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.

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.

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).

Despite its size, the interior design visions I bring to life are huge.

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 who the client is, I oversee the project from start to finish. From the first phone call to the installation, I handle everything.

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.

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 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.

Despite its (the workroom) size, the interior design visions I bring to life are huge.

Classic white linen draperies were fabricated with a two-finger pinch pleat header on metal traversing hardware by United Supply.

There are certainly many points during the fabrication process that I want to pull my hair out, but there are also many moments that bring me complete calm and joy. This happens when the measurements I have calculated are perfect for the pattern or when the dressing is finally taking shape. But my biggest joy comes when the fabrication is completed and the draperies are installed. To see the original design come to life in its permanent home is the most rewarding to me. Like most workrooms, I work to solve problems, impact interior designs and make spaces that feel more finished, comfortable and welcoming.

Although I always look for new challenges, it is likely I will always be considered a small workroom. Some may think of me of not being successful due to my size, others will see my abilities and expertise as what make me successful. And the struggle in deciding to bring on more staff to allow me to grow my business is real. I certainly admire those workrooms who have been successful in establishing a very large enterprise.

But, for now, there are plenty of workrooms that can handle large quantities of work while I focus on establishing and enjoying the personal connections I make with my clients. V

Gerdes installed shaped cornice with trim from Brimar over stationary draperies and designed to allow the architecture of the window frames to be visible. Fabric from Stout was coordinated to match upholstered dining chairs.

Photo: Woodie Williams Photography

It's installation day for Gerdes and installer Dave Starner with a three-piece cornice over traversing sheers. Recognized as an industry leader, Elizabeth Gerdes is the owner of the awardwinning custom drapery workroom Stitch Above the Rest in Woodstock, GA. For the past 17 years, she has been designing and fabricating custom window treatments for residential and commercial spaces. She loves a good window treatment challenge and gravitates toward nontraditional projects. StitchAboveTheRest.com