Tuesday, June 9, 2009








Mmmmmm Vacation!


Here are some photos from a whirlwind vacation. We spent a most amazing day at a Scandinavian Spa, where we sat under hot waterfalls, icy waterfalls (brrr. . .but oh so refreshing), steam baths, dry saunas, hot tubs & relaxation rooms.
I was so relaxed at one point while trying to read my book, I fell asleep!



We spent a day of golfing on a championship golf course, which looked like it was designed by a mountain goat! Even with alcohol, I had no business being on this course. (p.s. yes, I did cheat and I'm not ashamed to admit it!)

We had an amazing culinary experience at an acclaimed French restaurant. This restaurant boast to be one of the few in the world (24 to be exact) to possess the coveted duck press. The chef, Olivier Tali, has added his own twist to this protected recipe. He had to approach the recipe preservation society, known as the "Master's Canardier Association" to be approved, before offering this change to his customers. This recipe is called "Duckling a` la Rouennaise", and the duck is literally pressed to extract all the blood to make the most amazing sauce!



On this mountaintop, the panoramic views were nothing less than spectacular. From the summit, we watched at the weather turned almost instantly from sunshine, the where it began to rain on our little French village, watching the storm travel up the mountain to where we sat enjoying our lunch. After it passed, we descended in a gondola, much like the ones we have at our home mountain, and drove through the mountains.

My friends humored me one evening and let me cook some of my favorite dishes. I SOOO love shopping in food store of different countries, the cheeses, olives, breads and pates make me salivate in the aisles. This market was no disappointment! Escargot: 2-dozen for $1.29 in USD! (Should have bought a case!) Look for this recipe in a future blog!

Our resort had a private movie theater, where we could reserve time, and choose a movie from their library. Since the English TV was at a premium, we reserved and had our own private viewing of ”Catch me if you Can”. (I wanted a movie that would appeal to the men in our group, with out turning off the women. 27 dresses just wasn’t going to cut it!)

We finished off the vacation with few days with extended family and a birthday celebration for our Aunt Vivian (known as Vin). She turned 80, and with her children & grand children, we represented the rest of the family and helped her celebrate. She is truly an amazing woman, having worked as a nurse her whole life, including a stint in Algiers. She raised four children alone who have gone on to marry well, and have great careers. I have only one thing to say: when with the Gledhills, be prepared to PARTY!

It’s good to be home. I need a rest after this vacation!! I'm ready for the slower pace of a work schedule.


Sew Sensational Tour NYC '09

NYC Sew Sensational
Fabric Tour
On Memorial weekend I took a small group around my favorite fabric MECCA, New York City, for the Sew Sensational Fabric Tour. Among the many fun things we did, some of the weekend highlights were: Touring the FIT Museum Fashions exhibit, going to Liberty Island, the Cloisters, the Empire State Building at night, The Metropolitan Museum’s Fashion Exhibit, seeing Broadway’s “Wicked”, going to Mood Fabrics, M&J Trimmings, Paron’s Fabrics, and surprising fun was “the Spandex House”! Ladies on the tour aged from 20 to (lets just say older than 20). But I think on of the most memorable activities for me was going to mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. (Definitely a must-do on next year's trip) Next year’s trip will be more fun than ever!
Here we are at the Cloisters!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

IWCE & The Construction Zone: Overwhelming Success!



The Construction Zone at IWCE
was the "Hot Spot"


The Construction Zone hosted ongoing demonstrations for the three days of the show. Attendees were treated to programs of inspiration, technology, techniques and marketing.





Pam Damour, self-proclaimed "Rah-Rah Girl" kept the excitment going through out the show, inlcuding hosting the "Rowenta Extreme Iron Off Race"

This race was a combination of the speed and precison pressing of drapery hems and headers. the winning contestents were awarded a professional dx8900 iron, and then went on to race for the grand prize: Rowenta's top of the line steam generator.



Here, Nancy receives her iron.



Monica & Judy manage the Decorating Diva booth, with the help of Susan, Karen & Cindy.



But working a show like this is exhausting.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Atlanta Drapery School


In Atlanta, on May 7-12, students were subject five Days in intense window treatment instruction, where they learned how to create all types of custom window treatments. This was made possible, in part, due to the generosity of Discover Sewing of Atlanta who allowed us to us their beautiful sewing classroom for the event.
If you're looking for a decorator in Atlanta, let me know. I've just trained some good ones.

Here are a couple of their creations!




My Visit To Somerset, PA



Hi Everyone,

I can't even believe how far behind I am with updating my blog. On May 1 &2, I had a wonderful 2 days in beautiful Somerset County, at Somerset Sewing. Students made my fun and easy expandable zipper bag, and as you can see, the ladies did a wonderful job!! I can't wait to go back in August, when I'll be teaching my Professional Drapery School, my workroom technique class and "Running with Scissors"!! For more info, call Somerset Sewing at (814) 445-7770

Saturday, April 25, 2009

life lessons I've learned from my dog

I've had Chrissie for a little over 4 years now, and it's occurred to me that she's been teaching me life lessons.

Here are some things I've learned from my dog:

  • Take naps when ever the opportunity presents itself
  • Stretch whenever I get up
  • Play and exercise with sheer enthusiasm
  • Enjoy basking in the sunshine, and the fresh breeze on my face
  • Enjoy my food, and stop when I've had enough
  • Cuddle and kiss whenever I can
  • Be thrilled when my family comes home
  • It doesn't matter how small you are, to be taken seriously
  • Walk proudly
  • Love unconditionally





Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Happy Tax day!

Sometimes, after I've taught , I receive lovely thank you notes and emails. I'm so happy to have my blog, to share these! This is what Doris had to say:

"I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your class in Knoxville. I feel I really learned a lot. I was able to finish my table runner by the end of the week and I think it turned out rather well, thanks to you. I can’t wait for your next book. I think you said it was about draperies and such. I hope you include directions on installing the valences and so forth. Your pillow book has very clear directions and they are easy to understand. Keep up the good work!!!!!"
Doris Knoxville


Another friend sent me this:

"Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor each morning the devil says, "Oh Crap, She's up!"

And so this is the woman I aim to be!


By the way, spring is here on the point, and I have flowers blooming in my garden to prove it! woo whoo!!!
A special Happy Birthday to my dear friend Shelly Barcomb Toohill! (from your Pamela Pea)


Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Atlanta Drapery School


The Atlanta Professional Drapery School is about a month away, so if you're interested in attending, please contact me at decor8d@aol.com! I promise to take 10 years of your learning curve!
It was exactly a year ago that these ladies were in my Kansas City Drapery School!

Monday, April 6, 2009

Sunday, April 5, 2009

A Wonderful Weekend In Knoxville!


I just returned from a wonderful weekend in lovely Knoxville, TN! It's always nice to see familiar faces, but ! also made several new friends too, and I can't wait to return in September! We had an all day lecture/demo on Friday, and an all day workshop making table runners. Here's an email I received when I got home.

"Thank you again for the outstanding workshop in Knoxville this week end. It was one of the most enjoyable that I've attended. Not only did you expand my knowledge base but you gave me the confidence to try new techniques. I appreciate the patience that you showed with all of us but most of all I was impressed that you obviously love what you do. Your enthusiasm is contagious.

I just finished watching "Romancing the Bedroom" and can't wait to tackle a few more new challenges.

Thanks for a fun learning experience and a table runner that I really like."


Another student sent me this picture!


Friday, March 27, 2009

How did they know it was spring?

It was the morning of the first day of spring, and I awoke to the most splendid thing. The ice was gone! And, not only was the ice gone off the lake in front of my house, there were tons of geese honking everywhere. I had to ask myself, "How did the ice know to go away this morning? And how did the geese know it was spring too?" Now, keep in mind there's still ice farther out on the broad lake, but in front of my house, spring has sprung! woooo whoooo! (FYI: I'm still not ready to hang up my new skis for the season. I expect to get in at least another few weeks of skiing in!)



And with spring, we all have the feeling of a new beginning. For me, I'm working on my new book. It's going to be a how-to window treatment book unlike no other! I'm looking for designs for my "inspiration pages", so if you've purchased my templates, and you like to enter the design competition, and see your name in print, please email me for the application.

This is the sunrise from my home. The mountain straight ahead with the point is where we ski!









Thursday, February 19, 2009

Home Town Cable Oldie Goldie

Hi friends,
I received this email the other day, letting me know that I was on the web. This interview was taped the summer of 2001. http://www.plattsburgh.com/index.php?option=com_seyret&task=videodirectlink&Itemid=78&id=496
check it out if you have the time.
Pam

Sunday, February 8, 2009

The sign read 1,212

Hi friends,
On the sewing cruise, we were curious at to just how many years of sewing experience was in the room. So, we asked everyone to give us the number of years they have been sewing. After adding up the numbers, we placed a sign on the door that read:

"Inside this room is 1,212 years of sewing experience."
I'll be in Dallas and Hot Springs this week! if you're in the area, be sure to drop by!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

February 2009




Hi Friends,

We've just returned from a fun week at sea, with the first ever Sew Sensational Cruise. We boarded the Carnival Valor with 33 in our group, and 22 students. My Co-Teacher, Emma Seabrooke & I taught three all day workshops while "at sea".



The Ports we visited were Nassau Bahamas, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. All ports were great fun in different ways, but I'd have to say my favorite was St. Thomas, in part due to our guide, Vincent, but also in part to my 8 great friends who accompanied me that day. Here we are hopping out of our "Vince Funmobile" !








The www.Sewsensationalcruise.com website will be updated shortly, with testimonials and photos, but until then, I'm posting some high points here for you all to see.

Here is part of group on formal night.


I want to thank our sponsors for all their help, but especially, Janome Sewing Machines for providing us beautiful machines to sew on all week.

I'm already planning the next trip for anyone who missed this one, and of course be sure to check out www.sewsensationaltour.com for info on our New York Fabric Tour in May 2008.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

January 2009

January 2009 started like no other for me. For the first time in my life, I had a real surprise birthday party, given by my wonderful daughter & husband. While Joe got me out on an afternoon movie date, Leah, with help from our Australian friends, was able to get the house & food ready, complete with 50 guests! I am so blessed!!

I can't believe that January is almost over. I just returned from a wonderful ski vacation in Lake Tahoe, where we stayed with our dear frineds, the Klines. I did most of the legwork needed for my upcoming drapery school in April. For info on my Drapery School, or other educational programs go to my web site www.pamdamour.com.

This photo is a view from Diamond Peak. When you get off the lift, it looks as though you're skiing into Lake Tahoe. It reminds me of Le Massif, in Quebec, less the beluga whales! I won't get much more skiing in this season, as it's time to hit the road running and get back to work. I'm getting ready to teach on the Sew Sensational Cruise, and then teaching trips back to back, most of the spring!

On my website, I'm beginning to work on some youtube clips, so keep posted!