The Learning Zone

TOP: Cathy Tucker speaks to a full house about smocking with a tag gun. ABOVE LEFT: Terri Booser wraps up 10 years as the Construction Zone producer. ABOVE RIGHT: Kathryn Dillon presenting methods for hemming sheers.

The ever-popular Construction Zone drew huge crowds beginning Friday evening and right through to the end of the Expo on Sunday. Twelve workroom experts presented 21 different topics to enthusiastic attendees eager to learn new techniques and tips that will improve efficiency and boost the bottom line. Hands-on construction and sewing projects, demonstrations and mini-lectures covered the gamut from pom-pom embellishment to bagless swags to constructing roman shade headrails. 28 years and is the co-owner of Sugar & Spice Draperies and Shades. Booser is also stepping back from her role as coordinator of the Window Fashions Artisan Project vignettes, which were the hit of the Construction Zone. The theme this year, “The Colors of Music,” served as inspiration for the seven artisans—Tina Fontana, Jenny Kaden and Jo Moore, Kevin Kise, Missy Martin, Kelli Rouse and Judi Turner—who created this year’s masterpieces. (Watch for complete coverage of the Artisan Projects in the July/August issue.)

Special thanks to Construction Zone presenters Ann Johnson, Cathy Tucker, Anna Davis, Jodi Stanford, Laura Nelson, Kevin Kise, Kathryn Dillon, Sandra VanSickle, Scot Robbins, Ken VanSickle, Terry Sandlin and Regina Allen.

This year marked the last for Construction Zone producer Terri Booser, who, along with her husband Jeff, has coordinated and organized it for the past 10 years. Booser has been in the industry for “It has been my honor to coordinate these two events for the industry,” said Booser. “I have created priceless memories and relationships that will last a lifetime.”

The Construction Zone will have an exciting new look and format at the 2020 International Window Coverings Expo in Charlotte, NC, where popular expo seminar presenters Jill Ragan Scully and Ann Johnson will be taking over as co-producers.