3 June 2024 – It would appear to be sort of summer. Do you still need your lined and interlined curtains, or should they perchance need a dry clean? In the meantime, and in your living room, you might consider changing to summer curtains. Something a bit more transparent such as linen or a light cotton affair. They can be framed smartly with a contrasting border.

Here you can see how to shorten a curtain panel from the top. This particular panel had a lovely add on panel ‘extension’ at the bottom which my client wanted to keep, so I shortened it from the top. Some hand stitching was involved to replicate the original work exactly. You can see the white buckram stiffening in the top image. Using this gives a lot of flexibility for where the curtain hooks are attached. They can be positioned to either hide or show the curtain rail or the rings they will be attached to.

14 May 2024 – Are you a film director? In case you’re not, the cheap sort of Director chair that is widely available can nevertheless be handy, but it seems to only come in plain canvas. The chairs themselves are really useful because they can be stored easily without overcrowding your dining room while being useful for Christmas and other larger dinner occasions. Have you thought of changing the fabric to something more in keeping with your other upholstered furniture?

10 April 2024 – If you prefer your bedroom to be in total darkness, the longer days will be an issue. I suggest long curtains with blackout lining that extends to all the edges of the fabric and generous returns at the sides. A curtain rail that allows overlapping curtain panels, with the opening facing away from where you sleep, is also important. Alternatively, use light blocking blinds, fixed very closely to your window frames.

12 April 2024 – Piping consists of a cotton cord encased in a strip of fabric cut on the bias. We can use it on loose covers, cushions and curtains. The finish is super smart and adds a sharp edge. There are three ways of adding it: use the main fabric, use the lining fabric, or use a contrasting bias strip that matches the main fabric. Your choice!

09 April 2024 – If you have old curtains that have seen better days – find a way of re-using them. Often antique curtains are worn at the leading edge and have holes at the bottom edge. It’s almost always possible to make them into smaller curtains. Another option is to add new edging or to add a panel or stripe at the bottom to replace the worn material.

8 April 2024 – Which old curtains were you able to take from the house you have just moved from? Hopefully all of them! If they are not of a suitable size for the new windows, they can potentially be made into cushion covers, pelmets, bed surrounds or upholstered headboards. You never know! Upcycle.

6 May 2024 – Today I’m writing about how to save money on curtains. Fabric on a roll can be very expensive. Money can be saved by buying cheap ready-made curtains from large companies that enjoy economies of scale in purchasing. I can turn them into luxurious interlined curtains. Check out the grey door curtain on ‘My Work’ – it’s thick, luxurious and once the tieback is added, looks a million dollars.

6 May 2024 – If you’re contemplating new curtains anywhere, do also contemplate washing the fabric, or have it dry cleaned to pre-shrink them. When it’s eventually time to clean them, you won’t have to have them re-made as well!