Custom window treatments shape the mood of a space. they soften light, frame views and elevate the look of a room. In Atlanta’s luxury design market, Stitch Above the Rest is synonymous with superior craftsmanship, distinctive vision and an uncompromising standard of excellence.
Founded and led by Elizabeth Gerdes, this full-service fabrication and design studio redefines what it means to deliver luxury through fabric. Based in Woodstock, Georgia, Stitch Above the Rest has grown into one of the most respected and sought-after workrooms in the region, serving homeowners, designers and business owners who want more than just curtains; they desire a bespoke experience in window treatment design.
The client experience helps set the studio apart from other workrooms. Clients don’t place an order; they begin a collaborative journey. From the moment homeowners and designers step into the studio’s combined showroom and workroom, they are immersed in a world of creative possibilities and guided by professionals who understand how to translate their vision into reality with precision and artistry.
For Gerdes, the business was born out of a deep-rooted skill that later evolved into a passion. She learned to sew as a child, surrounded by scraps of fabric and the hum of her mother’s sewing machine. It wasn’t until adulthood, though, that she revisited this early skill as a way to support her growing family and quickly discovered an untapped demand for high-quality, custom-made soft furnishings. As requests for window treatments grew more frequent, she realized she had found her calling.
That practical beginning quickly transformed into something bigger. Gerdes enrolled in professional training, earned certification in custom window treatment fabrication and officially launched Stitch Above the Rest in 2003. Over the years, she transitioned from working solo in a basement to running a full-scale studio, where her team fabricates everything in-house. Today, the business employs fabricators, installers and client service professionals who together create seamless, start-to-finish experiences.
The firm’s expertise spans the full range of soft and hard window treatments, including draperies, Roman shades, motorized roller shades, shutters, valances and custom hardware, in addition to its ability to craft complementary furnishings such as cushions, bedding and upholstered pieces. But it’s the team’s willingness to take on complex projects and deliver perfection under pressure that makes them a go-to resource for clients.
One of the company’s standout capabilities is its ability to handle unusually shaped or architecturally challenging windows. “Where other firms might say, ‘That’s not possible,’ we say, ‘Let’s figure it out,’” Gerdes says. “That’s the kind of work we love, creating custom solutions for spaces that require more than just off-the-shelf thinking.”
For one recent client, a couple restoring a 114-year-old Victorian home, Gerdes and her team designed and fabricated an entire home full of bespoke window treatments. Every room required a different approach, from hand-tacked velvet panels in the parlor to more modern solutions in the bedrooms. “The homeowners had a clear vision for the character of their home, and it was our job to honor that with integrity and creativity,” Gerdes explains.
The studio also works extensively with interior designers, many of whom now bring their clients directly to the Woodstock showroom. “Having a space where designers can walk in with their clients, touch fabrics, visualize ideas and then literally walk right into the workroom and see their drapery being made is a huge advantage,” Gerdes says. “There’s a level of transparency and trust that comes from that, and it allows for real-time collaboration that leads to better outcomes.”
Stitch Above the Rest’s attention to detail doesn’t stop once the fabric leaves the sewing table. Every project is overseen by Gerdes herself, and she’s present at every installation to ensure everything fits flawlessly and looks exactly as envisioned. “I don’t just hand off a job and hope for the best,” she says. “My clients trust me to follow through all the way to the final install, and I take that responsibility seriously.”
Commercial clients, too, have taken note. Gerdes and her team have completed large-scale installations on tight timelines, including a project for a 30,000-square-foot commercial space that required 1,400 feet of drapery to be completed within 60 days when another workroom backed out of the project. Gerdes’ team rose to the challenge and completed the project on time. Despite the pace, the result reflected the same precision and luxury detail her clients expect. “No matter the scale, our standard never changes,” Gerdes says. “We deliver handmade quality every time.”
The firm’s reputation for excellence has earned it numerous accolades, including the industry’s top honor, Workroom of the Year, as well as multiple Grace Awards from the International Window Coverings Expo and a decade-long streak as Best of Houzz for Service. Gerdes says the most rewarding recognition comes directly from her clients, especially when they see how the final result changes the entire feel of their space, making them proud to show it off again.
Ultimately, that emotional connection is what drives her. “There’s something incredibly powerful about walking into a room that feels complete, cohesive and personal,” she says. “Window treatments have the ability to pull everything together in a way that no other design element can. It’s about privacy, comfort, beauty and functionality all rolled into one.”
While most of the firm’s business remains in Metro Atlanta, Stitch Above the Rest increasingly works with clients nationwide. Through digital renderings, video consultations and fabric shipping, Gerdes and her team offer the same white-glove service remotely. As the business continues to grow, she is focused on scaling the company, thoughtfully expanding her team while maintaining the hands-on approach that sets them apart.
At its core, Stitch Above the Rest isn’t only about fabric and windows. It’s about craftsmanship, creativity and creating spaces that make clients proud of their homes and offices. Every pleat, hem and pattern match are expressions of care, and every finished project is a promise kept, according to Gerdes.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all solution in this business,” she says. “That’s why we treat every window, every client and every project as unique.” Whether homeowners need to block light through the quick push of a button, control the sun’s glare, want a layer of privacy between themselves and their neighbors, or they simply want something pretty that makes them smile when they walk into the room, Stitch Above the Rest can answer the call. Gerdes says, “We’re not just making drapes; we’re allowing people to live better lives.” *
Dana W. Todd is a professional writer specializing in interior design, real estate, luxury homebuilding, landscape design, architecture and fine art.
