Marilyn's Story

Niagara On The Lake - my early years

Nestled amongst the lush peach orchards of Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, my childhood was a tapestry of hard work and creative expression. Raised on the family farm, I discovered my love for sewing at an early age, fashioning clothing for my dolls with my own two hands. With no prior influence or guidance from my mother or grandmother, who in their own right were masters at crocheting, I taught myself to sew and honed my skills through determination and practice. By my teenage years, I saved up enough money from my summer job at the local ice cream store, to purchase my very own sewing machine, which became a proud symbol of my unwavering passion and drive.

At just 16, I took my first step into the world of professional sewing, landing a job at our local fabric store. There, I fully immersed myself in the craft, refining my skills in fabric preparation, machine maintenance, and advanced sewing classes. Unbeknownst to me at the time, the experiences of these years would prove to be immensely formative. These were the years that set the stage for my professional journey and laid the groundwork for my success.

From Fabrics to Cars and Back

I pursued a double major and graduated with a Bachelor of Science and Textiles from the University of Guelph. Despite my growing interest in textiles and design, job prospects in that industry were limited, but undeterred I remained.

Fuelled by my ambition to build a better future and to save for a house, I pivoted towards a career in automotive manufacturing at General Motors. It was during this time in my life that I met my future husband, and together we established roots in Milton, Ontario, started a family, and purchased our home. My passion for sewing never faded and I soon found myself weaving my way back into the industry.

As I continued to cultivate my skills through various sewing workshops, one opportunity led to the next, and I enrolled in a window treatment specific sewing course at the local community college. With my trusty sewing machine in tow, I sewed my very first pleated drapes! Little did I know, this was just the beginning of my life-long journey into the wonderful eclectic world of custom drapery.

Back To My Roots

I’m incredibly blessed to be doing what I have been doing for all these years. Although my life has mostly been centred around family and business, the many influences from growing up on the farm have never left me. If you asked me what I am doing when I’m not at my sewing table, it would unquestionably be gardening. In my spare time, I tend to my beautiful garden, especially my nasturtiums and geraniums. To this day, I dream about moving back onto a farm, where I can spend my days surrounded by nature, still working with my hands, and living a simple life close to the land. Perhaps, one day, this will still happen. I digress…

My all inclusive approach

I am proud to showcase my all-inclusive approach to this timeless craft. My unique approach allows me to bring my clients’ vision to life. From start to finish, I am passionate about guiding each client through the process, sharing my knowledge and recommendations every step of the way, and making them feel empowered to select and create the window treatment of their dreams. I carefully create the desired look for each project by using my design books and extensive knowledge in materials and fabrics.

As an artisanal designer, I utilize a blend of technical expertise and creative vision to bring each project to life. In my workroom, I have 7 specialized sewing machines that serve as a foundation to my meticulous craftsmanship, while my background in interior design supports my ability to bring conceptual ideas to life.

Reading the room

There is an art to creating timeless long-lasting window treatments. The key to success lies in taking a holistic approach that blends form and function, and that’s exactly what I deliver. I ‘read the room’ in terms of intent and function to ensure that each project is customized to meet the specific needs of the client and the space we are working with.

My repertoire of blinds, shades, and custom automation ensures each client has a tailored experience. I embrace complexity, pushing the boundaries of what is possible, to create unforgettable designs that stand the test of time. From conception to execution, every detail is fastidiously tended to, elevating the look and feel of every space I touch. No project is too big, no challenge too complex. From the very first stitch to the final touch, I pour my heart and soul into each project, always striving for absolute perfection.

Fostering a supportive community

Recognizing the power of collaboration and community, I am proud to have been a part of the Business Networking International (BNI) group for 21 years. This involvement has opened doors and created many opportunities, bringing me into a diverse network of talented designers. I am a firm believer in the value of sharing knowledge and fostering a supportive community, and my experience in BNI has only reinforced that belief. Whether collaborating on projects, exchanging best practices, or simply being a listening ear, I am consistently inspired by the creativity, passion, and unwavering dedication of my fellow designers.

Exceptional Aftercare

My commitment to you is focused on matching your vision with my quality work. It starts with our very first call and from there, I endeavour to inspire and bring your vision to a tangible reality. As I guide you through each step of bringing your custom window treatment to life, you won’t be left wondering what’s next. Through a series of personalized questions, I gain a comprehensive understanding of your needs, allowing me to present a carefully curated selection of window treatment options that align with your vision.

At the forefront of my business is a dedication to providing exceptional aftercare services, ensuring that your window treatments are always in top condition. This includes ongoing support for fabric care, maintenance, and troubleshooting even long after a window treatment is installed. I am committed to being responsive to my clients' needs, and I am always available to provide consistent support. I stay informed of changes in window treatment regulations to ensure that my recommendations are up to date and always in compliance with code.

My Work

My handcrafted designs can be found throughout Ontario, gracing both residential and commercial spaces in cities such as Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, Georgetown, Milton and the Greater Toronto Area.

If you haven’t already, I invite you to peruse through The Gallery to see some of my beautiful work. Or read My Blog for valuable insights and information on window treatments.

Thank You

Thank you for indulging me in my trip down memory lane! It's been a pleasure to take you on a tour of my life of sewing. If you're eager to learn more about my work, don't be shy! Let's connect and schedule a time to chat. I can't wait to hear about your project and work together to create something truly unique and beautiful.