Window treatments can play a vital role in a room’s personality—and these 15 projects are simple to make, marvelous to look at, and thoroughly up-to-date. You won’t find Grandma’s dull drapes here: The designs are clean and contemporary, employing such popular sewing techniques as exposed raw edges. With the help of an easy-to-follow and generously illustrated basics section, novices will quickly master all the skills. They’ll learn how to make various headings (casings, tabs, grommets, ties) and different ways of constructing an assortment of curtains—lined, unlined, or café style. Select from funky valances, smooth shades, ribbon sheers, serious silk curtains, and perfectly pleated draperies. Many of the projects incorporate the hottest new embellishments, including embroidery, trims, and sequins.
Valerie Van Arsdale Shrader made a pair of pink culottes when she was eleven years old, and has loved fabric ever since. She's a senior editor at Lark Books, and has written and edited many books related to textiles and needlework. Valerie knits every now and then, too, and dreams about making art quilts.
