Certified in the field of window treatments and, even better, certifiably fun, Leigh Pate, above left, and Caterina Meadows, above right, first met when they were legal secretaries for the same firm.  Though quite opposite in most ways, they bonded because they both loved to sew.  And after leaving the firm to raise their children, Leigh and Caterina remained friends.  Today, their friendship has evolved into a partnership in which they've taken their over-the-top talent for designing special window treatments and created a line of patterns that allows others to treat their windows the same way.

Caterina says Leigh is the quiet, meticulous one, but when talking about their Show Home patterns, both ladies have much to say.  "We've taken old-school window treatments and added an updated flair," says Leigh of their signature style.  "We call it a Southern flair."  In addition to the style of the window treatments, this flair includes the interesting combinations of fabrics put together in unique ways plus trims that add extra personality.

Caterina and Leigh also have a different take on installation.  Stepping away from using conventional, often costly, curtain rods, the duo loves to see what they can find a a hardware store to use instead.  They may drape a valance from coat hooks or created an awning with PVC pipe. 

As for the patterns themselves, forget the flimsy paper you might expect.  These full-size patterns are workshop sturdy, printed on heavy-bond paper.  And along with the printed instructions are pictures that show you exactly what to do.  Caterina, who likes to jump in and start sewing without reading directions, ask, "Guess who needs the pictures."

Packaged inside each Show Home pattern is everything you need to know about making a professional window treatment--and you can't help thinking a lot of Leigh's and Caterina's personality is packed in there, too.

(Copyright-Southern Lady Spring 2003)