DYI shows I agree do not truely go into the reality of what it is like to sew a slipcover. But do you realize this is our opportunity to educate the general public about slipcovers.

When I teach at the sewing shows around the country folks then realize if they really don't know how to sew trying to tackle sewing their own slipcover is not something they want to do. So that is where we pros come into the picture.

Educating the public is on going.

Karen

if it's any consolation ( and it shouldn't be, your critism is right on the money ( ha ha ).............

no labor is ever mentioned on that show, no labor is mentioned specifically on any of those shows ( not even addresses or states for the locations)

the difficulty is respresented as do it yourself level on other programs, which is even worse than not mentioning price.....

but what they try to do is get a dream under your craw that you just cannot ignore.

If price was stated, some people may dismiss it outright ( if they knew " sewing " costs as much as your accountant charges you, it's professional. ). They would not be our clients anyway.

The nugget of value is exposure, and it sure is skewed to gettin' up hopes it's cheap and simple, eh ?

Pointless vent to follow...

Just finished watching an episode of "Decorating Cents" on HGTV, in which a decorator does her mother's apartment living room ("for under $500").

(Imagine Mrs. Sofa Owner, who is watching this episode and thinking... "Hmm...")

Well, the decorator liked the style of her mom's couch, but not the color. Surprise! A custom slipcover (plus throw pillows) instantly appears in an interesting mix of color and texture (decorator points out the $50/yd fabric used sparingly here, less expensive fabric there, etc.) "for just $299". Yeah, $299. COM fabric only - $299. The fact that there even WAS a labor cost was not even mentioned. And if the decorator bought the fabric wholesale, even MORE unrealistic misinformation, since Mrs. Sofa Owner will be paying retail.

So, Mrs. Sofa Owner sees the episode and starts calling slipcover workrooms on Monday, looking for an "inexpensive way to freshen the look of her sofa." And is floored. "But... it's just a slipcover! It's not supposed to cost that much! "

[/vent]

Debbie Philipps (of Fredericksburg, TX) and her home and workroom - Simple Slips - are the featured cover story of Country Living for March 2005! Check out her work with vintage and linen fabrics - just beautiful!

Note: Debbie's been busy - see also...

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_fabrics_slipcovers/article/0,1793,HGTV_3391_1394968,00.html

http://64.233.161.104/search?q=cache:yKdQ0El6vfUJ:magazines.ivillage.com/victoria/print/0,,367606,00.html++%22simple+slips%22+slipcovers&hl=en&ie=UTF-8%20target=nw


(Sorry about the coding, still having trouble - you'll have to cut 'n paste the addresses)

Oh, and I guess Dennis is paying me back for the photo I got of him! (At least the zipper matched my pants!)

Jeannie

I just got the info and fabric samples on the Mitchell Company organic cottons. Their email is fabricsales@organic-cotton.com. The phone number is 800 870 5312. They are only open Tues, Wed., and Thurs. and Mabel is the only person in the office.

She said that no chemicals are used in the processing of the fabric. Some of the samples are jacquard weave and one, a med. large paisley is really incredible--the outlines of the paisleies are raised and woven in tan. These nicer ones are $8.65 for $50 yards but the rest are closer to $5.00 ($1.00 more for cut yardage). Some are definitely too light for slipcovers.

I'll order some samples to test.

New business: Jean Hutchins Chemical Glues and Toxic Fabric Lint Upholstery and Natural Slipcovers, Inc.

Re: http://www.slipcoveramerica.com/summit2005.html (2004 Summit movie clip)

Gee... thanks A LOT! :D "Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close up." NOT! :D :D :D

Very nicely done, actually - except for that shot of me struggling on Alicia's machine...

Slipcover Summit Scholarships

Have you been thinking about attending the Slipcover Summit April 21-24 in sunny St. Petersburg FL but don't think you can afford it? Well think again!

As chairperson of the Scholarship committee, I am excited to announce that Slipcover Network will be awarding 4 (yes that's four) $250 scholarships to be applied toward class fees. This is possible due to several generous donors (who wish to remain anonymous (sp).

Details of the application process are currently being worked out and should be available soon. If you are interested and wish more information write Angie at slipitonme@aol.com.

Has anyone read about the Scholarhship to the Slipcover Summit? Several of the instructors have put together an opportunity for scholarhships to the Summit in Flordia.

Wow I know this will really help...

Thanks

Yeah Jeanne...

I am excited to learn more about this cotton, as I too will add it to my list of organic cottons. So let us know when you hear from them

Thanks, Jeannie. Too bad they don't post fabric weights on the site - I guess samples are the way to go, then.

http://www.organic-cotton.com/

This link brings up a page under the name of Earth Stone Fabrics and it says "Mitchell Company's.

I think this is the same as the Mitchell Company here in NC that is supposed to call me back tomorrow.

Jeannie, I found the following information from the Organic Cotton Directory:

"Mitchell Fabrics is a retail and wholesale business that caters to the general public as well as the wholesale market. We provide over 30 different organic fabrics as well as organic throws. We also provide conventional fabrics such as Hoffman, Moda, Waverly and Wellington Sears to a growing worldwide market."

Unfortunately, the link provided doesn't work. Did you find one that does?

Dede

I found a site that linked to the Mitchell Fabrics organics. Finally! Good prices $5.00-$7.00 yard range for 50 yds ($1.00 more for cut). This looks like the source for some of the nearseanaturals.com and moonbath.com's fabrics. When they call me back I'll see what I can find out. 1. Definition of organic, 2. How chemical free, 3. Presence of sizing or finishing, 4. Source of fabric, 5. Dying 6.Anything else?

Jeanne...

Many folks will not have time to check out the same resources. I have to tell you I have found many, many organic cotton sites. All have different pricing. I am still looking for a better rate, writing for samples, and then after I get samples I ask if they will sell to me at wholesale. Many are willing to.

www.hempertrader.com is willing to, so that means I can still have afforadable pricing for a great fabric.

Yes, you can offer washable service, that is important. Some charge anywhere from $5 to $10 a yard to wash. Do keep that in mind.

always
K

So now I'm hooked on checking 2 forums....
Tell me this: what good does it do me to find sources of (organic or ?) fabric on the web, if a customer can do just as well? I suppose I could offer a washing service using my organic (hopefully not too organic), non-chlorinated well water.

I have a call in to Mitchell Fabrics here in NC re their organic line. (Their web site doesn't function) Maybe it's gone overseas...

Hi Shirley--what I did is highlight what I wanted to copy in the blog and then pasted it in a new word document in the "correct " order. (is that what you were asking me?)

must be hard to sell fabric where all those outlets are.................. Jeaniie, Word Documents ? You can get this over there ?

you'll find " greenies" in numbers at the alergy doctor's.

All this talk about organic, "green" fabrics got me thinking. Maybe this is the kind of fabric niche I can use to compete with the $7/yard store (with GREAT fabric) just down the road. I've cut and pasted the posts with the links to environmently friendly fabrics so I can read them logically and I'll try to do some more research for everyone in the next week or 2 .


(Every time I check out this blog while it is on the forum site I get overwhelmed by trying to follow things backwards. Now I just stick them in a word document if its something I want to follow.)

Jeannie

Not to devolve into politics, but I think liberal views are being questioned this year. There's enough work for anyone who believes this to be true. Enough friendship to be had for anyone who looks, believing there's plenty to find. The pie grows, it doesn't get cut into smaller and smaller slices. You learn more teaching than you do sittin' home alone.


We all have plenty. Share it, and we'll see where we all go from here.