Kasmir

Kasmir Fabrics is a Wholesale Distributor of Decorative Fabrics and Trim. Kasmir also manufactures custom made soft window treatments and bedding products.

Our fabric line of more than 15,000 patterns and colors is sampled in over 200 sample books. From the "basics" to silks, from prints to upholstery fabrics, our line is considered the most comprehensive mid-market fabric array available today. Our extensive fabric line is complimented by over 20,000 trim, tie back and tassel items.

www.kasmirfabrics.com

Comfortex

Comfortex Window Fashions is a leading manufacturer and fabricator of custom window treatments headquartered in historic Maplewood, New York which is just outside Albany. Comfortex is proud to offer a complete line of cellular and pleated shades, wood blinds and shutters, sheer window shadings and innovative cellular vertical blinds. Our products are distributed in every state in the United states and sold in more than 70 countries and on every continent.

Comfortex is committed to exceeding customer expectations by providing quality products and services, establishing excellent customer partnerships, developing innovative technologies and remaining a respected name in the window treatment industry.

Windows are your home's link to the outside world, and an expression of your personal style. Window shades and blinds affect a room's lighting, it's color and even the temperature. The window treatments you choose can establish your home's mood, whether it is casual or formal.

At Comfortex Window Fashions we specialize in offering environmentally friendly energy efficient window treatments, including ones that can help you earn federal tax credits.

Design your own shades with our unique PERSONA program for Roller and Roman Shades. Capture your imagination with PERSONA.

Our EcoGreen Rating System allows you to choose products based on their overall impact on the environment. You can beautify your home, save energy costs and be eco-conscious with our Energy Smart blinds and shades.

www.comfortex.com

Workroom Buttons

Workroom Buttons

Machines & supplies for the professional workroom.


Workroom Buttons is your local source for Button presses, dies, all kinds of shells, and even custom covered buttons by mail!

West Village Studio was established in 2003 as a custom cushion and slipcover workroom. Our Workroom Buttons division began in 2008 to provide the custom workroom industry with an informed and educated source for covered button supplies and equipment.

As an American company, we are deeply committed to purchasing inventory directly from American mills and factories. West Village Studio is an authorized distributor for C.S. Osborne & Co. and Handy Button Company, and many other smaller companies.

Owner Dede O'Hair started sewing on her mother's Kenmore at the tender age of five. Her award-winning work has appeared on the A&E Television Network and is often showcased in regional publications. She is a frequent contributor to several trade journals, and teaches at industry conferences throughout the country.

We are a proud and active member of industry groups that support professional workrooms.

Check out more at www.workroombuttons.com

Connexion

Join us to learn more about CONNEXION, the new software system designed specifically for interior designers, workrooms, installers, and subcontractors. This new integrated design and fabrication management system connects you to your design team and your world - anytime, anywhere! You can even take your business mobile on your laptop or iPad. Work smarter, faster, better with ...

CONNEXION

Somfy

Somfy is the world’s leading manufacturer of specilized motors and control systems for retractable awnings, rolling shutters, interior shades, blinds, projection screens and other lift-up applications for the home. For Somfy assistance please call (877) 43 Somfy.

For more than three decades engineers at Somfy have been designing quality products that bring your home to life…Products that put interior and exterior window coverings in motion at the touch of a button…Products that make life easier and more enjoyable.

From a distribution perspective, Somfy Systems has earned a reputation for being the most professional, responsive and service-oriented company in the industry. It’s no surprise that Somfy Systems has a broad base of highly qualified customers throughout North America who integrate Somfy motors and controls into their product lines to provide the consumer with the best possible solution for shading, security, comfort and convenience.


Where We Are

Headquartered in Cranbury, New Jersey, Somfy Systems manufactures and distributes motors and electronic control products for the North American market, which includes the United States and Canada.

www.somfysystems.com
webmail@somfy.com

Woven Materials

Woven Materials provides a unique service to the home decorating industry. Our approach combines fantastic customer service with the largest selection of trims and tassels available.

We have trims priced for every project from the small budget to the large. Our prices are very competitive and we urge you to compare.

We have access to trims from most major trim companies and fabric lines. Please call or email us if you don't see the trim you are looking for.

Upon request we will provide cuttings of the trims and will even match a trim to your fabric.

We regularly add new trims to our website so visit us often! www.wovenmaterials.com or email Deb at trim@wovenmaterials.com

Reliable

Reliable Fabrics is a complete shop for window fashions, draperies, fabric products, manufacturing, and design.We have been in business over 75 years serving the trade. Quality workmanship, on time delivery, and cost efficiency are our business standards.


Our valued employees have hundreds of years of combined experience in the trade and are at your service. Reliable Fabrics is professionally experienced in the planning, coordinating, and fabrication of your residential, institutional, industrial, or commercial interior design project.

Reliable is a great local resource for hardware. Save on shipping for those oversize rods and RBS systems. They also carry fabric and have a great Close to Custom program for interior designers.

Check out more at their website www.reliablefabrics.com

Lundy's

Lundy's Company Inc, Lynn, MA., is a full-service iron shop and your gateway into the endless possibilities of drapery hardware.

We have on staff a talented group of blacksmiths, iron fabricators, color finishers, and customer service reps to assist you.

We will work in close collaboration with you through the design process, as well as ship on a timely manner.

Our commitment has remained the same since 1965 - make quality products, pay close attention to detail and to the needs and expectations of our customers.

Our experiences have taught us volumes about refining our production and improving the quality of hardware and services. One order and you see why the quality is what sets us apart.

"If you can imagine it, we can create it."

http://www.lundysiron.com

Robin Gould

"For 27 years I have been in the Window Fashion Industry; I love it, and it is part of whom I am. "

Over the years, what I have learned in this business is incredible. Whether it was selling retail, commercial, installing, , new personal, and last but not least, bidding large ; it has been an experience. In the past 14 years I have established the largest Independent Consulting and Reping firm in the industry, being able to find the best window treatment products and lines to bring my customers to help them achieve higher sales each year.

My main concern is the happiness of your client. If they are happy we all can profit from it. I wish I could say there would never be a problem, but there will be; how I handle it will be the difference. R Gould and make sure you receive return phone calls on the same day that you call. We pride ourselves on customer service.

http://www.robingouldandassociates.com/default.html

The Network

America's Window Covering Buying Network “The Network” is a national buying group committed to serving independent window covering specialists.

The goal of "The Network" is to give your company an opportunity to increase sales and profit margins with sources that give you a competitive edge. Your affilation with "The Network" will allow you to buy at a better price and still remain as the independent business person you are now.

You are not obligated to buy everything from our suppliers. You can pick and choose what is best for your business. If big, million dollars businesses are beating your selling price, we can give you the buying power to compete and profit.

For more information, check out http://www.awcbn.com

Rollease

RollEase designs, manufactures and markets manual operating systems and accessories for soft and hard window coverings for use in both commercial and residential applications.

Established in 1980, RollEase is the leading designer and largest manufacturer of premium operating systems worldwide. RollEase serves all segments of the domestic and international window covering industry including OEM's, fabricators, workrooms, commercial contractors, interior designers, architects, retailers, internet and mail order catalogs.

RollEase Inc., is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, USA with distribution warehouses in Connecticut and Arizona with International distribution warehouses located worldwide. RollEase's award winning lift systems are used 3-to-1* over the competition and are considered the finest manually operated lift systems available.

Our proprietary and innovative manual clutch systems are designed for roller shades, woven woods, mini blinds, 2-inch (50mm) Venetian blinds, pleated shades, cellular shades, as well as Roman and balloon shades. RollEase also offers adapter components that allow major motorized systems to work with our roller shade brackets and extrusions.

RollEase has a full time staff of engineers and technicians who work exclusively on existing product improvements, new product development and special and custom projects for our customers. There are many products in the industry that have been designed, manufactured and branded with our customer's logo that have been created by RollEase. Branded clutches, special colors, unique one of kind clutches, custom brackets, custom adapters, special kit packaging, and bagging are just some of the special and custom projects we can handle. Talk to your Regional Manager about your special requirements.

See more information at www.rollease.com

Shades in Place

Shades IN Place was established in 2006 to fulfill the need of great installers in this industry. Owned and operated by Roger Magalhaes, Shades IN Place is a custom window treatment installation company that goes the extra mile for its clients by offering unique, individualized, and professional solutions for each application.

Shades IN Place is committed to treating every client with respect and fairness through ethical business practices, and is dedicated to making every job hassle-free and as enjoyable as possible to reach the ultimate goal of complete satisfaction of the client.

Roger is an active member of the WCAA , the Window Coverings Association of America. He is also a Certified Professional Installer by Hunter Douglas for hard treatments as well as for Heritance Hardwood Shutters. Ultimately he achieved the Silver level of performance from the Hunter Douglas Window Fashion Institute. He also has attended Norman Shutters training and Custom Home Furnishing Academy for Window Treatment Installation Techniques. He attends international conferences and trade shows annually to keep himself current on new and improved products and techniques.

In 2007, after many requests to provide even more personal attention to its clients, Shades IN Place has begun to offer the convenience of “Shop At Home” service, which brings samples of the best names in the industry to your home or office at the time your busy schedule allows.

In 2008, despite the slow housing market and the financial crisis, Shades IN Place keeps growing strong. The company has partnered with three major retail chains to provide measuring and installations for them. Shades IN Place also works for a handful of design firms on a regular basis as well with general public.

In the owner, Roger Magalhaes', own words: “ I invest a great amount of time and money buying the latest technological tools available on the market, as well as attending conferences, trade shows and courses to provide to my clients the best and most professional installation for their treatments. I measure 100% of the jobs to ensure that all clients’ expectations will be pleasurably met. In the event that an error is made, or if the expectation was not reached, you can be assured it will be promptly corrected.”

Find out more about Roger and his installation services at www.shadesinplace.com or call him at 508 520 6700

United Supply Company

If you sell hardware, you'll definately want to check out

United Supply Company

They have been a trusted source of drapery hardware and window treatment accessories for over 45 years. United Supply Company is committed to the wholesale distribution and fabrication of quality window covering products. USC has a team of industry professionals with a goal of excellent customer service. "We pride ourselves on having an extensive line of quality products at competitive prices."

The corporate office is located in Charlotte, NC but they have five additional branch locations. Each location features a trade only professional window covering showroom and a warehouse distribution facility offering local delivery and customer pick up. United Supply Company is known for its large inventory levels, quick shipping times and excellent customer

United Supply has several hardware lines with something for every taste and budget some are:

Select Drapery Hardware
Decorative Woodware
Custom Expressions
Classic Finishes
European Ambiance
Gifer Decorative Metal
Kirsch
Graber
Bella Vita Trimmings
Conso Trimmings
Norman Shutters
Linings

For more information check out the webpage www.unitedsupplyco.com/
1-800-334-1207
info@unitedsupplyco.com

Sloan Machinery

Sloan Machinery has been a family run business on the North Shore since 1941. Originally serving the shoe industry, Sloans now concentrates its focus on the Garment Trade, Industrial Fabric Trade, Heavy Duty Sewing Industries, Footwear Industry, Leather Industry, and the Cottage Industries. ( I think that's us!)

If you are in the market for any kind of industrial machines - straight stitch, walking foot, blindhemmer, serger, and more, then Sloans is your source. They also carry many accessories including needles and a huge assortment of presser feet, many of which Sam Sloan has developed and produced himself. If you haven't seen his cut-out cording feet, beading set, or quick change foot adapter, make sure you check out his table at the show.

Although the home furnishings industry is just a small part of his business, Sam Sloan is great to do business with - always ready to help with a machine problem, advice on a new purchase, or willing to experiment with making a better foot !

http://www.sloanmachinery.com

These pictures are of a recent meeting our WCAA chapter held at Sloan Machinery. Sam gave us lots of hints on how to get the best performance from your machines.

Rowley Company

We are pleased to welcome Rowley Company back to their New England roots for the show.

Serving the industry since 1962 and known for excellent customer service, Rowley Company is a manufacturer and distributor of Decorating Supplies and More. Rowley Company supplies bendable fiber board, T-handles, buckram, angle iron, grommets, bedding and more for use in Workroom, Installation, Design, Quilting, Upholstery and Marine applications worldwide. Rowley Company recently launched Finestra™ Decorative Hardware, a line of over 100 custom finials, accessories and drapery poles in 36 hand-rubbed finishes.

If you haven't checked out Rowley's website lately, take a look. As well as online ordering, it's packed full of new product information, video tips, links to webinars, technical advice and a gallery showing how some of their customers use their products.

Here's a company overview from the website: www.Rowleycompany.com

Check out the Blog too: http://rowleycompany.blogspot.com/

Welcome to Rowley

We are a manufacturer and international distributor of decorating supplies and more, with combined industry experience of over 500 years.

For many, this much experience may be difficult to imagine. For us, we can't imagine offering the best customer service without it.

In fact, we've built our entire company around our most valuable asset - you, our customer. Our first priority is to continuously provide outstanding service. And since the Rowley family has been in the business for close to 50 years, we can relate to your daily challenges and offer value-added solutions like no one else in the industry.

Every facet of our company supports this commitment - from our expert technical staff and dedication to product innovation, to our new user-friendly website and more than 2,700 unique items available for same-day shipping.

Our products are used worldwide in workroom, installation, design, quilting, upholstery, marine applications and more.

We look forward to working with you, assisting with your projects, and hearing what else we can do to help grow your business.

Why Trade Shows Still Matter

Did you see Neil Gordon's article in the recent Vision magazine??

He discusses the value for both vendors and attendees in getting together in person at trade shows to discuss business. Referring to the recent IWCE show in Atlanta, Neil says "Nearly every person I spoke to at the show had positive remarks about why it is worthwhile to invest in attending or exhibiting." and he quotes Jay Helser of Helser Brothers, saying “It’s about the intangibles. I always pick up something new from meeting customers and prospects at the show that turns into dollars. Maybe it’s reinforcing an existing relationship or making a new one, or getting a idea from a conversation.”

We know that taking several days out of the workroom / studio, and making the financial investment to travel to one of the bigger shows is hard to do for small businesses. This is why we are working hard to bring industry vendors and customers together locally for a one day show. Take a class, meet the vendors, network with peers, all right here in New England at a price that won't break the bank!

Anita Boetsma Rounds Out Our Speaker Schedule

Anita Boetsma has been involved in the window treatment business for over 20 years. Her expertise stems from hands-on experience in all levels of the industry. Anita first entered the home furnishings business in 1986 when she joined her husband Larry in his 3rd generation business on the shores of Lake Maxinkuckee in Culver, Indiana. Until 2005, the company specialized in all aspects of interior design, project management, and window treatment and upholstery fabrication. Boetsma Interiors was featured in the August 2003 Draperies and Window Coverings Magazine. In 1994, Anita won a week's schooling at the Custom Home Furnishings School in Swannannoa, North Carolina. Under the tutelage of founder Cheryl Strickland, she learned the basics of window treatment fabrication. Following that experience, Anita added on-site custom fabrication to the company's product mix. Beginning with the 3rd Annual Custom Home Furnishings Conference, Anita taught multiple courses over the next several years. When the Custom Home Furnishings School added Upholstery to their curriculum, Anita created the course materials and taught both the Upholstery 101 and 102 classes. She has written extensively for the Custom Home Furnishings Magazine and has been published in Draperies &Window Coverings Magazine and Upholstery Journal. Over the course of her time at the Custom Home Furnishings School, she also taught the Window Treatments 100, 101, and 102 classes along with numerous specialized weekend seminar classes. In 2003, she became the Marketing Director for the Custom Home Furnishings Industry.

In September of 2005, Anita joined Helser Brothers, Inc. as VP of Operations. She headed their benchmark customer service department and managed day to day functions as well as specialized duties in product development.

Vendor Registration NOW OPEN!

Registrations have just been sent out to vendors.
We'll keep you posted on who will be coming to the show as soon as we know.

If you have a favorite vendor you'd like to see at the show, please forward this link, or leave a comment here with their contact info, and we'll send them an invite.

Vendor Registration

We now have a new name!

Thanks to Barbara Phillips of Center Stage Interior Designs for coming up with our event name, and thanks to everyone else who gave suggestions and voted.

Another great speaker scheduled!

Joanne Lenart-Weary

If experience matters, then JoAnne Lenart-Weary is the Queen. With over 30 years in the decorating and staging industry, she has created beautiful rooms all over the country. JoAnne’s clients claim she is “a Keeper” and many of them have been clients since she launched her decorating career. She is now working with second and third generations of the same family. JoAnne created the longest running hands-on decorating related training in the country. As a former Realtor, she understands the needs of the real estate market and also the buyer, as they transform their new purchase into the home of their dreams.

JoAnne has taught at the college level and has written decorating curriculum for IRIS, The SDP, CHF Academy. She is the co-developer of a unique color selection system, The Patented Color with No Regrets. She is a frequent writer for Window Fashions and Drapery and Design Professional Magazines. JoAnne is a well-respected and called upon industry expert.

Affiliations:

* Nationally Certified Master Professional Trainer – Decorating and Staging Academy
* Head of Design Education -CHF Academy
* Member of IDS
* Member of RESA
* Member of IRIS

www.thedecoratingandstagingacademy.com

First speaker confirmed....Susan Kostelecky!

We are working hard to find a great mix of speakers that will appeal to Workrooms, Designers, Installers and others in the Window Treatment Industry. Topics will include design, fabrication, marketing and business.

We're off to a great start and are happy to announce that Susan Kostelecky will be joining us.

Susan Kostelecky, has owned a custom drapery design and fabrication studio since 1994. The award winning SK Designs (www.picturetrail/skdesigns) has created hundreds of creative window treatments in the greater Houston area (including many featured on area home tours), as well as Austin, Dallas, Corpus Christi and even California.

In 2007 Susan founded the very popular CSI camp, held annually in Texas. The Custom Sewing Institute (CSI) provides professional educational seminars with a focus on professional techniques and methods, to assist attendees in achieving beautiful and well-crafted window treatments and other soft furnishings.

For more info on Susan, check out her webpage:

www.csisews.com

Location and Date set for the Show!

The Northeast New England Chapter of the WCAA is excited to announce our Tabletop Show coming this fall.

It will be on Saturday October 16th 2010, at the Westford Regency Hotel in Westford, MA

We'll be updating this blog regularly with information on speakers, vendors, registration information, and much more as things become finalized.