Simple Curtains (Home Living Workbooks) [Hardcover]

Katrin Cargill (Author)

Book Description

Series: Home Living Workbooks | Publication Date: April 14, 1998

The right windows treatment can add a whole new dimension to any room, and with its inviting ideas for valances, edgings, tied-and-knotted swags, and more, "Simple Curtains" is perfect for home sewers looking for stylish yet uncomplicated window treatments. 50 full-color photos .

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

With a lay-flat spiral binding, sturdy paper, and gatefold pages that enable each project to be presented across a single spread, this is a highly practical workbook in a very attractive package, like the other titles in the Home Living Workbook series (Pillows, Lampshades, and Bed Linens). Good color photos and crisp color diagrams complement complete how-to instructions for 20 projects, including feather-light tie-on sheers; elegant linen drapes; deftly tailored stripes; skirted, monogrammed, or gracefully shaped valances; and ideas for edgings, appliques, and other restrained adornments. "Simple curtains," says noted stylist Katrin Cargill, "make stylish statements that are subtly effective rather than overly dramatic ... and because they do not require yards and yards of material, you can use that irresistible fabric without breaking the bank." --Amy Handy

About the Author

Katrin Cargill is former Decorating Editor of American House Beautiful and contributes to magazines such World of Interiors and House & Garden, as well as working with Martha Stewart. Her previous books include the bestselling Fabrications and Swedish Style.

James Merrell is a leading photographer of interiors and still life whose work has appeared in such magazines as The World of Interiors, House & Garden, and Elle Decor. His books include A Home for all Seasons, Kitchens, Home Furnishing Workbook, Simple Pillows, and Wooden Houses (also published by Ryland Peters & Small, Inc.) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: Clarkson Potter (April 14, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0609601253
• ISBN-13: 978-0609601259
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 6.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #977,883 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #6 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Expert Advice > Katrin Cargill

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

58 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great ideas which are reasonably easy to make!, October 24, 2000

By 

Kim Unertl "kimz0519" (Nashville, TN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Simple Curtains (Home Living Workbooks) (Hardcover)

This is the best book on curtains that I have seen - and I've looked around quite a bit. I was looking for several things to help me make curtains for my new home. Although I have some sewing experience I would not call myself an expert sewer. Many of the books currently available are really geared towards people with my level of experience or less, including this book. I wanted good pictures of the end product, so that I could really see what I was going to be making. Again, this is something most books on curtains have. However, the two things I wanted but which I only found in this book were: cool modern ideas (no ruffles or huge jabots, please!) and great instructions.

The majority of the curtains in this book were really neat ideas that would fit in really well in homes today. If you have very traditional tastes or have a very formal decorating style, you probably wouldn't find much in this book. I wanted something less formal and some unusual/different ideas and definitely found that in this book.

The best aspect of this book was that the instructions were written really well and were completely designed for customization (different window sizes, different material use). Material use, how to's, and general sewing instructions were all included. There is also a great section at the end of the book (referred to often in the instructions) going over the common techniques used in the book and how to do them (with illustrations).

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book has lots of simple ideas., August 21, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Simple Curtains (Home Living Workbooks) (Hardcover)

The book has wonderful ideas that seem easy to follow beginning with measuring windows to how much fabric you will need. Each curtain has a page that opens up to show detailed directions. The color photos are great! There are even template designs to copy that help design a more creative curtain. The book truly teaches you how to sew simple and easy to make curtains. I am looking forward to getting started sewing curtains for every room in my house.

32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple confidence, March 6, 2001

By 

Christine (Montrose, CO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Simple Curtains (Home Living Workbooks) (Hardcover)

I first checked out this book from the library, and after having to renew it a couple times, decided to purchase it. I made beautiful curtains for my daughter's bedroom. Even though I am a novice at sewing, the instructions were easy to follow, and I learned a lot of stitching techniques that got me real excited about moving on to my next project. I think Katrin Cargill is very knowledgeable and at the same time keeps the novice sewer in mind.