So many times the window treatment is just there.  Hanging from a rod like it should and covering the upper portion of the window.  Looking perfectly in place.   But, then, there are times when just the right fabric is in just the right place.  That happened this week for a client of mine.  She chose the fabric, I fabricated the treatment and the installer installed it.  It has a lot of punch, adds character to each room and ties all the colors together. In a successful window treatment, sometimes the designer gets the credit, sometimes the fabricator gets the credit and sometimes the installer gets the credit.  This time I think the fabric gets the credit.  It was the selected ingredient that gave this treatment all that it needed.  So the homeowner who chose the fabric is the winner!  Congratulations Denise.  Great choice.  You win.  Two free pillows coming your way.  Of course, you will have to select th...

This post is going to illustrate the process of a window treatment and how it comes to completion.  First off, I was fortunate enough to have wonderful clients, Sarah and Jeff C.  They have a beautiful home with architecturally beautiful windows.  This dining room window faces the street.  I photographed the window at the beginning.  See the great shape and size.   They wanted some privacy in the evening while entertaining and yet wanted the light to come in during the day.  We installed an embroidered sheer that was fully operational and solid colored pinch pleated stationary side panels. Then came the fun part.  I designed and created a pattern for a wide slender swag which was a mirror image of the arch at the top of the window.  It was to stretch from side to side, allowing the upper arched area of the window to reveal pure, undressed light.  So starting at one side with the swag, my terrific installers moved to th...

While traveling in the deep South recently, we stayed at a B & B.  That seems to be a fun thing to do.  I am always interested in how they decorate and the comfort level of the rooms.  We went to eat at the recommended, local restaurant.  These were the drapes in the windows.  I just had to go to the car and get my camera.  If only I was staying longer.  I could have offered my services. They were in need of an upgrade.  But as I sat there and ate my fish, I realized that they did cover the window--and that was the purpose. However, when I have you as a client, I will tend to the design, add some color, proportion, customized detail and also cover the windows, if that is what you have in mind. Visiting the restaurant, gave me a fresh, new perspective on what  I do.  Again, I was reminded that there will  always be a market for what I do. Just wished I could have stayed a bit longer--or left a business card.  I have sh...

This client, Cheryl, selected a " most beautiful " embroidered silk fabric for her living room.  Each bank of windows flanked the fireplace.  The brick went to the ceiling and so did the swags and side panels.  The panels were 246" long and the swag was 10 feet wide.  That is one jumbo swag. Or in this case--two swags.  It is on its way up.  Two men, two ladders and one beautiful swag.  Fits perfect.  Now for the side panel. As I took some of these photos I found breathing difficult.  Didn't think I had a fear of heights. Keep in mind,  I never left the ground or set one foot on the ladder.  I was "overdone" for the installers that climbed half way to heaven to install this job.  Thank you so much to my terrific installers.  They never even flinched.  I guess I was "flinching" for them.   Is that not B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L?  Personally, swags are my all time favorite.  And with luxurious fabric....

Once in awhile, I am asked to create custom baby bedding.  There is no greater pleasure found.  One of my weaknesses is brand new babies.  There is so much anticipation, so much to prepare for and so much that we think we know and so much that is unknown. This baby was going to be born to a couple that would cherish her forever.  It was evident as we began to design and embellish her future living quarters.  My client, Lindsay D. (mom-to-be) was a delight to work with.  She had great color sense and was so anticipating the birth of their little one.  We began our journey at the fabric store.  We actually met each other at Anatol's Fabrics.  Their fabric selections can be viewed at  www.housefabrics.com/defaultproduct.asp   She showed me her fabric choices and  I began the design process.  Lindsay loves personalized work.  One of the first things this baby may learn are her initials.  All of the trim...

While on a recent trip to Minnesota, I visited this quaint little shop in Stillwater and found this beautiful batch of buttons. These are not just ordinary buttons, they are all hand made ceramic buttons. Loving to collect things, I couldn't resist at least a photo. Colorful, playful, and waiting to be sewn to something were all the things I thought about as I ran my fingers through this assortment. To learn more about them and their uniqueness visit her web site at  www.pushingmybuttons.etsy.com . Julie Kinney is the creator--I am just an admirer, the photographer and a lover of buttons.

The colors are right for this time of year. Sewing is my favorite thing to do.  Look what Lorraine B., a client of mine, asked me to do for her children.  She celebrates and decorates at Halloween with her extended family like most do at Christmas.  The family gathers at this time of year to be together.  She goes all out.  This is a photo of what one of the child's bedding looks like.  The BOO on the pillow was my way of getting to use my embroidery machine once again.  I am addicted to that thing.