Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Rochester Opera House

Soon after moving to New Hampshire, I was asked to get involved in a restoration project in Rochester, NH. At the time they had a space that had pigeons roosting in the eves and water leaks everywhere, but many hours later with both professional and volunteer hours, they had a space that they could use for entertainment, once again.

To make the stage visable for the audience, I was involved in several stages of window treatments that ultimately resulted in Velvet, Blackout Pinch Pleat panels. Howerver, light leaks were still a problem and for the past 8 years the problem was soved with duct tape.



Even with all the changes taking place professionally and personally this year, I accepted to position of President for the local Window Covering Association of America (WCAA). Out of the need to eliminate some of the work room material I had in my studio, I was reminded and inspired by one large piece of "Contract/Commercial" fabric, of the work I had done with the Opera House. I drew up a sketch and formed an "Outreach Committee" to solicite the help of the chapter and the collective professional knowledge of our local industry. My time in NH is subject to change at the whim of the housing market and the chapter committed to take on this project.


And the process begins...
Julie Wood, Mary Ellen O'Donnel and myself begin pattern making and cutting for 12 Arched Swag Valances.
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Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Slipcover for Summer Comfort

Summer is a great time to think about putting natural fibers in your home and on your furniture. The heat of summer brings out the scratchy feel in synthetic fabrics so think about a nice light cover in a natural fiber and you will feel more comfortable in the summer heat. Natural fibers can also be easy to clean. Look at our link to Greenhouse fabrics and check out Homespun fabrics for on-line sources for natural fiber fabrics.