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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
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which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: travelinasian
Date: 05-07-2004, 12:14 AM (1 of 7)
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Hi, I'm new to the board. I learned to sew from my grandma when I was in 4-H long long time ago. I recently bought an inexpensive sewing maching to make a few curtains, hem pants and the like. I've made a cover for our yorkies kennel and a valance. So, all the lingo and everythings is very new to me. Now, I want to make some really nice panels for our 3 windows in our living room. I haven't taken the measurement of them yet and what the gap width is either. But, I'm just trying to brain storm on how I want to make the window coverings. Can you post pictures on here? I'd like to show you what I'm talking about and get your input on what I should do. I really really love the look of dupioni silk and pretty much have made my mind up on the fabric. But, I've been reading that you must line it so the fabric doesn't rot. What type of lining do I use? I'm wanting a brick red color, so would I get a brick red liner? In the stores, you don't see them hem the fabric. It's like a no sew type of thing. I wanted to use the ring clips but I don't know if that would damage the fabric or not. I guess I need to show you a picture of our windows so you can get an idea of what I'm talking about. |
User: travelinasian
Member since: 05-06-2004 Total posts: 2 |
From: MaryW
Date: 05-07-2004, 05:38 AM (2 of 7)
Hi travelinasian, welcome to Sew Whats New.  Blackout lining is very good for not allowing any sun thru. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Shadow's Silk
Date: 05-12-2004, 10:57 PM (3 of 7)
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Hi. I work in the Drapery department at Fabricland. Silk Duppioni is a fantastic fabric choice! Lucky you. My advice would be not to use clips to hang the drapes, but if you are set on using them, I would definetely be underling that section with a broadcloth and then using the drapery interfacing tapes to give the section strength and support. There are definetely some great looking clips on the market. Silk duppioni is a very fragile fabric. If you are going to the expense of using this fabric, then it would depend on the type of drapes you are planning on making as to what I would do with them. First, I would underline the fabric with a solid dye voile, also a drapery fabric, very similar to a chiffon, but not so flimsy. I just made a corset and skirt with silk duppioni and underlined them with the voile. The skirt was folded for about a week and a half and when I hung it up, there were no wrinkles. The voile is cheap enough that it is feasible to do this. The voile will lend to the silk fabric, body and support. Depending on whether you want to block out the sun, let some light in or just line the drapes, will determine what you use to line the fabric with. Blackout lining will block out the sun completely. It will also lend insulation. The fabric side is the right side and the rubbery side is the wrong side, being placed towards the wrong side of the drape fabric. You can iron on the fabric side of this lining, with relative ease. Dimout lining is very similar to Blackout, but will allow some light through. Use as above. I love using both of these linings because they give alot of body to the shape, especially for valences. If you are just wanting to line the fabric and aren't concerned with blocking out the sun or insulating, drapery lining should do the trick. But you probably won't find the color you are wanting. If that is the case, then find a nice drapery fabric that will work with your choice. A Jamelle or Checkmate Jacquard would work well. Even a Romance taffeta would work well with the silk. That would probably be my choice. As for hems.......allow 4 -6 inches at the bottom for you hem. Fold at 2 or 3 inches and fold again. The top, depending on whether you use clips or a rod will determine the hem allowance.Once again you will double whatever you determine to be the width of the hem edge. Two very important things to remember: 1. Do not have someone cut the fabric for you or help you determine your fabric requirements if they seem to not know what they are doing! And always get an extra metre or yard just in case. 2. Measure, measure and measure again before you cut. Make sure that when you take your window measurements you are allowing for rods, placement of them and the style you want. Do your homework and go to the store with everything you can. If you are not sure, then do not buy. Sorry. I tend to be long winded. Hope this helps. |
User: Shadow's Silk
Member since: 03-08-2003 Total posts: 6 |
From: travelinasian
Date: 05-12-2004, 11:24 PM (4 of 7)
Thank you so so much for the wealth of info. How about I just fly you here, so you can go with me.  I joined here, so I could do my research and meet a few ladies a long the way. Since I want to start sewing.Your right, I have nixed the clip idea and now thinking about doing a cornice above all 3 windows (really long one) and covering it with either a different color that has a pattern to it or either pleat it on the cornice. Then just doing 2 panels. I'm not doing them for black out at all. Just for show. To dress up that side of the living room. I've been looking at dupioni silks here and have found a place that sells it for 12.99/yd for the 54". So, I've found my place, not I'm trying to figure out how to make a cornice. I've looked online and they look easy to do. But, I can't find a place that shows you how to do it. |
User: travelinasian
Member since: 05-06-2004 Total posts: 2 |
From: shadylady
Date: 05-13-2004, 09:17 AM (5 of 7)
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I feel you may benefit from buying a couple of good books. I have tons of books, but the very best ones to begin with are: Singer's "Sewing for the Home" and "More Sewing for the Home". Also, Sunset's "Curtains, Draperies and Shades" (there's a newer and older version, and while the new one is good, the old one is much better). They also include info about linings and interlinings and installation, etc. (also cornice directions). This is the best way to learn. While forums are great for helping you thru a problem area and learning new tips, etc., they're not the way to learn from scratch. As for linings, if they'll be seen from the outside, an ivory sateen would be best. A lining doesn't have to match the face fabric (nor is it supposed to). Some people want a constrasting fabric as a lining, and the possibilities are endless. Silks are often interlined with a flannel interlining, made for draperies, or can be interlined with blackout and a sateen used on the outside. Sorry, I disagree with the previous poster about using a voile. I've never heard of that being used before, and it will do absolutely nothing for your silk. I would do a double 4" hem and while clip on rings are good for sheers or cafes, they may not hold up a lined panel well. Oh, as for posting pictures, there's lots of sites around (Picturetrail, MSN, Yahoo, and others - do a Google search) that let you upload your pics, then you could post the link here. |
User: shadylady
Member since: 09-19-2003 Total posts: 58 
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From: slipcoverlady
Date: 05-19-2004, 12:17 PM (6 of 7)
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sign up and read what they have at http://www.chfindustry.com after clicking on the forums page, use the archives. This is alot of reading. I think you will benefit from the " slow down and plan " approach. There's a blackout product with batting fused to it. I have used voile alone on north facing windows where they were left open all the time, and were not in the glass space. Other choices are bump, or flannel, one layer or more, along with your regular lining. Shirley Hendry Walsh
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User: slipcoverlady
Member since: 05-10-2004 Total posts: 6 |
From: sandrajean
Date: 05-22-2004, 10:27 PM (7 of 7)
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I have done custom draperies in both professional workrooms and athome in my own workroom and have never used voile as a lining. My suggestion is this. If you are going to the expense of using silk dupioni, get yourself a book or two on making draperies. The Singer and Sunset books that were mentioned by the other poster are excellent resources. ALso, I would interline and also line the silk. Interlining is sold at Hancock fabrics and maybe JoAnn's. I would also use a good grade of drapery lining which is available in both of the above stores. My personal choice is cotton sateen. |
User: sandrajean
Member since: 05-22-2004 Total posts: 6 
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