Heavy Curtain Q's

Hey Craftovisionaries!!!!!

I'm moving in about 2 months to a bigger house, with quite a few windows! I've come to believe that when it comes to decorating, I'm quite anal about my window coverings...I have no trouble making sheeries...but I have yet to tackle any important 'heavy curtain' projects for fear of epic failure! (Mainly because the fabric is so darned expensive) I don't like tab top, but I do like ones with cool or older style valances, etc...I know about the weird ways one must measure a window...etc.
I'm relying on my cool forum friends for some advice, links, or even a place to buy not so modern style curtains already made... I appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!!!!!!

RockqueducT

I am horrible when it comes to curtains. I usually buy them, 'cept now cause my windows in my room are funky sized. (16x54! Who puts that size window in a house?! Really!) But we usually get ours from JCPenny or Bed, Bath and Beyond. Both places have quite a selection to choose from.

http://www5.jcpenney.com/jcp/XGN.aspx?DeptID=70751&CatID=70821&cmCatLevel=3&shopperType=G&CmCatId=70751 (drapes)

http://www5.jcpenney.com/jcp/XGN.aspx?DeptID=70751&CatID=70823&cmCatLevel=3&shopperType=G&CmCatId=70751 (Valances)


http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/nodePage.asp?RN=128& (Drapes)

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/stylePage.asp?RN=918& (Valances)



Oh! I forgot about Sears too http://www.sears.com/shc/s/c_10153_12605_For+the+Home_Window+Coverings?storeId=10153&vName=For+the+Home&cName=Window+Coverings&catalogId=12605&i_cntr=1302148334724

Don't be afraid of tackling draperies. They are really quite easy. There are tons of books and maybe videos on drapery sewing at the library. There are also several home dec sewing videos by Pam Damour at http://www.sewontv.com/. She has 14 Home Dec Videos there. Here is her Windows 101 video: http://www.sewontv.com/channel/video/85?video=112. There are also a lot of patterns available from all the major patterns companies. I recommend making small scale samples from scraps or thrift store finds before you cut into expensive decorator fabric.

I found that having a large enough work space was a must. When I made drapes for my dad I insisted that he buy a full sheet of 1/2" or 3/4" (can't remember exactly) of plywood. I put down a blanket over his expensive dining table to protect it and placed the plywood down. I covered the plywood with a cotton batting but an old wool blanket if available would be better. Then I put a 100% cotton percale sheet on top. I folded the extra batting and sheet under the plywood and tucked it in. This gave me a large cutting and ironing surface to work with all that fabric. When it was time to sew I set my machine up at the table. Lots of room for all that fabric. I made draperies in different formal and semi-formal styles for 3 rooms: office, dining room and bedroom. Mine were just as professional as the window treatments they paid $1000 for in the living room.

Thanks you guys.

Also Animama that's a great site. Even when I tried to modify or broaden my searches online I never found a tutorial site like that. Thanks!