Bring Back the Trades and Designer Draperies of Boston Launch Textile Tool Program to Revitalize Next Gen Artisans
Pilot program delivers industrial equipment and CEO-led mentorship to Boston-area students.
BOSTON, MA — May 12, 2026 — Bring Back the Trades (BBTT), a leading non-profit dedicated to closing the skilled trades gap, has launched a collaboration with Designer Draperies of Boston, a trusted resource for high-quality window treatments and soft furnishings for over 30 years. The initiative is designed to introduce high school students to the precision, technology and entrepreneurial opportunities within the multi-billion dollar professional window covering and textile manufacturing industry.
The Textile Tool Program will award one Boston-area public high school with two commercial-grade industrial sewing machines and a semester of professional mentorship. Rooted in feedback from a standout event at Gillette Stadium, the initiative provides greater visibility and access to the textile arts. Julie Murphy, owner and CEO of Designer Draperies of Boston since 2014, will donate her time to lead specialized classroom sessions covering technical mastery, industrial machine maintenance, and the entrepreneurship required to build a successful trade business.
“The craftsmanship behind a beautifully executed window treatment is a high-precision skill that too often goes unrecognized as a professional path,” said Murphy. “This isn’t just about sewing; it’s about opening doors to a creative, rewarding career where artistic design meets technical engineering.”
The program aims to move students from beginners to intermediate-level proficiency in industrial sewing, focusing on commercial grade fabric handling and technical design interpretation.
“We’ve learned that if you give students the right tools, they’ll provide the talent,” said Steve Turner, Founder and CEO of BBTT. “The response at Gillette Stadium was a wake-up call—students want this kind of precision work. Building on the momentum of our Milwaukee Tool partnership, we’re excited to prove that the textile trades belong in the modern classroom.”
To bring the program to life, Designer Draperies of Boston is providing financial support to BBTT, and donating two sewing machines to a local high school selected through a competitive application process.
“It’s not enough to just give a school the machines,” said Murphy. “We have to provide the roadmap for how to use them professionally. I’m excited to show these students that their hands can build a high-end career.”
Murphy will work directly with students and collaborate with teachers to support building a curriculum rooted in sewing and workroom operations — bringing not just equipment, but expertise and professional context to the classroom experience.
Program Details & Timeline:
- Eligibility: Boston-area public high schools
- Required: A dedicated space and an instructor interested in teaching industrial sewing
- Application Deadline: September 15, 2026
- High school administrators and vocational instructors can apply directly.
- Link to Apply for the Bring Back the Trades Textile Tool Grant Program
While the initial Textile Tool Program is a one-time award, the broader goal is to expand nationally, with regular awards to help ensure students everywhere have access to the trades. BBTT also has a monthly Tool Grant Program supported by Milwaukee Tool. Additional details about their programs and scholarships can be found at BBTT.org.
About Designer Draperies of Boston
Designer Draperies of Boston is a trade-only custom workroom specializing in highly tailored window treatment solutions for interior design professionals. Under the leadership of CEO Julie Murphy, who has led the company since 2014, Designer Draperies of Boston has built a reputation for craftsmanship, precision, and lasting quality. Based in Boston and working with clients around the world, the company serves as a trusted creative partner for designers seeking exacting, personalized execution.
About Bring Back the Trades
Bring Back the Trades is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the skilled trades as essential and rewarding career paths. Through scholarships, education, and community collaboration, BBTT works to elevate awareness, respect, and opportunities in the trades.
Learn about other Bring Back the Trades Scholarship & Grant Opportunities