The Book....."Creating Window Wonders"

$42.00  

 

$42.00

"Dianne's book, "Creating Window Wonders" is explicit, detailed, and easy to understand.  It takes all the guess work out of making professional looking window treatments.  She not only teaches you how to make the drapes, but also discusses fabrics, installation and much, much more.  I refer to the book constantly for things like application, how to figure yardage, how to figure pattern repeats, and the list goes on.  I don't know what I would do without the book.  Likewise, the videos are a wonderful visual tool that I refer to.  Before doing a specific project, I review the video and it is if I just had a private lesson.   There is no way that I can make a mistake.  I want to thank Dianne again for taking the time to put her techniques in writing and supplementing them with the videos." -Lee Alexandrow-Busch

"Creating Window Wonders" is an instructional textbook of 122 pages, detailing approximately 36 different treatments, including pleated draperies, swag treatments, Roman and balloon shades, cornice boards, dust skirts and coverlets, sheers, laminated shades, tie backs and much more.  Each subject is covered extensively from measuring and calculating yardage, to step by step fabrication techniques, through the installation process.   Also included is a glossary of 50 terms, a stackback chart, detailed instructions on how to figure pleats, an in-depth discussion of pattern repeats and drapery fabrics and a section to test yourself.  As a part of each chapter there are drawings, sketches and detailed math calculations to make each project simple to understand. $42.00 each.

Available in DVD or VHS format $30.00 each:

• How to Make Pleated Draperies

• How to Make Swag Treatments

• How to Build and Cover Cornice Boards

• How to Make Roman and Balloon Shades

• How to Install Window Treatments - 

• How to Make Laminated Shades, Throw Pillows, & Pattern Repeats -

Buy the full set of 6 DVDs (or VHS) and a book for the special pricing of $199.00
(A SAVINGS OF $23.00)

$199.00

Format DVDVHS

Each of the six videos are step by step, hands-on, visual instruction for the individual topic.  Each video covers how to measure, how to figure yardage, and a discussion of the appropriate fabrics for the treatment.  Each project is made in it's entirety from figuring and cutting the fabric, through the final instructions on how to install it. VHS or DVD format available. $30.00 each.

How to Make Pleated Draperies - Includes not only the actual construction process of a pleated drapery, but also a detailed discussion of how to figure pleats with several examples of the math involved.

Format DVDVHS

How to Make Swag Treatments - Today's most popular treatment.  Covers board swags, pole swags, knotted swags, and knots and rosettes.

Format DVDVHS

Format DVDVHS

How to Make Roman and Balloon Shades - Flat Roman shades, shirred balloon shades, and pleated balloon shades are covered on this video.  Included is a close-up view of stringing these shades with the use of a cord lock.

Format DVDVHS

Format DVDVHS

How to Make Laminated Shades, Throw Pillows, & Pattern Repeats - This video gives instruction on how to : 1. Construct roller shades using your own fabric 2. How to make square, corded throw pillows, including covering cording 3. An in-depth discussion of how to figure, cut, and sew printed fabrics.

Format DVDVHS

NOTE: Most of the supplies and products mentioned in these projects can be ordered from me, should you have any difficulty locating them in your area.

When you are considering making window treatments there are many things to think about before looking for fabric. The most important choice is what type of drapery do you want. If you need complete privacy or sun control you may opt for a pleated draw drapery so that you can close it during the hottest part of the day, or at night when people could see in. If these two things are not a priority or you have blinds or shades, then you could choose a valance or swag top treatment only, or side panels that tie back and hang stationery.

The choice of your fabric is crucial. You can buy it from fabric stores that stock bolts of fabric, or you can order it from fabric books. Books will give you a much wider selection, but you will have to wait for the fabric to arrive. Weight, texture, and drapeability should be of utmost concern depending on the treatment you are making. Swags should be done out of fabric that has body but is soft. Anything too crisp or stiff, such as chintz, is not a good choice for swagging softly. Choose cotton/polyester blends, cotton, antique satin, etc. Roman shades need to be made of fabric with a great deal of body and very stable; balloon shades could be of a lighter weight fabric. Draw draperies hang best when the fabric is very stable - soft to a light upholstery weight. Stripes do not make pretty draperies - the stripes do not hang pretty when gathered or pleated .

Every treatment is mounted in a different place in relation to the window. Draperies are not put on the window frame, but on the wall. They are usually extended past the window so they will give more view when they are open. Romans and balloons can be mounted on the frame or the wall. Some things are on rods; others are on boards such as most top treatments.

Lining all window treatments, with the exception of sheers, is crucial. Lining not only prevents you from seeing any color from the outside, but it also protects your drapery from sun and moisture. Always use a very high quality lining.

Hardware is a mind boggling decision sometimes. There is so much on the market today - decorative traverse rods, pole sets, metal or wood rods. You can have finials that are balls, tulips, spears, elephants, lions, crystal balls, etc. If you want something really unique you can find it with just a little searching at a store that carries a wide range, or from a designer or drapery workroom.

If you are planning on making your own treatments you must have a large space for a workroom and a drapery board - minimum size 4' x 8'. There are quite a few supplies which are discussed in my instruction book. Whether you are experienced at sewing, or are a beginner, these projects can be very rewarding and fun to do.

I hope this gives you some idea of what to consider when dressing your windows. The choices are endless, but always think of the way you use the room and make it be very practical, as well as beautiful. Draperies are one of the largest areas of a room and a well done treatment will draw attention instantly to the windows.