– by Doreen Marion Gee –
This is part of a rotating series of articles on members of Sidney Meet Up Women’s Networking Group, featuring women in business on the Saanich Peninsula.
Even with my untrained eye I could see the talent and years of skill that went into the beautiful outdoor cushion cover with stunning sea-shell and beach designs, expertly sewn and formed with perfect decorative edges. The artisan is a master of interior and exterior design sewing. And Nancy McMillan’s exquisite treasures are also practical, cost-effective and good for the environment.
Everything that Nancy McMillan touches is a work of art. The owner of “Nancy’s Sew Creative” on East Saanich Road has been using her expert sewing skills for about forty years to produce exquisite household accessories. Her resume includes soft furnishings and bedding, but Nancy specializes in manufacturing high-end washable slipcovers for indoor sofas, chairs and ottomans. Her new passion is outdoor furniture, where she refurbishes detachable cushions and makes new cushions that attach to chairs. Indoors or outdoors, Nancy uses only the highest quality fabrics from top-of-the-line companies.
Nancy was enticed by the sheer practicality of her art. When interior chairs and couches are worn, dirty or have pet odours, Nancy’s creations offer a genuine solution. Her beautiful slipcovers can transform a grungy old couch or chair into a thing of beauty with ‘brand new’ allure. Judging by the photos on her website, the fine and elegant results rival anything in a posh home-decor boutique. Here’s the kicker: When the new slipcovers get soiled or stained, just throw them in the washing machine and they look as dazzling as before. Nancy’s durable washable fabrics are made to last a long time. An investment in Nancy’s products is probably much less costly in the long term than continuously replacing worn-out furniture pieces with new expensive ones.
With her present focus on outdoor furniture, Nancy’s chic designs are selling well. Made with the “best” and sturdiest outdoor materials, the washable cushions can simply be hosed off when soiled. Nancy’s marvels are proudly displayed in front of her house with “Before and After” chair sets – the contrast between the worn dull old chairs and the refurbished furniture is remarkable. Her chairs and cushions with bold bright-coloured stripes and classy fashionable patterns could grace any show-room floor.
Nancy’s venture into outdoor designs is a way to honour her values: “My environmental concerns have prompted me to add refurbishing outdoor furniture to my repertoire.” She recycles weathered outdoor cushions in stylish new covers, keeping their non-biodegradable contents from harming the environment. “The fillers in outdoor cushions are clean and ready to be refreshed once the sun has damaged and faded the covers.”
Nancy’s words ooze through every stitch in her artistic decorative work: ‘I love being creative. I love taking something and transforming it into something wonderful!”
Contact: www.nancysewcreative.com & facebook.com/nancysewcreative
