Now, keep in mind that I haven't done this yet since I've only had this very sofa for about a month now. These are the slipcover wash and care instructions I received: We recommend that all slipcovers be professionally cleaned. However, a prewashed fabric may be easily cleaned at home by following these guidelines. Wash entire slipcover on gentle cycle using cold or warm water. Water temperature should not be over 120 degrees. (Always wash entire slipcover to prevent variance). Use a mild detergent. Remove from washer immediately and place in dryer. Dry on low heat, at 120 degrees or less, drier sheets can be used to soften and freshen. Promptly remove from dryer and place back on base to prevent shrinkage and wrinkling. SPOT CLEANING IS NOT RECOMMENDED For even wear we suggest that you rotate and turn your cushions each week. To prevent overall soiling vacuum once a week to remove dust. I hope there is someone out there who has actually done this. I'd also love to hear the outcome. Kristianne

Thanks for posting the positive story, Karen! You're right that we don't often post the positive experiences from our orders, and that's equally or even more important than the problems. I had a similar experience last year with a rose that failed to thrive or grow after planting from David Austin. All they asked for was a form explaining the problem as documentation, and I also had photos. They immediately put the rose in my order at no cost for a replacement this year. Along the same lines, I've had extremely prompt and positive responses to rose replacements last year or in previous years from virtually everyone else I order from: Palatine and Rogue Valley even took the initiative to email me to double check that the rest of my order was OK when I'd asked about a replacement for a rose failure to thrive. Regans asked for more information about the type of failure so that they could address the problem at the supplier's source. Roses Unlimited, Burlington, Heirloom, and High Country Roses have all replaced roses as needed with no problems whatsoever. I don't recall receiving roses that failed after planting from Long Ago or Angel, but since you communicate directly with the growers there I know they'd be as easy as Burlington or Roses Unlimited - just drop an email explaining the situation. That's the positive side of dealing with small companies selling products that they are invested in - if the roses arrive with flaws or are misidentified, they care enough to want to remedy the problem, not only with you but in their system at large. Like our discussions here at GW, we're primarily dealing with nice people who care about roses. What's not to like? Cynthia P.S. Diane - sympathies on the drooling over that exquisitely colored peony and its price tag (gorgeous photo Karen). I think you need to order another rose to lessen the pain of the peony that's out of reach.

The main difference between McCreary Modern and Lee Industries is that Lee is 8-way hand tied suspension which is more labor intensive and explains the higher cost. 8-way hand-tied is considered the gold standard for sofa suspensions and will typically hold up better than a sinuous spring or webbing suspension. I have been selling Lee Industries for years and have had many repeat customers who are so pleased with their previous Lee pieces they want to purchase again from them - they last for years! Lee does a good job of offering many high-quality, durable fabrics, but alas there are some that get in there that are less then ideal (this would be true for any sofa manufacturer). Make sure you buy from a retailer that knows their stuff so they can point you in the right direction of a fabric that is suitable for your lifestyle. The down cushions I do not recommend unless you want to fluff them daily. Whatever manufacturer you choose try to get an innerspring cushion wrapped in fiber or down - they hold up the best!

A designer I hired in California suggested Smith & Noble. The in-home designer, Carolyn Shea, met with us and we knocked out custom shades and drapes of all types for a variety of windows, including an over-sized 8 ft tall 5 ft wide bathroom window, in less than a hour with the handy dandy design book. This particular designer knew how to guide all the specs and my other designer could 'yea' or 'nay' and help guide me. Very efficient. The order was over 10K and everything worked out: the products were well made, the install guy was polite, clean and efficient. Everyone showed up on time. The address listed on the invoice was Corona, CA. Unsure if that was a manufacturing center or a warehouse. Locally in Texas I twice contacted a Smith & Noble rep listed for my area (she is in Bastrop) and she never responded. For a current project in a different zip code, I'm taking one more chance on Smith & Noble. But if you are in Bay area, try Carolyn Shea. Everything was perfect and it was a huge variety of types of treatments ordered. Thanks to Jennifer Ott, who was the designer, found here on Houzz, that turned me on to her.