows my past story, I am used to SPACE. Some might say I am a bit spoiled? I like to think of it as, I know what it takes me to be happy for me to be able to run a successful business. I was not willing to settle for less than what I had in Pennsylvania. To rent a 1,000 square foot building was going to be in the 1200.00/ month range and at least 25 miles from where we would be living. Again, my friends, knowing I love to work all hours of the day and night did not like the idea of me doing that drive or being alone in the evening so they made even a more generous offer. Why don’t we build a steel building on their property where I can be comfortable and have the convenience of working at home? OH YEAH! We liked the sound of that. We were able to put up a brand new building to my specifications for less than what we would have spent for 5 years rent someplace else. In the end, when we are ready to move on, we will have saved thousands of dollars while having a larger perfect space, and our friends will have a building to do with what they wish. It was a win/win situation for everyone.
We broke ground a year ago in October and it took two short months to build the 1,200 workroom of my dreams!!!! I absolutely love this space. Jeff built two 5 foot by 12 foot tables, both with a 2 foot extension on the width. I placed the extensions toward the center of the room so that I have most versatility. I have so many options for the configurations of the tables. I can table a three width panel flat up to a 130” length or as I have found out since I have been in Texas that there are SO many two story windows here, I can even put the table end to end to table a width and a half 24’ panel, which we have been doing a lot of. We divided the space into three rooms with French doors separating the two main rooms. The workroom is 29’ x 30’, the woodworking shop is 11’ x 22’ and then a storage area of 8’ x 11’. I did change the name of the business from An Interior Stitch to The Studio of Drapery and Fabrication Arts, LLC. I needed to incorporate and wanted a fresh new start with a new logo anyways. Yes, the name is long! But I felt it best described what I wanted to do; create works of art for window treatments. Jeff created a separate name for his installation business, JB Executive Installation, LLC, so that he could market to other designers and retail clients that would not be utilizing my services.
That decision paid off well! Since we were contracted with IWCE Vision14 to run the Construction Zone and instruct, the entire month of December and January was spent getting ready for the conference. We did not hit the pavement for new business until March of this year. And what a year it has been!!! I have said more than once that I feel I have sewn more window treatments in this last eight months than I did the last two years in Pennsylvania! I not only have sewed more, but also have had to learn a whole new skill set that I never experienced with my 20 some years in Pennsylvania. I have had so many “firsts” this year. My first two story window, my first motorized solar shades, my first time climbing scaffolding, my first bow wall template, my first arch pleated panels, my first over the top little girl’s room that was repurposed from her baby nursery, my first whole house order that led to my first invoice in the five digits. WOO HOO! The future is looking very bright for us here in Texas! Jeff and I are still living with our friends, but are very hopeful by the end of the year to purchase the property next to them to build our future forever home. I wonder how I will adjust to that commute? I think I will need a golf cart. :>)
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Are You
Prepared? By Michele Williams Alpharetta, Georgia.
G
ood grief. You would think I would be done with the questions by now, right?!? A good coach does not answer the questions for you, but asks the tough questions and waits for you to answer. If you have done the work from the last few issues of 2014, you will have defined who you are in business, who your client is, what you are afraid of, and determined if you are “all in” your business. Now I ask you – “are you prepared for the business to come?” My first paying job came by way of a neighbor ringing my doorbell and asking me to create beautiful window treatments for her like I had in my home. And she was willing to pay. Standing beside her was another neighbor wanting the same thing. Before long I was working my way through the windows in the neighborhood. While business was coming in and word of mouth marketing was growing, initially I did not have all the processes and procedures, as well as pricing determined. I just went with the flow. Can I just let you in on a little secret? The flow was not great for me. Yes it kept me busy – but it kept me busy working IN my business. All of a sudden, there was no time to work ON my business creating the foundation for success. I was the hamster on the wheel. I started to get out of control. There were no safeguards to make sure I was charging enough to cover my costs, no thought about how to explain my value. Figuring out when to pay sales tax was a hit and miss. I was seriously overwhelmed at the growth. What started as a ringing doorbell quickly escalated
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into something I was unprepared for. Part of my moving from hobbyist to business owner was taking time to stop and clearly assess where my business was. What were the strengths of the business and of me as the owner? What were my weaknesses and the weaknesses of my company? Where were opportunities for improvement internally as well as with outside connections? What were the threats to my business and to my lack of understanding? Recognize this model? It is a SWOT analysis. For me to get my arms wrapped around my business, I had to be honest with myself on what it looked like and where it was going. Now it is your turn to ask the hard questions….and wait for yourself to answer. Are you prepared to serve your clients now? Are you prepared to grow? What does that look like? Where is your business struggling? Where is your business excelling? Not too long ago there was an article about a nail salon that had advertised on one of the daily email coupon sites. The response to their mani-pedi offer was off the charts. While this sounds exciting – they were not prepared. They did not have the staff to support the sales, they could not bring in enough staff knowing this was a one- time deal and offer the service level they intended, and it all became a huge mess. The company had problems and the customers were dissatisfied at the long wait times to book an appointment. My question to you: Were they prepared? How could they have prepared in advance for the customers they would get and the service they would provide?
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REDECORATING A BEDROOM, CONCEPT TO COMPLETION STEP-BY-STEP Part Five – Custom Throw Pillow – Square Bolster With Flat Flanges Donna Cash Designs by Donna Flowery Branch, Georgia Instructor: Bedding & Pillows
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For this issue of Drapery & Design Professional I will finish up the bed portion of the series and show you how to fabricate a square bolster pillow with flat flanges around each edge of the pillow. For my square bolsters I have always used a square block of foam wrapped with Dacron. I decided to experiment this time and I ordered an insert custom made by Harris Pillow Supply, Inc. in a 90/10 feather/down blend. This will create a pillow that is less rigid looking than when using a foam insert. For a finished bolster size of 18” wide by 6” tall and 6” deep, I ordered an insert of the same size because the inserts from Harris are generously sized and filled.
Although my fabric is a mini print, when rolled out on the table, you can see, it does have a noticeable horizontal repeat to consider when cutting sections for the bolster pillow.
Step 1. Cut four sections for the bolster body at 19” x 7” x 7”. Cut the same size in lining. Cut four flange pieces at 19” x 2” for the bolster body. Cut two sections for the bolster ends at 7” x 7”. Cut the same size in lining. Cut eight flange pieces at 7” x 2” for the bolster ends. Step 2. Place bolster pieces and lining pieces wrong sides together. Serge around all four sides of each piece. This will help to keep the fabric fraying to a minimum while making your pillow.
Step 3. Fold each flange piece in in half lengthwise and fold in one half inch from each short side. Press in place.
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Step 4. Serge the long ends of the flange sections. Increase the speed of this process by sewing the sections in a chain rather than stopping, cutting the threads, and starting on the next section.
Step 7. Each section has a top stitching detail at the seams. Fold each seam allowance toward the pillow body keeping the flange area free.
Step 5. Stitch a flat flange to one long side of one pillow body section starting and stopping one half inch from each end.
Step 8. To keep your top stitch consistent, use a foot the width of your desired top stitch width. With the foot close to the flat welt, stitch keeping the seam allowance folded under the stitch line. Do the same for each side of the flat welt.
Step 6. With right sides together, stitch a second pillow body section to the first along one long end. With the new section on the bottom, use the original stitch line as your stitch guide.
The edge of the bolster will appear as in this photo, with top stitching to each side of the flat flange.
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Step 9. Repeat step #8 for the remaining sections of the pillow body, leaving the last seam open to insert a zipper. On the last section, stitch an invisible zipper to the section without the flange. Start and stop the stitch for the zipper about one and one half inch from each end.
Step 12. Turn the bolster cover right sides out.
Step 13. Insert the pillow form into the pillow cover. Admire your square corners with the flat flange detail!
Step 10. Stitch the other side of the invisible zipper to the section with the flange, starting and stopping one and one half inch from each end as above. After inserting the zipper, stitch the one and one half inch seams on each end of the zipper.
The bed portion of this 6 series on redecorating a bedroom is complete.
Step 11. Before stitching the ends onto the pillow body, stitch the flat flanges to each of the four sides of the pillow ends. Start and stop one half inch from each end. To attach the ends to the pillow body, stitch from corner to corner of each end. Pivot the needle at each corner to create a nice square corner. • Donna Cash owns Designs by Donna, a custom home goods design and fabrication studio, opened in 1989. The studio is located in Flowery Branch, Ga., and serves the Atlanta metro area. • In addition to working with wholesale and retail clients, Donna conducts private training on workroom fabrication techniques in her workroom or yours. She also presents group workshops on many workroom, design, and business topics for the home décor industry. • Donna has contributed step-by-step articles for Drapery & Design Professional magazine and conducts webinars for WCAA, D&D Pro, and Rowley Company. She is the pillow and bedding instructor for Custom Home Furnishings Academy. Donna is also teaches on-demand courses through TheWorkroomChannel.com. • She is a member of the Designers Workroom Council and the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA). Donna is currently president of the WCAA Atlanta Chapter. • Donna keeps her schedule and life balanced through a regular yoga practice and enjoys spending time away from work with her husband and two grown sons and soon to be daughterin-law. • Contact Donna at www.designsbydonnaatlanta.com.
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Teaching an Art of the Past to the
Children of our
Future! Owning a business that is based around sewing skills, I often hear comments like, “I can’t even sew on a button” or “sewing is a dying art” and “I would really like to learn to sew” or “my daughter would love to learn to sew.” In February 2012, my sister Lisa Smallwood and I started teaching sewing classes at local Hobby Lobby stores and as my daughter became more involved in after school and summer camp programs, another idea for sewing classes came to life. In September 2012, I began offering an after school sewing program at Whitefield Academy for third and fourth grade students. The sewing classes are limited to 10 students and are 1 day a week for 1.5 hours and can be anywhere from 6 to 10 classes per semester. The classes are structured so that each week the small sewing project teaches the students different sewing techniques while having fun, creating something that they can take home at the end of class. Examples of the projects we create are, (1) an apple pin cushion (used during each sewing class for their pins), which teaches how to trace a pattern, stuffing, and hand sewing; (2) a book of needles (used for their needles), which teaches hand sewing, sewing a button
The goal for teaching these sewing classes, is to teach basic
and making a button hole; and (3) a t-shirt pillow (recycling/re-
sewing skills during each class which the students can then
purposing a t-shirt), which teaches them to thread the sewing
take home with them and expand on to continue to be cre-
machine, spin a bobbin, straight stitching, and hand sewing.
ative with fabric and thread! One of my favorite projects for the Intermediate Class is learning to make a pillowcase. This idea was born from a charity, ConKerr Cancer, which provides fun colorful pillowcases to children’s hospitals for children with cancer. Each student makes a pillowcase to donate to ConKerr Cancer and one they can keep for themselves.
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As I teach these classes each year, I continue to learn that there is still a passion for sewing and we need to continue to teach children how to sew. The Whitefield Academy faculty, parents, and students involved have been very supportive and the program has been a success and will continue to be offered as an after school program. Sewing classes are also now being offered in the workroom at Atlanta Custom Interiors for people of all ages who wish to learn to sew!
In 2008, Stacie Kennedy created her home-based, full service custom window treatment design and fabrication business serving the Metro Atlanta area and beyond. She is a former Commercial Real Estate Paralegal, who has always had a passion for design. Having learned how to sew from her mother as a teenager, Stacie took her sewing skills to the next level by opening her own creative design business. She has worked with or for several other design operations, including Atlanta Custom Interiors, to help maximize her industry knowledge, all while serving as President of the Atlanta chapter of the Window Covering Association of America. Stacie also attended the Custom Home Furnishings Academy (CHF) in Charlotte, NC, where she received her certification as a Career Professional in Custom Window Treatments and Workroom Techniques (CPC). In 2010, Stacie received awards at IWCE – Vision for First Place in Curtains & Draperies Workroom and also CHF Alumni Showcase and has been published in both Vision Magazine and Drapery & Design Professional Magazine. Drapery & Design Professional Volume 2015, Issue 5|
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Outside the
Workroom The Art of Weaving
So many members of the Interior Design Industry would describe themselves as “fabric-a-holics.” We just can’t get our hands on enough of it. We work our way around fabric stores compelled to touch or even to buy a piece to add to our fabric stash. These pieces may get used in a project or they may just stay as part of a collection. We will pull that box out every now and again and look through it, then put it away for a future “rainy day.” Meet two workroom owners that go beyond merely touching and collecting fabric. They actually make their own through the process of weaving! Join Carol Collord, Creations by Carol LLC, Medway, Massachusetts, and hear her excitement for learning about this creative art:
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A while ago, I had the opportunity to attend an ASG (American Sewing Guild) meeting which was being held in a local fiber shop. Reba, the owner, was going to demonstrate some basic weaving and I thought it sounded interesting. Whenever I have been to fairs or historical villages, I’ve always been fascinated with the weaving but never really understood what they were doing. This was my chance to see what it was all about. After watching Reba weave, I realized that in order to fully understand it, I needed to try doing it. After my first set of lessons, she offered me the opportunity to try weaving something on a floor loom (we’d started on smaller table looms). I decided that I would make this project worthwhile. After all, if I didn’t like weaving, then at least I’d have something I could say I wove. I started with an afghan that would need to be sewn together in three pieces to create a finished square of about 60 inches.
What I didn’t know then, was that there are patterns available for weaving (I still don’t know why someone didn’t tell me that at the time!). I went about designing my afghan using the color wheel and applying the Fibonacci principle so that I’d have a pleasing pattern. I used a twill weaving structure, changing both the design every one to two inches, along with the color. What I also didn’t know was that I had to learn a whole new language to be able to speak about weaving with other weavers! Now a couple of years later, I have a floor loom and a table loom, have collected many patterns to try out someday and have found a wonderful way to use scraps of fabric from some of my workroom projects. (photo of rag rug from scraps of fabric)
the conference about ‘sleying the reed with a supplemental warp without a second beam”. Yikes! Sue Sifakis, Sue Sewn, Lancaster, Massachusetts, shares the same passion and desire to create her own woven pieces: I’ve seen it done and always admired the person who sits at a loom, then makes a beautiful piece of fabric from a ball of yarn. I finally found a place very close to my house that had lessons on weaving on a loom. It was three classes: once a week for three weeks for a total of nine hours. Everything was supplied; you just had to show up. I was hooked! After the lessons I now needed to purchase a loom. I chose a 25 inch Schacht Ridge Heddle loom. I found it to be a goodstart without spending too much money (Ha!). Looms are just like sewing machines: so many brands and sizes to pick from. I spent my winter of 2013 in front of the woodstove weaving away at night. Scarves were the gift I gave that Christmas. But one can only make so many scarves. So I then just started weaving large pieces that I could turn into clothing. My greatest challenge is being EXACT with my weaving, and getting it just perfect. I discovered an article about a Japanese method of weaving called Saori Weaving (Saori: Weaving the Beauty with Lack of Intentions)! I was saved! There are no rules with this type of weaving. You weave what you feel, is the best way to explain it.
And just ask me about sett, EPI, PPI, shafts, rattles, heddles, treadling, tie-ups and draw-downs! I’ve learned about patterns such as twills, advancing twills, overshot, M’s and O’s, rosepath, leno, etc. As I work on fabrics in the workroom, I love to analyze it and see if I can recognize the weaving structure. There are so many gorgeous fabrics created with a simple plain weave. This summer attended a week-long program hosted by the Handweaver’s Guild of America. The classes were wonderful but to see actual garments made up from yarn that has been woven was truly inspirational. My current project is a sampler that will help identify a twill structure that could be made into cloth for garments. There is a different pattern every 2” horizontally and vertically; in the end there will be 500 patterns in the sampler.
(photo of sampler) And that’s just using twill! I realized I still have so much to learn, especially when they were talking at
I was lucky to find out there was a studio using this approach, just 25 minutes down the road from my house! With SaoriWeaving the emphasis is put on free expression. We are not machines therefore there are no mistakes. I find weaving very relaxing as you can start and stop when you feel like it. Although sometimes I do get caught up in the rhythm of throwing the shuttle back and forth, then time just flies by. I have been able to make many different items with my weaving: scarves, clothing, wall hangings, rugs, material and hats, which keeps things interesting. The biggest thing to remember about weaving is “THE STASH”. Just like fabric, there is so much that can be woven! I set myself a two storage bin limit. Just like I only have a few rolls of fabric in the back room, if you know what I mean!
Jill Robson, Owner at Designs by Appointment, has an extensive background in the visual and textile arts and considers custom sewing for the home a facet of this field. As lead instructor for WT301, Advanced Top Treatments and WT401, Advanced Drapery Panels for CHFA, education plays a significant role in her business (Jill also holds a teaching degree). She regularly attends business focused meetings, industry specific seminars and is a member of several trade associations, including: WCAA, D & D Professional forum, WFcp, and Drapery Pro. Jill feels strongly that education should be ongoing in order to stay aware of design trends, fabrication methods, new products and current industry developments.
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Fabricut Regina Allen
What do you call thousands of decorative fabrics and trimmings spread across multiple buildings within a city block? Well, I call it nirvana, but in the industry it is known as Fabricut. Fabricut headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is the fourth largest international wholesale distributor of decorator fabrics, trimmings, drapery hardware, and wallpaper in the world. In November, I had the pleasure of visiting Fabricut headquarters and meeting the CEO, David Finer and some of the Fabricut staff. I was picking up some fabric for a client at the showroom and meeting my sales rep, Kameron McQueen, when they offered to take me on a walking tour of the Fabricut facility. Fabricut offers six brands ranging from budget friendly to high end luxury. The Trend and Fabricut lines are mid-range offerings while the S. Harris, Vervain, and Stroheim brands are luxury lines and Fabricut Contract for the hospitality industry.
Stroheim, formerly known as Stroheim and Romann, was acquired by Fabricut in 2010. Within the brands are licensed collections such as Jaclyn Smith, Vern Yip, and Charlotte Moss, just to name a few. Fabricut is a second generation family company. It began in 1954 when two survivors of Nazi, Germany wanted to create a wholesale fabric operation. Joe Finer, David’s father, and Harry Guterman, father of COO Michael Guterman, went into business together and ended up in Tulsa. Today, Fabricut has an employee ownership plan and employs 250 to 300 people. Employees are spread between several administrative and warehouse facilities in Tulsa and also in cooperate showrooms around the country. David Finer made it a point to tell me that folks like you and me, the small business owner, the independent designer/decorator and workroom, make up the majority of their clients.
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A call to Fabricut customer service will get your order started. Perhaps you are searching for a companion fabric; they can help you with that. Located inside the call center is the complete Fabricut fabric library.
Every sample book offered, across all the brands, available in one room. Over at the storage and shipping warehouse they will measure, cut, package, and ship around 1000 orders per day. Each fabric design has its own numerical identity and each bolt has its own identity because there are usually multiple bolts of the same fabric design. At any given time, there are about 100,000 SKUs of fabric in the warehouse. Employees take care to select a bolt that will complete the customer’s order with minimal waste or creation of remnant fabric. Each order is visually inspected, measured, and cut on automated machines then packaged for shipment. Most orders are shipped the same day or the next day to locations throughout the United States and around the world.
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CEO David Finer informed me that the memo sample part of the business has just exploded in recent years. Fabricut has an entire building dedicated to memo samples. The samples are cut, serged, warehoused, and packed for shipment upon request. On a typical day, they will package 5,000 to 8,000 memo samples! I had the pleasure to see samples being prepared for Fabricut’s newest private collection: the Pareto collection. Unlike sample books, the Pareto collection consists of 12 x 12, unbound, loose memo samples. The collection is comprises of about 800 bestselling fabrics from the Trend and Fabricut brands. The memo samples are easily handled, and can be held up to a window or placed over a pillow for design visualization and inspiration. The collection must be purchased but the cost is rebated after purchase.
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We all benefit from the ability to search for fabrics, trims and hardware online for our designs but have you ever taken a moment to think about the logistics involved? Each and every fabric, trim and hardware item must be described and photographed and uploaded to the company website so that it is available for design inspiration. If you are lucky enough to be near one of the company’s showrooms (Tulsa, Dallas, New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, Chicago) you can meet with a Fabricut professional and view drapery size memo samples. The showrooms showcase the luxury brands and do not display items from the Trend or Fabricut lines. All the company’s offerings can be seen in design resource centers, online, or through independent agents. If Fabricut is not a company you are already familiar with I hope you will take the time to visit their website, call the customer service department, or visit a showroom. I think you will be impressed by their range of design offerings for every price point and genuine interest in providing exceptional service. I sincerely thank CEO David Finer and the entire staff for sharing with me their pride and joy.
Regina Allen is the owner of Beau Embellishments, LLC. Regina began Beau Embellishments after a 24 year career as an Army officer. Regina is a life-long design enthusiast and avid learner. She created soft furnishings for many years and is a graduate of the Custom Home Furnishings Academy Design Professional Program.
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Beautiful
Bedrooms
MINUTES MATTER STUDIO | 30-Day Free Trial
The Design Directory of Bedding Module The Design Directory of Bedding Module is from Jackie Von Tobel's Design Directory of Bedding book. This module includes coverlets, duvets, bedspreads, dust skirts, canopies, coronas and hundreds of pillows! Simply decide on the bed, add a bed cover, bed skirt and toss on some pillows and your beautiful bedroom is complete! Now you can quickly access over 1,000 bedding images in Studio’s Library.
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| 1.800.343.0616 | www.minutesmatter.com | Drapery & Design Professional Volume 2015, Issue 5|
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Waterlogue
Y
App
ou don’t have to be an artist to have a beautiful watercolor painting, simply watch the Waterlogue App transform your photo into a realistic watercolor, literally right before your eyes.
Waterlogue is easy to use, simply launch the app, take a photo or select one from your photo library, chose a painting type from the presets and watch you masterpiece come alive layer by layer. In this article, I will share the many ways you can use this app to tell your clients how much you appreciate their business, create custom thank you postcards, pillows, or framed artwork. But, by no means limit the use to just business, your family and friends will be thrilled to be the recipient of a special gift. The Waterlogue App is available only for the iPhone and iPad, and can be purchased in the APP Store for $2.99.
Create Your Watercolor To begin creating beautiful watercolors simply launch the app and tap on the camera icon. Select a photo from your Photo Library, or take a photo with your device. (photo1)
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Quickly chose one of the 12 preset styles located along the bottom. The app automatically defaults to the Natural setting. Sit back and watch as the app picks colors and paints your masterpiece.To view a different painting style of the same photo, simply tap on another style and slide it up to the main view. (photos 2 & 3)
Now that the image is just the way you like it, tap on the heart icon to share your painting with Instagram,Twitter,Tumblr or you can even mail a custom 4 x 6 postcard to anyone in the world. You can also save the image to your photo library, make a copy, open in another app, or send via email. Under Settings, you can change the image settings. (photo 4)
Creating Special Gifts Once you have created your watercolors, you will want to share them with others. Here are a few suggestions. Thank You Postcards Tell your client how much you appreciate their business by sending them a thank you postcard of their beautiful window treatments or newly decorated room in a watercolor. (photo 6)
Slide the bottom row to the left to reveal additional tools that can enhance your painting. You can change the brush size,the brightness, and add a border. (photo 4).
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Don’t limit your photos to just the interior of the home, Snap a photo of the exterior or a shot of the vibrant flowers in their garden. (photo #7)
Add-on Sales
Make a few display pillows of pets, historic sites, or a collection of seasonal photos of the landscape in your area to sell to clients. Advertise that you can customize a pillow if they send you one of their personal photos.
Business Uses
Use the Waterlogue App to create a business logo, or a special image for your website or social media page. If you are a blogger, use your images in your post.
Stationary
Turn your favorite watercolors into personal notecards and invitations. Package a collection together and give as a gift to clients, family or friends.
Personal Use
Usually, we take our best photos on vacation, unfortunately they stay stored on our devices. With the help of the Waterlogue app, you can now share your special moments and send your family and friends a postcard before you return home.(photo 10) Don’t forget the family pet, they are perfect subjects! Your client will be thrilled when they receive a watercolor ready to be framed.
Framed Artwork
Display a framed collection of the work you have done on your studio wall. Realtors can send a new homebuyer a framed watercolor of their first home.
Decorative Gifts
Your client will be over the moon when they receive a custom pillow with a watercolor of the family pet. Simply purchase printable fabric from Jo-Ann’s. Print the watercolor image on fabric paper to create custom pillows. (photos 8&9)
The sky is the limit with this app. I encourage you to be creative, have fun, and share your creations with me on FaceBook!
Sandra VanSickle is an ardent entrepreneur, continuing education instructor, and life-long learner, with nearly 40 years of experience in the window fashion industry. A passion for fabric and design led her to abandon the “corporate box” and pursue her dream of business ownership. She is the proud owner of Sew What’s New, a wholesale custom home furnishings workroom, Cuddlebugs-n-Cocoons, an online, international retail business featuring her blanket and bedding designs, and most recently, NewTech-Style, her online tech presence. As a life-long learner, Sandra’s newest “passions” are technology and social media. With her contagious enthusiasm, along with her strong teaching background, Sandra is now passing along what she’s learned – and learning - through articles in the Drapery & Design Professional Magazine and industry speaking engagements. Drapery & Design Professional Volume 2015, Issue 5|
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Julie A. Wood
Ways WCAA Chapter Meetings Inspire its Members The WCAA has a unique benefit for its members. What you ask? It is the Chapters! I am a member of both the NH Seacoast and Eastern MA Chapters. I have joined WCAA national and the NH Seacoast NH chapter in 2006 when I founded my business. I recently joined the MA chapter as well. My chapter(s) has helped me in many ways. I thought that I would jot down a few ways that chapters have helped me personally and in my workroom business. I opened my workroom in 2006. Immediately I began to looking for likeminded people to help me understand and work through some bumps in the road that I hit as a new business. I of course I began a web search. I not only found the national WCAA site, but discovered that I had a chapter that met regularly about an hour away from me. I went to my first meeting and knew I had struck gold. The members were very welcoming. They understood my “newness” to the business as they had walked in my shoes when they started up their own businesses. I found a group of people as passionate about fabric and putting out great product as I was.
Since my first meeting, I have attended meetings on design, installation, business planning/resources, and fabrication. At each one of these meetings I have an ah-ha moment. Here a few of those moments. Staple the lining together and then serge the seam. No need to pin. Samples can make a sale. Sew the bottom of the swag first then turn right side out and cut the points out of the top. Always make sure the fabric you have selected to show a client is available, before the client falls in love with it and it is on back order. Installers allow the designer to stay calm when small hiccups come up during the install. A fresh set of eyes can solve a fabrication problem in a heartbeat. Wear a tool belt…saves lots of time.
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Don’t reinvent the wheel. Just ask. Someone at the meeting will be able to advise or at least point you in the right direction. When you break your index finger in a car door, a lovely team of colleagues will pull a team together to finish a job in time for an install. People are awesome and kind. Having been in business now for eight years, I still enjoy going to chapter meetings. I am able to stay connected with friends, continue to learn new ideas and become inspired by meeting topics. I have now developed a love for hand sewn smocking. I have a goal of creating pillows as samples of the different techniques. My designers love the up sale product and I have another avenue to for my hand sewing fix. All inspired by the July 2014 Massachusetts WCAA meeting. Continued education big or small keeps me interested in the window treatment business and allows me to stay current. These insights may seem simple, but when the bit of information makes its way to me, I wonder how I lived without the simple solution. Life is challenging. Negotiating family and work can be difficult, but the light at the end of the business tunnel has been chapter meetings. Go see for yourself and remember that the more you put into the meetings, the more you will receive! WCAA chapters exist in: •
Arizona: Phoenix Chapter
•
Connecticut: Connecticut River East Chapter
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•
Eastern Massachusetts Chapter NEW!
•
Georgia: Atlanta Chapter
•
Illinois: Chicago Chapter
•
Maryland: Maryland Chapter
•
Missouri: St. Louis Chapter
•
New Hampshire: NH Seacoast Chapter
•
New Jersey: New Jersey Chapter
•
New York: Western NY Chapter
•
North Carolina: Charlotte Chapter
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North Carolina: High Point Chapter
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North Carolina: Triangle Chapter
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Ohio: Northeast Ohio Chapter
•
Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Chapter
•
Texas: Dallas / Fort Worth Chapter NEW!
•
Virginia: Northern Virginia Chapter
•
Virginia: Richmond Chapter
A Virtual chapter has just come on board as well. See www.wcaa.org for contact information to find out dates, times and places of WCAA chapter meetings in your area. No chapter close to you, check out the requirements for adding a new chapter. Maybe you will be the start of a new WCAA chapter.
CHFA Schedule 2015 April 2015 Date
Course (click course name for details)
Price
Apr 6-10 Apr 6-10 Apr 13-17 Apr 20-24 Apr 20-24
Professional Upholstery I Advanced Soft Shades Professional Slipcover Fabrication Professional Bedding Fabrication Advanced Slipcover Workshop
$ 1125.00 $ 1125.00 $ 1125.00 $ 1125.00 $ 1125.00
May 2015 Date May 4-8 May 4-7 May 4-8 May 11-15 May 18-22
Course (click course name for details) Professional Upholstery I Professional Drapery Installation Professional Pillow Fabrication Professional Upholstery II Professional Bedding Fabrication
Price $ 1125.00 $ 900.00 $ 1125.00 $ 1125.00 $ 1125.00
June 2015 Date Jun 8-12 Jun 8-12 Jun 15-19 Jun 15-18 Jun 15-19 Jun 22-26 Jun 29-Jul 3
Course (click course name for details) Professional Slipcover Fabrication Professional Window Treatment Fabrication I Professional Window Treatment Fabrication II Professional Drapery Installation Advanced Slipcover Workshop Professional Upholstery I Professional Upholstery II
Price $ 1125.00 $ 1125.00 $ 1125.00 $ 900.00 $ 1125.00 $ 1125.00 $ 1125.00
July 2015 Date Jul 6-10 Jul 13-17 Jul 13-17 Jul 20-24 Jul 20-23
Course (click course name for details) Professional Upholstery III Advanced Top Treatments Professional Slipcover Fabrication Advanced Slipcover Workshop Professional Drapery Installation
Price $ 1125.00 $ 1125.00 $ 1125.00 $ 1125.00 $ 900.00
August 2015 Date Aug 3-7 Aug 3-7 Aug 10-14
Course (click course name for details) Professional Window Treatment Fabrication I Professional Upholstery I Professional Window Treatment Fabrication II
Price $ 1125.00 $ 1125.00 $ 1125.00
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Aug 10-14 Aug 17-21 Aug 17-21 Aug 24-28 Aug 24-27
Professional Upholstery II Professional Slipcover Fabrication Professional Pillow Fabrication Advanced Slipcover Workshop Professional Drapery Installation
$ 1125.00 $ 1125.00 $ 1125.00 $ 1125.00 $ 900.00
September 2015 Date Sep 14-18 Sep 14-17 Sep 14-18 Sep 21-25 Sep 21-25 Sep 28-Oct 2 Sep 28-Oct 2
Course (click course name for details) Professional Window Treatment Fabrication I Professional Drapery Installation Professional Slipcover Fabrication Professional Window Treatment Fabrication II Advanced Slipcover Workshop Professional Upholstery I Professional Bedding Fabrication
$ 1125.00 $ 900.00 $ 1125.00 $ 1125.00 $ 1125.00 $ 1125.00 $ 1125.00
October 2015 Date Course (click course name for details) Price Oct 5-9 Professional Upholstery II $ 1125.00 Oct 5-9 Professional Pillow Fabrication $ 1125.00 Oct 12-15 Professional Drapery Installation $ 900.00 Oct 12-16 Professional Slipcover Fabrication $ 1125.00 Oct 19-23 Advanced Slipcover Workshop $ 1125.00 November 2015 Date Nov 2-6 Nov 2-6 Nov 9-13 Nov 9-13 Nov 16-19 Nov 16-18
Course (click course name for details) Professional Window Treatment Fabrication I Professional Upholstery II Professional Window Treatment Fabrication II Professional Upholstery II Professional Drapery Installation Advanced Drapery Panels
Price $ 1125.00 $ 1125.00 $ 1125.00 $ 1125.00 $ 900.00 $ 1125.00
December 2015 Date Dec 7-11 Dec 7-9 Dec 14-18 Dec 14-18 Dec 14-18
Course (click course name for details) Professional Slipcover Fabrication Soft Cornices and Interior Awnings Advanced Slipcover Workshop Professional Drapery Installation Professional Bedding Fabrication
Price $ 1125.00 $ 675.00 $ 1125.00 $ 900.00 $ 1125.00
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Meet the
Teachers Cathy Tucker
Lead Instructor: it is my responsibility to see that instructors have what they need for classes and assist them in curriculum changes. Instructor: WT 101 WT 201 Cornices Awnings Design to Installation Shades
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James Holloway, Installation Instructor Share an outline of your business with us: (wholesale/ retail/established/# of years etc.) I am owner & founder of South East Installation Solutions. I started the company in 2009 as an installation-only service, which means we do not sell product. All we do is install. We work with and for designers, decorators, workrooms and private homeowners. We provide a full range of installation services. I jokingly tell people that I can hang anything that makes a hole in the wall as long as it’s not electrical. We work with some of the top design firms in the area as well as designers from Chicago, St. Louis, Raleigh, Atlanta, Charlotte & Miami. We are located in Green-
Describe your most challenging project to-date? My most physically challenging project was probably an installation project for a client that had three layers of window treatments to be installed – it included functional sheers and functional draperies on traverse rods and a cornice board mounted above them. The “challenging” part was the fact that the wall of windows being covered was over 18 feet wide and they were being installed 20 feet off the floor. Also the cornice board had a 9-inch projection and a 30-inch drop making it one of the heaviest cornice boards I have ever installed. As a matter of fact, this project required 3 installers to lift the cornice. I think my most mentally challenging project was fairly early in my career. I was working for a designer with a client that wanted to treat the windows on all 3 sides of her sunroom. The client wanted stationary panels in each of the 4 corners and wanted a “floating” cornice board – meaning she did not want a cornice with a dust cap – going all the way around the room. I had no idea how I was going to mount that cornice but eventually I fabricated my own “U” brackets and got it installed. Where do you turn for your on-going education? As far as product knowledge and technique, I pretty much learn on-the-go so to speak. I do sometimes take advantage of vendor seminars if I can work it into my schedule, but by and large I just figure it out on the job as I am installing the product. If there is something I can’t figure out or have never encountered before, many times I will grab my phone and post a question in the Window Treatment Installers group on Facebook and can usually get a response from a colleague in another part of the country within a few minutes.
ville, SC but we have worked all over NC, SC, and GA. Outside of my installation business, in 2013, I started an online blog (TraVerseBlog.com) which focuses on business ownership in general and the window treatment industry specifically. I began teaching the Professional Installation curriculum at the Custom Home Furnishings Academy in 2014. How did you get involved in this industry? It was quite by accident to be honest. Until 2001, I had been working in Customer Service related fields at various companies when a friend asked me to come work for him full-time as an installer. I worked for him for several years as an installer and eventually began selling hard treatments (such as blinds and shutters) for his company.
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When are you teaching next? I have several Professional Installation classes scheduled for the remainder of 2015, including the weeks of April 20-23 and June 15-18.
Margie Ryan, Upholstery Instructor Margie opened her workroom in the early 90’s and enjoyed 12 successful years of upholstering and sewing window treatments and bedding for her clients. She has been teaching upholstery in the metro Atlanta area for more than 20 years. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota. She has a son in New Orleans and a daughter and a son-in-law in Kansas City. Outside the classroom, she enjoys gardening, beading, and her dog, Ernie.
Donna Cash, Bedding and Pillow Instructor •
Donna Cash owns Designs by Donna, a custom home goods design and fabrication studio, opened in 1989. The studio is located in Flowery Branch, Ga., and serves the Atlanta metro area.
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Donna keeps her schedule and life balanced through a regular yoga practice and enjoys spending time away from work with her husband and two grown sons and soon to be daughter-in-law.
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• In addition to working with wholesale and retail clients, Donna conducts private training on workroom fabrication techniques in her workroom or yours. She also presents group workshops on many workroom, design, and business topics for the home décor industry.
Contact Donna at www.designsbydonnaatlanta.com.
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Donna has contributed step-by-step articles for Drapery & Design Professional magazine and conducts webinars for WCAA, D&D Pro, and Rowley Company. She is the pillow and bedding instructor for Custom Home Furnishings Academy. Donna is also teaches on-demand courses through TheWorkroomChannel. com.
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She is a member of the Designers Workroom Council and the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA). Donna is currently president of the WCAA Atlanta Chapter.
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Jill Robson, Instructor for Advanced Top Treatments and Advanced Drapery Panels Share an outline of your business with us: (wholesale/retail/established/# of years etc.) I established my business in 2001 as a result of working with a few clients and a new designer that I met when I was working in the home decorating department of Jo-Ann etc. The store used to offer custom window treatments, bedding and furniture, using fabric purchased in the store. Placing the orders had provided good training in the specifications needed by the contracted workrooms. And I had always been able to sew and calculate fabric yardage. My work at Jo-Ann’s had reinforced the fact that not everyone can do this, or visualize the finished product! When the store stopped offering custom work, management was happy to let me talk to customers about providing that service. JR Designs by Appointment opened as a mix of wholesale and retail and has continued that way. How did you get involved in this industry? It certainly wasn’t a conscious plan initially – it became apparent that I could do this work, enjoyed it and there was a local market for it. I attended my first conference in 2001 at Asheville, NC. That was a huge eye-opener! I had no idea there were so many people involved in the industry as single person workrooms as opposed to large manufacturing companies. I met people from my area who were in a workroom group (including Scot Robbins and Debbie Green) – found long-time friends and I was in heaven! Describe your most challenging project to-date Challenging projects come in all shapes and sizes! I find pillows a challenge – I just don’t love them! But in terms of fabrication it was a 6-sided bay window. The client gave me a picture. What I saw was not the same as what she saw in that picture! The first version was not well received, but after asking some pertinent questions I was able to make something that met her vision. Lesson learned! Always ask questions about
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those photographs that lull you into a false sense of security. Where do you turn for your on-going education? I love books – Amazon downloads are way too easy! My learning style is definitely visual in terms of reading instructions. My M’Fay workroom manual is in regular use. I also love the atmosphere at a conference, trade show or networking meetings. There is something extra special about connecting with like-minded people. When are you teaching next? My next class at CHFA is scheduled for July 13 – 17. We will cover Advanced Top Treatments which includes using M’Fay patterns for the Empire and Kingston valances, a box-pleated valance with the focus being on seam and pattern placement, and a fabrication design challenge based on limited fabric. It’s a fast paced 5 days!
Julie Culpepper, Slipcover Instructor Share an outline of your business with us: (wholesale/ retail/established/# of years etc.) Julionne Designs began in 1988. My business is mostly retail. Julionne Designs provides Window Treatments, Bedding, Slipcovers and Light Upholstery. How did you get involved in this industry? After receiving compensation for a few custom window treatments from friends, I thought…. I can make money fabricating window treatments! At the time, I was babysitting while caring for my 2 children. When I realized there was a market for window treatments, I quickly said goodbye to the extra children and began to build a workroom in my dining room. I met Judy Turner who has a Window Treatment and Slipcover business. She was forming a workroom networking group and I joined. I met some supportive women who helped me discover my God given talents with each new customer. Phone calls and visits to each other’s work room, develop great friendships and awesome support. Eventually, I added Slipcovers to my services. A few years later, our family increased with twin girls and my business afforded me to create for others and care for our 4 children. Describe your most challenging project to-date To this day, the very first Slipcover I ever fabricated was so challenging. It was a Wing style 6 cushion sofa. The fabric was an alternating stripe and floral pattern. It took be almost 12 hours just to drape the sofa! When I finished this slipcover and every stripe matched up….. I was brave enough to try another slipcover. Where do you turn for your on-going education? Early on my education came from the ladies in my networking group I met with on a monthly basis, mostly led by Bette Dean. I met Cheryl Strickland when CHF was just her vision. As she got the school up and running and began to have conferences, I attended several. There have been many seminars, books, videos and webinars I’ve participated in to learn techniques and “what’s new.” Most of my career was in Ohio, but last 7 years I’ve been
in Georgia and a member of Designer Workroom Council. When are you teaching next? My Slipcover class SL101/SL102 Class is scheduled for April 13-17, 2015. This class is for the person who has been sewing. You will complete a Parson Chair and a Wing Chair Slipcover. When you leave this class, you should be able to go back and make your own slipcover. The more you slipcover the better you’ll become at fabricating slipcovers. You’ll meet new friends and an instructor willing to support you after you leave your class. We are looking to schedule the Advanced Slipcover SL301 and Cushions CU501 class in June 2015. This class requires you are fabricating slipcovers or have completed SL101/SL102. It focuses on the challenges and techniques to embellish slipcovers and how to fabricate several different types cushions.
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