The Slipcover Network Forum

You did find Jeannie.... html gargace is the title of the blog. If you post after that
things do get posted...

Yep Shirley we could do a month with her ideas...

K with SA

I don't think the blog likes me: it gave me HTML garbage once and then I don't think it printed my recent post. (My fault, I'm sure). Why do people like this blog thing--it always seems backwards to me? I'm usually pretty good with computers but not this!

I'm trying again:
Thanks for all your ideas to add to the list of classes. Kim you have so many great suggestions. Dede, thanks for your ideas about closures. Shirley--we could do a week with just your ideas. I've got them all (more or less) in a form that I'm sending off to the "planning committtee for furthur comment.

Jeannie

The Slipcover Network Forum

drivel.... never drivel Shirley. You are right regarding the big guys wanting to streamline cutting and sewing slipcovers.
Not that we shouldn't do this ourselves to make it all faster
that is why understanding these different techniques is so
important.

Thanks so much
alwasy
k with sa

while we are discussing double on half, let me remind those who try to read my drivel ( and cannot dig through it ...) that double on half IS the method of choice of large scale custom slipcover production shops.

It has drawbacks, and many sensible people have pointed them out. Pat. R. doesn't trust the symetry, Dede points out the overlock problem, and many people cannot envision taking the pins out ever. They are all correct, and if we didn't seek out better answers, we wouldn't be acheiving anything new.

There are better answers, and as individual people running shops where we do not have to dumb down the sewing, we can have it both ways. We can have the speed and apply problem solving to minimize the drawbacks. These are good summit classes, which can only survive if they are attended....

those who come to Brown method can tell me all their fears and resistance to double on half. July a good month ? anyone have dates to suggest from Brown ?

there IS a pool here if you prefer to use bathing suit THERE.......

64 and 66 is at least a quiet ride, better than 70 and 76.

Angie came twice, once to learn measuring and then to polish that up some more. Judit's been here a dozen times. We can get Denise O. and maybe Susan K. too to come to this one. They ask good questions.

My head is like a stew of ideas, I can think purposely trying to meet a deadline ( like a summit ) and later when there's no deadline get a much better idea. Brown just popped out one day, it's better than any other I have had, including measuring.

You guys crack me up! Sharing the shower in our bathing suits are we? Reminds me of the time I picked up my daughter from high school basketball practice, walked in on them as they were showering - they were in their underwear and bras for gawd's sakes! (When I was in school we had to file past the gym teacher naked and wet so she could check off that we had, in fact, showered-oh the trauma!)
I'd sure like to drive out, it would only take me about 10 hours. I have a friend in DC I'd like to see too! Keep me posted.
Kim

better than naked, hey ? BWI and Reagan often have lower fares, any of the three work well enough.

Bathing suits? BATHING SUITS??!! You're mad, woman - MAD, I say!!

Hmm.. wonder what fares are like these days... My neighbor owes me some serious babysitting time.

ha ha yes, one at a time. I actually have two working showers, but you can still only use one at a time due to water heater. Ha ha. We do have fun, and I could sleep three or four easy. Not literal, we all sleep separately. I get to poke fun at your bathing suit if you poke fun at mine.

The Slipcover Network Forum

when Shirley says you have to share the shower at her place, she means one at a time. Also the accomadations are very comfortable if she lets you use her couches... they make into a bed pit.

If you get the opportunity to take her up on the offer, you should go, you will learn a lot.
always
K with SA

I am near Dulles airport, in Northern Viginia. Session wasn't limited to a day, it's exploring what's useful and discovering what's not, so I wouldn't limit it.

I have primitive guest arrangements, we will have fun, but we'll have to share the shower.

Where are you Shirley? What do you mean by a "session" - a day?
Kim

we will have a session ( free ) for exploring brown method here in Jly, I still don't have date for you.

Anyone interested or know someone who would be, contact them and let's agree to meet here.

Sorry for the obsession about not bending, it really preoccupies my every waking moment. But, it does give me a perspective and drive to find a way to cut a slipcover that avoids overuse of knees and back. It may not seem that important to you personally, hopefully, it will never be.

I promise you fun as well. Let me know if you want to participate. slipcoverlady at juno dot com

There will be sewing machines at the Summit in Arizona, but if need be and if you would like depending on what class you take, you may bring your portable.

Great ideas Shirley and Dede and Kim... You could be the committee.

:)
K with SA

I am not saying they won't be there ( sewing machines ) I am saying that I cannot know at this time. Dede, we can make the skirt without an additonal trip, there are choices to be made and judgements, but there are default decisions available. It isn't as much a risk when you make some choices, and record some additional data.

One thing I am asking ( if it's not obvious ) is this is the time to get less generic, more tailored to you. Tailor it for us, and then register early so we know who and what to plan for.

I still want to do brown, I think it's a seconadry need to advanced double on half, but it's got my attention, and I'll be researching it this year for you.

"I cannot say how many sewing machines can be available."

We could use our own portable domestics if the fabric is thin enough - cheap muslin? (hmm... need a case for the machine...). Just a thought, but it would solve the availability issue.

sent Jeannie a new idea this morning that incorporates a bunch of stuff into a day long class. To be taken after you take the double on half class:

advanced sewing of a double on half cutting, marking for speed, disassembling safely, two ways of overlocking the sucka, creating a liner from a double on half cutting, adding a fast skirt, zippers fast and dirty. This is the most important thing I could pass on, how to trust a double on half cutting so that doubt that delays you goes away.


the cutting and marking can be hands on, I cannot say how many sewing machines can be available.

I think it ranks up there with supreme duh moments how important good specific and individual trimming out in your own developing style will be for success at double on half.

Anyone need an additional aspect of double on half ? The method of cutting itself deserves a full day, this would be an additional full day.

At the end of class, we will disassemble our cuttings, throw the pieces up in the air, and then reassemble them. You will be confident. This, I can package.

reading down further I see some stuff to add, marking and sewing in an armpit tape, or excising seam allowance for tighter armpits. While we are trimming, we can do alot of adjustments. Make a list.

You mean Shirley, Dede, and I aren't the committee? :)
Yeah it's fun to think out loud! I'm sure you guys will come up with a bang up program!
Kim

The Slipcover Network Forum

It is so exciting to have all this discussion about classes at the Summit.

Shirley is right it does need to be put into a presentation by someone, so supported handouts can be created.

From here on out all classes are picked by the board committe, knowing the history of past Summit classes. We always need the begining classes plus advanced classes..........journey person fits in that category.

For those who have been in the business for sometime, need to be specific about their needs too. We all need to learn and grow. In doing this we are creative, and stay fresh at what we do.

I love all the ideas presented on this blog for the Summit 2006. The ideas are hot. All will be written up and presented to the board committee. We have 3 days and can do 4 classes a day, that makes 12 classes total. There can be formal discussions during lunch each day also.

always
K with SA

Oh, and closures. I've seen some adorable methods in magazines for kitchen and dining room chairs, for example. Plus the old stand-by: zippers (for example, more alternatives to my default 1" placket - maybe concentrate on invisible zipper insertion, and the best ways to utilize invisible zippers (where best to put them, for example). Zippers with welt, zippers disguised with buttons, etc., hidden zippers (not necessarily invisible, just cleverly hidden) could be a separate class, or part of another class.

I don't mean to pick on zippers (poor zippers...), but zippers are a much larger topic than I originally imagined, and invisible zippers are almost a topic unto themselves. Plus, buttons, snaps, ties, gussets, Velcro, laces - it's too big for one class (at least for my clogged brain to absorb in one sitting).

Thought of something else... it might mesh neatly with Shirley's Brown Method, so let me know if that's the case:

1. Fitting/pinning/marking skirts along with the body of the slipcover. In other words, how do you fit/pin/mark the skirt without an extra visit, with the otherwise completed slipcover back on the furniture so you can measure & mark?

2. Nice smooth fitting under the arm - tips and techniques?

and...

3. Presentation... how to neatly fold the completed slip (Shirley did a quick presentation in CO, using a laundry basket - do it again?), how to utilize a steamer on-site, if necessary. What should be left with client: tucking tool?*, something to stuff in tuck-in areas (like 1" foam pipe insulation)?.


*Anyone ever use a windshield scraper for this? I just realized it's something that could be personalized with business name. Hmm...


My needs are somewhere between Beginner and Advanced, more like Journeyman...

I do like the brown method the way you describe...I posted on the other forum, I'm pdsam. For some reason when I joined that board I used another name, on my upholstery board I'm kimel.
Shirley, I put my furniture on tressels and then if I need to,I step up (on a wooden box about the height of a stair step) rather than bend down. Although in the customer's home you're right, i'ts a lot of bending. People in the midwest seem to like the tight tailored look and pretend it's upholstery, hence, the comparison shopping. (oy!)
As far as an all day class with limited number of students, yes I am interested. It would be great to create along with your instruction. If I drive my van out maybe I could bring a few extra pieces for others to work on, doubt if I could fit 8 chairs unless they were stackable/spoonable. Maybe the hotel would have some chairs to practice on? Thinking out loud here...
I could definitely bring my planning notebooks to show others how I planned out this move to a new shop, decision to hire a helper, by looking at what my overhead is and how many "billable" hours a year I work.
Kim

buzzing is good........where's mine ??

truth be known Shirley ( notice the third person here ) gets a little overwhelmed at these things, too much stimulation. I identify strongly with people who need to calculate how much they can take in at once. What we present is hopefully paced well for everyone.

we can only get teachers not associated with........ the other people.

we are all uniquely qualified to break down problems, we are mostly all mothers and or wives. Same skills, different applications. Kim, can you research your most urgent questions and teach us?

simple is sometimes best. Frenzy is fun to a point, think retreat , touch index fingers to thumbs and go OHM.............. let's have frenzy for lunch.......

I heard that one person who self indentified being merely disatisfied was in fact prone to panic, I feel for them. We are small, caring and supportive of one another I hope never to miss those cues again. Heck, that's me ! It is a plane trip and tiring, and for some a trip from home that's for some ( ME ! ) not altogther comfortable. Retreat is the best we can aim for, maybe small but realy suportive.

to teach anything soundly, we must be able to do it in a sort of neat package. I can package certain things and hand them off to you neatly. It's really well defined long before I get on that plane. Doin' my OHMS....

Kim, I can package the method Janelle uses, but it's contrary to my beliefs. Brown method ( if you read it somewhere below ) hybridizes the various methods and creates a new option for you. If you want, and if enough people concur, I can do brown. It's a day long class if done. Eight people would need to concur?

I must be able to send home a kit with you and a handout, and accomplish this in a given time period without talking too fast. Maybe that's a little limited and specific, but I like to be prepared. I always leave time at the end to accomodate questions.

a telephone tree is a list of questions to quiz callers so that they can better describe the slipcover job to you.

The method that is open wrong side out, cord inserted while pin fitting and raw seams facing you ( Janelle's way ) is in fact the most easy to delegate if cutter is handing off sewing, in it's entirety, to a person at a later time and place. Brown assumes 1/3 of needed sewing already done at time of hand off.

Janelle's way is simply too much bending for me, and I must assume all of you will reach a point perhaps that bending is an issue. I hope you never get to where I am regarding back and knees. Watch me walk, you'll see my concern .

What's the telephone tree?
I have a breaktime topic suggestion. Bring photos or examples of "show" pieces. What goodies would you incorporate in one slipcover to show what you can do? I just bought a darling, petite, old wingback with claw feet, and a little curveback loveseat that I'm going to upholster, put in the front of my shop and then the plan is to make a couple of slipcovers with "pizazz" (hmmm, what will that be?) Also a story board with samples of different styles of skirts, different closure methods. I guess this would fall under the heading of "marketing".
Of course "marketing" is always a good topic for general discussion too!
The customers I get that are deciding between upholstery and slipcovers ask, "is it cheaper to slipcover?" That opens up a discussion on how they are 2 completely different treatments for different needs. What is the customer after? I don't allow the comparison. How do others handle this?
Karen do you have your teachers lined up? Maybe there is something specific to them that would come to us. I still would love a "fit like a glove" class from Jeanelle.
Anything related to the actual workshop experience: time management, phone estimates vrs. in person estimates, fabric selection (how to set it up for the customer's convenience and so you don't have to babysit) Samples of purchase orders, work orders in clearly stated terms. Angie's class in Co was wonderful. In a shop with more than one person, how to delegate work from answering the phone to cutting and sewing.
I also understand the need to present some of the same classes each time, but if you could offer something completely fresh (or an advanced version) for those who have come once or twice to the summit, that would be great. Although... I would come just for the inbetween class discussions. I learned more from hanging out and chatting with the creative, dynamic women that come, and I went home buzzed...ready to take on the world!
Kim

Dede, I can handle that...specifically, that. Jeannie, that's another hour fifteen minute suggestion. How many did I give you, does that make four ?

We can combine like two and two fairly unrelated topics, and make them regular length classes.

Hmm, what were they now....


separating zippers, telephone tree, serging from double on half, and and and there was one more ? What did I say just a couple days ago, Jeannie ?

Okay, then - here's my suggestion:

Serging techniques, using both domestic and industrial sergers. For example: How to serge individual double-on-half pieces without losing your mind. How to get close enough when serging several layers with industrial serger. (Modified feet? Lemme' see em'! Give me a photo so I can PROVE to the mechanic that IT IS POSSIBLE!)Which is preferable at what times: 3-thread? 3/4-thread? 5-thread?

Basically, anything involving a serger as it relates to fabrication. I'm using a tired domestic Babylock right now, but looking to the future (which hopefully includes an industrial).

Hi from Portland....

I am doing a 2 day hands on workshop here. 4 ladies with their sewing machines, and chairs. I wonder what they will bring?

Thanks Kim for sending in your ideas for the Summit in Arizona in June 2006. Any others? Deadline is the 25th. The Slipcover Summit committee will review the ideas and then make a decision.

ditto that

Keeping my fingers crossed for next summer...

Oh, and Karen - have you ever heard that old Mother's Curse? "May you have a child just like you." I had two of 'em.

Wow Karen, that sounds great! I appreciate you trying to keep the cost lower, and the research for the classes. I'm planning to go, for sure - and I'll throw my name into the hat for a room mate. I've got a few other business related ideas I'll email to Jeanie.
Kim

It is official, the Next Slipcover Summit in 2006 will be in Phoenix, AZ
June 21-24...

3 days living, eating and breathing Slipcovers. If you have ideas for classes let us know more... Do appreciate previous insight and it is most definitely noted.Jeannie is in charge of collecting information about workshops ideas. e-mail her at mail@naturalslipcovers.com


Room rates will be $50 per night and there will be 2 queen beds in each room, so if you want to have a roommate that means only $25 per night.


We are hoping to keep class fees including lunch (we don't want you to starve) between $35 and $45. Airline flies into Phoenix, and Southwest has great flights. Super Shuttle from the airport to the hotel.


Oh Dede are your kids really that bad?

always
k with SA

My dear... you underestimate the ability of my daughters to be Really Really Annoying...

we can keep them busy here......

Well... Dearest Hubby is currently employed by a Brand New Software Start-Up = he's never home. So... I shall be accompanied by two charming, well-behaved Young Ladies of Breeding (yeah, right...) who adore the Fine Art of slipcover fabrication (*gag*) and who are soooo looking forward to a fascinating methodological discussion (Lord, they hate this stuff...).

Perhaps a long-distance Grillin' (of burgers), Chillin' (of adult beverages), and Spillin' (of info) is in order?

Fire up the propane! Who has the beer?!

What can brown method do for you ? We can mine the answers to that question at my house at date of your choice. They more the merrier, up to three, let's use indoor space. More than three possible, but we might need the driveway to work. Let me know. Pool, grill, silliness and maybe some useful answers.

Hey Shirley... it ain't you, babe. My brain is too full right now (very limited capacity) to absorb too much. I do like the overlap of The Brown Method, though ("What can Brown do for YOU?" - yeah, caffeine deprivation...)

So... some threads mysteriously disappeared from the "Other Place"? Also, my gorgeous ANIMATED gif of Sherlock Holmes smoking a pipe evaporated (but I think that was actually my fault... didn't pay the user fee for the image).

What was the purpose of this post? Um... can't remember, but...

1. Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol* gets out: ink, pine sap, poison ivy (urushiol) oil. [*common ingredient in most hairspray]
2. Ammonia gets out: chocolate, cooking oil.
3. Hydrogen peroxide gets out: blood.
4. Lestoil gets outs: grease.

And when all else fails... soap scum remover/bathroom cleaner will remove crayon [crayon = oil + wax / soap scum = oil + wax], but may bleach surface - TEST FIRST.

All the above personally tested and approved by moi. I have a very dirty family...

aha! silence...... I didn't get any feedback over THERE either on the Brown stuff ......then I hardly ever do anyway.

This is a timely post, in anyone wants this at the next summit, you will have to say so shortly while the topics for teaching next year are being chosen now.

brown method: briefly, its as follows.....

the outside back is chalked out, cut and cord sewn prior to fitting.

the outside arm is measured, cut, and the cord sewn to the top of it prior to fitting.

the front arm panel, front deck panel or side deck panel, and side arm panel or wing if present is chalked, traced or measured, cut and corded before fitting.

All outside body pieces are measured, traced or chalked before hand, cut and then corded as they would normally be. None are yet joined to one another, that is done after the next step, in pin fitting.

Then center body pieces are cut, shaped by double on half or single on half, inside out or right side out as preferred, cut normally ( for you ) and perhaps even joined to one another was well, before pin fitting to outside body pieces. The one big exception to normal is that the seam allowances where the inside meets the outside are large, say two inches.

Once all this is done, it can be pinned to tighten and finesse, seams FACING you, raw side out, but fabric being RS out or WS out as preferred.

At this point, it's very delegatable sewing. Brown method allows for a sewing cutting team that need not include a sewer who is yet fully skilled, as sewer makes no crucial decisions.

You know I just like it because it combines all the ideas in the different methods.

Tell me more Shirley. I want to know all about the Brown Method

anybody wanna hear about the brown method ? It's all the colors mixed ha ha. Not kidding, it's looking promising to me ( the amusement of it all ).

I remember using lots of hairspray to clean crayon off the walls when the kids were little!
Kim

Kim...

We talked about the oil subject at the Summit....

Someone said that hairspray works for oil, ink, crayon?

Which was it girls...????

There is no wholesale phone number. Just call Deanna, her add is in the Slipcover Press. Call her phone number and let her know you are in business and would like to by fabric wholesale. Tell her you are with the Slipcover Network.

She is going through a lot of changes with her product.

Hope this helps...

always
K with SA

Deanna answers either one, if there's more than one. It's on the sample book......did some one there tell you this ?

Sorry - I need to change the subject...

Does anyone have the WHOLESALE telephone/contact person for Homespun in California?



We now return you to your regularly scheduled blog. Carry on... :)

Ok Shirley I guess I'll keep door #1 (MY kids) and leave you with curtain #2(yours). :)
I tried goo gone on the oil stain, did a pretty good job.
Now I'm going to buy that kind of oil that is supposed to be stain - less!
Kim

Kim, you send your three, I'll send my one, and I'll get the better end of the deal!

Seriously, the oil....someone said hairspray ? It's the solvent in it. Test by putting machine oil on a scrap first, I may have heard this out of context.

Controlled growth is all any of us can tolerate. Eat that whale of an opportunity and it might sit on you.

Well put Shirley! I do agree, especially about relaxing! (Sure you don't want the kids for a visit? A few months or so? :)
One reason I love to do slipcovers is (for me) there is a certain amount of freedom and playfulness. However, I feel my sewing skills could use improvement. Why should I try to reinvent the wheel when I know that there are those of you who know all the tricks and could simply show me! :)

I just got a drop of sewing machine oil on a cotton duck cover darn it!! Before I go messing with it, does anyone know a product to get it out?

Kim

oh dear, Kim, OH DEAR !!!

we can solve some of this stuff, you keep the kids........

Sounds like you are a weee bit overwhelmed, so let me just suggest, we aren't in posession of any mystical answers pertaining to organization either.

I think maybe we could all relax about what is a professional slipcover........

For a few laughs, I can tell you my idea of what it isn't..... it doesn't look way different on the right and left. Unless it is way different of course.

It's sturdy enough for reasonable use by humans. Cannot count on dogs to follow written directions.

It's of the fabric the customer chooses unless we really really really can't stand to do it.

It's the best we can do with the furniture presented without reinventing the furniture presented ( unless paid to reinvent it ). Solutions within our usual particular scope of practice are fine, but we get to choose that scope of practice. Personally I don't patch cigarette holes deeper than three inches and wider than the ice cream bowl I am holding.

It's made by humans ( I think.... ) and it's a crafted item, made one at a time, for the first time each time. There's a couple flaws.

They zip up the back without pulling with a crane. There's copious tuck in, think rivers. The people in the printed pattern are right side up. Ditto for the dogs.

It's tight enough to be custom and loose enough to get cleaned later. We tell'em how to clean it......

They are clean, cheerful, what was asked for, delivered on time, sewed well enough to serve and protect, and they get better each one we make.

I'm doing as well as that chicken right before Sunday dinner...bawk! (Oh they can't screech with no head can they...)
A very interesting situation was dumped in my lap. Out of the blue I found out that the oldest upholstery shop in town decided to close their doors on April 30. They had employeed 3 full time upholsterers, 3 other workers (cutter, seamstresses). And now the void is to be filled by the "other" oldest shop and...me.
The month of April I spent a lot of time at the closing shop watching how they do things, looking at the shop arrangement, storage, etc. Got to be really good friends with all of them very quickly! They started sending all their business to me and now I'm in the process of renting a real shop (moving out of my garage) and trying to hire at least one of their upholsterers.
I only wish they could have hung on one more month, as I'm trying to move out of my house this month and put it up for sale. It's in shambles and needs quite a bit of handy work! My 3 teen agers are sick of school, sick of life, self destructing all at once. Oy!
I've been getting more and more slipcover jobs (yay!). A lady about 2 hours away found me on my website and is renting a uhaul to bring her living room set to me to cover.

What I would like to see at the next summit? (wish I'd gone to this year's!):
1) Professional slipcovers start to finish. Not pinning technique - how to manufacture...serging, where to put closures, how to put them in and finish them out ( like the top and bottom of the zipper) How to line or hem - you know to make it a really nicely made sturdy cover that does not look homemade on the inside. Does that make sense?
2)Portfolio, website, advertising help. I've seen poloroids tacked to the wall and binders of photos on the counter - any other ideas to guide the customer to pick from the styles you want to make?
3)Workshop organization- more! I want more!
4)Useful forms and how and when to use them. Estimate, Purchase order,inventory, calendars etc.
5)A million pictures of slipcovers
6)A hands on class. One I would like is making decks on several types of chairs. The crotch areas leading to the tuck in areas are what I struggle with on every piece - and they are all different!
7)A survey of how labor time. I don't know if you've done this already but my upholsterers board has it all broken down in time increments from removing the dust cover to replacing burlap to putting on the skirt. It's a great guide when trying to bid a job.
8)A "fits like a glove" slipcover class. I missed Janelles and would really like to see how she does it. Especially her tips: for example putting velcro on the bottom of the chair to snug and attach the unskirted slipcover.

Ok that's my wish list so far! Aren't you glad you asked? :)
Happy Mother's Day everyone!
Kim

The Slipcover Network Forum

Kim I am so glad you have joined us. So how are you?

If I had three wishes for things to learn at the Slipcover Summit in Phoenix 2006.....?????

1)I want ideas for embellishing slipcovers

2)I want to find new ways to market my business,so I will make lots of money

3) I want to learn how to sew slipcovers fast but with quality.

K with SA

3)

pretend that you are absolutely certain you are coming to the next Summit ( june 2006 ) that you KNOW for sure that the Summit is designed for you personally, and that you have your genie offering you three wishes.

what do you most want ?

Yes, but... who are you REALLY??!! :D

I'm in!!!! Woohoo!!! Thank you Karen!
Kimel aka Kim, kimsupholsteryshop.com

The Slipcover Network Forum

Yes, we did miss all of you. Hope you can make it next year in Phoenix,AZ.

The greatest news, we now have a Slipcover Summit Board of Directors, and this means there is a group organizing the event instead of a few people. It is a very time consuming task to organize an annual event such as this. 5 years into this Annual retreat, we keep moving ahead.

Plan now.... Save your $$....

We had 3 scholarship awardees, we have a scholarship fund available for folks who never have attend a Summit. Happy to announce more about this later.

I am in Arizona doing 2 days with Claudia at the Sun Festival and then home. Finally home, after talking about slipcovers for almost 3 weeks.

Education is the key... Remember all of us educate the public about slipcovers.

Bye for now
K with SA

We missed all of you who were unable to attend this year’s Slipcover Summit in Tampa. It was an awesome opportunity to learn some new techniques and learn from each other the many different ways to do things.

Next year’s Slipcover Summit will be in June in Phoenix, and even though it is more than a year away we want to start planning for it now. The workshops that are offered are determined by what you, as slipcover professionals and as those who are new to slipcovering, want to learn. You may have heard of some of the classes that were offered this year. A few of the topics covered included cutting double on half, using zippers and other closures, taking better photographs, the business of slipcovering, cushion fillings, washing fabric, covering a headboard.

So, please let us know if there is any topic that you would like to see offered next year in Phoenix. Just post your suggestions here so that other people can benefit from reading your great ideas and start thinking of what they would like to see offered.

Or email me: mail@naturalslipcovers.com

Jeannie

so happy to have gone to the summit and seen everyone, but darn! I was too spacey to think to get pictures ~

I want to put togther a scrapbook for Judit and I, if anyone would be kind enough to share some pictures with me.

Looking forward to the next one, and boy the topics are popping up like weeds. How many can we have ?

Suggestions: lining slipcovers. telephone estimates ( question tree ).

*sigh*

Heading North for the Summit! Talk about cushions! Down here in South America there is nothing soft and comfy. They use a lot of cotton or fill with no loft, every thing is lumpy here. I'm leaving Uruguay at 5:50 today and sit in Buenos Aries for 5 hours and then fly a 9hr 45min flight to Mami.. I'm looking forward to the summit as well as getting home to the US. Everyone have a save trip to FL.
Claudia

here in Baton Rouge, headed for St Pete, see everyone wednesday at four~ish.

so excited now I am hardly stand it. Makes all my brain cells fire and once ( not like my hand writes that fast either ).

bring every single problem, disappointment or curiosity you ever had about a slipcover.

this is the place THE SUMMIT !!!!! YAY !!!!!!!!

click on http://www.slipcoveramerica.com if you don't know about it yet.

bring it to attention as soon as you arrive, heck, bring IT. Problems are our children, they only need reassessing. Bring it right at the beginning, don't be shy.

Shirley, they only held rooms for us at the discount rate until 21 Mar. I have a room reserved in my name just in case it was needed. Claudia is sharing with me on Wed nite and Shannon Williams on Sat. nite. If someone else needs a room, I think we will be ok. Told seamsXclusive she could have my bed on Fri/Sat nite. If anyone else needs space, hopefully we can work it out. I do believe that the hotel has sold out of space or is almost at that point. Also, any rooms that can be got now, will be at a much higher rate.

what is the room situation, are there still suites available ?


various people are looking share, maybe a whole new bigger room will work ?

Karen - I really, really appreciate you finding a photo with me in it, then going to the trouble of cropping me out of it. Unfortunately, you didn't have much to work with...

I'll see what I can find around here. Sadly, what I have isn't any better. :(

Anyway, thanks again. And sorry to have put you to all that trouble.

Dede

Dede it is the best photo I have, as I went through all photos taken of you at the last two events. I had to crop you out of photos with other people.

If you can get another photo to me I am happy to put it in for the next issue.

By the way, think of something to write about. You are starting to be a regular.

Yeah I think the Press looks the best ever. In color and a lot of good information from everyone. That is what the Slipcover Press is all about.

Now if we could just get a few more advertisers... That would be great!....

Received the Spring 2005 issue of "Slipcover Press" - wow! Looks good! (we are all soooo talented). *grin*


Oh, and Karen - if that's the best photo you have of me... I think I'd better find you a new one... Actually, that's a NORMAL photo; I want a GOOD one (with airbrushing - LOTS of airbrushing).

"Mr. DeMille..."

my answers would be how to cut it out ( with scissors ) not how to treat stains. I always make a bigger mess tryin' removers. Don't you ?

Morning Walk on the Beach instead of YOGI at the Summit

I think that is a good idea... Will you organize that Jeannie?????

K with SA

Other Emergency helps to be discussed at Saturday lunch at the Summit

What to do about ink magically appearing on fabric?

What to do about sewing machine oil on the stitch line of silk?

Submitted by Jeannie....

aha! Using my usual circular answers............a washed fabric would give you more wiggle room so that this kind of promise wouldn't fail.

A reason to offer to wash first, if of course the fabric could in fact be washed and look better or at least acceptable. More elastic that way, more forgiving.

As to fixing it once done, I have done did this myself, and it cost me $625 bucks and a friendship.

Mucho better to avoid offering, or to specify narrowly.

I have had this happen to me once and only once.

Personally I want to see the chairs, identical? Ha...

What we know is even if they are a pair, they may not have been made at the same time. So what do you do after the fact?

wording the initial agreement as " I am making two slipcovers for THIS chair: whether or not these covers fit another chair is your responsibility. Have a source for additional fabric, and know that another slip is an additional cost".

Not that I write anything, but I do let them know, I haven't seen it, I am not responsible.

There's no easy fix if the absent one is bigger or different. Easier to make another new one.

We will be having a discussion topic on Saturday at the Summit Emergency Trouble Shooting, looking for ideas to discuss and results to share...

Here is Kim's from Portland

Emergencies
Making two slips for "supposedly" identical chairs... the second chair was
unavailable to me until installation. And (duh) they were NOT identical.

I have more... let me think....

oh, guys... I'm crying here... *sob*

We can send Summit photos to the blog about what went on each day....

Is there a way to send photos to this blog? I haven't spent much time to figure that out, but I am sure there is a way?

We can write her everyday from the slipcovernetwork blogger, just like the reporters do when they are on the road

we need all our lunatics, it just doesn't work without DEDE !

Where does the time go....??????

I had 3 weeks to get everything together and now I am looking at being gone for 3 weeks, and the printer is pulling its stuff while I am trying to print out the Slipcover Press.............

YEOW....

I only want to sew....................
K with SA

Dede, yes you would include all the extras besides the labor in your quote.

I give them the whole price and then if they want a break down I supply that.

What they want to know is the whole price. But if they are concerned about pricing, I am happy :) (not really) to point out where we could save them a little money.

Hope this helps.
always
K with SA

The Slipcover Network Forum

Duh... I didn't say that right. Let me try again:

When you charge for an insert, fabricated from various components (foam, feather/down, wrap, lightweight canvas or twill, zipper, thread, etc.), I am assuming that your quote INCLUDES the cost of all components AND labor - you're charging for an "insert" and providing a quote for an "insert" NOT "fabric, materials, and labor reqired for insert". Am I correct in assuming this? (phew!)

I really must stop posting before caffeine ingestion.

Dede (who really, REALLY wants to come...) *sniff*

Hey Dede...

The prices on the pricing summary are labor only...

If a client wants something beyond sewing then one needs to charge accordingly.

How's that?

Wish you were coming to the Summit. We will miss you soooooooooo much

always
K with SA

Re: "CUSHION INSERTS" from 2004 Slipcover Pricelist Summary

Is price listed for LABOR ONLY to fabricate a finished insert [foam (with or without feather/down topper), wrap, stitched or zippered casing]? If a feather/down topper (a la' Alicia) IS ordered with the insert, is that an additional labor cost? (I'm assuming "yes" but just checking.)

Many, many thanks again to Karen for establishing a consistent national pricing structure, and to all the volunteers who made it possible.

Dede

Have fun at the Summit, everyone... *sob*

home again getting ready furiously. Anyone have washed fabric that really turned out bad ? Email me !! slipcoverlady@junoc.om

Shirley you must be back home. How was your vacation?

Slipcover Summit on ebay? Have there been any hits?

always
K with SA

put our SUMMIT info on EBAY. Check out item # 818 309 3226


another silly idea, and a waste of $11.20, but I had fun doing it.


never let it be said I didn't try everything once.

Tessy I can't believe that you will be attending.

That is so great! Are you all staying at the hotel with us?

always
K with SA

I am making plans to head to the Summit!!!! Yeah!!!!
Can't wait for the classes and to meet yuns all.
I am going with my Mom and my kids.

Hope to finalize everything tomorrow morning.

putting together samples for washables clas. Please contact me if you have suggestions.

Also making samples of tricks, send suggestions. slipcoverlady@juno.com

Slipcover Summit

Less than 1 month. Roommates are still available to share rooms. So get your registrations in by going to www.slipcoveramerica.com then click on the Summit to read about classes.

always
K with SA

Hi Karen,

Did you get my email from a couple of weeks ago? I sent it to you in reply, to your aol address. It was an outline for an organic fabric article. If all goes as planned the finished article will be done by the end of the weekend. What email address should I send it to? Can I use photos? Any speciall formatting for the photos?

I see a note here where you asked me about Evotex. Since you actually had the chance to meet the staff, you doing an article on them might be a good idea for next time. I really liked their friendly staff. I don't know what to think about Hemp Traders, though. They were late on sending me samples and a little abrupt on the phone (but check out their line of Mary Jane dresses in their catalog--!!!). Some more tongue-in-cheek advertizing is seen at THC aka Toronto Hemp Company (torontothemp.com)

Jeannie

If I can write article before I leave on the 22nd, I will. Otherwise I CAN send eve of 22nd. I am crazy behind.

Judet and I are drinving to the summit, stopping at every yarn store along the way!

Articles for the Slipcover Press...

Please let me know when you will be emailing your articles to be published in the Slipcover Press.... They are sooo appreciated...

Dede, Shirley, Jeanne and Angie

always
K

Hi All...

Donna and I are in Cleveland doing a sewing show here. Cold...

We are so busy here. You know how shows are. Hurry to get to the show floor daily and then dead on our feet when we go back to our room.

Someone asked me the other day about Atlanta Window Show. We as Slipcover Network are not doing it. I did not get the response I needed from those living in that part of the country. So we are passing this year.

Shirley, now why in the world will you be going through Baton Rouge in April?

always
K

wow, was so weird to get the blogger dashboard to let me post. I had to click around to find the secret!

driving from Baton Rouge to summit in St. Pete. Fla, anyone need picking up along the way ?

I want to introduce Project Regina.

Project Regina in Minneapolis, MN is a non-profit, nine-month-long training program offering immigrants and refugees industrial sewing skills and training in employment-specific English. One of their programs teaches slipcover construction. Instructors are themselves alumnae of the program, which in 2003 graduated 15 students from an entering class of 22. Most students are female, and increasingly hail from East Africa. The project also helps graduates find employment in the industry.

I will be speaking with Terry Forkin, Program Manager, on Monday for information specific to Project Regina's slipcover program.

Karen, I'll see if they're interested in appearing in our esteemed publication. :)

Karen - if by "Dee" you mean me, I'll finish up the thread research and put it the form of an article.

Dede (in need of Spring, or something green - but not moldy)