The Northfield Plantation

I recently took a 4 hour trip to Cumberland, V.A. to participate in a phenomenal event. Approximately 40 Window Treatment Artisans came together at the Northfield Plantation to work like wild women fabricating dozens of upholstered pieces for this home over a long weekend. And, we even had a wedding during the weekend! One of the women participating in the previous weekends wanted to have her wedding on the Northfield property. If you look at the photos of Northfield, you can see why!

The Northfield Foundation is a non-profit organization established by Gwen Seiler. She desired to create a place for young girls with eating disorders and unplanned pregnancies could go for medical assistance and counseling in a Christian centered environment. The Foundation purchased the Northfield Plantation in July 2006. Since then, the home has been in the process of complete renovations through financial donations and the countless hours of labor put in by many, many volunteers. God willing, the home will be open this fall.

Last spring, as a member of the Custom Home Furnishings Forum, I read about a request from one of the members, Christine Shepherd. Christine had become involved with the Northfield Foundation and was asking for anyone that would be interested in doing some sewing for window treatments and upholstery items that would go into the renovated home. She received an overwhelming response from Window Treatment Artisans all over the country. Christine organized the first "Upholstered Headboard Weekend". 46 ladies, including myself, attended the weekend! We worked from sun up to sun down creating 12 twin upholstered headboards, 2 queen upholstered headboards, six upholstered bench tops, one 36″ tufted round ottoman, 12 monogrammed bolster pillows and re-upholstering a loveseat and an arm chair! All in ONE DAY!!!

There was a second weekend in the fall and then the final weekend last month. This was such a phenomenal experience. I was honored to work with such an awesome group of talented, generous ladies. I created many friendships that I will always cherish.

KUDOS to Christine Shepherd for all the hard work she has done in coordinating the renovation. I'm thrilled for Christine because she has won the 2009 Vision World of Windows Humanitarian Award. She was nominated by her peers and is so deserving!!

In order to complete the renovations and the requirements for licensure, the Northfield Foundation continues to accept donations. If you would like to donate or just read more about The Northfield Plantation, please go to www.northfieldfoundation.org.