"How many repeats do we need?"
April, 2018
pleated inset PILLOW flange large repeat YARDAGE calculation drapery LINING with bead weight hem seven ways to keep your BUSINESS strong real WORKROOM tour: the funky little chair what's HOT and what's NOT in 2018 slipcover WATERFALL skirt and more! E
Pillow with Pleated Inset Flange by Susan Woodcock
Scroll to read full article This pillow features an inset flange, which is placed on the front of the pillow, instead of being sewn in the seam on the outside edges. The center pleat adds a beautiful detail, but it’s also a workroom secret: fullness added to the flange for pleating makes it easier to sew perfect corners! Welt cord is only used on the front, next to the flange. You might want to add welt cord to the outer edges as well. This method can be used for both knife-edge and boxed pillows and can be altered to have a smaller or larger size flange; a flange with no pleats; or a flange with additional pleats. The pillow below has extra pleats added to the flange. One of the steps to completing this pillow is to use a "stitch in the ditch" foot on the industrial sewing machine. You can see a short video below of how to "stitch in the ditch." Visit the Home Dec Gal Blog to download complete how-to instructions for making these beautiful pillows. Susan Woodcock has been a workroom professional for over 25 years, offering sewing and design expertise to-the-trade, sharing her passion through HomeDecGal.com. She's the author of Singer® Sewing Custom Curtains, Shades and Top Treatments and an instructor on Craftsy.com. Together with her husband,Rodger Walker, Susan co-produces the Custom Workroom Conference, an annual educational event and trade show. Her latest venture is Custom Workroom Technical Center, a hands-on training facility in Tryon, North Carolina.
Scroll to read full article Large pattern repeat, multiple box cushions, and a "particular" client. You’ve hit the trifecta for challenging yardage calculations. Watch the video below as Fran Fox and Jeanelle Dech work through this dilemma to determine the correct yardage for the project. They’re so good, they actually solved the problem twice – to account for two different design solutions! Scroll through the slide show below to see the beautiful workmanship in these perfectly matched cushions: Fran Fox was born and educated in Manchester, England. After moving to the US in 1989, she trained at the Custom Home Furnishing Academy in preparation for running her own professional workroom. Fran received the Slipcover of the Year Award in 2012 and previously served as Vice President of NJ chapter of the WCAA. She currently owns and operates a thriving business in Princeton NJ, working with homeowners and professional design teams.
Yardage Calculation & Pattern Matching with Fran Fox and Jeanelle Dech
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Evolution of a Drapery Designer, Part 1 by Judy Soccio
Scroll to read full article I call my in-home design studio a design incubator. For clients, that means a place they can come for window treatment ideas, to learn about the importance of interlining, or the various ways trim can complement and complete a window treatment. In a nutshell, they discover how we can help them turn their house into a gracious home. For the past 25 years, my home has served as my personal design incubator - a place where I could indulge my decorating fancies and hone my fabrication skills. As a child, I learned to sew and made my share of doll dresses and clothes for myself. My first foray into interior decorating was at the age of 16 when I created pillows and bathroom window curtains out of terrycloth towels and washcloths. I even made shower curtains out of 2 large beach towels sewn together. From that point on I personalized each apartment or house I lived in, starting with sewing curtains from my parents’ repurposed floral living room drapes. These were used to cover the ugly brown blackout drapes in my college dorm. My professional evolution began in earnest when we bought our big old house with 10 ft ceilings and 7 ft tall windows. Our house was built in 1852, and I wanted period-appropriate window treatments. In 1993, the year we bought our house, the general impression of historic window treatments was ruffles, bullion fringe, gathered headers, and red velvet. To most people at that time, the décor of the entire 64-year Victorian period was reduced to a Wild West dance hall or bordello! I had been reading shelter magazines for years and had a shirt box full of inspiration photos. I was determined to fabricate “Victorian” window treatments to the best of my ability, even if I wasn't sure how to make it happen. Necessity is often the mother of invention - so I invented. I found a beautiful Jay Yang print on sale and bought the bolt. I coordinated this with gold moire and a multi-color stripe which picked up the colors in the print. I wanted different treatments for the three public rooms on the first floor all using these fabrics. The dining room was probably the simplest: floor length gathered panels on either side of the mantel tied back with a self-tie. Then a 2-inch rod wrapped in fabric mounted in front of the tied back panel and a scarf swag of gold moire lined in the stripe draped over the pole. The front parlor treatment was pretty traditional, as well. A single gathered panel tied back on each window with swags and jabots in gold moire. I liked the idea of a contrast lining on these panels which could show when they were tied back. At the time I did not know about interlining so for all the years these treatments were hanging, the sun would shine in each afternoon, showing the striped fabric through the Jay Yang fabric! Fortunately, we usually entertained in this room at night, so my decorating secret was safe! For our back parlor, I discovered a M`Fay pattern for balloon shades and made stationary cloud shades with a double ruffle on the bottom. A side note, the handsome scholar in the photo is now 27 years old. M’Fay’s shade pattern was the first time I realized that fabric could be manipulated to accommodate my vision. I knew then that I could create the valances – even if I had to use unorthodox methods. The valances were moire ironed on to stiff Pellon. The double welt cords along the bottom of the valances were glued to the back of the Pellon. The same process was used on the pointed center “leaf” which was then ironed and glued onto the back of the valance. The back of the valance was a hot mess, but I covered it with lining. Today, I think this would be a relatively easy process using Skirtex or Jo Braxton’s chipboard cornice method, but I was learning. Fast forward to 2014. I had been in business for 14 years, attended CHF conferences, WFCP conferences, was active on the Forum and learned a great deal about window treatments and fabrication methods. By then I had amassed a goodly collection of historic window treatments and literature on traditional fabrication methods. I’d won a few awards for window treatment design and fabrication. My designers recognized me as someone who would come up with a creative solution to a design problem and liked pushing the envelope. My Jay Yang treatments had seen better days. In the ensuing years, my workroom had taken over our living and dining rooms until I was finally able to move into the attic studio my husband had constructed. By then I wanted to refresh these 1st-floor spaces and try my hand at more historically sensitive treatments. M’Fay came to my aid again in the back parlor. I used the Moreland valance paired with a simple cloud shade. This valance, named for Frank Moreland, a curtain maker and upholsterer of the 1800’s, was originally designed by him and therefore was most appropriate for our old house. The pattern calls for mounting on rings, but I wanted a clean line at the top, so I mounted the valances on boards. This time the boards were wrapped and the treatments were lined and interlined. My new living and dining room treatments are also based on historic designs that I discovered in a little booklet of French display cards of the late 1800s. We'll explore these treatments in the next installment. Judy Soccio is an award-winning window treatment specialist. Her company, Judy Soccio Designs, provides in-home consultation and full service design, fabrication and installation of window treatments with an emphasis on the vintage home. Her work has been published in local, trade and national shelter magazines and she has written for Victorian Homes, Arts & Crafts Home and the Revival, WF Visions, and Drapery & Design Professional Magazine. In addition to her daily adventures in the drapery trade, Judy is a frequent presenter at design schools and consumer events where she speaks on a variety of window treatment and self-promotion topics. M'Fay patterns are available at The Workroom Marketplace.
Bead Weight Chain in Drapery Lining by Terri Booser and Rachel Barrera
Scroll to read full article Terri and Rachel have developed a creative method for hemming drapery lining that is beautiful, while improving the form and function of drapery panels. The technique is likely to become the new industry standard. Watch the video below to learn about the numerous benefits of this technique, as well as how to do it. What do you think - new industry standard, or not so much? Click here to cast your vote! Rachel Barrera has been in the custom soft furnishings industry for 14 years. From 2000 to 2016 she owned Shorty’s Window, designing and fabricating window treatments primarily for retail clients. Her passion for her craft and industry is evident through the offices she serves. She has been President of The Houston Area Custom Drapery Association (HACDA) since 2012 and President of the Houston Chapter of The Window Coverings Association of America since 2016. Terri Booser has been in the custom soft furnishings industry for 26 years. From 1990 to 2012 she owned An Interior Stitch, a custom workroom in Wattsburg, PA, catering to long distance design accounts across the country. Terri was very active with the Custom Home Furnishings Academy since 2005 as a conference speaker, Career Professional Instructor, Curriculum Director, and Executive Director; as well as a past partial owner of the CHF Academy, LLC. Terri and Rachel met in 2013 and began collaborating and sharing work shortly after. They combined their businesses to form Sugar & Spice Draperies and Shades, LLC. With their extensive knowledge, experience, and talents, they've created a dynamic duo for design and fabrication of unique and highly crafted window treatments throughout the Metropolitan Houston area.
Our Tuscany Traversing Collection comes with many great features, plus plenty of options to choose from. The collection features 11 embossed metal fascia designs for our manual or Somfy motorized traversing tracks. Your draperies will open and close more easily than with traditional rod and ring combinations through the use of heavy-duty slides and tracks, which now come in four coordinating design colors (Black, White, Antique Bronze Gold, or Silver). Single or double track systems up to 30 feet in length allow for a wide range of drapery styles and can be curved for specialty applications like bay windows. Orion offers nearly 200 different finials, and 35 beautiful Iron Art finishes to complement your traversing system. You can even do your own custom finish. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to create that perfect design! sales@ironartbyorion.com www.ironartbyorion.com 877.476.6278
Scroll to read full article This year I am celebrating 12 years in business. An endeavor that was initially intended to be an extra stream of income became a full-time venture within a little over a year. Like many small business owners, I did not have a written business plan or previous experience in the trade. However, after many costly mistakes, persistence, and feedback from colleagues, I was able to survive the great recession and establish my company. Below are seven ways that I have kept my company growing: 1 - FIRST IMPRESSION MATTERS – I realize that money does not grow on trees and in many cases, it is tight – especially when you are a new company or don’t have much business coming in. But to make money, you have to spend money. You must create a great first impression; even if you have to borrow money from your credit card or pull from your savings, you are investing in your future. Hire someone to help you develop a professional logo. Buy quality business cards, brochures, postcards and any types of marketing materials rather than using the “free” version some printing companies offer. Show that you are established, or at least that you care about quality and details. Worse than spending money you don’t have, is setting up your company to attract the wrong type of clientele. 2 - MUST HAVE A WEBSITE – In today’s day and age a website is imperative to any business whether you are just a “part-timer” or plan on developing a chain of stores in the future. A website is necessary and will work on several fronts: a. it is your electronic brochure and business card to the world b. it is your virtual assistant to explain your services, your hours, and your coverage area to potential clients c. it will increase your ability to be found via SEO (Search Engine Optimization) - how people will find you via online searches. d. it will allow you to showcase testimonials from satisfied clients and photos of recent projects. Like your printed materials, you should hire a professional to do this for you, unless you are a true expert in the field. 3 – NEVER STOP LEARNING – For someone with no previous experience in the trade, I found that attending trade shows, training classes, and online courses was extremely beneficial for my business. There were even times some instructors jokingly asked: “haven’t you attended this class before?” The truth is, the more you learn, the more you want to learn. Plus, as you attend classes and develop relationships with colleagues and suppliers, the likelihood of being referred to quality jobs increases exponentially. 4 – FORGET 9 TO 5 HOURS – So often I hear people say “you are so lucky to have your own business and set your hours.” In theory it is true, but in reality, it is not. I firmly believe that one of the reasons my business is thriving these days is because I am flexible with accommodating my client’s schedules. Some of my commercial accounts only allow installations after regular hours. I have clients with vacation homes that can only meet on weekends, and busy professional clients that are only available at 7 am or after 6 pm. It is your company, and you set the rules. But, the narrower you set your hours, the less likely you are to be presented with new business and opportunities. 5 – USE THE ONLINE WORLD TO YOUR BENEFIT – We all have just 24 hours in a day in which to squeeze as many jobs, family functions, and personal matters as possible. I’ve found many online tools that have helped me become more efficient in managing my days. For instance: a. There is no longer a need to go to the bank to make deposits. Instead, I deposit my checks via smartphone simply by snapping a picture using the bank’s app. Check with your bank to see if they offer such service. b. Gmail for my email needs. Gmail is part of Google, and as such, it is a cloud base service. I can create folders and buy additional storage if necessary. My emails are easily accessed via phone enabling me to respond to clients quickly while on the road. I even have other email addresses forward to my Gmail account to keep everything “in the same bucket.” c. Google Drive is an online storage space for files, documents, and images. You can share files with colleagues and clients, attach photos while writing emails, and organize files for ease of organization. d. Google Calendar is a cloud-based calendar service where you can check and create events and appointments on the go. It works on the phone, tablets, and laptops. You can organize single or recurring events and even color code for easy visualization. e. KickServ is a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software where I have access to my client’s information anywhere there is internet service. KickServ can also create estimates and invoices and even collect payments on your behalf. This product also integrates with Quick Books. It is a paid service, but it is well worth it considering the amount of time it saves me by streaming my processes. 6 – HIRE PROFESSIONALS TO HELP – As a small business it’s common to think that we are saving money by doing everything ourselves. It took me several years to realize how wrong I was. By utilizing my time to perform a job/task I was unfamiliar with, it cost me considerably more than if I had hired a professional in the first place. For example, I used to accumulate the empty boxes and recycle materials from my installs and take them to the town facility every week or so. By doing this, I was using up space at my shop, taking hours to break the boxes down, load the van, and drive to the dump site; and spending money on gas. After much reluctance, I called a disposal services company and learned that they offered twice a month pick-up for $70 monthly. There is no doubt the 6-8 hours previously spent on that task are significantly more profitable now. And I’ve applied the same rationale to several other areas: website, bookkeeping services, graphic design, IT services, and even large installation jobs. 7 – WORD OF MOUTH ON STEROIDS – Word of mouth is still the best type of advertising. However, as the Millennials start becoming more active consumers, they rely more on online reviews to make buying decisions. While a person is likely to share a positive experience with a half dozen friends and family members, your online reviews will be displayed to thousands of potential buyers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Every week I have requests for new work from prospects that found me through my 100+ reviews posted on the internet. There are several options available for you to post and manage your testimonials. Some are paid and others are free. The most popular ones are Yelp, Angie’s List, Google Reviews, Houzz, and Customer Lobby. The ideas presented here are just a small portion of the decisions and systems a successful business must make and have in place to thrive and excel. The most import “thing” is your willingness and an open mind to accept changes. The more you change and adapt, the longer you will stay in business. Best wishes and happy changing! Roger Magalhaes is a certified Professional Installer by The Custom Home Furnishing Academy, Lutron, Hunter Douglas, Somfy, and Norman Shutters. He is an active member of the WCAA, founder of the Facebook group Free Speech Window Covering Pros, and the founder and owner of Shades IN Place Inc. Established in 2006, his company specializes in all types of window treatment installation and sales of brand-name custom window treatments. Roger is known throughout the industry for his award-winning installation techniques, attention to detail, knowledge of window treatment custom design, and superior customer service. He can be reached at roger@shadesinplace.com or visit www.ShadesInPlace.com.
Seven Ways to Keep Your Business Growing Strong by Roger Magalhaes
The Transparency Initiative Results are rolling in! Deadline to complete the survey and be eligible to receive the report and analysis at no charge is: Friday, April 20TH!
Scroll to read the full article Inspired by a thought-provoking question: "What is my financial ceiling, if I want to continue working alone and not work nights and weekends?", The Transparency Initiative was born, and is now well underway. The initial survey, focusing on business demographics and profitability, launched in early March. The response so far has been incredible, both in terms of the number of people completing the survey as well as the excitement about the initiative! The value of the information increases with higher industry participation, so take the survey today! The initial survey is just 14 questions, and takes less than 10 minutes to complete. Visit The Transparency Initiative page at the Curtains & Soft Furnishings Resource Library to learn more about the program, and to take the survey. The deadline to participate so you receive the final report and analysis for FREE is Friday, April 20th. Don't procrastinate - take the survey today!
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Understanding Kirsch Ripplefold Drapery System PART 3 - Ripplefold Q & A By Steve Landis
Scroll to read full article (Read Part one of this article in February's D&DDD, and part two in March's D&DDD) Ripplefold Q & A From Merrill Y. Landis 1. Should the hardware be hung higher than the window? The Ripplefold heading is 2", so 2.5" - 3" above the window would be fine. 2. If I want to combine butt-master with baton draw, can that be done? This is out of standard, but the rod can be modified upon request. The baton would be positioned behind the panel. 3. How do the new ball-bearing carriers affect stack back? They will have a spring back action resulting in a larger stack back. 4. Where is the location of the baton? There are three choices for this: Baton front - grommet front with stiffener allows the baton to snap on the front Baton front with no grommet with clip Baton in the back of the panel with clip 5. How do I figure out return size? Wall mounted can be 2.5" up to 6", and ceiling mount can be varied depending on location. Always check the hardware before ordering. 6. Does MYL use a stiffener in the heading? We use a 2" translucent, lightweight stiffener as our standard. 7. Can butt-master carriers be used for one-way draw? Yes, but only for cord draw, not baton. 8. Do snap tapes come in different sizes? the snap tape spacing never changes, only the carrier spacing. Fullness % can be specified for fabric fullness. 9. Do traversing rods allow for both carrier types? Yes, butt master and overlap master 10. Are other brands compatible with Kirsch tape? You should specify what hardware you are using, but Kirsch hardware is recommended. 11. Can we reuse existing hardware? You should specify the brand and be careful to list # of carriers, master carrier type, and returns. 12. How are the drapes snapped to the rod? We suggest putting the pendants into the drapes first, and then snapping the pendants into the carriers. To download the Q&A above, click here. Have additional questions? Contact us at: mylmarketplace@mylltd.com Steve Landis is President/CEO and co-owner of Merrill Y. Landis, Ltd (MYL), located in Telford, Pennsylvania, with over fifty-three years' experience in all aspects of the Custom Window Covering Industry. MYL is a family owned and operated business which started in 1949 as a local Retail Custom Window Treatment Outlet and Manufacturing business. Today the company has grown into a regional Custom Window Treatment Workroom/Products Distributor to the Trade Only. The company operates out of an 18,000 sq. ft. facility and employs approximately 70 people. They service the Wholesale Market in the Mid-Atlantic States with free pick-up and delivery service in most areas and ship their products throughout the United States. Steve has a Bachelor's degree in Business Marketing/Management from Temple University, has been trained in Lean Manufacturing Techniques, is involved with his local church and is currently serving on the board of the Bucks-Mont Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Steve is married to his high school sweetheart, Sue, for over 45 years. They have two adult children and four grandchildren ranging in age from 5 - 16.
Slipcover Waterfall Skirt with Kelly McGrory and Jeanelle Dech
Scroll to read full article When Kelly reached a challenging point while pin-fitting a love seat, she reached out to Jeanelle for guidance (rescue?). Watch the video below as they tackle how to handle a corner seam that would be stressed when weight is applied. Kelly describes her concern, saying "with the waterfall skirt and a tuck in, I was having a really hard time making this a nice, tailored look at the intersection." Learn how to insert a gusset to provide give in a stressed seam, even though they didn't end up needing it! Kelly and Jeanelle in action: The finished product: Kelly McGrory owns and operates Covered, a cottage industry workroom in Kennett Square, PA. Kelly is a furniture tailor, transforming pieces by creating custom fit slipcovers and upholstery services to the trade and community. Driven by a love of textiles, and quality construction, Kelly enjoys sharing information and exchanging knowledge with the trade community. When Kelly is not stitching, you can find her with her husband and dog on the trail, or in the garden.
For 110 years, Kirsch has set the standard for style and design in drapery hardware, combining colors and materials to highlight and accentuate any window. The new Buckingham® Collection builds on this tradition and expands the offering to give designers, decorators, and consumers even more choices to make the perfect complement to their soft treatments. New program highlights include: New 1 3/8” Finials – 16 new finials at a smaller diameter to better fit medium-sized windows. Three new 1 3/8” end caps – additional choices for finishing poles in corners or tight spaces. Two new finishes – Ash and Cottage White. Ash brings out the finer points of the finial with a beautiful taupe glaze, while Cottage White has a gorgeous gray wash to highlight the details in each style. These new colors are available in all Buckingham® products. Three new 3” finials – new selections in our largest size. ·Three new 3” end caps – to give more options in this very popular style. The Buckingham® Collection now has a complete line of 1 3/8”, 2”, and 3” finials and end caps. Each size comes with coordinating poles, rings, brackets and accessories. As you may know, the Buckingham® Collection is hand crafted in High Point, North Carolina. Our launch kit pays homage to this heritage as we highlight the effort of American workers to imagine, design, and develop the next generation of this collection. The process starts with skilled professionals hand carving wood models for each individual part. When models are complete and approved, the mold is created and first articles are made. Then the process of hand finishing begins to get the perfect combination of colors to accentuate the details in each piece. We hope you enjoy the new additions to The Buckingham® Collection from Kirsch!
Scroll down to learn more about the latest additions to the Buckingham Collection
Real Workrooms: Cynthia Bleskachek The Funky Little Chair
Meet Cynthia Bleskachek and tour The Funky Little Chair. This workroom is unique because it is set up to provide both upholstery education and upholstery services for clients. See how the space has been allocated to serve both needs, and how the challenge of managing space for multiple student and client projects has been addressed. Cynthia gives a delightful introduction to her workroom and includes organizational tips, a glimpse into how she is building The Funky Little Chair's history, and shares a laugh or two along the way. Cynthia's passion for education in the upholstery industry is evident in her Real Workroom tour. Now you can view this bonus episode to meet some of The Funky Little Chair's students - those folks you saw scurrying about at the end of the Real Workrooms tour!
The Curtains & Soft Furnishings Resource Library presents Ann Johnson for this CIRCLE TIME broadcast on Sewing Machine Maintenance. Idle machines due to breakdown can wreak havoc with schedules and meeting deadlines. Ann will share highlights from The Workroom Channel's video series on troubleshooting and routine maintenance for industrial straight stitch machines, blind hemmers, and sergers. Attend this event and learn to keep your machines - and your workroom - humming along! Join today as a PRO Member to participate in this, and future, CIRCLE TIME events. Visit the Library at www.curtainsandsoftfurnishingspro.org All CIRCLE TIME broadcasts are recorded for on-demand viewing by PRO Level library members.
CIRCLE TIME at the Library: Industrial Sewing Machine Maintenance April 17, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. EST M
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Scroll to read full article Trends drive our business. What was hot a few years ago, suddenly looks dated and tired. Currently in the window treatment industry, panels and roman shades reign supreme while swags and jabots are passé. Recently I was hired for a decorating consultation, and the client proudly showed me custom window treatments she purchased a few months previously. I was surprised to see her “new” window treatments were a dated wide pocket treatment, a 20-year-old style that wasn’t all that great when it was on trend. The window treatment consultant did the client a disservice by selling her an old-school look at today’s prices. As professionals, we owe it to our clients to be on top of the latest trends, products, and solutions to their problems. So how do you stay on top of the trends? In today’s Internet-driven world, it has become much easier by simply visiting our mutual friend, Google. Other ways are attending To the Trade Only Markets and subscribing to industry magazines, (you are reading a great one right now). I would encourage you to order other trade magazines like Home Accents Today and Furniture Today. I recently had the pleasure of attending the Las Vegas Market, featuring multiple buildings and pavilions filled with the latest in home décor. I try to attend at least one market each year, so I can see first-hand what is on trend or classic. Let me share some of the best trends and classics I saw. Hygge (pronounced HOO-gah) is a Danish tradition or approach to life that turns everyday moments into something special and appreciated. Think cozy, comfortable, content, but most of all, appreciation of the simple things we encounter each day. Like cuddling in luscious throws, serving tea in china cups, lighting a candle with dinner, it is the art of reveling in the little things that make your house a home. I saw the influence throughout the market with products like cashmere throws and socks. Unscented candles abounded and cozy corners, featuring a solitary chair with table and lamp, for those quiet alone times. In a world that has been driven by open concept floor plans, watch for a trend to smaller, cozier spaces. The essence of Hygge doesn’t involve technology so put your phone or tablet away. Revel in a good book while truly enjoying that cup of organic tea or a hot toddy. Enjoy this simple video to better understand the concept. Statement Lighting The day of simply popping in can lighting is long gone with statement lighting everywhere. From the Farmhouse look with chandeliers crafted from wood to lighting embellished with chain mail, there is something for everyone. Moving away from the classic one large chandelier, to lights hung in groupings and multiples; if you are looking for a relatively simple way to update a client’s home, change the lighting. Color Trends Kelly Green, Navy Blue, Hot Pink…color is everywhere. From rooms wrapped in it to kitchen cabinets, deeper value color creating contrast is the in thing. Think of rooms that give you a color hug. Oh, don’t get me wrong, whites and neutrals are still here, but I think the world is hungry for the touch that only color can bring. Whether you use it in an accent chair, books on the shelves, or from floor to ceiling, color is back. Botanical Art Everything goes full circle, and we are seeing this with botanical art and wallpaper. Chances are you have old botanical art in your attic or garage from its last go-around. Time to bring it out again. Best hung in a stacked style to add that classic touch to any space. Simply check out any of Jackie Von Tobel’s latest work to see it in action. Farmhouse Chic Don’t worry - the trend that began as shabby chic, evolved into vintage, and now is dubbed Farmhouse due to the magic touch of Chip and Joanna Gaines, is still thriving. The look is exemplified in natural or limed woods, long farmhouse tables, oversized clocks and a mix of vintage and transitional furniture. The best Farmhouse rooms look evolved, like you have been collecting for years. Mix new with old and vintage. Don’t rush to get it done - have fun and collect special things you can enjoy for years. To modernize the look, add more contrast with deeper color values. Bottom line, most of our clients are not going to redo their house each year to suit the trends. However, updating colors and adding fresh home décor can take any room from drab to fab. Happy Decorating! As the founder of One Day Decorating, JoAnne Lenart-Weary doubled her business in one year by simply using what the client already owned to start the design process. This led to appearances on HGTV and ABC-TV and the founding of The Decorating and Staging Academy which was created to teach others how to turn natural talent into a lucrative business. JoAnne has also created the Confident Color System, the Confident Consultation System and many support forms to help the decorating professional do their job more effectively. She is a frequent speaker and writes for a number of industry publications.
What's Hot & What's Not in 2018 JoAnne Lenart-Weary
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Angel's Premiere Napped Sateen Features a high quality sateen face with interlining fibers on the back. This fabric has a luxurious hand provided by the face and full body provided by the back for enhanced & complete drapeability. The raised finish on the back side adds to thermal and noise insulation as well. This product can be used as lining, interlining, or both! 100% Cotton Widths Available: 54", 80", & 110" Washing Instructions: Dry Clean Colors Available:
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Dueling Methods Results are In: Invisible Zipper Next to Welt Cord
Last month's competition - best method for inserting invisible zippers next to welt cord - came down to the wire, with Nancy's method edging Jeanelle's by just 2 votes! And, there's another contender. See the video below from Elki Horn's workroom. Not an invisible zipper, but close enough for this contest: Three methods - your choice! Pick one, or modify and come up with your own.
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Our custom products include: Accessories Top Treatments Cornices Bedding Draperies Swags, Cascades & Jabots Shades Cordless and motorized now available on select styles And More
BLACKDUCK, MN YOUR FABRIC*YOUR DESIGN*YOUR CREATIONS*ON TIME
COM FABRIC CUSTOM WORKROOM
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April 2018 photo credits Kelly McGrory (cover), Covered & Stitched. Susan Woodcock, Home Dec Gal Liz Kelly, The Workroom Channel Judy Soccio, Judy Soccio Designs Roger Magalhaes, Shades IN Place Jill Ragan Scully, My Designer Concierge
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The Drapery & Design Digital Digest is a collaborative effort between the Curtains & Soft Furnishings Resource Library and My Designer Concierge. Together, our mission is to showcase the outstanding work of custom home furnishings professionals, spotlight quality products, and share educational resources.
Content Coordinator
To contribute or advertise in an upcoming issue reach out to: Jill Ragan Scully My Designer Concierge Jill@mydesignerconcierge.com
Publishing Editor
To learn about education at the Library reach out to: Jeanelle Dech Curtains & Soft Furnishings Resource Library Jeanelle@CSFpro.org