I've had some people give me funny looks when I pull out a sample book that says marine on the cover. They're usually the same people that tell me that they "want that faux leather, not vinyl"

I use either piano or kitchen cabinet hinges depending on the design of the lid. I dig the cabinet hinge most often cause it lets the door kinda rise up and swing away instead of just pivot from one point. Works well when there's right clearances.

I got lucky when starting out and found a retired trimmer who was trying to sell everything. Got 3 sets of dies n cutters and a shells n backs for a really good deal.

I mark out the desired design on the foam and then pin clear vinyl on. My wife gets specials and coupons emailed to her from Joann fabrics. Every few weeks she'll get one for 60 or 75 % off 1 item. I'll use that and buy a whole role. Comes out much cheaper than any of my suppliers

I've always thought that an annual convention for.our industry would be great. Get the major suppliers, some speakers about the nuts n bolts of business, some dos n donts, some seminars, some new product displays n demonstrations and of course the networking would be priceless.

Another supplier for the aluminum trim is mcmaster-carr out of chicago

I've got the set of 3 right side guides. I use the 1/4" for sewing binding on carpet. I also have a left side 3/16" guide. Comes in handy for the other side of the French seam when the cover is too much to cram under the machine. Also a standard welt foot for welt and a 1/2" welt foot to sew windlace.