Showing posts with label insider's guide. Show all posts
Showing posts with label insider's guide. Show all posts

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Creative Camp Day 2

CSI

My box arrived yesterday with all my samples from Creative Camp. I already told you about Day One, so now onto day two. No, that’s not a box of candy (although there was plenty of candy at every class) those are made of ribbons !

candacekling

My first class was on ribbon trims and was taught by Candace Kling, she is a fabulous ribbon artist that has studied embellishments of textile collections for 30 years. It was such a learning experience to hear her talk and see her manipulating the ribbon like playing an instrument. We all got to make our own sample boards with five different techniques. This is mine with looped diamonds, boxes, double boxes, diamond boxes and chevron.

DSC_0892

I used colorful embroidery thread to make the center and now they look like flowers.

DSC_0893

You get such different looks depending on the type and color of ribbon you use, these are my friend Ronica’s pretty pink ones.

DSC_0895

After lunch, I took a class about headrails and lift systems by Peggy Morgans of Parkway Window Works.  We discussed the new standards and viewed all the different lift systems in person.

shade

Here’s an example of all the approved devices in lieu of cords.

I really liked the look and operation of this one by kwik affix because of the fast raise option.

kwik affix

Next, I took Ann Johnson’s class on workroom techniques. We discussed all kinds of ways to be more efficient in the workroom. All of the classes were small enough for personal attention and the evening programs were for the whole group.

Our last event of the day was on Coronas, Crowns, Canopies and other Bed Treatments presented by Karen Barnes.

She spoke about the different types, planning, measuring and installation. These are some of my favorites……….

DSC_0905

DSC_0913

DSC_0909

That was a lot for one day, congrats if you made it to the end. Tomorrow is all hands on fabrication classes so stay tuned !

Custom window treatments can be the single most important element in pulling together your decorating scheme. If you would like up to date window treatments that you are excited about send me an email.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Z is for Zig Zag Roman Shades

We are finally at the end of my alphabet series that started with Austrian shades. I hope you learned some interesting things or at least saw some beautiful fabrics and window treatments to inspire you. I just finished making new roman shades for my kitchen out of Zig Zag fabric.

roman shade

The zig zag pattern is showing up in fabrics, floors and wallpapers and is a modern take on the flame stitch pattern that was so popular the 90’s.

mary_mcdonald

                                                              Mary McDonald

You know the saying “go big or go home”……. looks like these people decided to “go big in their home” !

zigzagdp

                                                    Image via Décor Pad

The reason that I made these shades was so I could be my own guinea pig to try out a new method of constructing shades that are safety compliant.  You can read my post about the new standards for corded window coverings here. I used Rowley’s encased cord shroud to make these and this is just one option, I will be learning about others when I go to The Custom Sewing Institute next week.

This is what I learned:

1) After the learning curve, fabrication is not that different from what I am accustomed to.

2) The stack is a little longer and staggered, which is fine in this case.

3) Depending on the fabric, training them may take longer.

4) I will make the client aware of what they look like from outside before putting these on the front of a house on the bottom floor.

5) I will definitely offer this option to my designers and clients.

This is what the back of the shade looks like when raised……..

roman shade

Here is a close up of the encased cord……………

ROMAN SHADE

From outside the window………..

DSC_0842

Before: Bye bye Teto and Jerome (yes, we did name our monkeys) !

romanshade

Hello Mr. Zig Zag !

bg custom windows

Are you a fan of the zig zags ?

Did you enjoy the ABC series ?

Custom window treatments can be the single most important element in pulling together your decorating scheme. If you would like up to date window treatments that you are excited about send me an email.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

I is for Ikat

The ABC’s of window treatments

Ikat is a type of fabric that uses the Far East method of warp printing on textiles and is very popular on upholstery, draperies and pillows.

ikatRA

I’ve used this Ikat fabric by Robert Allen, pattern Kathandi, color Cinnabar.  Another one of those projects that I wish I had taken pictures of but I didn’t.

ikatHC

Highland Court has beautiful Ikats as part of their Marakesh Collection.  I wish I had a place to use this one.

ikatJoni

                       Image via Cote de Texas

A pink Carlton V Ikat is used on the drapery panels, chair and pillows, what a sweet room !

ikatwallpaper

                                                Image via A Punch of Color

Another option is to use the Ikat on the walls and make coordinating window treatments and bedding in solid fabrics.

ikatrugcb2

Or you could keep everything neutral and use a punch of Ikat on the rug, like this one from CB2.

My friend Sally at Divine Distractions just did a post on Ikats and she has some lovely examples if you would like to see more.

Are you a fan of Ikat ?

Monday, October 5, 2009

How to Purchase Fabric

Images from Fabricut Website.
There are many things to consider when shopping for fabric for your windows. Sometimes you might fall in love with a fabric and then realize it's not suitable for the type of treatment desired. Silks look great with a lot of fullness where a thicker fabric would do better on a cornice. Another consideration is how much to buy. Calculating correct yardage can be difficult when the pattern has a large pattern repeat. If you find an incredible deal on a fabric that you must have, be sure to purchase more than you think you need. If you have extra, you can use it to make accessories like table skirts, pillows, place mats or runners. They will all add to the custom look of the room.

Be sure to look at the fabric sample in the room because like paint, lighting will affect how it looks. Also, view your fabric at a distance to make sure the scale is right for the treatment and the room. If your fabric is on clearance, look for flaws and get extra if there are any.

There are so many gorgeous fabrics to choose from and you don't need to spend a fortune on fabric to have stunning window treatments. By using professional techniques and a good quality lining, even a moderately priced fabric can look wonderful.

If you have your heart set on an expensive fabric, you can use it for just the valance and do the draperies from a coordinating solid like I did in my Mom's log cabin living room. Or you could do a roman shade because it uses less fabric than draperies.

What's the most you could see yourself paying per yard for fabric ?

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Why Custom Window Treatments Over Ready Made

INSIDER'S GUIDE
Carefully chosen window treatments can do wonders for the look and feel of a room. Besides their obvious practical functions, they can be used to set a mood, enhance the home's style, or create illusions.

Custom window treatments are typically made with higher quality fabric and linings. There is usually much more attention to details such as careful pattern matching and placement. A skilled drapery maker will evaluate a fabric's print and determine the best place to make cuts. With custom treatments you have a much greater selection of fabric choices so you get a fabric that perfectly complements your decor and a treatment that fits your window exactly. Just like fine furniture and art, custom draperies are an investment that will greatly enhance your home's decor.
Next time I will discuss what things you should consider before purchasing fabric.


My goal is to have 100 followers by Halloween. If I reach that goal I'm going to do a fabric giveaway. So please, please click on that button on the left that says follow !! Thank You !

Blog Widget by LinkWithin