Creative Curtainmaking Made Easy

Curtains are more complex than one would think and this book does a great job of getting you through the basics and into advanced designs. It book starts out helping you choose fabric, curtain fittings and poles. Preparation for sewing both curtains and shades, planning, measuring and caring for your curtains is also covered. A section on estimating amounts of fabric and accessories needed was a big help.In the first set of examples you learn to make tiebacks, folded, and roman shades. Sheers and lightweights are next. I love the one decorating with flowers. Projects include a kitchen gingham with bindings, a hook back curtain and a pin-tucked lined curtain. Lined and interlined curtains as well as flat and gathered valances follow. You are shown how to make hand-pleated, gathered, hand-gathered, rolled edge and bunched headings. Hook bands, frills and Italian stringing are also covered. Projects include an appliqued curtain with tabs and patchwork curtains. There is great advice on adding contrasting linings or quilted borders and mixing and matching fabrics too. The project instructions throughout are excellent. The entire process is explained step-by-step with demonstrating photos. A large photo of the finished project accompanies these and a great variety of styles and fabrics are used. The last chapter focuses on basic sewing skills. This is a great reference and very helpful for beginners to sewing like myself. Here you are shown how to make seams and mitered corners. Several stitches, borders and piping are also illustrated. There is even a discussion of bought trimmings, a glossary and a list of suppliers. This is a great book for anyone who wishes add that special touch or save money by making their own curtains.

If you are inspired by visualization, this book is for you! I purchased this book primarily for ideas and and I received plenty of them. What stands out far and above everything are the beautiful photographs. They are pictures of the different types of drapes and curtains that Ms. Luke has created for the homes of various clients. She has created alot of wonderful drapes that also serve as creative artwork. I have never made a curtain or drape in my life, but I am an experienced sewer and in my opinion Ms. Luke takes the time to explain everything in an orderly fashion in order to familiarize the reader with what to expect as well as providing you with a break-down (both in metric and U.S.) for how to measure your windows or doors with acuracy as well as how much fabric to buy. In addition, she also gives instruction for how to do various hems, tiebacks, valances, and interlinings. She describes the different types of drapes you can make to get the dramatic looks you want. In all honesty I will probably have a professional make a pair of drapes from the book for me before I do it myself because I want to make sure they are done with precision, however, that takes nothing away from the instruction that Ms. Luke has provided- what I want I don't have the time to do right now.I would gladly recommend this book to an experienced sewer or an adventurous beginner.