hook & ladder products feature images from our vast collection of vintage postcards and photographs and turn of the century children's picture books. These images are further embellished by hand with glitter, rhinestones, charms, silk ribbons and other forms of ephemera.
The work we create is best appreciated close at hand. With the finest trained artisans we incorporate unique techniques and details into a finished work. Sometimes the slightest, elegant detail can transform a plain curtain into a couture piece. Here is a sample of some of those details:



Trapunto: Begins with an outline embroidered stitch to existing damask or created motif that is then filled with a cotton thread into the sections that are highlighted to present a quilted area. We have used trapunto on leading edges of curtains, headboards, cushions and even on wall upholstering.

Soutach: Usually a fine flat braid is applied on a fabric and delicately tacked in place allowing the trim to turn and appear as if it has just been placed on the material. One of the “rules” of soutache is to use only one continuous cord to complete the entire pattern.

Heading Pleats: The pattern of the fabric is calculated so that each pleat is identical and all seams are hidden. Different fabrics of style of pleat require various pellons or buckrams. Pleats such as French, smoked or goblets are pinched by hand.

Trim application: Sewing trim should always be done by hand. Before beginning to sew we locate where a tassel begins and ends on the leading edge of a curtain or mitered corner.

Embroidery: By hand, we combine basic stitches such as chain stitch, blanket stitch, cross stitch in order to embellish a fabric with a design color. By hand guided machine we can create satin stitch and chain stitch used in a running pattern or monogram.

Beadwork: One bead at a time sewn by hand. The selection or manor which beads are sewn to a specific pattern of a design we can achieve a lustrous or shadow effect.

Pleats: A pleat is a permanent fold made in the fabric formed by doubling fabric back upon itself and securing it in place. Seen mostly in clothing, we have experimented with different thickness and combinations of styles of pleats to embellish leading edges of curtains and bed skirts.

Hardware: There is a big disconnect between the beautiful finials you can find in hundreds of catalogs and the function of the hardware. Brackets always seem to be an afterthought. We insist on ordering the hardware to ensure that the correct components and finishes are selected. We regularly custom make and finish brackets to match a designers selected rod and finials.

Custom Hardware: Gives rise to collaborations on cast bronze bracket-finials, hand carved wood rods and finials, and with a glass artist to make rods and finials. Silver or gold leafing and plated finishes are aspect where we proudly involve other artisans.

Pelmets, Baldaquins and Lambrequins: An ornamental hanging covering the upper part of a window for concealing the fixtures of curtains or drapes. In resurrecting this traditional treatment in contemporary interiors we have combined leather, metal studs, antique glass and upholstery with a redefined style.

Fabric painting: The art of applying a design to a fabric with the appropriate paint to create any pattern of color. Carrying onto a plain fabric a pattern from another fabric in the room is truly a custom detail.