J is for Jabots

The ABC’s of window treatments

I had a really hard time coming up with something for the letter “J”.  Jabots and Jackie Von Tobel was the only thing I could think of and since I have already done a post on Jackie ………. jabots it is !

According to WFCP jabots are additional pieces of a top treatment, often shaped like a tie, cone, or cylinder, which are used between and over swags as decoration.  I use the term jabot interchangeably with cascades, which are often seen on the sides of swags.  The first summer I ever worked in a workroom I’m pretty sure I called them “jags and swabots”

I’m not sure who made this but the picture above is from M’Fay, where you can order patterns for window treatments.  It’s a nice simple tail.

The zig zag shape is accentuated when you add fringe to the edges and I highly recommend it.  These are both lined on the back with the main fabric.

 

In the bedroom below, designed by Armando Guereca,  a contrasting plaid fabric is used on the back of the jabots.  Notice there isn’t a fringe but they did use a solid bias banding on the edge.

                        Image via Window Dressings

                                              Image via All the Best

This 1962 photo shows Jackie Kennedy’s dressing room in the White House.  The jabots are about one-third the length of the overall treatment, which is another pleasing length. 

There’s your drapery terminology for the day !

C is for Cornices

The ABC’s of window treatments

Cornices are typically made of wood, padded and upholstered with fabric.  One great thing about cornices is all the shapes they can be made and embellishments that can be added.  The cornice below is arched like the window and has tassels and tufting for extra detail.

By Holly Bucciarelli Designed by Monica Rissler

This sketch shows a cornice with a straight bottom and a formal shape at the top. 

Source Jackie Von Tobel

A pagoda cornice is flared out at the sides and brings an Oriental influence to the room.

                                                  Cornice by Merlyn Corcoran

Always consider the print on the fabric when planning the shape of your cornice.  The contrast cording on the edge really pops !

                                                 By Taralyn Ferrell

This is one of my favorite designs because it could be used in a contemporary or traditional room depending on the fabric. 

                                           Source Classic Elegance

This one is clean and simple but what makes it special is the quilted fabric and the tapestry bell pulls on the ends.

                                                Source Classic Elegance

I made this animal print cornice for my Dad’s sitting room 15 years ago and I bet he will have it another 15 years. 

Remember this saying, “When you buy quality you only cry once !”

I consider cornices a timeless choice for covering your windows so I’ll be linking to Paula Grace’s Timeless Tuesday Party.

B is for Bullion Fringe

The ABC’s of Window Treatments

Since there are so many confusing terms about window treatments I’ve decided to include materials as well as styles in this series. 

B is for bullion fringe…………. Bullion fringe is a long fringe with individual twisted cords.  It comes in 2.5”, 6” and 9” lengths and can be a solid color or multi colored.

Bullion fringe can be used to soften a piece of furniture by adding it to the bottom of sofas, chairs and ottomans like the one by Hickory Chair below.

                                 Source Hickory Chair

It is also a good trim to add to the bottom of valances and shades to highlight the curvy shape.

It looks great on pillows and table runners too.

 

                           Source Salado

Here’s an example of just how creative you can get with trim !  Every child needs a Moroccan inspired playhouse complete with lounging area and lanterns.

 

                                                               Source HGTV

PILLOWS

There are many options when making decorative pillows. The first and most obvious is the fabric choice. It’s nice to repeat your main fabric from your windows and then have some in coordinating fabrics too.

The next step is to decide what you want to trim and finish the pillow with. Your choices are to make a self or contrast welt out of fabric, brush fringe, braided cord, bullion fringe and different styles of tassel fringe.

There are many choices for the type of form to use. My favorite is 10/90, it is a blend of 10% goose down and 90% goose feathers. It’s good to use on heavier weight fabrics because the more down that is in a form the softer and more light weight it is as well as being more expensive. I like these forms because you can karate chop them and they will stay.

Polyester fiber fill is a very inexpensive alternative to feathers and down but most clump or flatten and do not hold up to use. I like to use the cluster fiber forms for bed shams because they maintain their shape.

These pillows I made for my Dad’s new room. He took the pics and sent them to me but I forgot to tell him about the “Karate Chop” !

What about you…. Do you karate chop your pillows ?

I'm linking to BNOP Metamorphosis Monday

and Cottage Instincts for Make it Monday

Technorati Tags: pillows,fringe

Pillows With Iron on Transfer

My project this weekend was new pillows for the family room. I've been wanting to bring in some lighter colors to the room and I thought recovering pillows would be a good way to do that. This is my pillow template. It is great for cutting out squares that are square and the really great thing is that you can see the pattern on patterned fabrics to make sure it is centered.

I bought some iron on transfer paper at AC Moore so I could add a design on the pillows. After hours searching on the internet for images, I finally decided on crowns and flourishes with a retro stripe. I found lots of Victorian images but I wanted something fun for this room. I printed them and then ironed the images onto my sunbrella fabric and added some bullion fringe.

Here they are in their new home.............. Zoe approves !

I'm posting these at BNOP for Metamorphosis Monday.

My First Tassels

I've been bitten by the tassel bug ! There are so many gorgeous tassels here in blogland that I got inspired to make some. I read about making them one day and when I tried to find the blog to give her credit....... I couldn't find it ! Oh, I just found it ! Heather at Be Tasseled gives a great tutorial on how to make tassels.

I have boxes, tubs and drawers full of trims and fringes in my workroom just waiting to come out and play. What is so great about this project is that it doesn't take much of each trim.

I have been saving the spools that my giant thread comes on for years because I knew they would come in handy for a project. I couldn't bring myself to throw them away and now I'm glad I didn't. They make a perfect base for the tassel after I cut it down to about 4" with a hack saw.

This is my first tassel after the second row of bullion fringe. It looked a little flat so I ended up turning the fringe upside down and that gave it lots of body.

This is it after a couple more rows of tassel fringe. I added the long tassels between the short ones because they matched the braid perfectly. The last step was to tie a heart button onto a piece of ribbon to hang down from the middle. Not bad, but I thought I could do better........

After seeing the tassels at The Nesting Place, I knew I wanted to perch something adorable on top. So I went searching around the house to see what I could find. I found a cherub candle and put a screw eye in the top and used Gorilla Super Glue to attach him to the tassel. That's him waiting for his glue to dry up there. What can I say, I like my tassels shaken, not stirred !


I don't think I'll be going into the tassel making business but I think lots of people will be getting one for Christmas ! I may even do a Give Away !

This will be posted over at Transformation Thursday and Shanty 2 Chic so go check out all the projects.......


Just wanted to let you know that my home will be featured in Cheri's Cottagey Home Tour at Its So Very Cheri on Friday ! She is doing A LOT of great giveaways !

Custom Home Furnishings Academy

This weekend I attended classes at the Custom Home Furnishings Academy in Charlotte, NC. www.CFHacademy.com It began as a drapery school 10 years ago and now offers classes in sewing, upholstery, installation and business classes.

I took these photos of samples window treatments at the school while I was there. Adding trim and fringe can make such a difference in the look of a valance.
This one had all the bells and whistles..... The top is arched and goblet pleated. There is bullion fringe on the bottom and as you raise the shade the bottom arches as well. They had hundreds of samples on display, these are just a few. Enjoy ! I ran across this poem and thought it was cute...

A Well Dressed Window
By: Christine Trebendis

Many Clients want advice
To cozy up their home.
And often all it really needs......
A well dressed window to set the tone.

It frames your view of the outside world
And will impact the room's decor.
For many a dramatic focal point.
The "wow" when you walk through the door.

So many styles to choose from;
Whether valance, swag or jabot.
To be combined with panels, shades or blinds;
Beautiful together or even alone.

Layers upon layers of fabric;
Blanket your home in warmth and style.
Your room will have that finishing touch;
To sit down and stay awhile.

If you're lacking in the talent
To create this on your own.
Check out the internet or yellow pages.
It's time----pick up the phone.

London Shade

This is my landing going up to the third floor to my workroom. The London shade at the window is workable and has a beautiful 3.5" cotton bullion fringe on the bottom. London shades are mostly flat across the top but have two pleats near the corners. I love the way it drapes and swags in the middle and has tails on the sides. It has about 12" extra in the width and the bottom 3 rings are permanently tied up so it is full even when lowered.