FULL FRAME Workrooms
SMALL IS
BIG BY ELIZABETH GERDES
I am the proud owner of a custom drapery workroom in North Metro Atlanta, GA. But, when I say “workroom,” many picture a big warehouse filled with workers sewing, steaming and cutting fabric day in and day out.
Others picture a factory assembly line where the completed draperies are loaded into trucks and sent to their final destinations. But, with my workroom, the only thing that is correct from the ideas presented is the fact that I do have sewing machines. I am a very small business. It is just me and my installer, and occasionally another workroom owner who will come in to lend some assistance. For my workroom, my commute is very short (just heading down the stairs), the uniform laid-back (mostly jeans and T-shirts) and the room is jumping thanks to the loud music (you have to be able to hear it over the machines).
The Stitch Above the Rest workroom located in Gerdes’ basement is filled dual döfix steam irons, pinnable all-wall board, lining and fabric storage under the table with tools and buckrams on the walls.
Despite its (the workroom) size, the interior design visions I bring to life are huge.
who the client is, I oversee the project from start to finish. From the first phone call to the installation, I handle everything.
Despite its size, the interior design visions I bring to life are huge.
I believe my handling every detail has allowed me to create some very intricate designs and certainly hasn’t limited the size of the projects I can do. At every point in the project, I know exactly what to do when—and I believe it is my expertise that has allowed me to run a successful workroom for the past 17 years.
I do work for both residential and commercial spaces through my retail clients; although, I do periodically work directly with a few designers. No matter
When I get a call from a potential client and I feel that they are at least 80% ready to make a purchase, I schedule a consultation. I, then, visit the space
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MAY + JUNE 2022 | wf-vision.com
and allow my creative wheels to spin as I envision what I can create to treat the windows. I enjoy collaborating with clients on the selections of the fabrics, hardware and other details. I take official measurements, photos for my reference and provide a quote for the project. Then, it is all about waiting for the UPS man to deliver the beautiful embroidered linen or soft plush velvet I ordered. The excitement I experience when I first unroll the bolster of fabric across my worktable is unimaginable. There is something about seeing the fabric’s perfection all laid out before me.
