Product Description

Offering a comprehensive guide to all aspects of curtain-making, this volume contains information on a range of styles, materials and techniques that cater for the beginner and more experienced alike. Designs range from no-sew easy options to the more complicated headings, valances and pelmets.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #65739 in Books
• Published on: 1999-01-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 240 pages

From the Publisher
Offering a comprehensive guide to all aspects of curtain-making, this volume contains information on a range of styles, materials and techniques that cater for the beginner and more experienced alike. Designs range from no-sew easy options to the more complicated headings, valances and pelmets.

From the Author
Curtains in all the designs and styles you can imagine are enjoying a revival, but it could be argued that traditional curtain making skills are a forgotten art.
For the past seven years, we have been working towards the publication of this book, learning every moment of every working day, trying out ideas, finding the best methods for us and for the best results.
Each design has been a challenge and an opportunity to create something different.
Life and curtains are never dull - there is always something unusual to explore and exciting to discover.
The methods we outline here have been adapted from those developed in our own workroom but there is no reason why you shouldn't in turn adapt them to you your own situation and expertise, benefitting from our hard-earned knowledge, eliminating guesswork and enjoying timesaving shortcuts and professional techniques.
These are the tips which, at the beginning, we would have given a fortune to know.
Curtain making encompasses many different skills beyond the sewing machine, from using rubber bands, to pattern cutting, to a little carpentry and a lot of enthusiasm.
Rather than limit the instructions to a few projects, which may or may not suit your needs, we have given careful outlines of techniques which can be applied to an infinite number of styles and designs.
Treat the book like a pick-and-mix counter; take what you want and come back fro more when you've found out how satisfying it can be to look our at the world through a well dressed window.
Throughout the book, no matter what your experience or skill, we hope you will find what you need, whether it's the simplest seam or the most elaborate swags and tails.
Because we have included a great deal of detailed information, the make-up instructions are coded with a series of needle and thread icons, from one to four.
They indicate the level of skill needed,from the very easy to expert. But be encouraged; almost all the techniques, even the four needle ones, depend more on your patience and time than on years of experience.
Getting started is all that it takes to begin.
Catherine & Rebecca, Redbourne 1996

From the Inside Flap
Bursting with inspirational full colour photographs, clear line diagrams and step-by-step instructions, 'The Encyclopaedia of Curtains' is the indispensible curtain making guide.
Merrick & Day share their professional expertise to unveil the art in a comprehensive curtain book which includes many techniques explained here for the first time.
With graded projects and skills from Quick and Easy No-Sew ideas, from simple country sheers, and on to the traditional elaborate swags and tails, even hanging and storage, plus full instructions for many other soft furnishings such as blinds, beds, cushions, round tablecloths, here is a guide to make your dream home into reality.

Customer Reviews

Very easy to follow and a great inspiration.
Merrick and Day have never yet got it wrong - how could I have missed this book up until now - very factual and basic instructions combined with inspiration for the curtain maker who is sick of just pencil pleats and the odd swag and tail - very educational for the beginner- including types of fabrics and curtains for different room settings. I couldn't be without this book at my side. A true familiar!!

fantastic
A great reference and guide book for both experienced and non experienced. All other books pale into insignificance. Very exact instructions for making curtains and blinds and special touches + great professional tips. I am glad I now have one great book I can refer to.

This book has become my "bible"
My previously "good efforts" have been transformed to stunning, beautifully crafted soft furnishings. As an interior designer, it has been a godsend - clear, concise and packed with "tricks" to make my life easier and the finished product so much more desirable.
An absolute must for anyone that wants to fine-tune their craft.