Sewing for Friends and Neighbors Leads to a Longtime Business and Lifelong Passion

For more than 20 years, Teresa Knoll has dressed the windows of homes in the Oswego area with custom-made drapery through her business, Windows Etc. "Not many people enjoy what they do," Knoll says. "I feel very fortunate to be able to love what I do every day!" Windows Etc. is in the Patch Business Spotlight.

Windows Etc. | Teresa Knoll, owner

• 237 Morgan Valley Drive, Oswego
• Website: windowsetcdrapery.com
• Email: WindowsEtcDrapery@att.net
• Phone: 630-551-3960
• Windows Etc. is on Facebook

How did your business get started?

My mother taught me to sew as a young girl, I used to make my own clothes through high school. When I got married and had my first homes, I did the decorating for them myself. After I had my boys, I started sewing for friends and neighbors doing window treatments and pillows, it developed into a business that I've done for 20-plus years.

What is your business best known for?

I offer custom made drapery, valances and bedding for your home. I sell fabrics, trims and hardware to complete your window treatments. Additionally, I sell Hunter Douglas shades and Horizon Window Fashions for your privacy and light control needs. A one-stop shop for your custom window treatments!

And something people might not know?

All of the fabrication for your valances and drapery are done in my home-based drapery workroom by myself. A personal touch and a lot of attention is paid to the detail of each project that leaves my workroom. I do offer free consultations and design for each client prior to beginning each job, I bring fabrics to each client for selection and design treatments to work with the clients needs and windows.

Why did you choose Oswego?

We loved the small-town, country environment for the boys when they were younger going to school. But yet, close enough to the city for what it has to offer.