In Stitches

Special Spaces–Caelon

noreply@blogger.com (Tammy@InStitches) — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 21:54:00 +0000

Special Spaces of the Triangle completed our 4th make over last weekend for a precious 5 year old boy named Caelon. Everyone loves a good before and after so, here is what his room looked like before we started.

Caelon wanted a monster truck room; Grave Digger and Monter Mutt are his favorites. Some amazing volunteers built and painted his custom one of a kind bed !

The tire track stencil was designed, we made the workbench desk, and framed a Monster Jam flag.

We ripped out his old closet and built him a new closet organization system with drawers and shelves. The tool box night stand provided a lot of storage too.

Spoonflower printed and donated the “diamond plate” fabric to fit in with the theme.

He was one happy boy and I’m so grateful to have been a part of his new room.

Thanks to all the great volunteers we even finished with 10 minutes to spare !

Custom window treatments can be the single most important element in pulling together your decorating scheme.
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Special Spaces - Tucker

noreply@blogger.com (Tammy@InStitches) — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 00:15:00 +0000

Special Spaces of the Triangle is a non profit organization that does bedroom make overs for children with life threatening illnesses. I was so excited when the director asked me to be the design coordinator for the chapter because I had so much fun helping with the previous two rooms. This is what the room looked like when we first got there Saturday morning………

Tucker is a 3 year old boy who loves the outdoors and camping. He has a lung disorder called PCD and has to do a lot of treatments and hospital visits. As the lead designer, I wanted to create a wilderness lodge where he could relax and get away from all of that !

We had a great group of artists from Carolina Creative Artisans volunteer to paint a faux wood wall and the two doors. They also painted the fish and “Gone Fishing” sign. I made a tent flap valance for the window and ordered the bedding from Serena and Lily.

We painted the wood signs and installed this amazing mural from Magic Murals. I’m going to have to show you the whole thing.

I wanted Tucker and his brother to feel like they were looking right out into the wilderness when they were in their beds.

My Dad built the porch roof/canopy from cedar planks.

Spoonflower donated the “Mod Grain” fabric and Janet made the poufs and pillows. The artist there was so nice to change the color way to orange because that is Tucker’s favorite color.

We ordered the log furniture and dozens of volunteers worked on sanding and applying poly, it turned out beautifully.

My Dad helped so much pulling this room together….Thanks Dad !

And thanks to ALL the volunteers who worked so hard on Tucker’s room.

I think he loves it………………

We even got some coverage on the local news, Yay !

http://www.wncn.com/story/22834282/3-yr-old-battling-illness-gets-dream-room-makeover

Motorized Ripplefold Drapery

noreply@blogger.com (Tammy@InStitches) — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 17:41:00 +0000

My family room draperies are completed and I think it was worth the wait. Take a look……

Motorized Drapery

This is the track that I won from Somfy when I went to Inspire. The track can be ordered for pinch pleat or ripplefold draperies.

Here is a close up of the ripplefold heading. It’s a great look for more modern settings and the stack back is less. The track is attached to a wood fascia that I painted gold.

The fabric came from Spoonflower, they are a company in NC that prints custom fabric. The designer was so great to work with; she was able to adjust the color and pattern repeat to exactly what I wanted.

I think Zoe likes the new look. What about you ?

That was my first YouTube video…. Could I sound any more Southern ?

Caitlin Wilson Textiles

noreply@blogger.com (Tammy@InStitches) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:09:00 +0000

Last weekend Mr. Stitches, Zoe and I went to Asheville to visit the Biltmore House. Wow, amazing window treatments ! I wish I could have taken pictures in the house. Here we are up on the hill facing the house. We got to take Zoe on the grounds and through the gardens. There wasn’t much blooming but the weather was so nice !

Mr. Stitches bought me a House Beautiful magazine for the ride. There was an interview with Caitlin Wilson and a beautiful picture of her and her kids. They are sitting on her bed which is upholstered in one of CWD fabrics, Berry Fleur Chinoise.

She is an interior designer that likes bold patterns and has a gorgeous fabric line with some really fun prints.

I ~~recently~~ ok maybe it was last year, made a roman shade for a client with the Mustard Fleur Chinoise fabric for her kitchen.

I think I need something in the Pink City Maze, perhaps a pillow or two……

Be sure to check out her website and let me know which pattern is calling your name.

“Open Window” Event

noreply@blogger.com (Tammy@InStitches) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 18:39:00 +0000

Are you a window coverings professional, interior designer, workroom or installer ? If so, the Triangle Chapter WCAA would love for you to join us at Spoonflower for an evening of mingling and a tour of their new facility.

If you are new to the area, or hoping to meet others with similar interests, whether in the design end or the fabrication end of things, we would love to meet you. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served so be sure to RSVP here …….

Hope to see you April 11, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Special Spaces Makeover for Addie

noreply@blogger.com (Tammy@InStitches) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:42:00 +0000

Special Spaces of the Triangle strikes again with a room makeover for a sweet little girl named Addie. She is 3 1/2 years old and battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Many volunteers got busy transforming her bedroom and playroom so she could have a beautiful sanctuary to rest and play. We were blessed to be involved again and to create window treatments for her new room.

Janet made gorgeous tiebacks for the draperies. Here we are placing the choux roses on them.

Ronnie built the stage and about 100 other things, he is superman with a hammer !

There were so many people doing so many jobs. Just when you think that there’s no way it’s going to get finished in time, it does ! Ta-Da….

We were able to redo her playroom too and added this stage; what little girl wouldn’t love this ! They had so many generous donations and were able to buy her lots of educational and fun toys.

Yes, that’s all Ikea furniture. You know what that means…. lots of assembling to do.

My WCAA friends jumped in and helped this time. Janet made the valance for playroom and the coordinating cushion for the bench.

Ronica made the shower curtain with fabric so generously donated by Greenhouse Fabrics. Thank you GH, you rock !

Addie loves horses. I can see her riding on that little pony under the new tree mural.

It’s late and time for the family to come home for the big reveal !

Addie and her daddy seeing her room………..

I think she likes it !

Katie and Brenda, the co-directors of Special Spaces of the Triangle worked so hard on this makeover and it was all worth it. I told Mr. Stitches that I wish we could do this every weekend. If you would like to be involved in the next one, just contact and Special Spaces chapter near you. Just look at those beautiful girls; I am blessed to know them all.

There are many more photos on their Facebook page. Go and like them to keep up with all the awesome things they are doing.

She Wore Blue Velvet

noreply@blogger.com (Tammy@InStitches) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 14:55:00 +0000

They say you’re not supposed to apologize for not blogging but boy have I missed it ! Sorry for leaving you but it has been crazy busy around here. My sofa got a new outfit and I wanted to share it with you. This fabric was originally for my family room draperies but I decided it would be a much heavier look than I wanted and thought it would be perfect on the sofa in my study.

It was reupholstered in this peacock blue velvet from Greenhouse Fabrics. I decided to leave off the skirt this time and let her little feet show. It looks much less blue and more green in person.

Zoe is just happy to have her sofa back…………..

When I saw this room by Katie Rosenfield Desgin, I knew I was on the right track. What a happy room ! I’m loving the blue/green combo lately.

The new lamp in the foyer came from Tuesday Morning and I added the yellow grosgrain ribbon from the table skirt.

This means that I’m still looking for the family room fabric and the drapery lady has had no draperies for almost a year ! My son says I’ll never make them but I think that’s just his way of getting me to hurry up.

Bold Necklace from Novica

noreply@blogger.com (Tammy@InStitches) — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 15:06:00 +0000

I have been wanting a bold, bright statement necklace for a while so when Novica contacted me about doing a review that’s what I decided to get. NOVICA is one of the leading fair trade artisan websites. They work with National Geographic to give talented artisans around the world a place to express their artistic talents and provide access to the world market. They have thousands of top fair trade corporate gifts, accessories, jewelry and home decor items on their website.

I picked this beautiful hand made necklace by an artisan in Thailand named Nareerat. The blue and magenta colors are so vibrant and gorgeous ! I wore it for date night with Mr. Stiches last weekend. Don’t you love how it coordinates with my umbrella ? Didn’t even plan that…..

If you are looking for gifts for your loved ones or for yourselves they have lots of jewelry, belts, shawls and home décor items. I think my favorite part is the beautiful way they come packaged, everything I have gotten from there always comes in a special box. Thank you, Nareerat !

Special Spaces

noreply@blogger.com (Tammy@InStitches) — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 10:54:00 +0000

Carter’s make over was a huge success. We spent the day painting, staining, putting together bunk beds, hanging shelves and installing window treatments. There were over 30 enthusiastic volunteers helping to transform the family’s home.

A major part of the day went to putting down new flooring and painting the room to look like a hockey rink.

They are going to be home in two hours, we better get these window coverings hung !

Mitch Danforth was the designer as well as carpenter and mural hanger. His excitement kept us all happily working hard. Carl is the artist that painted this awesome mural of Carter and his family at a Hurricane’s game, it was the WOW of the room !

I think seven of us put this bunk bed together and dressed it in about 15 minutes. Carter really wanted this so his cousin could sleep over with him.

The room, all done, complete with laptop and signed Carolina Hurricanes memorabilia.

Stormy came out to meet the family and see the big reveal. I think he liked the bunk beds too.

Katie Martin is the director of the local chapter, Special Spaces of the Triangle. She worked so hard planning, organizing and getting donations for Carter’s room, it was such a pleasure working with her and getting to know her. I look forward to helping with another room in the future.

If you want to see a lot more photos, go to their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SpecialSpacesOfTheTriangle

There are currently 22 chapters in the US. If you are interested in helping, contact an affiliate near you http://www.specialspaces.org

Enjoy your room, Carter. We were blessed to be a part of it.

Neutral Draperies

noreply@blogger.com (Tammy@InStitches) — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 13:24:00 +0000

Our installation of the week this week included lots of neutral drapery panels. The breakfast nook was a beautiful linen mounted on wrought iron hardware from the Helser Brothers’ Artigiani line.

All of the panels are interlined with bump, which is a really thick cotton added to give body and protect your fabric.

The living room panels were banded on the leading edge and the top with a contrasting fabric.

They frame the outside view perfectly…….

Here is a close up of the Euro pleat and the 1 1/4” rod with cannonball finial.

Special Spaces of the Triangle

noreply@blogger.com (Tammy@InStitches) — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 20:22:00 +0000

Special Spaces is an organization that creates dream bedrooms for children with life threatening illnesses. These children need a special place to heal, recover and find solitude. They spend a lot of time in their rooms and that place should be a personal space that represents their personality. Whatever they can dream or imagine the volunteers can create.

I just recently heard that Katie Martin started a chapter in my state and when I saw their first child, Carter, I jumped at the chance to make his new window coverings.

Carter is a beautiful, vibrant 5 year old who loves panda bears, Nick Jr. TV and the Carolina Hurricanes. Although he is small, Carter appear s to be a normal, healthy child. What you don’t see, is that he has a very rare, genetic-recessive disease called Fanconi anemia. This disease is so rare, that there are only about 3,000 cases currently diagnosed world-wide and only about 300 of those cases are in the United States. Carter lives near Garner with his mom and dad, and brother Ethan.
Carter was born with two holes in his heart, a hypoplastic thumb, and with both of his kidneys fused together on one side.
He has had a few surgeries, including an index polliciation procedure to remove the thumb nub, and turn the index finger into his thumb. Carter had a bone marrow transplant in 2010 and a G-tube was surgically placed in Carter’s stomach to give him extra nutrition. A hook by Carter’s bed holds his tube in place during feedings. This rising kindergarten student will always battle eating, endocrine and vision problems, and the risk of cancers for kids with FA is very high.
When Carter isn’t shuttling between Duke and the University of Minnesota Amplatz Children’s Hospital, he would love a room with either a bunk bed or a trundle so he can have sleepovers with his cousin or brother. Since Carter spends a lot of time in his room, we’d like to make it a truly special place where he can be comfortable and dream about playing in the NHL one day with his idol, Eric Staal. But we can’t do it alone.

If you would like to be a part of Carter’s makeover, or another Special Spaces child’s makeover, please contact the chapter director.

https://www.facebook.com/SpecialSpacesOfTheTriangle

When Carter’s Hurricanes room is finished I’ll be sure to post pictures !

What’s on my Worktable

noreply@blogger.com (Tammy@InStitches) — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 18:01:00 +0000

These pillows are on the way out the door. The two in the front are by Schumacher: Soho weave.

The hot pink floral are from a vintage fabric that we remade with new brush fringe. So Palm Beach, don’t you think ?

My next three jobs are all using trims. I’m really digging the coral and white Schumacher St Tropez braid and the fancy Scalamandre trim. I wonder why blogger recognizes Schumacher’s spelling but not Scalamandre……. things that make you go hmmmm. (they evidently don’t know hmmm either, oh my bad, I had one too many m’s !)

They say it takes 29 days to break a habit and it’s been about that long since I blogged last. It’s been a busy summer but I’m back now and hope you all are having a wonderful summer.

Gold Drapery Rods

noreply@blogger.com (Tammy@InStitches) — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 13:04:00 +0000

Gold and brass, it’s coming back. Love it ? Hate it ? Still trying to eradicate it from your home from the 80’s ? Some kitchen and bath designers say that it’s gaining popularity. I won’t go so far as to put it on fixtures but I am LOVING it on drapery rods !

The gold rods in the bay window in this sitting room by Tom Stringer Designs look delish with the chocolate walls.

Source: traditionalhome.com via Tammy on Pinterest

Also looks great in a more neutral room with cool colors………..

Source: houseandhome.com via Tammy on Pinterest

Looks great in a traditional setting with a coordinating chandy…..

Source: housebeautiful.com via Tammy on Pinterest

Ya’ll know how much I love the pink and gray combo; the gold is perfect with it.

Source: houseandhome.com via Tammy on Pinterest

Emily Henderson rocked the brass rod with deep blue velvet.

Source: amberinteriordesign.blogspot.com via Tammy on Pinterest

Source: houzz.com via Tammy on Pinterest

Meredith Heron used them in the bay window with bold, patterned draperies.

Source: isuwannee.com via Tammy on Pinterest

The wood face of my Somfy motorized track is already painted, just need to make up my mind on the fabric choice.

It works in a modern or traditional setting. So, have I convinced you yet ? Do you love it ?

Fabric Table Skirt

noreply@blogger.com (Tammy@InStitches) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 15:15:00 +0000

I finally decided what to make for the empty spot in the foyer… a fabric table skirt. First, I needed a fabric that would transition from our pea green study to the peacock blue in the family room and also pull in the yellow from the kitchen, since the whole bottom floor is open. Tada, it does exist…….

Then, I needed a table to fit into the nook. That’s where my 14 year old son (soon to be 15) comes in. He was a little worried until he found out that none of the table would actually show……..

Now, it’s time to shop the house for things that are green, yellow and blue. The lily painting painting by Mr. Stitches Dad is perfect here. I stole the “Live what you love” print by Made by Girl from the guest room and the blue butterfly was just the right size to cover 4 nail holes from a previous picture ! Hire me to make your window treatments not to paint your house because I don’t patch holes :)

It just needs a turquoise lamp so this one can go back to the family room.

I’m linking to Metamorphosis Monday at BNOTP

Glamming Up the Headboard

noreply@blogger.com (Tammy@InStitches) — Wed, 30 May 2012 13:47:00 +0000

I’ve been on a mission to glam up the bedroom a little and the dark brown leather headboard had to go ! The inserts were reupholstered with a faux emu leather in pearl white and the buttons were replaced with crystal ones.

I also painted the nightstands in BM 925 Ivory White with a high gloss finish. I used their Advance paint which goes on like an oil but cleans with soap and water. It went on beautifully but needs 16 hours between coats and these took 4 coats ! And stayed tacky for at least another 4 days.

My friend Libby posted about Pic Monkey on her blog today. Check out her post at An Eye For Detail. It’s a great new editing tool to make collages and you all know how much I love monkeys.

Art Project

noreply@blogger.com (Tammy@InStitches) — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:20:00 +0000

Have you ever looked at something and thought, “Why did I ever like that ?” That’s what I’ve been thinking about the art over the bed so I decided to change it. It had five wooden pieces with Asian inspired paintings on it.

I painted over those with a dark gray then modge podged some of our wedding photos on top.

The first piece was too skinny for a photo so I used a piece of scrapbook paper on it.

Before shot of the frame………….

Ahhhh, much better !

Don’t you think ?

Ikat Pillows

noreply@blogger.com (Tammy@InStitches) — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:01:00 +0000

I found a great way to tie in the rust color from the breakfast area to the family room, since the whole first floor is open. I made new pillows from Durlee’s Kalah fabric…….. They are 20” with invisible zippers and look so good next to Mr. Dragon. If you’ve ever wondered if new pillows will make you happy, I’m here to tell you that they can !

The ottoman also got recovered in a Fabricut’s Rufus, color Nile. I’ve been a fan of animal print for as long as I can remember. Have you ever gasped when you saw a fabric ? That’s when you know you have to have it somewhere !

You may remember that I was considering the ikat for my new draperies but I decided to go with a solid peacock blue. Pillows are a great way to use pattern in a room especially if you think you may tire of it quickly. Don’t you love the ikat pillows in this room by Amanda Nisbet ?

Moving Things Around

noreply@blogger.com (Tammy@InStitches) — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:37:00 +0000

Some pieces of furniture are bought for a particular spot in our homes but I love the pieces that can get moved around to different rooms and work there too ! It’s like getting new furniture. This bench has been in my foyer, at the breakfast table, in my bedroom and now it’s sitting in my office/study.

That’s when the musical chairs game starts because the console table that was there needs to find a new home. Try the foyer…no, too deep, how about the bedroom…… this spot never felt right to me.

Yes, a perfect place to make a perfume bar………

As long as I’m glamming it up, might as well have a cute place for my jewelry. So, the mirrored table moves from the foyer to the bedroom.

When I moved the bench to the study then I had to move the old bench back to the master. It’s time for new fabric because my dog ruined the cream cut velvet. Do you like this one ?

Somehow, I ended up with an empty spot in my foyer nook. Just need to decide what to build for there, a bookcase, a rectangle table with fabric skirt or a bench with a tall tufted back.

Soft and Serene Bedrooms

noreply@blogger.com (Tammy@InStitches) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:50:00 +0000

Don’t we all need a calm and restful place to relax at the end of our hectic day ? Suzanne Kasler’s master bedroom is peaceful because it has light furnishings and white window treatments. I’m loving all the gold rods that are popping up everywhere lately !

Her guest room is so feminine with pink linen by Nancy Corzine. Suzanne says she keeps the interiors cool and calm because, “sometimes design is about how much you don’t do.” That’s a tremendous piece of advice !

Photos via AD

This Atlanta bedroom designed by Phoebe Howard also has light furnishings and window treatments. I know a lot of curtain ladies in Atlanta………. Did any of you make these ?

Photo via pheobehoward.net

Phoebe’s advice is that, “you should always be the best decoration in your house.”

Could you be cozy in these bedrooms ?

Fabric Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Tammy@InStitches) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:29:00 +0000

Yesterday was field trip time again for our local WCAA chapter. We visited Greenhouse Fabrics, a southern company that has wonderful fabrics and customer service.

These were some of my favorite patterns….. Bold and Colorful !

Leah gave us a tour of their warehouse and showroom followed by the most amazing cakes homemade by Angela. MMMMM, cake for breakfast, my kind of company !

Visit their website and contact me if you find something you love…..

Mr. and Mrs. Stitches–Officially

noreply@blogger.com (Tammy@InStitches) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:52:00 +0000

It’s been a while since I’ve blogged, but I’ve been busy getting married ! It was a beautiful day in March…………

At St Marks Chapel in downtown Raleigh…………..

My bouquet was made of hydrangeas, roses and calla lillies. It took a lot of searching to find the perfect dress. Once you have it pictured in your mind you look everywhere until you find it.

We wanted a small, intimate ceremony with our families so this chapel was perfect. It was built in the 1800’s and is located in Mordecai Historic Park.

Jessica Baker did a great job with the photography and the flowers. I’ve got some great photos of our honeymoon in Charleston that I’ll share next time.

XO, Mrs. Stitches

Fabric Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Tammy@InStitches) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:14:00 +0000

Don’t worry, you didn’t lose half of a week………. I’m doing Fabric Friday early this week ! I just went to a seminar by Joanne Lenart- Weary of The Decorating and Staging Academy and Greenhouse Fabrics was the sponsor.

Greenhouse has beautiful embroidered linen fabrics in many color ways.

They are a wholesale distributor of fabrics including, prints, stripes, linen, suede, leather and upholstery. There is something for everyone. I got my family room drapery fabric from GH, now I need to finish them. Go have a look around their website and let me know if you want to order anything !

Joanne Lenart-Weary was a wonderful speaker and gave us a lot of information about ways to improve our business. She also spoke about how to choose colors and mix patterns with confidence. Her website has the schedule of upcoming classes, I highly recommend taking one if you can.

Blushing

noreply@blogger.com (Tammy@InStitches) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 17:56:00 +0000

Blush…. It’s not quite pink and not quite nude. I’ve had this color on my mind lately, which led me to do some reading and searching about it. I found some beautiful images that represent this romantic color well. Aren’t these peonies and macaroons SO beautiful ?

Source: stylemepretty.com via Tammy on Pinterest

Source: kissthegroom.com via Tammy on Pinterest

It represents romance……………………

Source: stylemepretty.com via Tammy on Pinterest

There is a sweetness in this pastel shade…….

Source: luellajune.com via Tammy on Pinterest

Wouldn’t you feel calm in this space ?

Via The Skirted Rountable

A blush is a physical reaction designed to get our attention. It’s the way to know that we have stumbled and need to redirect our steps. Let’s hope that we never lose our ability to blush …………

Happy Valentine’s Day

noreply@blogger.com (Tammy@InStitches) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:07:00 +0000

I saw this pillow on the blog come on, ilene and I really wanted to make it. I started to reconsider after she repeatedly said how many gazillion flowers it took. It’s pinned on my to do list, maybe one day I’ll get around to it ! Isn’t is adorable ?

Source: comeonilene.com via Tammy on Pinterest

My new favorite song, by The City Harmonic is very appropriate for Valentine’s Day.

The City Harmonic

Wishing you lots of Love in your home ………….

Bringing Banding Back

noreply@blogger.com (Tammy@InStitches) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 01:04:00 +0000

“Banding” is strips of fabric sewn to the edge of draperies or valances and is a great way to bring another color into your window treatment.

I love the banding on this one by massuccowarnermiller. It makes a plain box pleated valance really pop !

Source: massuccowarnermiller.com via Tammy on Pinterest

We just installed this faux roman shade for a designer in a bathroom and used 7/8” grosgrain ribbon for the trim instead of fabric.

Here’s a close up of the detail in the design…………

The pattern was repeated on the shower curtain…………..

I love the Schumacher wallpaper with the leaping zebras ! This room reminds me of the bathroom in my very first home with the black and white tile floors, except my wallpaper was straight up zebra print.

This is a sample I was working on for a roman shade, the actual banding fabric was orange and it was a great contrast to the off white Quadrille toile fabric.

The biggest decisions with banding are…. Do you want to inset it or have it on the edge ?

How wide you want it ? Most of them are between 1” and 3” wide.

I keep finding photos on my phone that I haven’t blogged yet, here’s one with a Greek Key trim that is inset.

My Pinterest is full of beautiful examples of banding, come have a look and follow me if you haven’t already.