Seat Covers - Online Slipcover Class

Collen decided to take the Online Dining Chairs Class. Below is her chair and the reversible seat cover that she made.

Beautiful

Colleen Lang <clang@postcentral.com>

Help - I Want New Fabrics to USE for Slipcovers!

I'm getting bored of my slipcover fabrics. So, I'm looking for some new ideas of fabrics to use for slipcovers. Most of my customers choose from my Carr Textiles selection (nice prices) or occasionally one of the other organic cottons/hemps I carry.

I have accounts with, and a few favorite slipcover fabrics from, J. Ennis, Kravet, Robert Allen, Artmark and Kasmir but since most of these companies specialize in pricey upholstery or drapery fabric it seems to me I have lots of books and nothing I want to sell.

Maybe I just have the end of winter blahs (or here in NC the beginning of summer blahs).
Anyone have a good source of textures like matelisse or anything else interesting?

Jeannie

http://www.naturalslipcovers.com/

We Talked to Karen Barnes Today

I talked with Karen Barnes today from The Elegant Window in Gilbert, AZ...

Why not take a few moments and listen to Home Fashions U Blog Talk Radio

http://homefashionsu.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/03/the-elegant-window-on-blog-talk-radio-.html

Scholarship Deadline is April 1st.....

Bernice and Jeannie at Dinner during 2008 Slipcover Summit

Slipcover Summit Scholarship Deadline is April 1st if you are planning on attending the Slipcover Summit and would like some assistance in the cost to attend.

If you are sending in your application via snail mail let us know.
Go to http://www.slipcoveramerica.com/scholarships09.html

Thanks Karen Erickson
www.slipcovernetwork.com

"Slipcovers Pros" Wanted in Atlanta

Looking for volunteers to setup, take down, cut a slipcover in the Construction Zone and talk about Slipcovers in the Slipcover Network booth at IWCE May 13-16th, 2009 in Atalanta.

Benefits in Being at the Expo

Meet designers, workrooms and others to pass out your business information
FREE Pass onto the show floor each day.

Help others learn about the Slipcover Summit 2009

NETWORK - NETWORK - NETWORK TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS
Please contact Karen ASAP at 800-267-4958 if you can help.
I need to let the show know of our attendance.

4 people would be helpful.

Home Decor Sewing Instructor Training Program

Take Training on Aug 8-10th

The Home Decor Sewing Instructor (HDSI) program does not teach you how to sew. It provides business training - specific to the home décor sewing industry-to help current sewing instructors, educators and businesses to succeed.

Graduates of HDSI course leave with practical knowledge and a sense of confidence to begin and expand their education portfolio. Many graduates may go on to start home-based businesses, to teach part or full-time in retail stores, or start sewing schools and sewing lounges.

http://community.icontact.com/p/slipcovernetwork/newsletters/newsflash/posts/home-decor-sewing-instructor-training

Listen to Slipcover Winners on HFU Blog Talk Radio

We talked with Tessy

and Therese today on HomeFashionsU BlogTalkRadio...

We had a super time together.

See more about the Contest at the Slipcover Network click here

click here to listen to blog talk radio

Little Black Slip

Have you seen Angie's blog?

http://slipcoverdiva.blogspot.com/

Slipcovers and Home Fashions by Jeanne

Jeanne Liberkowski

Slipcovers and Home Fashions

by Jeanne, LLC

(407) 856-7415

http://www.slipcoversandhomefashions.com

Look at This Website ! Celia Oliver

Celia came to the Slipcover Summit in Boston. Wow look at her NEW website!

http://www.celiayoliver.com/

IWC Expo in Atlanta in May

Pam Damour who will be organizing the Construction Zone would like to have Slipcovers being cut and sewn on the show floor.

Is anyone available to help and talk about the Slipcover Network at this show?

I cannot be there.

Let me know ASAP

Karen
slipcovernetwork@gmail.com

Looking for Fabrics!

I am having a very hard time finding washable fabric for slipcovers. Right now I am looking for off-white cotton, linen, or hemp with textured slubs. Can anyone you help me?

Susan Burns
Custom Cottage Slipcovers
Customcottageslipcovers.com

Slipcovering in San Diego

Can anyone help?

I just had a request to make a slipcover for a large couch. It is a perfect candidate for slipcovers. The problem is, she lives in San Diego, CA and I live in Chicago. I told her that I would not be able to do this long distance, but I would try to find someone near her. I am contacting you to see if you know any one in the San Diego area that does slipcovers.

Thanks!!

Tamara Roberts
Maywood Designs
Yorkville, IL 60560
maywooddesigns@hotmail.com

Silk Film as Demonstrated at Slipcover Summit 2009

Use silk film with your shop vac to quickly draw down foam to manageable size for stuffing into the cushion cover.

To the trade: Sunshine Foam Rubber Co. 1-800-688-7648 Ask for Brian Weaver and mention the Slipcover Summit.

Another source: Active Foam Products, Inc. 1-800-728-4567 Ask for Dennis Stanczack and mention Slipcover Summit.

Workroom Buttons

Workroom Buttons has some great ideas for embellishing Slipcovers. Dede will be doing a workshop about buttons and more at the Slipcover Summit June 24-26th in Seattle.

Designs by Mara

Designs by Mara Inc
Mara is our host for the Slipcover Summit 2009
in Seattle, Washington

Laura Nelson, owner of Sew Nice Custom Window Treatments and More

Nice article in the Sunday paper about Laura Nelson's statehouse job!
http://www.jconline.com/article/20090208/BUSINESS/902080335

Slipcover Design Contest for 2009

Slipcover Design Contest. It's time to begin.............

Therese Davis in class at Vogue Fabrics

You could win 1st place and classes at the Next Slipcover Summit in 2010!

click here for the 2009 Brochure

click here for the application to enter

Kim Needs Our Input.... Help

How to make a cushion to allow for the open shutters?

We decided to make a center cushion and then 2 bolsters. The picture with the shutters open doesn't show clearly - but with them open, the bolsters either have to sit over the edge of the seat, or sit on either side of the center cushion.



It's an ok solution BUT the bolsters don't really go with the mid century modern style of the rest of the furniture (The Knoll sofa is slipcovered!)

Initially I made them with no buttons to create a geometric look, but she didn't like that...

I added the buttons and that was better, but really she just doesn't like bolsters.

Can anyone see a creative solution for 2 side cushions that can be placed in a presentable and functional manner with the shutters open?

The center cushion must be used - can't start over from scratch.

BlogTalkRadio Share Show Widget

Making a Slipcover from an Old Slipcover

Hello!

I attended the Slipcover Summit last June and could really use your expert opinion in this situation! I am making 2 slipcovers long distance and so do not have the chair. The customer wanted me to make the covers from an existing old cover, so she sent it to me and I took it apart and made patterns from it.

The problem is that the outside back is about 3/4 of an inch shorter than the sides which is causing me grief in inserting the zipper. The keyholes match up with the front of the outside arms and deck perfectly. The actual back pattern piece is correct too. Would it be ok to trim the outside arm 3/4 of an inch shorter where it meets the zipper and taper it to the halfway point of the outside arm piece along the bottom edge?

I realize the old pieces have probably stretched a bit out of shape, so that my patterns are not perfect. The crazy thing is that I can stretch the pieces enough to make the seams match on the left back where there is no zipper, but cannot do so on the right side with the zipper.

Any help would be appreciated.Sincerely, Jenise LeMaySew L'eMayzing www.sewlemayzingwindows.com

Motor Home Makeover

Wow look what Burgundi ThureOckes has done to the inside of a motor home.

Is this fun or what?

Write her if you'd like to know more about the fabrics that she used.

b.sewrose@yahoo.com

Slipcover Network

How to Put On a Slipcover

slipcovers vs re-upholstery

Uploaded on authorSTREAM by HomeFashionU

Southern Living Magazine

Look who's work is in the January issue of Southern Living, why it is our own Kendrah.... from Savannah. We love Them!

Cover in Style
Pages 58-60: Slipcovers by Kendrah White Galassi, Savannah, Georgia, www.savvysewing.com or (912) 695-5667; design by Jane Coslick, Jane Coslick Designs & Restorations, Savannah, www.janecoslick.com or (912) 354-8602. For information on Diane Kaufman’s vacation rental cottages in Tybee Island, Georgia, contact Mermaid Cottages, www.mermaidcottages.com or (912) 313-0784.

10th Anniverary Calendar is Ready.....

Our Calendar is ready and 4 Sale....You are going to Love it, if you love Slipcovers

6 winners from 2007-08

12 slipcovers artistic professionals showing their slipcovers.

Calendar is available, plus note cards and post cards.

All proceeds go toward the scholarship we are giving to attend the Slipcover Summit in Seattle.

Right now we can only afford to give 1 scholarship, but if we earn enough from calendar sales we may be able to award another scholarship.

here is the link to cafe press: http://www.cafepress.com/SlipcoverNetwrk.344651608

Amy Walker and Penny....Coming to Texas in February.

I am looking for Amy Walker and Penny who live in Austin.

I will be in Dallas around Valentines but would love to do a workshop in Austin for Slipcovers.

Amy or Penny is that possible?

Let me know

Karen
slipcovernetwork@gmail.com

Happy Holidays to Everyone

Please go to the Slipcover Network blog and view my holiday greeting to you...

It's time to party.............

Snow bound

always
Karen with Slipcover America...............

Slipcover Network

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Slipcover Network Directory

Slipcover Network Directory is being updated. http://www.slipcovernetwork.com/

If you currently have a listing on the Directory page of the Slipcover Network website, you may now have a small image of your slipcover posted there.

Send us your photo and your membership renewal.

slipcovernetwork@gmail.com

Thanks

Karen

Slipcover Book of the Month

Slipcover Style: Easy-To-Make Covers for
Chairs, Sofas, Bed and Tables

Revitalize home decor with 26 easy-to-make projects- Create classic and contemporary slipcovers for chairs, sofas, beds, and tables - Presents clear step-by-step instructions and illustrations.

Why not complete your library of Slipcover Books.

Consider ordering at a reduced rate from eCampus.com

click here to search for this book and others

Slipcover Summit Host Hotel will be

Embassy Suites is our host hotel. We will be spending the days at Designs by Mara Studio and Workroom and by night sleeping in a wonderful hotel.

Plan to share your room with one or 2 people... Every room is a Suite...

Breakfast is included in the price of the room.... Cocktails are included at the end of the day also.

Plus there is a shuttle that can take us back and forth to the Slipcover Summit.

Our special dinner (Thursday night) will be in Edmonds on the waterfront.

Take the tour of the hotel... here is the link http://embassysuites1.hilton.com/en_US/es/hotel/SEALWES-Embassy-Suites-Seattle-North-Lynnwood-Washington/photoGallery.do

Slipcover Summit..2009 Seattle Washington

Plan to arrive early or stay a day longer









Downtown Seattle









This is the Edmonds Ferry


Acutally we will be in Montlake Terrace... just North of Seattle...

Slipcover Summit 2008 ...

New Slipcovers from Kathy

before

after

Kathy Phillips

Seattle, HERE WE COME!

I'm getting really excited about the 2009 Slipcover Summit!

I'll be repeating the skirt class, but with more time for class samples and discussion. My new button class offers TONS of different ways you can add buttons to slipcovers, and the fun, crafty things you can do with them ("thank you" gifts for clients, raffle donations to promote your business, etc.). Class samples galore to take home, along with source lists for materials - nothing held back!

*happy dance*

Call for Class Proposals for Slipcover Summit 2009

Call for Class Proposals for Slipcover Summit 2009

Now it is time to submit your ideas for classes for the Slipcover Summit 2009 which will be in Seattle, Washington.The Summit will be held at Designs by Mara in Mount Lake Terrace not far from downtown Seattle.

If you have an idea for a class, or would like to teach a class you submit include that in your proposal to slipcovernetwork@gmail.com .

All ideas and proposals must be submitted before August 25, 2008.

Proposals will be voted upon, and decided by mid-September.

3rd Place Winner: Slipcover Network Design Contest 2008

The 3rd place winner was Julie Van Ormer
from Dimebox Designs in Scottsdale, AZ.

2nd Place Winner: Slipcover Design Contest 2008

The 2nd place winner was Laura Nelson
from Sew Nice in West Lafayette, IN.

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