373 - Diane Girty - I Put Aside Everything I Didn't Like

Mandy Szigethy discovered upholstery while completing her Theater Technology degree at Indiana University and decided to forsake the stage in favor of the workshop.  She has had the unique opportunity to work in both furniture manufacturing at Beachley Furniture and now custom upholstery as the owner of Rose City Upholstery in Portland.  She has received training in both modern materials and traditional methods through Upholstery Education and is now able to apply time tested techniques to all of her projects.  Her love of learning lead to her to co-ownership of Upholstery Education in 2025 where she hopes to foster the same enthusiasm in others.   Her passion for revitalizing and repurposing home furnishings has led to an in depth--if unintentional--study of older and newer furniture, and the potential of any antique store or curbside find.

  Jonathan Bennet, owner of Unsprung Upholstery is originally from Martinsville, VA.  He caught the sewing bug from his great grandmother at a young age. He moved to Richmond, VA on a whim in August of 1989 and earned a BFA in Fashion Design from Virginia Commonwealth University. Directly after graduation, Jonathan taught in the Fashion Design department as an adjunct professor for 13 years. He started his first workroom job in 1997, learned how to make various types of window treatments, cushions, pillows, and more;  since then, he has done freelance workroom client projects in his home for over 25 years. Jonathan opened Unsprung Upholstery LLC in August 2019 and will continue this beautiful journey for the rest of his life!   Website:  UnsprungUpholstery.com IG:  UnsprungUpholstery FB:  Unsprung Upholstery Company Links and Resources; Real Workroom Tours Video with Jonathan, Jeanelle Dech and Kelly McCrory The Drapery & Design Digital Digest November/December 2025     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    

Marta Powers is the owner of MartaPOW LLC, a custom workroom in Richmond, Virginia, offering upholstery and soft goods services nationally To The Trade.  Her past career as a project manager for architecture and design firms has informed her business processes and broadened her network of professionals across the hospitality and interior design sectors.  Marta's early training in tailoring, pattern drafting, clothing design, and fabrication skills led to her creation of a business serving designers, helping them to achieve their and their clients' vision.     A co-owner of Upholstery Education LLC, Marta and her partners bring educators from the UK and France to the U.S., offering courses in traditional upholstery methods, materials, and related interior furnishing trades.     Marta has served on the boards of the National Upholstery Association and the Virginia chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (as an Industry Partner).  She is also a member of IFDA Richmond, the SeatWeavers Guild, and the NUA's Education Committee.   Instagram @Martapowva   LInks and Resources;   You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero Profit First by Mike Michalowicz  

This past week, we lost our friend, Kevin Kise.  I wanted to find a way to honor him and remember him, so Jonathan Bennett and I recalled our favorite memories of Kevin and I hope you will share yours on the Sew Much More Facebook page.

Jackie Myers is the owner of Useful Stitches drapery workroom and Useful Stitches Etsy.  She has been sewing for 38 years.  After graduating with a BS in Math, she decided to pursue her interest in sewing and took sewing and decorating classes. After sewing for years as a hobby for herself and friends, she decided to officially open shop as Useful Stitches, LLC eleven years ago.  She sews mainly to the trade with some retail jobs.  Her husband of 38 years is her installer, accountant, and consultant.  When she is not sewing, she loves to garden, cook, watch birds in her back yard, and sew useful gifts. You can find Jackie on Facebook. Links and Resources; As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases and I am grateful if you choose to use my links.  Some of the links below are affiliate links. Bill's Sewing Center New Complete Guide to Sewing: Step-by-Step Techniques for Making Clothes and Home Accessories Custom Draperies in Interior Design by Mary Neal Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine by Mike Michalowicz    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    

Anthony Del Rey is the owner of MotorParts4Shades.com. He grew up in the family window treatment business and began installing shades in South Florida at 18, taking on his first motorized projects soon after. Anthony opened his first Somfy account in 1986 and spent the '80s and '90s combining installation and fabrication, manufacturing roller and Roman shades until 2006. After moving to Bowling Green, KY in 2007 and working briefly for a Memphis-based manufacturer, he founded Motor Parts for Shades in 2014 to support the custom workroom industry with motorization and automation solutions.   Links and Resoures;   Adobe Express

  Devin Ryan is the heart and hands behind Redeemed Relic Upholstery, where she transforms well-loved furniture into beautiful, meaningful pieces with new life. After earning a degree in communication and a master's in education, Devin spent years teaching — a career she loved — until multiple sclerosis forced her to step away from the classroom. What began as a creative outlet during that transition turned into a passion and a purpose, leading her to build Redeemed Relic into the heart-driven small business it is today. Through her work, Devin brings stories, craftsmanship, and second chances together — and she loves inspiring others to see the beauty in what's already there.   Devin is on Facebook and Instagram Audrey Campbell's podcast Emily Marshall's podcast Yardsticks by Chip Wood A Framework for Understanding Poverty by Ruby K. Payne Organization is a Learnable Skill by Lisa Woodruff (Some of the links I provide, specifically to Amazon and a few others, require me to let you know that if you use those links and make a purchase, I will make some money.  I won't make a million dollars, but I might be able to get a cup of coffee, so thank you!)   Devin mentioned; Lisa Woodruff's website Organize 365 Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)      

  KerryLynn and her husband Waldemar started their business One Space at a Time Ltd in October of 2001 just 2 weeks before their wedding…   They live just outside of Calgary Alberta Canada (for now) with their son Daniel, their 2 dogs, 3 cats and a turtle – named Myrtle!   As life has a tendency to do, things with life and business have changed over the years and in May of 2024 KerryLynn decided it would be a good idea to open a "to the trade" drapery workroom. Waldemar has been a HUGE supporter and has built her tables, renovated her space twice already and has even learned how to use some of the machines to help out when needed.   Right now they both excited for a "next chapter" move and looking forward to what the future has in store!   Links and Resources;   Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (Some of the links I provide, specifically to Amazon and a few others, require me to let you know that if you use those links and make a purchase, I will make some money.  I won't make a million dollars, but I might be able to get a cup of coffee, so thank you!)   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    

Mandy Szigethy discovered upholstery while completing her Theater Technology degree at Indiana University and decided to forsake the stage in favor of the workshop.  She has had the unique opportunity to work in both furniture manufacturing at Beachley Furniture and now custom upholstery as the owner of Rose City Upholstery in Portland.  She has received training in both modern materials and traditional methods through Upholstery Education and is now able to apply time tested techniques to all of her projects.  Her love of learning lead to her to co-ownership of Upholstery Education in 2025 where she hopes to foster the same enthusiasm in others.   Her passion for revitalizing and repurposing home furnishings has led to an in depth--if unintentional--study of older and newer furniture, and the potential of any antique store or curbside find.   Marta Powers is the owner of MartaPOW LLC, a custom workroom in Richmond, Virginia, offering upholstery and soft goods services nationally To The Trade.  Her past career as a project manager for architecture and design firms has informed her business processes and broadened her network of professionals across the hospitality and interior design sectors.  Marta's early training in tailoring, pattern drafting, clothing design, and fabrication skills led to her creation of a business serving designers, helping them to achieve their and their clients' vision.     A co-owner of Upholstery Education LLC, Marta and her partners bring educators from the UK and France to the U.S., offering courses in traditional upholstery methods, materials, and related interior furnishing trades.     Marta has served on the boards of the National Upholstery Association and the Virginia chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (as an Industry Partner).  She is also a member of IFDA Richmond, the SeatWeavers Guild, and the NUA's Education Committee. Justin Dazey is the owner of Foxglove Artisan and Castillo's Custom Upholstery on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle, Washington. Justin has a BA in Interior Design and over 30 years of experience in the antiques, interiors, and furniture world. In 2014, Justin took up sweeping floors in the shop of a third-generation Upholstery family. He brought his design skills and furniture history knowledge to the role of Studio Manager, eventually becoming their lead upholsterer. In 2024, Justin took up the mantle as his mentor retired, becoming the owner, designer, and upholsterer of the Seattle Studio. Most recently, Justin partnered with Marta Powers and Mandy Szigethy to acquire Upholstery Education, offering the very best in traditional upholstery training available in the United States. Justin is a collector at heart. He collects history, chairs, and curiosities. He firmly believes every piece has a story to tell and loves bringing old items back to life through patient and accurate restoration. Sharing his insights and seeking education to honor the traditions of craft and furniture is one of his true passions.      Links and Resources; Upholstery Edcuation  

Kristin Speyer started Red Head Sewing LLC ten years ago in the Texas Hillcountry. She works to the trade, and has a core group of designers that keep the sewing machines running furiously. There is currently a small team of two other workers, and plans for expansion are underway. Kristin and her husband have been married for 22 years and spend their downtime mountain biking, traveling, and trying to outsmart their dogs. She also has a passion for books, friends, and office supplies. https://www.redheadsewing.com/ https://www.instagram.com/redheadsewing/   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