A friend of mine wanted shades in her library, shades that could be both raised in the normal way, and lowered from the top down. She had EXACTLY to-the-thread enough of a warm wheat-colored woven fabric with little flowers that look like stars. There wasn't even enough to hem the sides- a scrap of golden silk became a narrow banding/binding for the sides. In her "stash" we found an embroidered faux-silk to make the valances that hide the mechanisms. The lining is a khaki napped cotton sateen that enhances the golden glow when the sun comes through.
Though we've made these shades before, it had been awhile, and I spent a long time reading up and remembering how to proceed. My brain totally froze on the subject of cord locks- I just could not visualize whether or not they would work on this style. Thanks to my colleagues and the Drapery and Design Pro Network Forum, I got through it!
I also must acknowledge my gratitude to Terrell Designs- a wonderful shade maker in Colorado who makes art quilts into window shades, and has incredibly detailed DIY instructions on her website. I used her instructions as a reference throughout the process.
Installing the shades was a challenge! Though I make window treatments day in and day out, I do NOT install them myself except under circumstances like this- friends or family. My very patient husband came along to "oversee" the process. Luckily my friend's 3 cats convened in the library with us to keep us in line. It took a very long time.
After we finished, we went upstairs to look at a very wonderful collection which is the subject of the following post- keep reading:
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