Hi, I'm Nancy, and I've been professionally designing, fabricating, and installing custom window treatments, bedding, and accessories for over 35 years. My mother taught me the basics of sewing clothes, but as a homebody and 'nester' my interest was in home decor. I have loved the endless challenge of learning how to make anything and everything possible by doing research, attending trade shows and workshops, and by simple trial and error.
I was inspired to start this channel by my daughter. She felt there were limited options out there for people wanting to learn what I know from a lifetime of experience. Sewing has become a lost art - the basics of drapery construction aren't even taught in interior design school!
From pillows to panels, bed skirts to bolsters, cornices to cushions, and shades to shower curtains, my tips, techniques, tools, and instructions will allow anyone to make professional looking items for their home, or even start their own business sewing for others.
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Awesome instructions thank you
Hi--Thanks so much for such a clear video. My question: My shade is 26 inches wide. I can either have 3 vertical rows of rings at approximate 1 inch, 13 inches, and 25 inches OR 4 vertical rows of rings at 1 inch, 9 inches, 17 inches and 25 inches. What would you suggest? Either way I'm not getting that preferred 9-11 inch placement. It's a nice homedec fabric, tightly woven 100% cotton, with appropriate lining fabric.
@@beckypellerin9777 Hi there, that’s always a tricky size. I still usually default to 4 rows of rings for an absolute guarantee of flat even folds, BUT, if you have a very stable stiff fabric and bring in the outer rows a bit it can work with 3 rows :)
Thanks very much for your quick reply. I think I’ll go with 4. I watched another of your videos and saw a very similar application (door). You went with four for that one. Thanks for further validating. 😊
Which one of these stuffing materials would you recommend for outdoor pillows? I have two sofas with Sunbrella cushions and would like to add washable pillows that feel soft, clean and fresh ( like cotton). I don't mind having to wash the pillows. Also I noticed that a lot of the outer shell fabric disintegrates. Any suggestions what would make a skin friendly outdoor pillow? Thanks
I'm afraid skin-friendly and outdoor rated are different things! The very best fabric for outdoor use is solution dyed acrylic. Sunbrella does offer this fabric, but they also have outdoor rated polyester fabric, which doesn't hold up as well. Anything not specifically outdoor rated will fade, mold, and rot pretty quickly. The best outdoor product is reticulated foam, but after that, I'd go with a polyester clusterfill. Nothing is designed to dry quickly except products that you might normally see on boats! Best to bring in your pillows and cushions if it's going to rain.
What is the small piece of fabric attached to the bottom of the zipper, why is it there, and how did you attach it to the zipper? What size zipper do you use for a pillow cover? Would it be shorter than the cover or the same size?
The "zipper tab" is just a scrap of fabric that encloses the end of the tape. Sometimes if my zipper is a little shorter than I would like (I often use leftover pieces of zipper tape for tutorials) I'll add the tab to ensure the pull doesn't come off while I'm making the pillow. When I cut (or buy) my zipper, I normally make it about 3" longer than the actual zipper opening, and then I don't really need a tab. That equates to maybe an inch shorter than the cut pillow. You often see zipper tabs on upholstered cushions, just to add strength to the end of the zip. Cushion covers take a lot more stress than pillows when you put the foam in or out. Thank you for the idea to add this to my list of videos to make :)
Hi,, Nancy. I would love to see you make a tutorial for making a kick pleat circular tablecloth. I've only. found one tutorial on KZread but it doesn't explain how to figure amount of fabric to buy, or how to decide on number pleats to make,. I like to have all the details before I cut into my fabric and you are great at including all the details and tips!
That's a great idea! Thanks for the suggestion. I will put it on the short list :)
Can you tell me how I can pull up a concealed zip on a dress as my arms don’t stretch that far. I want a dress as Mother of the Groom but all dresses have concealed zip. What do you advise I use to pull up the concealed zip. I live alone. Thankyou.
kzread.info/dash/bejne/iJOmrY9mmM69mdo.html
Wow, that is a beautiful finishing! Congrats!
How do I know when I have the right amount of stuffing in an insert? Like is there a measurement to go by? Mine always tend to be a little flat.
@@janettewillingham1590 unfortunately there is no measurement or specific way I do it. I can tell you it always takes way more filler than you think it will! I just keep stuffing and pushing it into the corners and the body of the pillow until it just gets too hard to add anymore.
If my mounting board is the same width as the window trim, is that an issue? Or should i have some projection? For outside mount blinds. PS: thank you SO much for your tutorial. I've never been brave enough to try but your videos are so clear and instructive. Amazing 😍
@@NOTCHARLIEb Thank you! So I’m just a little bit unsure what you’re asking as width and projection are different things. On outside mount, the mounting board can be the same width as the trim. Regarding projection, most trim is 3/4” thick. I often turn a 1x2 board so it projects 3/4” for a tight close fit. You can mount it directly to the top trim or better yet, mount it to the wall a couple of inches above the trim. If you mount it right above/on top of the trim there isn’t room for the screw eyes, cord lock, etc. I hope that makes sense!
Sorry for my confusing question but you've answered perfectly. Thank you so much!
Will you be doing a dining chair reupholstery video? I know that it's easy to do, but fabric selection is tricky. I have some poly that I'd like to use (on vintage wooden upholstered seat chairs used in the kitchen), but wonder if the (one way) stretch will cause massive wrinkling. OR Will orienting the stretch from side to side rather than from front to back prevent the wrinkling?
@@christinehartmann7265 I don’t have immediate plans to do upholstery videos but I have covered a lot of chair seats! I have never seen nor heard of using a stretch fabric on seats. Without putting my hands on it it’s hard to be certain, but I’d reconsider using your fabric in this application. You might get away with it on a decorative piece but something that gets as much use as a kitchen chair…I don’t think it will hold up.
Great Video! I have a double window that is 72” wide. Is this relaxed shade appropriate for such a wide window? Thanks!
@@LynneStanfield Thank you! I would recommend 2 shades on your window :)
@@LynneStanfield Thank you! I would recommend 2 shades on your window :)
Perfectly timed!! I think this would work perfectly for a pair of cafe curtains for my new master bathroom. Thanks!
Pleats simplified! Thank you immensely!
@@charlenegoskowicz8220 Another video on calculating pleats coming soon!
So sorry if you mentioned this in the video and I missed it...but do you happen to remember the cost of the materials for this project? Your patio appears to be about the same size as mine so I'm just trying to get a rough estimate to know if its doable before I decide to make the long trek into town!!
@@fivebuckfriday I don’t remember my cost for the materials because I made these years ago, but it can vary immensely because the price of the fabric can vary immensely! I got mine at a clearance warehouse, so that helped a lot. The only way for you to know is to calculate your yardage and shop around. Just make sure you get outdoor rated fabric or it won’t last.
Is it possible to have the shade stop midway and not fully unrolled? In my application, there is nowhere to install a “cleat” to wrap the cord as a measure to hold the shade midway.
Yes, you can use a cord lock! There's a cord lock tutorial on my channel :)
Why don't you sew the fringe on the edge of the pillow? I cut my fabric the exact size of the pillow form. Will it be a problem is the pillow cover is too small?
Hi there, so, the binding of brush fringe is generally not considered attractive, nor is it designed to show, so you will almost always see it enclosed in the seam. I've attached links to 2 of my videos that might help you with your fabric cut size and shape. Depending on how much fill is in your pillow form, sometimes you can cut the cover even smaller than the insert. Check these out :) How to measure for a pillow cover: kzread.info/dash/bejne/mKeVs7FqqbPWgso.htmlsi=Nzdp1-Xoi9ynoH8K How to make the perfect square pillow: kzread.info/dash/bejne/dmRsqciCoMWsks4.htmlsi=ChhFszlywCYrSdeb
I found that the zipper pull doesn’t allow me to stitch closely at the end when zipper is open. Should I just be using longer zippers so that it pulls down below my mark?
@@patmcfadden5805 Yes, I always use zippers that are a couple of inches longer on both ends to allow a little cushion for size adjustment and to avoid the issue you’re having :)
Zip ties!!!! Brilliant!!! I think they'd take much less time than doing all that clipping on the existing clips. I'm doing a big job for a close friend of mine with multiple panels and the zip tie idea will be so much cheaper and easier than what we had planned!
Yes, they are definitely faster, and won't accidentally come open!
I love your content! I get a lot of good tips from you! Thanks so much! These single pleat panels are lovely.
Thank you!
Great video and instructions. I don’t understand why you need your double the top and bottom hems though. Why 8”?
8" (double 4") has been standard for custom draperies for ages. It helps "weight" the bottom of the panel, gives a nice sized area for the hem of the lining to fall behind, and by being a full double fold, prevents extra shadow lines from inconsistent layers. It's just how it's done! Ready-mades are not done this way because it saves them money by using less fabric.
Love this video. A roll of 4 inch buckram hard to find as well as those drapery pins at my Joannes. Thank you for the links.
Very nice Thank you easy❤🎉
How do i get the fiberfill that is stuck together back
@@laustaak You can try to pull it apart but it never goes back to how it was when new. Best to replace it.
Love this idea, great work around for an aesthetically pleasing result🦋
Thank you for the well-explained video. I have ten large windows in my sunroom, and it would cost a lot of money to buy blinds for all of them. So, I decided to make them myself but had no idea where to start. Great tutorial.
That's a lot of blinds! Best of luck :)
Please do a video on making curtains
@@colorconsciousliving3148 What kind of curtains?
Amazing! Invaluable information. Many thanks
Thank you for great advice to upscale my drapes
Thank you!
Thank you for this tutorial! So helpful in making my workable💕
Thank you
Excellent!
I needed this!!! Thank you
I am making it to go on the sides of a pergola. Could you use this method with sheer weave ( what they make roller blinded out of) or would it be too stiff to roll. I know sheer weave roller blinds have the chain/ clutch mechanism.
Without putting my hands on the fabric I can't make any promises, but if this fabric rolls nicely with a clutch roller I see no reason why it wouldn't work!
Also, just a tip, a heavier weight rod gives better results than something light like a wood dowel.
I don’t get how it actually rolls up so neatly?
@@darlenehale9192 The way it’s strung and the weight rod make it roll up perfectly!
So happy to see a new video from you! I’m almost done with my first ever Roman shade thanks to your tutorial.
Thanks! I've started uploading a new one every other weekend! Did you see the last one about making a relaxed Roman shade? If you like how your flat one turns out you might like to try a relaxed one next :)
Thank you!❤
Very good solution to sewists who do not own a Gathering Foot ... Thank you for your kind generosity of sharing your knowledge & love for sewing, you always make the process easy to understand & follow💕
Great video. Thanks for sharing
You’re the best 💯
This is the best tutorial on bias binding and I've watched a ton This made the most sense Thank you
Great video. Interesting that no dowel rods are needed for each row of rings. Does that work as well for wider shades?
it does work for wider shades, BUT, to avoid using dowels, you have to use about 9-11" ring spacing on your vertical rows. This means on wide shades you may need a lot of cords!
Thank you so much. I have my work table cleared off, my bolt of fabric on top, and I’m ready to make a blind following your instructions starting this morning.
@@anncallaway6941 You’ve got this!
I've watched many many home dec tutorials over the years but yours are the very best. Thank you for the techniques and details that not only cut time but also make my projects look professional. Your closeup shots and clear explanations take the frustration out of sewing. Great channel!!!
@@jroupe1 Thank you so much for taking the time to write this. It means so much to me, and helps motivate me to keep making videos!
Wow, that is brilliant! Thks for sharing. ❤
You are amazing👏👏👏
Love love love this tutorial… is there no need for lining? If I want a lining… when do I lay one in?
So, there was no need for lining with the fabrics I used as they were both quite heavy. If you want to line it, you would make the front, with the contrast flange applied so it's ready to go. Then put the lining on the back of the pillow front, basting the raw edges together within the seam allowance. Now treat the 2 layers as one and continue as shown. Hope this helps!
How about opposite? I have a panel for pillow top… how to measure for custom insert??? Help
I'm sorry I don't really understand your questions. I'm sure what you mean by "how about opposite?" Regarding the custom insert, are you asking about making an insert to fit an existing cover, or how to measure the existing insert for a new cover?
Thank YOU!!!!
You are very welcome :)
Hello i had someone make me Roman shads but he didn’t do the hardware for the shads. Can you please make a video from start t o finish how to thread the strings and how to mount it. Thank you.
Hi there, I already did make these videos! Check out the Roman shade playlist. There are 3 videos you may find helpful. Basic Roman shade Part 1, Basic Roman shade part 2, and the Cord Lock tutorial. Hope this helps!
Great video. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. Any recommendations on a large cutting mat that you can iron on like yours?
@@jeanettekissee5067 I’m afraid not. I made a video on my work table if you’re interested! There is nothing out there that works as well for me as my custom table :)