silence, must be spring. ????????? Getting the last of work delivered or ready to be sewn when I return from Louisianna. Did I spell that right ?

Seeing Judet, she's coming back here with me, same plane ( handcuffs, blindfold ).

Met Paul Carter, finally, yesterday. Very gentlemanly, very young (as men who do this work are usually not ). Asked him to come to Baltimore and bring his work and business cards, we need guys too.

Leaving next wed, will be available none the less by usual means.

if you need it this moment and Dede isn't around, it's O'Hair

Legal name: Elena M. O'Hair
Name I actually use: Dede O'Hair

No classes, just a floor bum. :)

If someone looked at these post all they would think we do is eat and drink. What about slipcovers????

Dee I need the correct spelling of your name for badges in Baltimore....

What name do you want us to use? Are you taking classes or just being on the show floor???

K

hypnotize him, and get the recipe.

Meanwhile, anyone know a web source of huge rick rack ?

My husband has perfected his guamamole recipe - wish I could bring some... Must be served fresh, and I don't think I can duplicate it on site. :(

absolutely. Creme de mexico and american versions, absolutely.

Mmm... tamales... Will sour cream be available?

[signed] Dede, whose thighs attest to her love of sour cream...

everybody's quiet. The more I sew the more I talk ( because I didn't make it out the door to go shopping ).

Everybody coming to the P J party like Tamales ? There's a few bennies to having mexican in laws. ( I never turn down a tamales)

anyone read the disguise article in feb sew what ? there's some editing snafus that actually reversed what I said. The color thing is a major major issue in understanding behaviors of slipcovers.

Shirley, I hope the loveseat won't be too distracting because I would love to see it.

the love seat ( the one heavy piece ) is important to me because it can be sat in. Ordinarily you wouldn't want that to happen in a booth, but I arranged for two covers for this piece, alike fabric, identical fit, one black red white vivid print, and one green plain solid, to illustrate how color disguise affects the appearance of wear behavior. ( wrinkles show sooner, with fewer plops on unpatterned fabrics )

It's a mini version of the class that chf didn't accept a proposal for ( for the conference ) . I think it will be fun. I would understand if you thought this was too much distracting activity.

Gerry is out of here ( on his trip ) already by monday, and Judet will already be here. Anytime you get here is fine. I am going to have to make up samples in advance, so I will make up the love seat anyway.

Hello Shirley...

Donna and I will be arriving on Tuesday. Alicia and I are teaching a class on Wednesday to pay for the booth in Baltimore, so we need to be ready to go on Tuesday night and will have to go into Baltimore early Wednesday morning.

That means we have to have all the stuff ready to be taken to Baltimore on Wednesday and loaded through the dock on Wednesday afternoon for set up.

We were charged for pallets of total weight... miminum payment $200 plus. So of course the lease amount of weight possible is good.

Can't sleep in St Louis

I have skinny hair !

Although I won't be in Baltimore to help set up, I'll be happy to lend my skinny girly arms* to the removal effort on Saturday.

*please note there is nothing else attached to my body that is remotely skinny...

just to clarify...............when the bill for the union is figured up, was it not by # of carts ? I only have one furniture piece that requires any heavy breathing to lift, it's a childs love seat, all else is very light. Are you coming in before wed ? I still need to know to make it up sooner than that anyway. That was my main piece for details.

Yeow....

There are so many possibilities...

Just make sure whatever you bring the furniture is light weight. As we have to pay for pounds being taken in on the floor at Baltimore.

Our booth is only 10X20 so we have space but not too much. Variety of furniture is best.

Yes we want the PJ party to be washing fabric.... I am so involved with everything going on right now that I have not been able to respond, sorry...

K

having the time of my life ( not ). Sewing cushions on sunday night.

Banging my head about what to do that's new on slipcovers for the show.


Question: when you'd want to do a invisible zipper on the outside back, and you'd decide where to put it relative to the back corner, would you rather see it as near to the corner as you can get it or perhaps in naturally occuring seam ? What if it's a chair ?


How would you have that zipper intersect the skirt ( or would you ) and how to treat the inside flap of kick pleat if it does intersect ? Velcro the loose flap ?

For suggestions as to how to send or bring samples : others have successfully " slipcovered " boxes to represent furniture, as side tables and trash cans. If you have an ottoman cover to mail I can make the box.

Anyone see any new skirts lately or should I cook up a kooky one ?

To make use of what I have, to make it useful for me here ( with kids ) and to have some theme going on that shows what I like to do most, I have washables to sew.

I have a print, Bloomcraft, black background, white and pink tropical flower on barkcloth that I will steam heavily but not pre-wash.

Picked up a beautiful matlasse when Susan and I met thursday, I want to make something I can use later?? still have not yet decided, maybe a table skirt. I will test wash it, and save pices for the pj party. I am not hearing anything about anyone wanting washing to be the topic. Is another topic more desireable ?

I want to re-find ( forget where I saw it ) bright pink carnation color tussah. Still wish I knew where to get it other than Lady Ann or at retail. Anyone ?

each square is larger than the foot print of many " McMansions ". 50 by 50 feet. That's why they zip into four equal quarters.

fund raiser at a special ed school ( very pricey, private, except D C kids go there free if needed )

Re: Tent photos

WOW!!! If you haven't seen this thing, the sheer volume of fabric will blow you away... Shirley, what was the purpose again?

anybody want tent pictures ?

Ill reserve for two today, though I have no idea who the second person would be.

"They told us May 1st.... and promised to hold the rooms till then."

Sorry, Karen - the deal they gave you was sooo good, they simply cannot afford to continue it much longer (and definitely not until May 1st). At least 2 major events will be competing for hotel rooms that week... at full price.

I promised Ashley I would spread the word.

Hi all.....

The show in Atlanta was beyond belief. I wish you all could have been there. My classes were 120 each day. I have never talked so much in my life.

I am so excited about Baltimore and seeing all of you who are participating. Shirley thanks so much for helping out with this. You are wonderful. I just can't do it all.

I am so tired and we are off to Cleveland tomorrow Tuesday. Snow is not what we were wanting..... :(

Anyway folks need to know about the hotel situation, so can you spread the word. They told us May 1st.... and promised to hold the rooms till then.

Thanks all ...

Make reservations for 2004 Summit - NOW!

Ft. Collins Best Western University Inn is getting ready to close out the reservation period for the Summit. They are getting calls for that time block, and cannot justify keeping it open for us for much longer - this will be done BEFORE May 1st with NO WARNING!

Karen secured FANTASTIC rates for us! Queen- and King-sized rooms - same price: $70.00 for one; $76.00 for two TOGETHER! (that's right - share a King-sized room for $38.00 a night during an EXTREMELY tight period). If you don't make reservations NOW you will NOT have a room ANYWHERE in town! If you're still not sure if you're going, please make the reservation anyway - you can cancel up to the day before with no penalty.

Ask for Ashley (Assistant Manager): 1-970-484-1984. Have your credit card ready.

She didn't have any information about local campgrounds, but if that's what you're planning... find one QUICK and MAKE A RESERVATION NOW!

Judet and I are making samples soon. I am flying to Baton Rouge, taking muslin patterns for a love seat ( Oh Baby! brand from the CHF conference 2003 ) a childs wing chair and a little lounge for kids.

Have not yet chosen fabrics or colors. Between now and the 31rst when I go to Judet's house, if you are contributing samples to the Baltimore show and want to coordinate colors or patterns , let me know. Slipcoverlady@juno.com

I did mar 10 or 11. over there. She is wrestling with connection to the household server ( her story was more detailed ). I PM'd her, didn't hear back.

Kim where are you???? Has anyone heard from Kim in Oregon??????

There's a poll over there over there over there to ask what you want on the left hand column of the www.professionalslipcovers.com site. Tell me all your concerns while I can do something about them. Write the prose if you like. See the site changes, answer my questions about your monitors.

I credit any of us who got his far in life, to make a good choice for ourselves, given what's the situation and what's available for you.

Been there, family will grab your attention and hold it 'till your blue in the face, just know that we do this as often as we are able, and we are here now.

What's doing in Baltimore apr 16-18 is demonstrations of cutting by me, Karen, who ever is there. Booth for marketting yourself and us as a group. We will be pleased to see you, please come.

Me? I'll be grateful to actually get to Baltimore. I've warned family members that heart attacks, strokes, and broken hips are forbidden while I'm away (it really stinks watching people you love disintegrate before your eyes).

what do you want to see at Baltimore ? Commit to coming, it's not far off. April 16-18. If you need more info, ask.

I am choosing details for samples. What do you need to see ?

Hi all...

The website has been updated again to register for the Slipcover Summit. There were a few more bugs, but our webmaster has taken care of it, and we are ready to go.

There is a direct link to Shamrock who is the shuttle from the airport.

Also if anyone does have trouble registering, let me know asap.

All will be entered into a drawing to attend classes for free if your registration is in before May 22nd...

Off to Atlanta today
always
K

Crises averted; shuttles available from airport. Thanks, Alicia!

2004 Slipcover Summit - Need travel assistance... NOW!

How do we get from Denver to Ft. Collins? I have to know ASAP!

because the washing makes fabric elastic, I go ahead and do the muslin and leave the fabric mess at home. To one way of thinking you are risking the fit being worse. Because it IS so strecthy, I alter the muslin to " remove " some of the pattern. You are right, the logistics suck. Tote the muslin around.

Dear Slipcover Lady,
Re: Fitting with face fabric instead of muslin (e.g., Double-on-Half) - How do you (neatly and professionally) haul pre-washed lengths in and out of the client's house? Dede O'Hair

ask a question for the " ask the slipcoverlady " column. Need to write one today, 3/5.

I sent attachment of final draft of first page of website to those I thought would want to see.

If you killed my attachment, or it didn't get there, or you feel neglected, just ask for one.

I kept first page brief. I moved " issues " to the realm of pictures ( before and afters ) so as to keep it positive.

Tell me if you like the " pricing " statement. It's designed to make them ask you individually.

I am going with boxes to separate individual slipcover persons on the " show me what a slipcover can do for me " page. Here, your pictures can illustrate how you deal with an issue, ( problem ) your solution, not ever expressed as a problem, only as an answer. Mine will be washing, and seamless construction for heavy weights. If you only have afters, please send anyway, we need them.

You may write prose for the box. You may elect any detail you do or overlap someone else's ideas, like washing. I do need variety. Again, I need before and afters, you either sitting or working, three sets B and A's at most. Excess pictures ? you may certainly send, for now they will be not attributed, just used as samples on the last page which describes process.

first outline and fleshed out headings for the first page of professionalslipcovers on the other forum. Whomever knows how ( ain't me ) can figger out how to get it over here intact.

It's the needing for website thread, my own last post, headings somewhat fleshed out. Tell me what I am leaving out.

my role in life, the mouth.

Your thoughts are exactly how I feel about our industry, and we are the makers of the time.... All of us professionals who do this. I especially like

We support one another with a committment to making slipcovering more an art with all the varieties that can be presented in art. We're not slinging hash ( same old same old ).

We support one another provides for the successsion of the next generation of slipcover makers, and continuity of our art.

We show each other how to best prosper and anchor ourselves, commercially and personally, and to grow leadership within our peer group.

We foster the inclusion of all who demonstrate interest in the occupation, without judgement or fear.

We strive to elevate the product, and master the art of slipcover service. We strive for originality that best suits the taste and lifestyle of the end user, long product life and wear, and to offer the information consumers need to make wise choices.

We teach as a passion. To one another as a peer group, to anyone who would buy or has bought a slipcover, and to all those who promote and sell our unique services.

I have been thinking these thoughts for years....
Thanks so much
K

time marches on like a slug here. Dates looming and my progress is feeling very slow. Jobs from january, cold from grandchildren, and a nasty throat from flame proof lining. Will wear a mask today, as much as I hate it.

I don't know why I didn't say the first part of the mission statement more clearly before : we want people to know they can hire us direct.

As a group ( as undefined a group as we are ) we should have a mission statement. General, so as to keep it above commerce and competition among us.

We support one another with a committment to making slipcovering more an art with all the varieties that can be presented in art. We're not slinging hash ( same old same old ).

We support one another with the generativity ( look it up ) that provides for the successsion of the next generation of slipcover makers, and continuity of our art.

We show each other how to best prosper and anchor ourselves, commercially and personally, and to grow leadership within our peer group.

We foster the inclusion of all who demonstrate interest in the occupation, without judgement or fear.

We want to beat the pants off purveyors of mass~slipcover~crap. Said better of course. We strive to elevate the product, and master the art of slipcover service. We strive for originality that best suits the taste and lifestyle of the end user, long product life and wear, and to offer the information consumers need to make wise choices.

We teach as a passion. To one another as a peer group, to anyone who would buy or has bought a slipcover, and to all those who promote and sell our unique services.

Long and kinda preachy, the essence is good, the length and mood is off for a site who is just trying to grab someones attention. Good for us ?

Shirley...

I like your mission statement very much, and what you are doing with your new website. Having others photos and their cards by their work is a great idea. I love the idea of showing off pros...

I have gotten some pictures but not many. I don't know why there aren't more photos....

Keep plugging on.

always
K who is home for 48 hours to regroup

needing a purpose statement and mission statement soon. Anyone want to chime in here ?

Our purpose is to : tell the story of how custom slipocovers get made
show you who makes them
show you picture samples of the process
provide consumers information about choice
promote the home based and small producers of slipcover
illustrate ready mades and custom to help you compare


our mission statement: to provide the consumers of slipcovers with a direct source, useful information to help you choose, and a better product .

That's what I want to say : that's not how I want to say it. I think it can be more folksy and direct. Anybody ?

the professional slipcovers website is my own concept, and a vague one at that. It spends money without creating revenue. I have to yet find a way to make it pay for itself one day, if not today.

Meanwhile, the directory and the network has to fit into the concept like a yin yang thingee. I don't know that there is an "us" that we can call ourselves and with the benefit of a history and good name, to promote " us " if not have the network? I would be trading on the value of Karen's hard work.

When and if you sign on to the slipcover network directory is your choice. If I didn't say this before, it was always my intent to rotate pictures on and off the professional site to keep it fresh and give any one who wants it equal exposure. It's democratic.

I have no problem inferring, if not stating directly, that " we " are the network. I will be using pictures and business cards you send ( whomever sends ) and rewarding that picture sending effort with free exposure. You choose if also to be listed on the directory, and pay the small fee.

I do get an enormous amount of requests off the directory myself. I think it gives me credibility. You choose for yourself, I think it's an advantage. If someone were to see you on my site, then click to the directory link and you not be there, whatever they infer from that, is anyone's guess.

I have tent sickness. At least I found I could sew a quarter of the whole job in one day.

We finallized a plan where I zipped four roof sections together as equal squares, as I could not afford to have the zipper affect the roof drape. If the zipper begins at the center of each side and goes to the center high point, there's no ripple ( none is horizontal, only vertical. )

That meant larger pieces, 5 and 1/2 widths at 25 feet. ( finishes 50 by 50 )Thankfully, prior to this I had put wheels on all my machines. The schmadte ( crap ) stays on the table and I roll the over lock or straight stitch up to it.

Will I be in trouble if the quarter sections are not all the same size ? I used the zipper as a standard. The cloth stretches a bit, the zipper does not. I did not have separating zippers to do this, they are 25 feet long. I cut 6" extra on either end and will put the heads on, on site. At worst, if they are not the same size, I will zip from the center and let the sides be how they are.

The cloth is flame proof. I have a raw throat and thick secretions this morning. Will I do this again ? The guy said he wants a tent made out of " real " fabric ( this is lining ) for next year, for a permanent tent. Who, me ?

The biggest problem I can see is wrinkles. I can't take this anywhere to fold it that I would not be risking getting it dirty, and it's white.

okay, for there to be a we there has to be an us, I'd just like to say who us is. . Tessy, I like the comment, yes, it looks like that's a good reason to link them. Let them go there if that's the price they want.

Tessy, do you not want to list ? I guess I am confused.

Shirley

I don't see any problem with putting a link to store bought slips. After reading the info on your website if they still want one of THOSE covers they are not our customer.
When describing "us" as members of network directory what if I am not listed on the directory. Is everybody else a member?

discussing ( well, I am asking people to ) what to put on the first and most important page on profesisonalslipcovers.com about who we are and what we are and what were on doing on the internet. I need editing and suggestions, and most of all tell me how this could turn around and bite me that I haven't thought about yet. Over there~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~