Sew Much More

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Helser Brothers, Inc   The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library   Merril Y Landis, LTD Jo Moore opened Jo’s Sewing Studio, a mostly to-the-trade workroom in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 2004 after a 13-year career editing monthly magazines. From 2009 to mid-2013, however, she combined both editing and sewing skill sets to be a copy editor for Drapery & Design Professional. She was listed in Cincinnati Magazine’s “Best Of” issue in 2011, and two of her drapery designs have appeared at IWCE – “He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not” (2010) and the co-created “Violet Femmes” (2019). Jo is a WCAA national member, as well as a member of her local Junior League. Facebook: Jo’s Sewing Studio Twitter: @JoSewsMoore Instagram: jossewingstudio   Links and Resources; Tina Fey article -Tina Fey's Aha Moment The Secret by Rhonda Byrne The E Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber

  This past week has been so difficult, learning of the passing of Beth Hodges.  So many people felt drawn to her and she made everyone feel special and important to her.  I am re-releasing my podcast recording in her memory.  Rest in peace, dear Beth.  I will be nice in your honor!     The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Helser Brothers, Inc   The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library   Merril Y Landis, LTD    

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Helser Brothers, Inc   The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library   Merril Y Landis, LTD   Sherri Bowman, owner of Decorating With Style has lived in Charlotte since 1987.  After spending many years in corporate America, she left to stay home with her newborn twin daughters and two sons.  Sherri's passion for sewing and creativity led her to open her business in 2004.   Sherri serves as Vice President of the local chapter of WCAA (Window Coverings Association of America) after serving as President for two years.  I am also President of GCWA (Greater Charlotte Workroom Association), a local drapery workroom group.  serving as Treasurer.  This leadership demonstrates my passion for the window coverings industry and my desire to learn and grow.   I attend educational workshops, conferences and seminars in order to stay current on the best fabrication techniques and safety compliant hardware option

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Helser Brothers, Inc   The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library   Merril Y Landis, LTD     Adrienne Matthews, sole owner and CFO (Chief Fabric Operator) of C&K Design is a born and bred Tarheel.  She opened C&K Design LLC in 2012. ​Adrienne is a native of Jacksonville, NC, which is located on the coast. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Adrienne moved to Charlotte, NC in the summer of 2001 where she was employed for four years by Bank of America. Following a career in banking, Adrienne obtained an associate’s degree in Interior Design from Central Piedmont Community College. She is a member of the Greater Charlotte Workroom Association, Window Coverings Association of America, and the President of the WCAA Charlotte Chapter.  She is an audiobook/podcast listener (while she works) and helps ou

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Helser Brothers, Inc   The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library   Merril Y Landis, LTD   Anntoinette Kirwan is the owner and operator of MAK Inspirations, a boutique window treatment, soft furnishings & upholstery workroom. Her dedication to her craft is evident in her desire to give each client personalized attention and to transform their designs into reality by keeping the lines of communication open, overseeing all the details and ensuring timeliness is met.  Antoinette is passionate about her partnerships with Interior Designers and she approaches each and every project as a special challenge, as she takes the design from fabrication ultimately through to installation. Antoinette is an American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Industry Partner, a member of Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA), Phoenix Association of Workroom Professionals (PAWP) and the National Upholster

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Helser Brothers, Inc   The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library   Merril Y Landis, LTD Cynthia Bleskachek, owner of The Funky Little Chair has been working as a professional upholsterer since 2001 and teaching since 2010. In 2008 she won a first-place craftsmanship award through The Upholstery Journal for a tufted chair. She was a featured presenter at the 2015 Minneapolis Junk Bonanza, with appearances on Kare 11 and Fox 9.  Cynthia guest teaches at Workroom Tech in North Carolina and will be a 2018 instructor at Custom Workroom Conference in South Carolina.  She currently serves as education chair for the Professional Upholstery Association of Minnesota” Links and Resources; "Who's Having A Wobble?" "The Value of a Secret" Adam Grant's Book Adam Grant's Ted Talk Adam Grant Podcast 10% Happier on YouTube Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Helser Brothers, Inc   The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library   Merril Y Landis, LTD How are you doing? No, really, how are you doing?  Are you adapting?  Susan Woodcock, Jeanelle Dech and I have a conversation about our current circumstances.   Links and Resources; Mask America Facebook Page Gretchen Rubin's Coping With Covid 19 Suggestions Miracle Morning Team Tutor, LLC Facebook page for helpful hints Zoom  Jeanelle referred to the PA Manufacturer's Association but it was actually the Manufacturers Alliance of Philadelphia

Irene Hurley is, in every sense of the word, a true creative. For more than 35 years, Irene Hurley Designs has focused on the art of couture sewing techniques, incorporating artisan details such as applique, fabric manipulation and quilting into custom window attire and interior accessories. Irene’s ability to both envision and create a truly unique, custom product has become the hallmark of this boutique sewing business, located in Sea Girt, NJ. Irene also works with clients on color selection, furnishings and commissioned work through local craftsmen. The studio hosts workshops in Celtic Applique, Heirloom Sewing, and Memory Quilt Basics. Irene studied Fashion Design at FIT (New York), Interior Design at Brookdale CC and is a Martha Pullen Licensed Teacher, a member of the WCAA National, WCAA NJ (Treasurer 2016-18), WCAA Virtual, and Rebecca’s Reel Quilt Guild. She is a volunteer for Lin’s Linens, Little Dresses for Africa and Project Pillowcase. A native of the Garden State, Irene resides in Sea Girt with

Kelly and Lee Nanney are a dream team when it comes to fulfilling customers’ window-covering needs. Creating custom-designed draperies to compliment the look and feel of each individual home, Kelly and Lee find joy in providing clients with high-quality and timeless curtains, shades, valances and more. With each project, Kelly and Lee pay great attention to all the small details and maintain the highest standards for the outcome of every piece. Kelly’s Designer Drapes provides fabric selections, in-home consultations, measuring and installation for your convenience. Window treatments are a necessity for any home, but Kelly’s Designer Drapes turns these functional pieces into works of art that complement the furnishings in your home.   Instagram Facebook 

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Helser Brothers, Inc   The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library   Merril Y Landis, LTD   In November of last year, I had the opportunity to spend a few days in Tryon, NC at Workroom Tech.  Nancy Letts of Pine House Drapery was teaching a pillow and cushion class.  I met four wonderful women who were kind enough to sit and answer my questions!  I hope you enjoy hearing about their experience. Links and Resources; Workroom Tech The Workroom Channel BluPrint    

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Helser Brothers, Inc   The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library   Merril Y Landis, LTD     Custom Coverings was established in Peoria Arizona in the fall of 2000 by Linda Tully. After honing her sewing skills and drapery knowledge, Linda was able to build her own custom workroom in 2007. It was large enough to meet her growing client demand and enabled her to hire help. Custom Coverings was awarded Workroom of the Year in 2011 by Window Fashions Vision magazine. Then in 2012 the Tully family began a journey that took the workroom on an unpredictable cross country tour. Linda has worked with talented designers in California, Texas, Florida, Missouri, Kentucky, and Arizona. Linda was happy to have two long years with the Shivers Team in Nixa and helped Nola Shivers win 1st place in the Window Treatment category of Decorating Den’s annual Dream Room contest. That same year Linda attended IWCE as

This year, for the OPPORTUNITY THINKING Series of the Podcast we will be learning more about the services and products that the Sponsors of the Podcast offer our industry and how they can help us.  I am starting out the series with the Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library and Sharon Gizzi is here to help me with the questions and her feelings about how she has discovered so much content. Resources and Links; Pricing Your Work with Confidence by Kitty Stein WCAA M'Fay patterns are available at The Workroom Marketplace 30 Minutes With Workroom Tech

Bianca Schmidt, owner of Bianca's Stitchworks grew up watching her mother sewing and her father fixing things around the house. When she was 12 she asked her mother to teach her how to sew. She was always her father's helper when it came time to fix something. Little did they know at the time that together they were preparing her for her second career as a Drapery Workroom Owner. Bianca has a degree in mathematical science from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Go Heels! Her first career was computer programming at IBM. She satisfied her creative side after work sewing and creating many projects. When Bianca moved to Asheville in 1996 she left programming behind and opened her workroom. Since then she has been fabricating custom draperies, curtains, bedding, pillows and almost anything for the home that can be made with fabric. I do light upholstery like chair seats, and leave the upholstery and slip-covering to the experts. Bianca has evolved to a full-service workroom offering measuring, esti

Jan Britt, owner of Jan Britt Interiors has been helping her clients decorate their homes in the Atlanta area for over 25 years.  Jan is an Interior Designer, Window Treatment Specialist, Home Stager, Educator, and Author.  She has appeared multiple times on HGTV.  She has been awarded “Adult Teacher of the Year” for the State of Georgia. Jan was awarded “Educator of the Year 2017” for Think Realty Corporation. She is an Award-Winning Staging Educator. Jan stars in her own television show “The Decorate with Jan Show” on Ambizion TV. She teaches sewing classes to children and adults. Jan writes and teaches decorating courses for Kennesaw State University, CPE.   Resources and Links; Ambizion TV The Barter Company The 5 Love Languages WCAA ADAC Tag Gun Patty Wood Body Language Expert

Julie Murphy is the owner of Designer Draperies of Boston, a full-service workroom serving the design community in Boston MA.    Julie started her home-based workroom, JM Custom Design in 2006, after a career as an Occupational Therapist.  In 2014, with the desire to expand, she purchased her current business which had been in operation for 28 years.   She is the mother of 4 children ranging from 14-20 and lives in Boston where she was born and raised.   Julie is on Facebook  and Instagram    Links and Resources; Indeed Michele Williams Scarlet Thread Consulting Elki Horn   The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Helser Brothers, Inc   The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library

Sheri Corey is my guest today.  She is the owner of Style and Stitch/Sew Sheri Designs * Her professional beginning Pediatric Oncology Nurse * 1994 left nursing career to begin a new business that allowed her to be at home with her children * Her business services have continued to evolve * Initially Sheri made children’s clothing – then moved into products for the home * A second business, Dorm Suite Dorm was launched in 2008 specializing in custom dorm bedding (sold in 2018) * Sheri has now added Certified Interior Decorator to her repertoire and has launched an eDesign website (2018) * 25 years in the business and she is still creating for the home Sheri is on Facebook  Links and Resources; Dave Ramsey - EntreLeadership Who's In Your Room Michele Williams - Scarlet Thread Consulting Gridded Table at the Workroom Channel Workroom Tech Custom Workroom Conference   The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Helser Brothers, Inc   The Curtains and

Suzy Daruwala is the owner of Sew Bella Home, a full-service drapery and fabrication studio servicing homeowners, builders, and designers alike.  Clients say they enjoy working with Suzy because she has the ability to really listen and interpret their needs and desires and helps to translate their vision into a well-executed design and fabrication plan. She delivers exceptional quality and is very detail-oriented.  She founded her company in November of 2007 in Branchburg, NJ, relocated to Lexington, MA in 2010, and finally landed in Del Mar, CA in 2015.  In 2001 she started taking sewing classes, first in clothing construction, then upholstery and finally Window treatments, slipcovers, and bedding.  After attending a CHF conference in 2007 she decided to open her own business.  Suzy started her career as a nurse and holds a bachelor's degree in Nursing from the University of KY and a master's degree in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric nursing from the University of Cincinnati.        Suzy is on Facebook,

Jean Lawes is my guest today on this special episode of the Podcast.  Time is running out for you to apply for the Jill Robson Scholarship!!!  The deadline is January 31, 2020. Visit WCAA's Scholarship webpage to find out more. Ann K. Johnson's Swag Books Ann K. Johnson's Workroom Skills Class The Complete Book of Curtains and Drapes Lady Carolyn Wrey Bluprint - Cynthia Blescakchek's class - Getting Started with Upholstery  The Workroom Channel Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library

Diana Nolan is the owner of a retail and wholesale workroom located in Medford, New Jersey outside of Philadelphia.  She started her business after a career in Retail Management for College and University bookstores.   She started Diana Nolan Custom Windows in 2001 shortly after her children were born.   Diana is a member of both the NJ and Pennsylvania WCAA chapters and currently holds the position of Vice President of the Pennsylvania SEPA chapter.  Diana is on Instagram and Facebook   Scot Robbins Workroom Valet Gridded Table Cover at The Workroom Marketplace Draw Matic For Information about Ann K. Johnson's Workroom Skills Class Kelly and Lonnie's Podcast Gretchen Rubin's Happier Podcast Donations in Lonnie Vanderslice's Memory

Debbie DiFrancesco, who has been sewing since the age of 7, founded Creative Hands in 1990 to supplement the family income.  Initially, Debbie provided general sewing and bridal alteration services while working a second job as an assistant manager/Craft Department Manager at House of Fabrics/So-Fro Fabrics until 1991.  Two years later, Creative Hands transitioned from alterations to exclusively fabricating window treatments and selling hard treatments.  Soon after, in 1997, Debbie attended courses at the Professional Drapery Workroom School, later known as the Custom Home Furnishings Academy in Swannanoa, NC under Cheryl Strickland.  Since then, she has participated in the Custom Home Furnishings Conferences and International Window Coverings Expos as both an attendee and window treatment fabrication instructor. With an extensive skill set Debbie has, over the years, moved Creative Hands from the attic of her home to a commercial building.  In 2009 she purchased a larger commercial building, which allowed fo