About Cassi
Business Owner
I love textiles and making my home beautiful. Lately, minimal design is where my passion is.
I made my first slipcover in 2005 for myself. My sofa was no longer fresh and appealing and I was on a budget. I loved the Pottery Barn style, and so after watching a couple of home improvement shows and browsing catalogues, I recruited my Mom's help and we made a slipcover for my sofa with a dark denim, accented by gold stitching. I was in love. From then on, I slipcovered everything I could.
I found that with a little effort and some fabric, my whole house could be transformed. My favourite part of any project is the "before" and "after." It's amazing to me that with some good bones, any old thing can be turned into something to match anyone’s style. This makes me happy, as I am very much like my Grandma Bates that way - nothing wasted.
After several years of transforming my own furniture and helping others with their slipcovers, I finally decided to start my own business doing something I enjoy. And thus, Piping and Pleats was born in 2011.
In my free time I love to roam the globe and hike and read.
About Erin
Assistant
I think there is something magical about turning flat fabric into items we use every day. From slipcovers for furniture to pillow covers to purses and bags to clothing that fits beautifully and reflects the personality of the wearer. I’m that person who dragged a sewing machine around with me when I left my childhood home. It came along with me when I got married and stayed in the background of my life. Aside from a disastrous Home Ec class in Junior High, I really didn’t know how to sew, but the fascination stayed with me. Finally, my children were grown and our lives were simpler and it was my time to learn to sew. I pulled out that sewing machine and haven’t stopped. For the past ten years,I’ve been sewing for myself and my family and teaching sewing to anyone who expresses an interest. There is always something new to learn, some technique to perfect. It’s so gratifying seeing something you made being used and loved by someone.
When I’m not in my sewing room, I am with family and friends, with my rescue animals, working in my garden, or exercising.
