And the Winners IS

Slipcover Design Contest 2008 had 9 remarkable participants who submitted fantastically beautiful slipcovers. Unfortunately those at the Summit could only vote for 3.

1st Place 2008 Slipcover Design Contest
is
Therese Davis
of
Sew Your Home, Barrington, Il.

Therese Davis
http://www.picturetrail.com/theresed

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2nd Place Winner:
Laura Nelson of Sew Nice
West Lafayette, Indiana

soon to have photo up on blog

3rd Place Winner:
Julie Van Ormer of Dimebox Designs
Colleyville, Texas

soon to have photo up on blog

2008 was INDY: 2009 will be SEATTLE

2008 Indy Slipcover Summit participants

What a great time was had by all. Heads full of new information with items of the past brought to the surface once again. 3 days filled with information about Slipcovers, how to, why, fabrics, methods, and more. It is impossible to share it all.

So there will be more.

Slipcover Certification Survey is almost ready to be sent out to those who are considering becoming Certified as a Slipcover Professional through the Slipcover Network. So watch for this soon....

• For those who attended take what you learned an apply it.
• Go over your notes, write down what you'd like to achieve.
• Stay connected via this blog, or other network groups.
• Monthly report your results to others.

Start saving $$ to attend the Slipcover Summit 2009 in Seattle, Washington the last week of June.

always
Karen
www.homefashionsu.com
www.slipcovernetwork.com
www.slipcoveramerica.com
Home Fashion U Online Classes

Thank You Slipcover Summit Students

To my wonderful students... THANK YOU!!!

I couldn't have asked for a nicer first class - you (all) breezed serenely through those, um... unfortunate rough spots (like, oh... trying to cram six hours of material into three...).

If you have any questions about any of them; indeed, about ANYTHING from class, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'm so grateful to everyone - I learned so much about teaching, and your kindness (and patience) was very dearly appreciated!

You're THE BEST!!!

Sincerely,
Dede
West Village Home
Custom Cushions and Slipcovers

PS: There were questions about how I attach a skirt with a finished seamed edge. I'll take photos of the process for the Slipcover Press, because while the process is easy, it's hard to explain.

Slipcover Summit: Wonderful Venue

Thank you Karen and all for providing a wonderful venue of classes at the Slipcover Summit 2008 in Indy.

I learned so much and I now have the confidence to step forward and make a quality product. I didn't know this type of training was available anywhere.

Now to get to work and make some money! I have already considered how I can take these skills on the road with me when we travel during the winter months. I know there are RV'rs who would love to have new coverings for their sofa beds and dinette seating.

Thanks again for all your hard work.

Roberta Davis
ASG Member in Indy

Slipcover Summit in Indy 2008

Thank you again for everything!!!!

The main reason I was able to attend the 2008 Slipcover Summit in Indianapolis is that I won the Slipcover Design Contest in Boston last year. The prize for winning the contest was a free attendance to the next Summit which for me was 2008.

As a winner of the Slipcover Design Contest, Karen submitted several press releases to local papers and I was very surprised when they were printed. That was also a bonus beyond the 1st place prize!

At this years Summit I felt very privileged being surrounded by so many great teachers. I learned so much from all the teachers and the great variety of classes. I especially want to mention Bernice’s hands on class “Slipcover on the Half”. This class alone was worth the trip for me. I have the confidence to cut in the customer’s home for the first time since I started making slipcovers. This new process will increase my speed and profit. I cannot wait to try it out and my husband will be happy when he doesn’t have to pick up and deliver sofas.

The lunch time speakers were great. We had a visit from the local J Ennis Company representative and Dede’s great lunchtime snap button tufting example. Dede O’Hare shared a wealth of information at the Summit with all of us. Then there was the evening class on fabric vendors. Karen Erickson and Angie Knowles spoke of the new green fabric craze and gave many resources to offer to our customers. Everyone shared their favorite slipcover fabric vendors and we were given a printed listing with phone numbers and websites.

The whole networking experience was incredible. We exchanged tips and techniques till the wee hours of the night. I have made many friends and had a great time at the Thursday evening dinner. All I can say is that what happens in Indy stays in Indy.

I want to give a great big “Thank You” to our great host Sheryl McAfee and her Hope Convenant church for hosting the Summit and to Stephanie for the great lunches each day.

I recommend attending the next Summit which will be in Seattle, Washington in 2009, to anyone who makes slipcovers or would love to learn how to make slipcovers.

Teresa Bennett

Cozy Cottage Slipcovers

Parma, OH

1 Week Until the Slipcover Summit

Shirley are you out there?

How does your Garden Grow?

We will miss you but will take lots of photos.

always
Karen

Roommate for Summit

I'm looking for a roommate for the Summit. Anyone want to share? Email me @ threadneedle@tampabay.rr.com.

Angie

Deadline for Design Contest

Slipcover Design Contest 2008

If you make slipcovers for furniture now is your opportunity to enter your favorite Slipcover Creations....

Deadline is June 1st...

Send in your entery NOWclick here to print off entry form

1st Time Slipcover

Louise from Idaho came to a Slipcover Workshop last weekend and look at her results!

Am I a good teacher, or is Louise just talented?

:) Karen

12 Weeks until the Slipcover Summit

12 Weeks until the Slipcover Summit (click here)

It's time to

• pick your classes
• make your reservation to the hotel
• plan your trip

Here are the classes

Here is the flyer

Slipcover Design Contest

Amy Walker NEEDs our Help with Fabric

I have a customer who wants microfiber for a couch. I have not sewn with microfiber before. What do I need to know and where do I get it?

Also, where are you getting your welt cord?

And, after coming to the sewing retreat I signed up with a few fabric companies but have yet to find anyone with cotton,linen or blends home decor weight fabrics.
I seem to have a lot of customers who want natural fibers. I want some simple and retro/modern type stuff. Does anybody work with these?

Thanks, Amy

Slipcover Design Contest 2008

If you make slipcovers for furniture now is your opportunity to enter your favorite Slipcover Creations....

Deadline is June 1st... Send in your entery NOW

click here to print off entry form

Welcome to Geroge of Custom Drapery Workoom

A big welcome to George Rigney Custom Drapery Workroom

Atlantic Highlands N.J. 07716

George has been in business for 40 years. He also has done Slipcovers.

Welcome George to the forum.

always
Karen

It's Time To Re-Introduce Yourself

Hi...

There are new people who are wanting to participate in the Slipcover Network blog.

So let's re-introduce ourselves..................

Name
Business Name
Where are you located?
How long in business?

Why you have joined this forum?

I'll go first...
---------------------------------------------------------------
Karen

Business: Slipcover Network

Home office: Snohomish, Washington

Been in Business: 22 years

I joined because I enjoy networking with others who love slipcovers, for new ideas in fabrication and earth friendly fabrics "green". I also want to help others grow in their businesses.

Slipcovers from Orchard Park NY

Slipcovers from

JoAnn Duggan

Orchard Park, New York

Professional Sewing Workroom MeetUP

I have started one in Washington also. Why don't you start one where you live and meet others who are sewing in the area. Cost is not a lot, and you can become the expert where you live plus meet others in the industry.

Claudia started one in Arizona too.

Here is the Washington Professional Sewing Workroom MeetUp

Best Organizing Tips

Do you have any great organizing tips? Then please share them with me! In preparation for my class--Sew Organized--at the Summit in June I am collecting organizing tips and ideas from other professionals in the industry. If you have any tips for getting and staying organized, I would love to hear them.

I will also be compiling these tips into a booklet to be sold at the Summit. All net proceeds from the booklet will be donated to the Scholarship fund. If you would like your tip to be published (you will receive credit) please let me know.

And if you have any specific organizing challenges you would like to see covered in the booklet and the class, email them to me.

Lastly, I am looking for several slipcover professionals to profile in the booklet. If you are interested, let me know.

My email is threadneedle@tampabay.rr.com.

Looking forward to receiving some great tips.

Angie

Undergarment Advise

Question - I just received a slipcover job - 4 leather bar stools (the seats are a full parson) What would I make the undergarment out of so that the decorative fabric doesn't shift around?

Thanks again,

Sherree

in Canada

can we make stuff sticky ?

so the important posts stay at the top of the page ? Otherwise I feel like talking about other stuff would be nonsense, if the stuff that folks should read doesn't get pushed down the page.

Slipcover Pros in Atlanta this March

March 26-29th

International Window Coverings Expo

Georgia World Congress Center

Atlanta, Georgia

Come, join us in the Slipcover Network exhibit booth.

Plan to join us as we share slipcovering with the trade.
I just hear through the grapevine that Shirley, Angie, Claudia, Julie and I will be there.

Sure would be fun to have a lot more of us!

I will be doing a presentation on Wednesday before the exhibit floor opens, then Claudia and I have been asked to present in the Construction Zone.

If you have never been before this is a great show regarding Interior Home Decor.

Slipcover Design Contest 2008

NOW IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY

This is your opportunity to show off how creative you can be, to peers in the industry and potential customers alike.

Votes will be cast by ballot for the: Best Designed Slipcover

All voting will be done during the 2008 Slipcover Summit in Indianapolis, Indiana June 25-27.
Entries must be post marked no later than June 1, 2008 to be eligible for the contest.

1st Prize in will receive:
Full admittance plus all supplies for classes to the Slipcover Summit in 2009 ($400 value)
1 yrs Directory listing and Slipcover Press (full Membership with the Slipcover Network $45 value)
Photo of award winning slipcover to be used in all advertising regarding the Slipcover Summit and Slipcover Network, plus choice placement on the 2009 Slipcover Calendar.

2nd Prize will receive:
1 yrs Directory listing and Slipcover Press (full Membership with the Slipcover Network $45 value)

Gift Certificate Value from Home Fashions U ($45 value) Choose from Books, DVDs or Supplies in relations to the Sewing Fabrication Industry.

Photo of award winning slipcover to be used in all advertising regarding the Slipcover Summit and Slipcover Network, plus choice placement on the 2009 Slipcover Calendar.

3rd Prize will receive:
Gift Certificate from Home Fashions U ($45 value) Choose from Books, DVDs or Supplies.
Photo of award winning slipcover to be used in all advertising regarding the Slipcover Summit and Slipcover Network, plus placement on the 2009 Slipcover Calendar.

Slipcover Design Entry must submit:
1) Quality 8x10 photos shot from 4 sides of Slipcover
Make sure to high light special design features of the slipcover in a close up photo.
2) Brief description of how any special design features were accomplished should be included in the entry.
Photo will only be returned if a self addressed envelop is included with submission.

Name_________________

Address_______________

City___________________

Zip code_______________

Email_________________

Website_______________

Phone_________________

Mail to: Slipcover Network
1101 Ave D C102 PMB 128
Snohomish, Wa. 98290

Questions about the contest
slipcovernetwork@email.com
800-267-4958

Laurie's Ideas Slipcover After the Summit

Laurie received a Scholarship to the Slipcover Summit in June of 2007

Here is an idea she picked up during the Summit and has used it in one of her jobs for a customer.






What a great idea Lauire! You can reach Laurie at rbrule@comcast.net

Olson Slipcovers Happy New Year

Stagging and wanted to use the old furniture.

Sofa before the Slipcovers

The Slipcovers on the sofa

delivered poly suede slipcover

my first, and I have good news and regular news about that. No, I didn't take photos, it wouldn't have photographed well the good points, and it had good points.

the priority was cat claws, and I think we chose well for that. Another issue was wipeability, and I think we chose well for that.

As you know, there won't be any chance to press the final cover, and that is a hard thing for me to shake off.

My major concern is with maintenance, when air does not pass through it's a problem.

Air is expelled when we sit, and then the furniture is gasping for air when we get up. The poly sticks where our rear ends slid it to. That's the description, not a judgement.

In this case, I'd be happy to repeat the effort for the same priorities, as cat claws and need to wipe for cats is certainly a hard goal to plan for. The poly suede was very good for that.

Just a report that my old brain still has some flexibility.

Little old ladies and their ridiculous rates

Just got off the phone with a potential customer. She moved a Queen Anne chair into another room, and the "eggplant slipcover she had made "just a few months ago" doesn't match anymore. It's "very clever, with Velcro on it so it doesn't move - can you imagine doing all that at her age?"

A "nice old lady" made it, you see. For (get this) $70.

I think I'm gonna be sick... No, really - this is making me physically ill.

Everybody bug Rusty

tell him we need a man's perspective. Tell him we need him in June.....

Rusty is a high volume double on half old urban slipcover workhorse like we sometimes talk about.

so as to avoid the trawlers I am writing it so it won't highlight

slipcover it

at

yahoo

dot


com

who's in Trenton or near by ?

who can give me a sizing up of the slipcover market there ?

I do mean specifically Trenton or north as opposed to Philly, who works that area,, anyone we know ?

Fabric sources

Claudia will be teaching a class at this years Summit on Fabric Sources, but in the meantime, let me suggest some words to Google.

Min Fab , Carr Textile, cut yardage textiles. Others here may give you specific links.

There are no shortage of fabric jobbers, though you'll want to be very specific in your quizzing of these companies before paying for books.

Personally, I only ever use cotton 8 ounces per yard or more, and I only ever order from folks who actually have stock.

You'll want to know what you are willing to sell, as 99% of what books they may ask you to buy will be appropriate for windows but perhaps not slipcovers.

Making copies

the only ways I have discovered that work for me are :

making a double on half cutting with the real fabric, trimming the seams down to the intended seam allowance, complete with all the signals you give yourself. Take out the pins, and make another ( or make 12, or 200 ).

or: making a single on half fitting, out of the real cloth or muslin, trim, use signals, and then make not only your duplicates but the second half of the first cutting, if you used decor fabric to fit with.

these are reasonable strategies if you have certain insurance.

leave plenty of skirt hem, to individualize copies if need be.

Triple check your assumptions that matching furniture is alike enough to do this, then use the largest one. Only differences within certain tolerances merit using absolute copies ** read below.

Use cotton fabric, soak and dry ( if that can be done safely ) to increase elasticity. Think how elastic works in your clothes, same here.

Never assume a pattern or an original cutting can be used to copy to a less elastic fabric than the one fitted, never. It will likely be too small, unless you leave big seams, and even then, it's likely not good. Only copy to the same fabric, or to a more elastic one.

If your copies turn out too large, this is easier to fix than if they come out too small, obviously. *** you may copy your duplicates with a larger seam allowance and then try one each to individualize, this is possible with enough patience and perhaps more trips.

Copies can be better than if fitted one by one from a couple perspectives. Yes, the fit won't be as good. But, the seams will all be in the same places, as will be the motif. If the cord stands out and the pattern placement stands out loudy as well, then copies can be very good.

Double on half will be offered at the next Summit, and this is where all copy strategies begin, double on half.

Once you do it you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner.

Elements of effective pricing

effective being the most money you can probably get and preserving having that person willingly pass your name around and come back themselves for more.

that gives you a spectrum to choose from, the immediate money being ( or seeming ) far more important than continuing purchases from this person ( like, when ? if ? how likely ? ) or having them gladly pass your name around.

that balance is for each person to weigh, and then it changes for folks month to month and year to year. Your best guess here is all you get. We all guess how to balance the two needs.

Survey what slipcover buying folks are going to hear on the phone when calling your competitors by calling yourself first, all the numbers listed in your local phone book. Fib and fake it, get those facts. Ask in person if you prefer, go shop. Business slow ? Best time is now.

Ask not only price but policy. How long ? Is COM allowed ? Ask if sales are common, and when. Ask what is included what is add on, whether they work in the home. Hone your skills calling the folks that matter least, the ones farther away.

Partricipate in the http://www.Slipcovernetwork.com survey, soon to come, here. Karen will tell us about it.

Develop questions. Develop your own questions about why the final last right pricing seems ellusive to you. Those are good facts in themselves. You may never sort all the answers but do have the questions. The questions tell you how flexible you need to be in your area.

A good example of a relevant question that makes me wonder about what goes on in my own area: stores pump up labor then run " fabulous " sales on labor. How does that impact me ? I may never know, but I better keep asking myself to wonder.

Let's talk about the questions, the answers are hard to identify, but let's identify the questions. Who picks up furniture, who drives far from home to do this ? Who are the local players ?

The best price you can choose to give is a price that you can live with, and that the customer is feeling good enough about to call you back again and plan more, especially if enough folks aren't finding you.

A lost job due to what is judged to be a too high price is neither right or wrong, but it may be more convenient or less convenient, depending on when it happens. A lost job is somethimes not only a lost paycheck but a lost chance for good referals or a good new unique experience.

Giving up something on price is not without compensation when you at least get the job. This isn't as negative as it may sound, your paid for advertising to a cold market may be as costly as what you choose to underprice, and that cold advertising buck shot can be ineffective even once paid for.

Underpricing is a choice, especially when you are new feeling out your market, if the phone isn't ringing as much as you'd like. It's an aggressive strategy.

Hi all, Amy here, from Austin. I met some of you in Arizona at the 06 summit.
It was very inspiring and now I am making slips for a living! I have a couple of questions for you all.
I almost always use Karen's method, that class was a real eye opener!
I have a customer who wants 2 sets of covers for each piece I am doing.
How wouyld you guys charge for that? Using Karen's method I would need to basically do each piece
completely seperately, so would I charge double?
My other question is about selling fabric. Austin has a pretty small selection of fabric to choose
from and I think sometimes clients would really like to just order from me. I don't know the
first thing about selling fabric. Comments? Hope you all had a lovely Christmas.

Amy

Holiday greetings for all who belong or wish to

I think I speak for all who regularly meet and share at our annual event the Slipcover Summit when I say thanks to each of you for your continued support and for being here with us.

Wishing everyone of us Peace and Joy, and extending a hope we see one another soon.

If you are wishing to belong or have an interest in what we do here, don't hestitate to ask for more information.

slipcoverlady@juno.com for those questions.

Slipcover Pricing Survey?

Tessy and Dede when will the Slipcover Pricing Survey be distributed to Slipcover Professional to fill out?

Folks are anxious and looking for 2008 price summary already.

Thanks
Karen

Watch the Power Point Presentation of Slipcover Summit 2007

Okay everyone here is a short power point of what went on at the Slipcover Summit 2007

click here

Z-Tex "Timeless Twill"

I just received some new samples from Z-Tex - I requested everything they have that's "8 oz. and heavier." Timeless Twill wasn't among them. Has it been discontinued? Or was it lighter than 8 oz.? Can't remember, but I'm thinking of asking for some lighter samples.

Has anyone ever used 7 oz. fabric?

Suggestions AnyOne?

I am about to embark on six dining room chairs.175 year old dining room chairs I should say.


Of the six chairs, there are NONE the same size! They are all the same shape but they vary in height and width, any where from half inch to one and half inch from the shortest to the tallest.


Two of them (we can put the two that are the tallest and the closest in height together side by side) will be the first thing you see when you walk in the front door and look into the dining room.

How would you do that?

In my mind, I think I should just make all the backs, seats and apron the same and the skirts will be where me make up for the different heights.

Making sure they are all X amount of inches from the floor. Is that right, or am I way off?

I attached pictures of the style the custom wants and the actual chair.

Barbie Morgan SheffieldSheffield's Custom Slips
The Art of Flexible Decor

About Welt Cord

In your DVD, "So you want to make a slip cover", (1 of 3 that I bought awhile which was very much worth the cost), you say that you use 'cellulose' cord to make your welt cord.

You said this doesn't shrink like cotton will when the slip cover is washed.

Is 'cellulose' cord the same as 'tissue cord'?

I have been using the tissue cord and recently heard from two sources that tissue cord is never to be washed.

Thank you for any help.

Gene Janney Fabric Elegance, LLC

Welt cord

Who do folks buy their weltcord from?

chomping at the bit

waiting for my new Juki 8700-7 to get delivered. Tedco is bringing it to me, lugging it down the basement steps.

They are providing a mechanic to set up the electronic panel when it's in place and give me lessons.

The electronic panel gives undertrimming and auto foot raise options along with tension and stitch lengths.

Have I seen one at all yet ? Nope !

I am getting slower at sewing, so the 5500 SPM may be overkill, but I am sick of the knee lift and clipping a million threads. Speed where I can get it, to make up for when I am not so fast.

I will add photo when it comes.

okay new tactic

Maybe nobody else had this problem, but apparently if you chose to open a G Mail account when Blogger changed it's preferences back in July ? and Blogger asked you to open a G Mail account ( I don't think it was stated as mandatory ) it's not then the email address you put in the box on the sign in page.

I think I am finding this to be true consistently, but I'll have to do it more than once to be sure. The ID I originally used to sign is still the sign-in ID in the ID box.

the password is now the password to the G Mail account.

So, am I crazy ? Am I alone in this difficulty ?

I used my original sign-in ID and password. Bogger then added @ juno.com ( I didn't do that ) and then rejected my original password, but instead of saying the password was wrong they said the email addy didn't exist.

I put the G Mail addy in the ID box, and it again said the same thing, no email exists in that name ( both addresses work for me as email addresses )

I erased the ID box, typed in my old ID, typed in my most recent change of password for my G Mail address, and Blogger then let me on. I am sure it's my old brain that has something wrong with it, but if anyone else is having trouble, maybe we can get to the bottom of this. ( in case someone is suffering in silence)

I'm baaaack !

I never was actually away, I got confused about how to sign on. The G Mail thing got me twisted around. Anyone else need a hand with that sign in problem email Karen or email meat slipcoverlady@juno.com

Wonderful Video, I assume we can tell others about that ?

I am actually lacking a sound card in my computer but I read your lips, Karen....

How to Put On a Slipcover

See my 1st You Tube video.... :)

click here

test test test

Who is receiving the info from the Slipcover Network Blog?

Sunbrella Fabric for the Recent Slipcover Project

Jo Ellen in St Louis purchased the Sunbrella fabric for her sofa slipcover from
Shasta at http://www.uniquexpressions.net/

It did not have much give, but was easy to sew with.

There are other fabrics out there that have the same inherent protection, but Sunbrella guarantees their product as long as you follow the guidelines.

always
Karen

name

HI Karen

I thought I made my posting id to be Tessy OH but it is showing Cozy cottage slipcovers. How do I change this?

Job in St Louis

Recent job that I did in St Louis in September.

It was out of Sunbrella Fabric

Whining about (lack of) pinning speed

Pinning on-site... I'm too d@mn slow!! It takes FOREVER, I HATE IT. I'm so frustrated. I feel like crying. I ended up using a weird combination today of double-on-half and single-on-whole just to get out of there, HOPING I can duplicate the single parts later.

How do Calico Corner contractors pin more than one piece a day? How do they get in and out so fast?

Also, for the first time a finished slipcover with my default zipper (to the skirt welt only, not through) DIDN'T FIT a chair with T-cushion and big puffy back! Very embarrassing, folded it up and promised to make it all better.

Did I mention I feel like crying?

another credit to Cozy Cottage

the winner of the slipcover network design contest, apparently there's a photo of the winning entry in Window Fashions magazine. Sorry I don't know which issue, can anyone add to this information ? Thanks !

Members of the Slipcover Network

As you can imagine managing this site does take time, and effort. It simply can't run on its own. The Slipcover Network serves many purposes for many people.

• The Slipcover Professionals
• Home Fashion Workrooms
• Designers and Decorators
• Potential Customers looking for someone to make them Slipcovers for their furniture
• DIY for how to sew their own Slipcover
• Instructors Teaching Slipcovers in their area of the country

The only way we can keep the Slipcover Network running is with your financial support.

Thank you in advance for your Support!

Copy and print the information below and mail to:
Slipcover Network 1101 Ave D Suite 102 PMB 128 , Snohomish, Wa 98290

___ I would like to be a Member of the Slipcover Network plus be listed on the Slipcover Directory, receive the Slipcover Press, 10% discount to Online Classes,10% discount to the Slipcover Summit, Slipcover Network Blog (our online forum), Mentorship Program (being planned), Certification Program (being planned).
Cost $45 yr.. Click here to do this online with a credit card.

___ I would like to receive "Slipcover Network Quarterly Update" via E Publication;10% discount to Online Classes, Slipcover Network Blog (our online forum), Mentorship Program (being planned), Certification Program (being planned).
Cost $25 yr. Click here to do this online with a credit card.

___ I would like to have my business as a Vendor on the LINKS PAGE of the Slipcover Network Website (cost $50 yearly).Click here to do this online with a credit card

___ I would like to advertise my business as an Adversting Vendor in the Slipcover Press Quarterly and be listed on the LINKS PAGE of the Slipcover Network Website (Cost is $125 yr). Click here to do this online with a credit card

Name of Business___________________________________________________________
Contact Person_____________________________________________________________
Business Phone______________________________________________________________
Email address______________________ Website address___________________________
Business address_______________________________________ City__________________
State__________________ Zip code__________ How many years slipcovering?________
Dreams for future in Slipcovers?_________________________________________________
Payment total_______________ Check _______________Credit card _______________
CC #________________________________________Exp ____________________
Send photos of your slipcover work, possibly your business, could be our Feature business of the Month

Linda's Chair Took 2nd Place

Linda's entry was a puzzle to start with....

A recliner to cover, and all she saw prior to the job was a small swatch of fabric.

It was amazing how she tackled this project.

Thanks Linda for entering the contest.

1 Week to Submit Class Proposals for Slipcover Summit 2008

Good afternoon

Thank you to all who have submitted class proposals so far. They will be put into the loop for voting by the Slipcover Summit Committee. For your information we try to include a mix of classes at the Summit including at least 2 Methods, plus the day before class Training the Teacher.

We are still seeking Workshop Proposals for the Slipcover Summit 2008 which will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana June 25-27, 2008.

As is our tradition we seek ideas, and recommendations for workshop ideas from those who have attended past Summits.

Proposal should be sent to slipcovernetwork@gmail.com in an outline form to include

Name of workshop
Length 3hr or Full Day
Specific subject matter to be covered
Ideal number to participate in the workshop
Instructor recommendation

All proposals and suggestions need to be received by August 31, 2007

Thanks so much
always
Karen Erickson
www.slipcovernetwork.com
360-862-9087

Proposals Now Being Accepted for Slipcover Summit 2008

Good morning...

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Summer.

We are currently seeking Workshop Proposals for the Slipcover Summit 2008 which will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana June 25-27, 2008.

As is our tradition we seek ideas, and recommendations for workshop ideas from those who have attended past Summits.

Proposal should be sent to slipcovernetwork@gmail.com in an outline form to include

Name of workshop
Length 3hr or Full Day
Specific subject matter to be covered
Ideal number to participate in the workshop
Instructor recommendation

All suggestions need to be received by August 31, 2007

Thanks so much
Karen Erickson
www.slipcovernetwork.com
360-862-9087

Slow business

Is it the humidity? *pant* Cushion/slipcover orders are at an all-time low. I do, however, have orders for FIVE costumes (!). All ASAP, naturally.

How's everyone else doing? Swamped to the point of asphyxiation? Watching the grass grow?

Woo-Hoo!!! Posted... TWICE!!

Mere mortals may bow before me! - oh wait... everyone else already figured this out?

Never mind.

Just checking

Hey there, slipcover fans! Finally figured out how to use the [new] system (brain... slow... need... chocolate...).

It won't be a fluke if I manage to post TWICE - stay tuned.

Slipcover Summit 2008 will be in Indiana

Have you ever been to Indiana?

Cozty Cottage is posted on Workroom Intelligence

http://www.workroomintelligence.com/blog/index.php

1st Place Winner of the Slipcover Design Contest 2007

Click on her website to see the black and white slipcover with bows and monograms.

Congratulations Tessy..... :)

Cozy Cottage
Parma, Ohio 44134
216-749-1829
teresa@cozycottageslipcovers.com
www.CozyCottageSlipcovers.com

1^st Prize in each category will receive:

Full admittance plus all supplies for classes to the Slipcover Summit in 2008 ($350 value)

1 yr Directory listing and Slipcover Press (full Membership with the Slipcover Network $45 value)

Photo of award winning slipcover will be showcased in publications of the Slipcover Summit and Slipcover Network, plus choice placement on the 2008 Slipcover Calendar.

Sewing Cushions FAST

Laurie and Heather having fun sewing cushions FAST!

SERGING OPTIONS

YES we learned about Serging with Domestic as well as Commerical Sergers....

Summit 2007

Cutting continuous bias to make welt cord for a slipcover.

Bernices Family preparing our daily lunch.

Slipcover Summit 2007

Angie teaching Made to Measure Class

Angie and Francine at Teachers Training

1st Day at the Slipcover Summit

Hey all

We have just finished up our first day at the Slipcover Summit in Boston.

I was hoping to post some photos, but am too tired.

We had 30 attend today ...

Bernice taught Pin Fitting all day.

Claudia did a business class and Angie taught High End..

Wow what a day.

Lunch was produced by Bernice's sisters and mother.

Hope to post photos tomorrow...

always
Karen

ps... wish you all were here with us.

welcoming new summit attendees

and wishing I was able to attend.

As you may not know, I am recovering from recent surgery and unable to travel or sit up for such an event at this time.

I wish everyone the best fun and the most creative time you can have, and I hope to hear from those who attend so I can get the details.

slipcoverlady@juno.com for the reports people, don't leave me out !

Ad for slipcovers

Am I being picky or what? But why is there an ad on this blog for ready-made slipcovers?

Jeannie

Velcro under the arms of dining chairs.

So I have a little crisis. I'm slipcovering a dining room arm chair in black and gold chenille. The fabric and hem trim are so gaudy that I decided that velcro would be better than decorative buttons or ties. The problem is that I can't get the velcro to stay gripped tight enough that it doesn't show. I corded the OB seam (which I would have done anyhow) thinking the cord would hide the velcro. It doesn't. You can see almost 1/4" of velcro fuzz that is not sticking tightly to the hooks as it tears itself open.

I've done the same type of slipcover in cotton before (and different velcro) and I didn't perceive a problem, though it might be the difference in tolerating the velcro on cotton, but not on fancy fabric.

Button holes in chenille might not work. Snaps are a possiblity (though time consuming.)

Any other suggestions?

Jeannie

Slipcover Summit 2007

Counting down...

Are you registered Yet?

Slipcover Summit Count Down Only 9 Weeks

Only 9 weeks until the Slipcover Summit...

Have you made your

• Room Reservation?
• Registered for Your Classes?
• Made Travel Arrangements?

Classes are booking up quickly.

Looking forward in seeing you soon..............

Slipcover Design and Workmanship Contest

This is your opportunity to show off how creative you can be, as well as those quality workmanship talents to peers in the industry and potential customers alike.

Votes will be cast by ballot for the:

Best Designed Slipcover
Best Quality Workmanship

All voting will be done during the 2007 Slipcover Summit in Waltham, Ma. June 27-29.
Entries must be post marked no later than June 1, 2007 to be eligible for the contest.

1st Prize in each category will receive:
Full admittance plus all supplies for classes to the Slipcover Summit in 2008 ($350 value)
1 yrs Directory listing and Slipcover Press (full Membership with the Slipcover Network $45 value)
Photo of award winning slipcover to be used in all advertising regarding the Slipcover Summit and Slipcover Network, plus choice placement on the 2008 Slipcover Calendar.

2nd Prize in each category will receive:
1 yrs Directory listing and Slipcover Press (full Membership with the Slipcover Network $45 value)
Gift Certificate Value from Slipcover America ($45 value) Choose from Books, DVDs or Supplies in relations to the Sewing Fabrication Industry
Photo of award winning slipcover to be used in all advertising regarding the Slipcover Summit and Slipcover Network, plus choice placement on the 2008 Slipcover Calendar.

3rd Prize in each category will receive:
Gift Certificate from Slipcover America ($45 value) Choose from Books, DVDs or Supplies.
Photo of award winning slipcover to be used in all advertising regarding the Slipcover Summit and Slipcover Network, plus placement on the 2008 Slipcover Calendar.

Slipcover Design Entry must submit:
1) Quality 8x10 photos shot from 4 sides,
2) Plus high lighting special design features of the slipcover in a close up photo.
3) Brief description of how any special design features were accomplished should be included in the entry.
Photo will only be returned if a self addressed envelop is included with submission.

Slipcover Workmanship Entry must submit:
1) Quality 8x10 photo of the slipcover on the furniture shot from 2 directions,
2) A brief description of the slipcover,
3) And the actual slipcover to be judged for workmanship.
Photo and slipcover will be returned with the correct return postage included.


Contest Entry
___ Design
___ Workmanship

Name_________________

Address_______________

City___________________

Zip code_______________

Email_________________

Website_______________

Phone_________________

Mail to: Slipcover Network
1101 Ave D C102 PMB 128
Snohomish, Wa. 98290

Questions about the contest
slipcovernetwork@email.com
800-267-4958

off topic, couldn't resist

having an open house to exhibit these machine at my house Feb 3. RSVP slipcoverlady@juno.com McLean Va 22101 if you map quest, to give you rough idea.

here's a video of one in action: http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/965306

It Cold Outside...

How is everyone else doing out there????

Karen

Clean up Toxic Dry Cleaners

Clean Up Toxic Dry Cleaners

Over 11,000 Americans Tell EPA to Clean Up Toxic Dry Cleaners

Cleaner, safer alternatives available,
but EPA refuses ban of cancer-causing solvent


Washington, D.C. -- Over 11,000 Americans have petitioned EPA to adopt stronger protections from toxic chemicals released by dry cleaners nationwide. Environmental groups, pollution experts and dry cleaners themselves agree that a phase out of the harmful chemical perchloroethylene (PCE, or perc), a solvent used primarily by the dry cleaning industry, is feasible and vital to reducing serious health and environmental threats.

The wave of comments were lodged to protest EPA's proposed decision to leave millions of Americans at risk from toxic perc emissions. More than 27,000 dry cleaners across the country still use old machines that clean clothes with PCE. Although some cleaners have successfully switched to non-toxic alternatives like wet cleaning, EPA in a proposed rule issued last December refused to consider a phase out of PCE machines. The agency has classified PCE as a probable cancer-causing chemical that has been linked to liver, kidney and central nervous system damage. Over half of federally identified Superfund sites are contaminated with PCE.

"PCE can be phased out and replaced with machines that work as effectively and do not pose the serious health and environmental threat," said Jane Williams, a national leader and air toxics expert for the Sierra Club. "EPA is ignoring these possibilities and the evidence that shows alternatives exist and actually work. There are so many dry cleaners in so many towns that EPA should be making a phase out of PCE a top priority."

Because PCE dry cleaners are located throughout neighborhoods in virtually every city and town in America, millions of Americans are exposed to their toxic emissions. In many cities, dry cleaners operate in the same buildings where peoples' homes, schools, and day care centers are located. People are exposed to PCE through breathing emissions from dry cleaners and also through breathing emissions that are released over time from the clothes that are cleaned at dry cleaners.

Although EPA has acknowledged that the health risks from PCE dry cleaners are extremely high, the agency's recently proposed regulations do almost nothing to address these risks. In particular, EPA failed even to consider a phase out of PCE use that would reduce the health risks to zero. Remarkably, EPA reached this conclusion even after acknowledging that PCE-free alternatives would be cost effective. During the rulemaking process, EPA met repeatedly with representatives of the companies that sell PCE, but made no effort to contact affected communities to learn their concerns.

In California, the South Coast Air Quality Management District approved a phase out in 2003 of PCE that will eliminate PCE dry cleaners in the southern California region by 2020. As old machines break down and need replacing, dry cleaners are purchasing newer, cleaner machines running on less toxic solvents. EPA does not explain anywhere in its rule why Americans in the rest of the country should be deprived of the protections that such a ban will provide.

Wet cleaning machines use water and other nontoxic detergents when cleaning clothes. Carbon dioxide cleaners actually use captured CO2 to clean clothing and certain materials.

Peter Sinsheimer, director of the Pollution Prevention Center for the Urban and Environmental Policy Institute at Occidental College said, "Our research has shown that perc dry cleaners can successfully switch to non-toxic technologies."

Some dry cleaners have successfully switched to non-PCE machines. Frank Shaghafi, the owner of Blue Sky Cleaners in California, now operates only wet cleaning machines and machines that use captured carbon dioxide. "My employees feel better, our clothes are coming out just as clean and we know that we are not putting this toxic chemical into the environment," Shaghafi said. "We've received interest from other dry cleaners and are receiving clothes from all over the world to clean with these machines. Small businesses such as dry cleaners can protect the environment and can do so without any major economic burdens."


How Dry Cleaning Works

What's the Problem with PERC?

Alternatives to PERC

New Types of Dry Cleaning

7th Annual Slipcover Summit 2007

Wednesday June 27 through Friday June 29.

This is the only event of its type in North America
totally devoted to the art and profession of slipcovers for furniture.

Each year the Slipcover Summit is held in a different region
of the country, affording the opportunity of furthering
education to those who have difficulty traveling to one
specific area of the country.

Designers, decorators and those with sewing workrooms have
the opportunity to learn from seven instructors who are actively
involved in slipcovering furniture in their own businesses. All
instructors volunteer to teach at the Summit in a particular
slipcover method, technique or expertise.

Limits are set on the size of each workshop. This give each participant
the opportunity to experience hands-on and to be up close to view the
demonstrations in each workshop.

Scholarship are available to those who have never attended a
Slipcover Summit. If you are interested in an application for a
Scholarship please send email to Angie Knowles at threadneedle@tampabay.rr.com

More information on workshops, instructors, and how to register, visit http://www.slipcoveramerica.com/summit2007.html or call 800-267-4958. A PDF file is available for printing on the website.

Sleep on Stinging Nettles

Sleeping on Stinging Nettles: the Next Bamboo?

by Christine Lepisto, Berlin on 12.31.06

Fashion & Beauty (textiles)

The technique for producing fine cloth and sailcloth from stinging nettles has existed for centuries. Heinrich Kranz is reviving the art for the modern age. Encouraged by a customer to pursue the idea, Kranz founded the firm Stoffkontor Kranz AG, and got rights from the University of Hamburg to grow an oversize version of the common weed. The fiber Kranz produces is a legitimate alternative to cotton, with the advantage that is grows like...well, a weed, without the need for pesticides used in the cotton industry--currently accounting for 24% of the global insecticide usage according to WWF.

Kranz is growing the three meter (nine feet) tall nettles on 160 hectares (400 acres) near Luechow, Germany. Plants grow without the use of pesticides and with only occasional application of fertilizer. Each 10 to 15 years, the plants must be replaced. Once per year the nestles are mowed and dried. The fibers within the nettles are separated in Kranz's own mechanical process and then cleaned with a patented bio-process relying on enzymes. The fibers are then woven, also on site, for the production of fabric, bedding, shirts and jeans.

Currently Stoffkontor Kranz occupies 17 employees and has sales of 1.8 million Euro (2.3 million dollars). Kranz's products are now sold through over 1500 shops and over the internet at Nettleworld (German only). His is the only industrial scale production of nettle fabrics.

Kranz is convinced of the potential to compete with cotton. He calculates that when his operations can be expanded to 10,000 hectares, the nettle fabric made in Germany will be cost-competitive with Indian cotton, while offering substantial ecological advantages. A closer review of the webshop at Stoffkontor Kranz reveals that most of the fabrics are nettle/cotton blends, with nettle fibers composing only 5 - 43% of the fabric. One hopes the techniques being used at Kranz lend themselves to fabrics that are majority nettle, and the current low nettle contents reflect marketing strategy rather than technical limitations.

For his efforts and successes, Heinrich Kranz was awarded a special recognition in the Eco-Manager of the Year competition sponsored by WWF's German branch. Congratulations, Herr Kranz, we hope to see your ideas spread widely.

Via ::WWF Eco-manager of the Year Germany (German only)

give away to good home.

100 yards washed, bleached canvas. Has not yet been pressed. Challenging to work with, but sells itself for those who want white utility washable covers.

It is now more than I can do to carry, lift, sew this stuff, gotta save my body for another 20 years sewing.

I'd prefer this didn't wind up in the land fill, it served me well, was well loved by customers. IT's just too hard for me to do now.

let's see how long this lasts

click on the title to see my addition to wikipedia. If the last paragrapgh refers to us, they let it ride.

anyone recognize who wrote the first part ?

losing my mind in silly ways

I'll post a picture once I make a mock up, I let the customer take the thing, I realized I can't explain it without.

I had forgotten you cannot put a cushion zipper on a DR chair pad all the way into and to the far side of the spoke cut out.

well, you can but then you lose your surface for the velcro tab to attach. I could get one tab almost the full width of the box ( 2" ) on the butt end of the zipper side of the cut out, then the zipper prevented me from applying the velcro mate.

Already did all four cushions complete up to that point, lost in a fog with no plan.

I made double fold ties preparing to tie the whole thing instead when an idea hit me.

This is why I need a picture: I folded the tie in half and made a flat point at the center, and stitched that triangle down. I sewed velcro mate to that end and also to some of the doubled tie, to make a one inch square portion of hook tape.

at the ironing board I then bent each paralel ( sp )raw end symetrically to point in opposite directions, to make a 90 degree turn to sew into each side of zipper seam where it met the cushion top and bottom.

what this made is a velcro flap that was solid at the hook site, yet split, so I could get almost full use of the zipper I had already installed.

I'll make one and take a picture of it, before I forget myself...

there are more changes than I first realized

one, I had to sign in now, first, before seeing my usual and specific Blogger choices, that's top right on your new page once hitting I Power Blogger Icon at bottom left of THIS page.

what the first page now is after hitting I Power Blogger is the offering to read the latest BLog entered anywhere in Blogger Universe.

and, Karen, the links are gone ? Intentionally ?

The Slipcover Network Forum

The Slipcover Network Forum

New look....

How's this????

Karen

new picturetrail album for all of us..

for the posting and sharing of found slipcovers, slipcovers that can be a benefit to others.

they are to be bloopers, with opinions given as to how the blooper occurred. Be kind, be objective and instructive, and be annonymous with the source. Thanks....

you may access and upload, by using slipcoveroops, spell that as I have. That's the account name, user name, and password.

the password will always remain, only slipcover professionals will have access.

as soon as the free account is full, I will take it from there.

The Slipcover Network Forum

Changes to the blog....

Things are moving and I have not control to what is happening.

I cannot access the comments at this time...

Sorry

always
Karen

Slipcover 1 Day Dining Room Chair Workshop

Hi all.

We just recently had a Dining Room Chairs Workshop here in Washington in Sheila's workroom... Wanted to share Sheila's project.

We used DIY Method for our chairs of this type. Did a quick cut on half pattern.

Here's the back of Sheila's chair. Don't you just love it?

selling off the last of my canvas

you need not consider the ebay price the last word, and I will even make up your item for you if you prefer. This may not be the last available, it's just the last I have the energy to invest in.

getting on

simple instructions, just click on stuff until you get there. CLICK ONCE. Blogger is slow for me , and I have cable. I can imagine how slow it might be with dial up.

scroll down and search last item on right, an I power blogger icon, click and wait for dashboard.

if slipcovernetwork is not on your list on the left, fill those words into the search box on your right, click ONCE and wait.....

creating a new post

gee I'd love some company here so we ARE going to figure this out !

first, I know you know this, but I will say it 'cuz I can't see your screen, there's probably no harm in pushing buttons. The worst that can happen is you click too many times before blogger reacts. Know this, it's slow. Click once and wait.

My dashboard has slipcover network offered as an option to click on. If you have frequented any blog that already taken option should pop onto your list. Should, in theory, but as every site has, there are redundant ways to get there.

I see a search box on my right on my dashboard page, and that box I have used by typing in slipcover network.

But first, find the dashboard. Scroll down and look right, past the log of all post titles, and see a little rectangle in orange that says I power blogger. Click on it.

If in the end these suggestions don't leap out at you on your dashboard, click something. Usually options are harmless, but wait for blogger to catch up with you. Click once only. I have cable and blogger is slow. I can't imagine how slow bogger might be with dial up.

new picture series to come

will be on the picture trail, not yet begun.

I have a request from an importer of Thai silk to make a slipcover from her own goods. It is heavy silk, non irridescent and perfect for fusing to a stabilizer. This is a prelude to her marketting her silks as home decor and recommending me to do that.

She is willing to allow me plenty of scrap in the same type goods to experiment with fusable products out there and I will review them one by one.

The challenge is to make more secure the few stressed seams that wouldn't hold up to use without taking away from the appearance of the silk.

I am happy to have a non irridescent to do this with, so that my lack of skill in applying this fusable does not make for a hopeless cause. I might add, a lack of patience and considerable fear as well. I have not fused well or patiently in the past.

I pick up the chair tomorrow, so then I will see what's the ingredients, and will start the picture stream at http://www.picturetrail.com/slipcoverlady.

Agnes,

on the right hand lower side of the dashboard there's a blog search box, type in slipcover network and click. Your Cookies should kick in and supply the filled in blue name on the left if you keep using the same computer.

before and after

embassy five album has only before and after.

figured out how to remove the picture...

just go to edit, save to draft, go back to the menu and it will sow you delete. I didn't ever find a rotate picture option or a remove picture option. Just info, maybe I am looking in the wrong place ?

The Slipcover Network Forum

The Slipcover Network Forum

Regarding my post of a minute ago---now my one of yesterday shows up! Go figure!

The Slipcover Network Forum

The Slipcover Network Forum

Very strange:I tried responding to a post of Shirleys and post got lost. I reposted as a new post and it never showed up. And yes, I did "Publish Post" and type in the "letters".

I see that there have been no new topics since Aug. 12. Is something not working.

at 52

I think I know something I can't explain to anyone any younger than that. When I think something I am doing isn't working, I don't need to tinker with it right away. What's happening could be temporary, it could be made worse by my reaction to it.

Business is patchy around here. I finally have some, they threw the big money at me I asked for and they want it yesterday. I am going to try not to remember I promised myself I wouldn't be hurried beyond what's comfortable for me because I resent the pattern of being told to hurry.

I can see some worried faces and they aren't trying to make me feel like they could take the work somewhere else if I didn't hurry, they need the work done so they can get paid.

I have been promising myself that at my age I would set a certain pace and no one could make me feel they can replace me with a younger person. I can see my plan was nice for me to plan but that it won't work, I'll always have to accomodate the wishes or needs of the people holding the work and the check, and I must spend more time working for maybe less than the " plan".

At least untill the designers feel confident again that money is around the corner, and untill they do, they need support. Do I want to bend ( literally and figuratively) NO...do I want to hurry ? BIG no. I do want constancy, and I will have to give more prompt service now than I had to before to keep the incoming stream even.

The Slipcover Network Forum

The Slipcover Network Forum



I tried to respond with the following to a July 30 post of Shirleys and "the blog ate it!" It was regarding the slow season:

Well, the reason I have a minute to check the blog----

I have work for after Labor Day and I'm going to go visit my parents in a few days so I didn't want to be over-booked for the next few days. Well, I'm not!! It's the first time in about 6 years that I have nothing to do (except paperwork). (I've even completed my "fit in when I can" projects.) I think the problem is due to 1)I'm working faster 2) I'm spending less time on things like planning the next summit and other things in my life like that) But the other reality is that my 6 month wait list is now 2 months. I've lost quite a bit of business by telling people that I mostly just do work for the customers that buy my fabric.

I've been comfortable in saying I reserve 1 week a month for COM but some people don't want to wait and thus go elsewhere. This was fine with me when I had a long wait list.

Also I've had 3-4 customers lately who come to me to look at fabric and I give them an estimate, and then they go buy a fabric on line or at a discount store. (These are things I would do myself, probably!) Anyhow, I can't figure out how to recoup some of the expected, but now lost profit. (Have I become greedy, or what!!!)

I've never charged extra for COM because I have never been able to figure out a nice way to explain it to the customer.

Any suggestions in helping me be less nice??

Jeannie

another crazy project

it's an all wood chair that needs a very fancy solution. Several pics are now up.

Using Rowley hook strip HS200/4W screwed to underside of wood seat so that the hook faces chair perimeter and the right angled surface is wedge cut with tin snips to mold the curve.

look under Embassy chair.

I am preparing a sample for the estimate submission, there are only four chairs to do.

I must also make a set of cushions to present for estimate.

Live Slipcover Press at RSS Feed

So happy to announce we now have a live feed to the current Slipcover Press for Summer.

Just click on the RSS Feed to the Slipcover Press. Summer edition 2006

If you are not on our subscriber list, then fill out the information below that.

August all ready?

Where did the Summer go?

always
Karen

The Slipcover Network Forum

The Slipcover Network Forum

Hi All,

I had a really great time at the Summit and learned so much, thanks everybody for answering all my questions.

I came back very enthusiastic to get started making slipcovers and I have a couple more questions.

I built a cutting table and am wondering how to finish the top out. Right now it is plywood, what did you put on yours?

One of the marketing ideas was to contact designers. How did you guys do this?
Phone, mail, in person? Does the designer get a discount? How much?

Same question for contacting upholsterers. If I did cushions for them, what kind of discount would I give them?

Amy, with many more questions to come.

systems...

Angie and I have talked and taught about this but this is key ( along with the intention of developing speed )..

you have to know what you want to produce, produce it regularly, and then study what makes it more profitable for you.

Someone got mad at me not very recently for suggesting there is only profit in things you produce repetitively, but let me clarify how like this selection needs to be.

you don't have to use the same method or the same fabric or the same anything you choose not to. But your core choices need to be the same as if you were applying limits to an employee.

Angie does this well because she breaks it down for herself as if she needed to explain it to three year olds. If it's not a good habit that supports production better than any other habit, then that needs to change.

The thing that finally convinces most people ( I am guessing ) is when they do have more work than they can handle, and then get sick of the hours. Then, you get down to it and streamline.

Until you have that volume, the incentive is too abstract.

In short, profit lies in speed, I'd love to get $40 for a cushion, but fact is, if the pile is big enough, I can make a profit at $8. That's where you want to aim. If you can't train yourself to be a sewer, you are never going to get to where you can roll with the punches when the work available isn't ideal.

An example of my systems is the picture trail series I did with the red/yellow sofa fabric. I used patterns drafted from measurements, and then stack sawed them.

In the beginning your systems have to use what you know at the moment. When I first started my systems were simple, I used what I knew, and treated myself like an hourly employee. I didn't answer the phone, I sewed regular hours, I set a goal, and timed myself, and took note of wasted movements, reviewed at days end and changed my systems regularly when needed.

Quickie welt insertion question

When you have welt crossing welt, do you pull the cord out at the intersection (so that there is no cord at that point, just empty welt)? I've done it both ways, but can't decide which looks better. I'll go with the "industry standard" - whatever it is!

Hello Everyone,

Im sorry I am so out of touch, but hopefully within the next couple months i will have my own email to keep in touch with everyone!

I had a terrific time at the convention and enjoying meeting you all!!

I have a question I would like to ask all of you. Does anyone know about how much it actually cost THEM to make a slipcover. Meaning, do you know how much time it actually takes to make a slipcover, including pinning, sewing, utilities, materials (excluding fabric), and travel?

For a 1 cushion chair, 2 cushion love seat, and a 3 cushion sofa?I am having difficulty re-evaluating my price list, and this would help me generate my new prices. Any help or guidance you could provide me will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks a lot! Sheila Benner