New Curtains

In the previous picture I thought your draperies were Real Life size....but see now they are mini which makes them even more spectacular!! I'd love to hear how you made them!!!

Thanks, Christopher, that's nice of you.

When I make curtains, I generally start with a foam core backing - a squared horseshoe shape that fits around the window at the sides and top but won't show through from the outside or behind the curtains. You could probably use cardboard, but I happen to have a lot of foam core lying around and it is easier to pin things and to sew through.

I cut out the pieces of the drapes and hem the edges with Heat n Bond or something similar. and glue on the trim.

On this set of curtains I couldn't use my pleater because the spray starch left an awful stain on the acetate. (Better to use natural fibers, but I just couldn't find the right color, and acetate will hold a crease.)

Then using gathering stitches and/or a lot of pins, I fiddle with the drapes until they are sitting the way I want, then I glue them in place (where it won't show), leaving the pins in place until the glue dries.

I leave the foam core backing on; it won't show and it helps to hold everything in place. I will probably glue it to the wall eventually, but in this picture, the whole thing is just leaning up against the wall.

Hope that makes sense.

I want so badly to try my hand at this, you have got me inspired to do somthing now, your curtains are fabulous, I agree they look like the real thing. I am going to try silk, I got some at a great price, so if I mess-up it will be no great loss.

Im sure that you'll do a great job, Cheryl. It's nice to have some extra fabric to play with and make mistakes with, and silk holds the pleats beautifully. I used silk for the draperies in my music room, but have had trouble finding the colours I need.

Breathtaking, I love the feeling of this room and the curtains are gorgeous. I like it that you work also as real as possible. Did you make the bed by yourself too?

No, I bought the bed many, many years ago.

I truly thought this was a real room! Awesome!