Curtains, Draperies and Shades

An avid do-it-yourselfer that loves to work on decorating projects around the house writes this review. I purchased the first edition 20 years ago, and have been using both editions of the book for some time. I learned to make window treatments from this book. I live in an old Victorian home with 10-foot ceilings. When we first moved in, a long time ago, we couldn't afford to pay to have drapes custom made for 30 windows and no one sold them stock that long, so I decided to do it myself. The first edition of this book was my only reference. Surprisingly, all went well and according to plan. Since that first necessary experience, I now make window treatments because I enjoy the process. I like to have control over the fabric, the embellishments and the lining and interlining. Since I redecorate periodically I don't want to waste money paying a seamstress to do something that is fairly simple. The beauty of sewing your own window treatments is that most the seams are straight and flat which simplifies the process. The book covers most window treatments that you will want to tackle. I have found that there are many patterns available in the fabric stores that cover the atypical treatments that are not in this book. If you have a window where you want to let in light but obscure the view try the bottom up shades. They were much easier than I expected them to be. For those of you that are new to window treatments I will warn you about a couple of things: 1. It takes much longer than you anticipate, probably double what you expect. 2. Measure your windows twice so there are no surprises 3. Always measure your fabric and lining twice before cutting 4. Drapes that are lined and interlined will always hang better and last longer 5. Roman blinds are very simple if you use ring tape 6. Send your window treatments to the dry cleaner to avoid shrinkage If you have patience and time, you will enjoy the process.

This book does an excellent job of providing step-by-step instructions. For a set of instructions, there is a sketch that shows what that sheet of fabric is supposed to look like. Even though I don't sew, I am much more confident that I can imitate these instructions than books that give only text instructions along with a big picture of the finished product. I like this much better than the ones intended to be inspiration that include only visuals of the finished products. Another good book to consider is Do-It-Yourself Fabric Decor. This book uses photographs to show the steps and also includes sections pillows and slipcovers. Both books are excellent.

This book is something no household should be without. Everyone who knows how to sew (from beginner to expert) will find this book useful and will save lots of $$$$ by making their own window treatments. The instructions were easy-to-follow and there were lots of pictures and drawings. I made roman shades, tab top curtains, and cornice boards for several rooms in my home. I saved hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars by doing it myself.This book is an inexpensive investment in creating your dream home. Buy the book and start checking out fabric stores. You will love the options that suddenly open up to you when you are no longer constrained by what the department stores sell. And you'll love that you can get custom-made window treatments without paying and arm and a leg. You'll be amazed at the variety of looks you can create with a little bit of imagination and effort. With so many different treatments to choose from, the hardest part of decorating your house will be choosing from among all the great options. This book will pay for itself with your first window treatment!

This book has everything that even a beginner seamstress needs to design custom window treatments. The designs lean toward main line traditional, but with accessories and fabric choice, could fit any style. Nice color pictures of windows and room settings. Very good step-by-step instructions for sewing as well as measuring, cutting, and other helpful techniques.

Easy to follow directions tells you how to match colours, pick the right fabric, measure and sew. The book gives decorating and accessorising ideas with beautiful, full colour pictures. Well laid out with easy charts and diagrams - this book is a must! I did one project and I'm excited to start another.