Thursday, July 28, 2011

What's Your Work Vehicle of Choice?

I love my Chevy Equinox.

When it was time for a new vehicle a number of years ago, I researched various vehicles to see which would best suit my window covering needs. My requirements were fairly few but important to me. I was looking for something a little smaller and more economical than the Chevy Suburban we had owned, and more reliable than the Windstar minivan we were driving. I needed a trunk or hatch with lots of space and easy access, to hold my window covering samples, and lots of room lengthwise for those long boxes of blinds, shades and drapery hardware. And, lastly, it should be a nice looking vehicle but not too expensive.

So, armed with a tape measure, I set out. Testing the various crossover vehicles was disappointing. Most failed to meet all the necessary requirements. Then I happened upon this used Equinox with only 21,000 miles on the odometer. The seats folded flat, especially that front passenger seat (quite unusual!) and enabled me to place 11 foot long boxes or drapery rods in the vehicle.


My little bear cub of a vehicle has served me well, even after a run-in with a deer a few years ago. However, with almost 120,000 miles showing on the odometer, I am starting to think about the next vehicle.

What are your requirements for a work vehicle? Is anyone driving the perfect window coverings work vehicle? Let me know - I'm looking forward to your responses!

Monday, February 07, 2011

Drama-tic Difference!

A favorite client felt her the window treatments in her dining room needed some updating and I was happy to help her. We began with ruby red embroidered faux silk fabric that sparkled in the light of the chandelier, lined and interlined for body and durability. We decided to use a French pleat heading and English hem, a style not seen too frequently here in our corner of the Pacific Northwest. The piece de resistance was a gold-toned wood rod and rings that complemented the fabric and chandelier wonderfully and fit well in the bay alcove. 

When installation day came, down came the dated valance and cafe curtains, and up went the new rods and panels. Voila!

Before...


And after...



 
An elegant new look for a beautiful bay window.

Pleat and rod detail.