What a great year I’ve had. Besides working with some incredible fabrics making huge drapes in stairwells, embroidered drapes to match wrought iron finials, and light blocking shades for a newborn child’s room, I traveled. I sought out companions in the trade while learning trade tricks and secrets to improve my workroom and encourage production.
WINTER
In the winter, I went to Tampa Florida to attend the International Window Covering Association trade show for 4 days. What a crowd! The classes were great from master installers, hand sewing silks, creating custom trims with Jeanna the “Trim Queen”, to internet visibly for small businesses. This is why this web site is being constructed, by the way!
SPRING
In the spring I went to High Point, North Carolina (for the first time) to join a dozen other crazy business owners lead by our illustrious leader Kim Chagnon, of Kim’s Upholstery from Massachusetts. We toured upholstery studios and shops. My highlight was visiting my favorite fabric distributor, Greenhouse. I met my rep Donna face to face! We must talk every week and it was great to give her a hug.
SUMMER
In the summer, our local WCAA chapter toured the West Hartford Junior League Show House together. I’m in the company of some wonderful, talented ladies!
Also this summer I went to Spartenburg North Carolina for the annual WCAA (Workroom Conference Association of America) conference. This group caters just to workroom businesses like mine. I had the joy of rooming with Laurel McGee, who is launching her own business. Classes were great and connections were precious.
FALL
In the fall, Len and I went treasure hunting at the Brimfield Flea Market. We always have fun meeting folks from around the country, and the world. I picked up some African fabrics and watch parts. Don’t know what I’ll do with them but couldn’t resist.
I can’t even believe I fit this all in one year and still had a very productive and creative year. I do this to broaden my scopes and seek to continually learn and be encouraged from my trade partners. I might have a few to share as well. Thank you 2018!