2016 INGENUITY WORKROOM COMPETITON
Elizabeth Gerdes, Stitch Above The Rest, LLC with Ann K. Johnson, SEw Easy Windows First Place, Specialty Window Fashions PROJECT OVERVIEW When Elizabeth Gerdes first saw these two enormous (23' wide by 14' high) windows, the client was desperate for something to replace the cornices that, installed only six years earlier, had already warped and disintegrated due to the intense sun. “She still had traversing drapery panels and sheers,” said Gerdes, “but needed something to not only cover the hardware, but to treat the entire space as one magnificent design.” Gerdes designed a series of swags in various sizes that would overlap and accent the arch of the windows, hung from a cornice box mounted in the wall space above the window. This would allow for multiple colors of fabrics to all show, blending with the fabrics in the drapery panels and sheers that were already there, all while keeping most of the new design out of the damaging sunlight. Each of the eight swags measures roughly 4’ x 8’ and the finished cascades measure approximately 60" long by 25" wide. The cornices boxes were made in two pieces for each window, with each box measuring 1' deep x 11’ long. Medallions in the center, accented with large tassels, cover the cornice seam and overlapping swags. “This was a big job on all levels, from the scale of the windows to the amount of time and fabric—nearly 100 hours from initial consultation to final installation, and more than 50 yards of fabric,” said Gerdes. “But all effort was well worth it—I definitely have a client for life!”
DETAILS
Credits: Workroom: Elizabeth Gerdes, Stitch Above The Rest, LLC, Woodstock, GA with Ann K. Johnson, Sew Easy Windows, Avon Lake, OH. Designer: Elizabeth Gerdes. Installer: Dave Starner, Starner Finishing Touches, Woodstock, GA. Sources: Swag fabric: Catania, Diamond Slate. Cornice fabric: Catania, NonDiamond Slate. Trim: Conso 6" Bullion Fringe from Fabric and Fringe Warehouse. Interlining: United Supply #755888-1405. Blackout lining: United Supply #80185109202320. Center Medallion: Custom made with Trend double tassel tieback. 58
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