Replies

1. 
   starzoe | Jan 18, 2008 08:56pm | #1

   I would think that the rings to pull the shade are only on the bottom part, therefor when you pull the cord only the bottom part pleats up. But if the shade is to be in a static position, why bother making a roman shade at all, simply ruche up the bottom part and secure it on the inside.

1. 
   nmog | Jan 20, 2008 12:38am | #5

   Good idea. I'm thinking That I'll play with the folds and make it simple. Thak you!
   Nicole

2. 
   Elizard | Jan 18, 2008 09:08pm | #2

   To me it looks as though it is an inverted pleat, with gatherings (or rings?) in the middle of the pleats only.
   Perhaps this is something to try on a little square of fabric?

1. 
   nmog | Jan 20, 2008 12:39am | #6

   Yes, I think I'll try it out on some ugly fabric first. Heaven knows I've got enough of that! Thank you.
   Nicole

3. 
   mygaley | Jan 19, 2008 04:23am | #3

   I have sewn a very similar window treatment. Your question about the pleats: sew rings on the reverse side but much closer together than for operating shades. You can fold a piece of newspaper to see how this works: if your rings are 6" apart, your folds (Pleats) are 3" in width. IMPORTANT: the secret to this shade is using enough fabric--for a 17" finished length, I would make the shade at least 45" long finished length. For a 54" finished length, use one full yard more=90" fl.
   Also, measure your shade's drape carefully (Use a newspaper pattern for this, also) Remember a curved line is longer than a straight one. If you have to piece your fabric for width, use a full width center panel and two equal smaller ones on each side. This will be a controlled tie that will not go all the way to the top of the shade. To really hold it in place make a know at each ring. I'm wondering why your customer is using two pieces of fabric; are they both to be on the room side? Some may do it well, but alas I have never been able to achieve the effect I want by ruching with thread. I always use the rings. God bless you Galey

1. 
   nmog | Jan 20, 2008 12:40am | #7

   Using the newspaper for a pattern is a great idea! I woundn't have thought of that, but it makes perfect sense. Thank you for the detailed instructions! God bless you, too.
   Nicole

4. 
   maggiecoops | Jan 19, 2008 06:33am | #4

   The picture the link shows is what we call a London shade, it's a cross between a roman blind and an Austrian blind. I'm afraid the effect would be lost if you tried making it short enough for a valance. It has at least 2 inverted pleats of 12 inches minimum each, and the pleats that form the tulip (how they get tulip I dont know) are 12 inches minimum to give a 6 inch depth to the fold. You measure the depth you want and add 12 inches for every pleat you want to form the effect, I counted 6 in the picture, so that's at least 72 inches for the effect you have to add the hem allowance and un gathered part plus top hem allowance. You have to mark the inverted pleats on the back of the lined fabric, allowing at least 6 inches in from the edge, then the centres of the inverted pleats at least 12 inches in from the edges and finally the inside edges of the inverted pleats 18 inches in from the edge. You stitch austrian blind tape down the centre 12 inch lines of the inverted pleats. Now fold the fabric so the 6 inch and 18 inch lines meet creating a pleat pin the lines together. Do this on both pleats. iron the folds in then stitch 4 inches down from the top and securely tie off the stitches and then sew up 2 inches from the bottom and tie those of securely. You can either tack the rest of the pinned lines or iron the folds first to theleft and thento the right. You then have to open the inverted pleat like a box pleat making certain the top and bottom stitching lies directly over the centre of the inverted pleat. and press the the two edges  just like a pleat in a box pleat skirt. On the back sew the first cord carrying rings 2 inches from the bottom and each subsequent ring 12 inches apart. Stitch velcro across the top if you are attaching them with velcro or tape for pin hooks if you are using hoop staples to attach them with. now starting on the bottom rings tie your cord to them and pass it up througheach ring . At the top do as you would with any roman or Austrian blind and guide them to which ever side you intend to tie them off on. Pull the pleats up untill you get the effect you want and hang them.

   This is a link to an excellent E book and also some free instructions on making soft furnishings, its worth visiting, you ont find the London shade as its part of the purchasable e books contents but theres plenty of other free stuff.

   http://www.alternative-windows.com/