I know you did not ask for advice from the dudes but I will give it anyway:) Yale Appliances in Boston has limited stock of the SS Optima II G2432SCISS for $1249. No cost of buying custom door,in box not display,and direct from authorized dealer so you get Miele warranty. If you have your heart set on the SVi model this won't work out but maybe it is an option for you. Yale Appliances phone 617-822-5316 Here is a link that might be useful: LINK

96 inch wide fabric plus enough more to hem it would be nearly impossible to find, it seems to me. But, you could buy a bedsheet and cut a cloth from it. I just don't know where you would find 97 inch wide fabric otherwise. You are taliking 8 feet wide with a little extra for hemming. If you add trim or a ruffle, the fabric could be a little narrower. I wonder if upholstery fabric comes that wide Of course, bed sheets are not made of heavy fabric, so maybe you could find a bedspread that is not too heavy and is wide enough without seams. Cotton does shrink and a mix with polyester helps prevent so much shrinking.

Oh my goodness! I have that issue, and hadn't noticed the ornament in question because it's in the middle of the layout, almost obscured by the hinge. You have a good eye. I have to say, though, that if I read that the value was $25.00, no way would I pay more. I find that the items valued in CL are always way above the prices commanded in my area, but it's nice to know that someone would pay so much for my old stuff. OT, but last year I decided that I wouldn't buy any more vintage ornaments unless they were really special and a really really great bargain. I passed on a couple of good deals at thrift stores--felt very virtuous, but now that it's time to decorate, I've been kicking myself. Next time I'll get them, and if I have buyer's remorse I'll put them up on eBay. Also decided to donate my stash of decades of Christmas issues of CL and Country Home. I have more room in my closet, but I miss those articles about vintage collections!

I have no idea what that high heat may have done to the seeds. 70 degrees is usually the optimal heat for roses. I wish you much luck though!