Sew Much More

Links and Resurces:

The Workroom Channel on YouTube

Episode 409 - Jeanelle Dech and Klimaka Studios

Callie Nelsen is the owner of Cozy Giraffe, a small workroom that serves designers and homeowners in the Austin, Texas area. She specializes in pillows & cushions (indoor and out), and also makes shades, draperies, and on some occasions, bedding.

When not sewing or hanging out with her boys (hubby and two sons), she enjoys having coffee or great food with friends, doing home improvement projects, and trying out new crafts (the latest is needlepoint). She also serves as the finance chair and events co-chair for the Parks and Trails Foundation of Cedar Park.

Callie is on Facebook and Instagram

Links and Resources;

ASID

Profit First by Mike Michalowicz

Ann Johnson's Workroom Skills Class

Kim's Upholstery

Michele Williams – Scarlet Thread Consulting

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by; Klimaka Studios The Workroom Channel Scarlet Thread Consulting The WCAA The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library National Upholstery Association Workroom Tech

Zona Tiller started her drapery business in 1982, working out of her home while raising her family. Over the years, what started as a small business grew into a full-service custom drapery workroom, working with interior designers on projects of all kinds. After more than 40 years in the industry, Zona still enjoys the creativity, challenges, and relationships that come with the business. She now works alongside her granddaughter, Laila, at Zona's Drapery Studio in the Des Moines area. Laila Tiller is a recent graduate of Northwest Missouri State University, where she earned her degree in Business Management. She now works alongside her grandma at Zona's Drapery Studio, becoming the next generation of her family to be part of the business. Her days are a mix of sewing custom window treatments, helping with day-to-day operations, marketing, and building relationships with designers. She enjoys learning the craft from her grandma while also bringing new ideas and a fresh perspective to the business. Laila's Instagram account (@laila.zonasdrapery) Zona's Instagram account (@zonasdraperystudio) Zona's Facebook account (@Zona's Drapery Studio)

Bianca Henry is the owner of Impressions Drapery Designs, Inc in Durham, NC, which opened up in 2002. She is a member of the local WCAA Chapter where currently serves as president. In her spare time, she loves to bake and spend time with her children, Caleb and Jamesa. Bianca's passion for draperies has given her a happiness that makes her career enjoyable, even during the stressful times; she wouldn't trade it for anything else. Bianca is on Facebook and Instagram. The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by; Klimaka Studios The Workroom Channel Scarlet Thread Consulting The WCAA The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library National Upholstery Association Workroom Tech

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by; Klimaka Studios The Workroom Channel Scarlet Thread Consulting The WCAA The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library National Upholstery Association Workroom Tech

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by; Karen Barnes is the former owner of The Elegant Window. She owned her business for. years. She is now retired and is sharing her journey with us. Klimaka Studios The Workroom Channel Scarlet Thread Consulting The WCAA The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library National Upholstery Association Workroom Tech

Samantha Kuczynski is a multitasker; balancing daily childcare for her two small children, managing her upholstery business, and serving as the current President of the National Upholstery Association.

Sam owns Stuffed & Tufted, an upholstery business in Baltimore, MD. Before launching her upholstery career, Sam worked as a Props Artisan for professional theatre, where she learned the basics of upholstery and developed a passion for recovering furniture. Over the past eight years, she has built a reputation for high-quality residential work while collaborating with museums, local shops, furniture makers, and designers.

Sam joined the NUA board in 2023 and served in various positions before stepping into the role of President. She is excited about the future of the upholstery industry, proving that it is far from a dying trade!

When she is not managing emails over a sleeping baby, Sam enjoys cooking, gardening, and visiting museums.

Sam is on Instagram and Facebook.

Links and Resources;

Upholstery : Basic & Traditional Techniques by Santiogo Pons, Eva Pascuali Miró, Jordi Pons

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by; Klimaka Studios The Workroom Channel Scarlet Thread Consulting The WCAA The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library National Upholstery Association Workroom Tech

Katie Peters is the owner of Shelter Sewing Co, a small window treatment and soft furnishings workroom to the trade near Roanoke, VA. She is a member of the Richmond WCAA chapter and enjoys meeting and learning from other fabricators across the country. While she dreams and plans for future expansion, she savors her time with her two young children, friends, family and faith community. Links and Resources; Quipa Profit is a Choice Podcast Workroom Tech Frixion pens The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by; Klimaka Studios The Workroom Channel Scarlet Thread Consulting The WCAA The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library National Upholstery Association Workroom Tech

I hope you will join us for the Open House at the Curtains & Soft Furnishings Resource Library!

If you are currently a DIY or PRO Access Member, you don't have to do anything. If you aren't currently a member, be sure to click this link and sign up, you'll receive instructions from there.

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by; Klimaka Studios The Workroom Channel Scarlet Thread Consulting The WCAA The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library National Upholstery Association Workroom Tech

Carol Blow is the owner of a retail workroom – CMB Designs, LLC -- located in Richmond, Virginia. She started her business in 2018. Carol learned to sew at an early age. Her zest for learning new techniques, combined with a can-do attitude, provided the foundation for her business … along with years of experience! Creating custom items gives her great joy and satisfaction. Carol has been a member of WCAA since 2019 and currently serves as Vice President of the local Richmond Chapter. Links and Resources; Donna Skufis The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by; Klimaka Studios The Workroom Channel Scarlet Thread Consulting The WCAA The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library National Upholstery Association Workroom Tech

David Reinholtz runs the Instagram page @rags_byreinholtz, where he specializes in vintage garment repair and restoration. He has been working in the field full-time for nearly two years and finds great satisfaction in saving pieces that might otherwise be destined for the trash. David especially enjoys working with collectors and others who recognize the value of preserving vintage garments. His philosophy is simple: Always repair before you replace.

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by; Klimaka Studios The Workroom Channel Scarlet Thread Consulting The WCAA The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library National Upholstery Association Workroom Tech

On today's episode, Susan Woodcock and I talk about the Opportunities in education, specifically the Custom Workroom Conference and how important it is to our industry.

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by; Klimaka Studios The Workroom Channel Scarlet Thread Consulting The WCAA The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library National Upholstery Association Workroom Tech

The book that talked about knowing when you would die is called The Measure by Nikki Erlich.

The card game that Jeanelle used to ask the questions is LikeU.

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by; Klimaka Studios The Workroom Channel Scarlet Thread Consulting The WCAA The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library National Upholstery Association Workroom Tech

Susan Gee is the owner of Susan Gee Interiors in Oswego, Oregon. Susan has a degree in textiles from the University of Oregon and has been making beautiful window treatments since 1996. A few breaks in her home-based business to take care of some family needs has not stopped her from keeping her connections and relationships in the Interior Design Industry. Susan loves a challenge and her tagline is, "Helping you Love where you Live!" Links and Resources; The Curtain & Soft Furnishings Resource Library ASID Northwest Society of Interior Designers The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by; Klimaka Studios The Workroom Channel Scarlet Thread Consulting The WCAA The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library National Upholstery Association Workroom Tech

you can dowload the list here.

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by; Klimaka Studios The Workroom Channel Scarlet Thread Consulting The WCAA The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library National Upholstery Association Workroom Tech

Nicole Bedard is a brand photographer, video storyteller, and educator specializing in visual storytelling for makers, artists, and creative business owners. Through photography, video, and social media strategy, she helps businesses showcase the craftsmanship and stories behind their work in a way that builds connection and visibility online. Nicole Beadard Photo + Video Nicole is on Instagram Links and Resources; The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks Creative Calling by Chase Jarvis Building A Story Brand by Donald Miller Canva The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by; Klimaka Studios The Workroom Channel Scarlet Thread Consulting The WCAA The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library National Upholstery Association Workroom Tech

Irina Otto is the owner of IRICHKA Custom Window Coverings, a licensed and bonded California contractor specializing in luxury custom draperies, shades, motorization, bedding, and soft furnishings. With more than 22 years of experience, she has built her business from a small garage operation into a respected full-service firm serving high-end residential projects. Known for blending artistry with technical expertise, Irina is passionate about elevating the window treatment industry and redefining it as both a skilled trade and an art form. She remains actively involved in every stage of a project, from design and engineering to installation and client service. A strong advocate for innovation, she incorporates technology such as 3D printing, digital workflows, and advanced motorization systems to improve efficiency, precision, and client experience. With a background in fashion design and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, Irina believes beautiful spaces are created through equal parts creativity, technical knowledge, and attention to detail. Her mission is to continuously push the industry forward while helping clients transform their homes through thoughtful, functional, and elegant design. Irina is on Instagram

In 2013, Carrie bought her first sewing machine to begin making décor items for her home. Having always been crafty, this was another creative outlet for her and she soon fell in love with creating beautiful items out of fabric. A year later, Carrie took her sewing skills to the next level by opening her own creative design business, Studio B Custom Drapery & Decor.

Links and Resources;

The Custom Workroom Conference

Craftsy

HACDA

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by; Klimaka Studios The Workroom Channel Scarlet Thread Consulting The WCAA The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library National Upholstery Association Workroom Tech