Stevenson Vestal Artisanship

Stevenson Vestal artisans create fine custom window and bed coverings exclusively for the design trade right here in Burlington, NC, USA. We recognize the sewing and fabricating of custom window treatments and bedding as something once common, but now an almost lost art. At Stevenson Vestal we actively foster this art through training, apprenticeship and our Master Artisans Program (see more below).
Artisans At Work. Valance artisan Mila, top right, creates a Pole Windsor Valance. Cornice artisan Rebecca, above, crafts a shirred border for a headboard. Shade artisan Susan, at right, works on a Flat Roman Shade. Below, Drapery artisan Herman smiles in front of his cutting table. Below right, Shade artisan Marian C. works at her sewing machine. These artisans work alongside about 75 others at Stevenson Vestal.
Master Artisans Program Makes our Mission Possible

To foster our oasis of artisan talent all Stevenson Vestal artisans take part in our Master Artisans Program (MAP).

The MAP Mission: To honor and celebrate each artisan's passage through the stages of apprenticeship, and to encourage each artisan to strive for the ultimate goal of Master Artisanship.

Each worker becomes student and teacher in this journey. We mark each artisan's progress through four Artisan Levels: Apprentice, Craftsperson, Artisan and Master Artisan. We base each Artisan Level on five Criteria: Tenure, Review, Productivity, Quality and Skills.

Although jobs may vary, we honor master artisanship for every worker without placing one person's job above another in importance.