Introducing our Member of the Month...Cammie Berger

Cammie Berger started sewing in the womb. Well-- not really, but her memory doesn't go back far enough to remember exactly when she started. One thing is for sure---her mother- an avid seamstress-- taught her from an early age. Sometimes she wasn't a very enthusiastic student, but once she moved out on her own, it became apparent that the only way she could afford some of the things she wanted was to make them herself!

Eventually, she and her (very supportive) husband Pat started a family. She subsidized her income during maternity leave from her full-time job as a Flight Attendant by sewing for an Interior Designer at her church. When 9/11 came and she found herself (literally) next in line for takeoff to New York airspace, she and her (still supportive) husband decided that it was time to make the move to full-time work on the ground. When the airline offered separation packages at her seniority, it was a seamless (no pun intended :] )  transition to open Cammie Berger Interiors and she hasn't ever looked back. "Best decision we ever made. I could stay home and be a wife and mommy, and also make a living doing what I love! God has blessed me beyond belief."

As the years went by, she has become a to-the-trade-only workroom and loves the sewing end the most. "I like consulting with the Designer on jobs, but am not gifted with the sales aspect. I am perfectly happy being the "woman behind the curtain", so to speak--that gets to make an object of beauty that thrills a client!"

 

Cammie's work has been featured on the cover of Drapery and Design Professional magazine, and most recently in the new Helser Brother's Artigiani hardware Catalog. She is the Social Media Coordinator for the Charlotte Chapter of the WCAA and has served two years as President of the Greater Charlotte Workroom Association. She has recently started blogging, though it sometimes has nothing to do with sewing! She resides in Fort Mill, SC with her husband Pat, and two boys, Grant, 14 and Preston, 11.

Cammie can be contacted at:
Cammie Berger Interiors

241 Lorraine Road
Fort Mill, SC 29708

704-756-0824

803-802-3163 fax

cbergerinteriors@gmail.com
www.picturetrail.com/cammieberger
www.facebook.com/cammiebergerinteriors
http://cammiebergerinteriors.blogspot.com/

Holiday Party 2011!

A great time was had by all at the annual holiday party! We all ate way too much delicious food at Maggiano's Little Italy at Southpark Mall, and they even sent us home with leftovers! This year-end wrap-up event is always a highlight of our chapter's year! We get to celebrate our successes together, both individually and collectively and enjoy a stressfree night among friends. After all---that's what we have become! If you're in the Charlotte area, we would love to have you join our family!

 

 

 

 

 

Introducing our Member of the Month...Margaret Fergusson!

Margaret Fergusson is the C.E.O of the House of Andrachelle, a “Boutique “ Trade Showroom located in Charlotte, NC.   A native of London, England, Margaret relocated to the USA in 1995, opening the House of Andrachelle after the successful reign of Andrachelle Interiors in Kent, England.

The House of Andrachelle supplies innovative products to the design trade which include custom weaving of fabrics, tassels, trimming and tie backs, window hardware and workroom accessories.  Some ‘special editions’ have included 16’ long tiebacks made with crystal. Special commissions can be undertaken. H.O.A, for example has created, designed and produced a custom ‘ British American Plaid’, for the British American Business Council.  If your client would like his or her own 100% wool or cotton plaid, the showroom can help you in this endeavor.  The showroom has over 120 shades of colored lining, various weights of English Bump and unique printing capabilities.

For the last five years H.O.A. has focused on developing new products that increase energy efficiency and make less negative impact on the global environment.  Our fabrics are Global Organic Certified  (G.O.T.S) and carry LEED points.  There is a large customizable range on view in the showroom.
HOA has introduced new fabrics, pillows and comforters to the marketplace, supplying textiles that are luxurious and sensuous without the use of toxic chemicals.  Using fabric that is ethically produced and sustainable, but indistinguishable from conventional textiles, H.O.A. works with partners who support environmentally benign practices, power sources and materials from raw materials to final product disposal.

Only high quality, natural fibers that have been grown without pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers are selected. Since growing even organically certified cotton, one of nature’s thirstiest plants, can contribute to the desertification of the world, we emphasize the use of other natural fibers such as hemp, bamboo, flax (linen) and abaca.   Although agencies are not certifying these fibers as organic, all the fabrics in our Eco line are grown responsibly.  No panda bear habitat bamboo is harvested.

H.O.A. is very pleased to be able to use a bamboo viscose fabric, which has been produced with no deleterious environmental effects.   Almost all of the bamboo fiber on the market is made using the viscose process (non-viscose bamboo cannot be spun into yarn). The process uses sulfuric acid, which most manufacturers do not handle properly because the process is so laborious and expensive.  Nevertheless, when our mill returns the wastewater to the nearby bay it is safe to drink, and the sulfuric acid is sequestered and neutralized using bacteria (a very, very expensive process). The result is zero adverse environmental effects. 

You can find bamboo, sheets, shams and fabric, along with bamboo velvets, organic cotton and Ingeo comforters and inserts.
Stop by and enjoy a cup of afternoon tea, peruse the shelves and see if there is something unique and special we can assist you with for your clients.

 Above, some of our custom printed fabrics; all organic, certified and printed with low impact dye.

House of Andrachelle Looped Header Tape.
Small loop shown in Natural, also available in Gold and Buff

 

British American 100% wool plaid designed and produced for the British American Business Council, registered as an authentic plaid with the Scottish Authority, shown on the left.   A custom fabric, produced for Tigerlily Designs through Gina Willis of Classic Creations

 Baby Pillows or Wall Hangings available in pink or blue, with the baby’s name and family tree printed.  The baby’s name is printed on the reverse of the pillow. Additional printed yardage is available. Parents, Grandparents and Great Grand Parents are listed.

Custom trimming available in many options.

 

The House of Andrachelle

1230 West Morehead Street, Suite 106

Charlotte, NC 28208
T 704 342 3106   F 704 847 3429
Email; showroom@houseofandrachelle.com
WWW.houseofanrachelle.com
www.inhabiteriors.com

What a ride!!!

After too many planning hours to count, the Carolinas Windows of Excellence Expo was a HUGE success!! We thoroughly enjoyed all the vendors, and Michael Payne was absolutely charming!  

We'll let the pictures do the talking!!  

ENJOY!!