the well-made curtain in brief
The well-made curtain begins with a concept, but is the result of a series of thoughtful and practical decisions: which needle, thread, hand stitch, lining and interlining are most appropriate? Should it be sewn from the top down or bottom up?

Seams are sewn with the correct tension, and patterns are perfectly matched. Only fabric widths and French pleats are machine stitched; everything else, including the hem, is hand finished. Added trim looks as if it's an integral part of the curtain, and hand stitching is invisible.

The well-made curtain allows a textile's character—the weave of the satin, the

texture of the silk, its print, pattern and colors—to shine. Structure is sufficient to hold the desired shape, but that shape undulates; the pleated textile moves forward into the room, and away.

With interlining and good lining added to the construction, the fabric is given presence and dimension. It is sculpture, sculpture in the medium of textiles and in very specific relationship to the architecture and furnishings.

contextual sewing
As you cut and manipulate fabric, decisions are made with the information of experience. True mastery is informed by why—seeing why something is made a certain way.

Every item we make interfaces with another element: dustskirts fit on the bed, bed draperies fit on the bed frame,

coverlets sit on the bed, curtains hang from the hardware and around a window. Everything is contextual.

As a master curtain maker, I must hold every element of a house in mind. Likewise, Horner & Company seamstresses always sew contextually, conscious of the whole and how each part fits within it.

artisan partners
We work with select, skilled artisans whose collective wisdom and collaborative style extend our talents and reach. Approaching structural and technical problems with economy and ease, they

often devise solutions we wouldn't have considered. They are indispensable partners.

agile workroom
In simultaneously managing multiple projects, a workroom must be fluid and agile, able to shift focus, assignments, and operations on short notice without losing its balance or momentum. At Horner & Company, being resourceful is an attitude and instinctive response.

• • • to learn more about Horner & Company's services, collaborative process and project management, download the company brochure pdf.