No sew? No go!

No Sew or Sewn shades: What's the difference?

Ask your seamstress if your shades are sewn or "no sew" shades.

While the difference in appearance between no sew and sewn shades is slight, the difference in quality is huge! 

I wanted to write about this because platforms like Etsy have become inundated with sellers that offer roman shades for a very low price. That seams great at first sight, but if you ask how they are constructed you might learn why the price is so low.

Even to a professional, someone who makes these shades every day, I cannot tell from an image if a shade is sewn or no sew. So I am writing this to hep those who don't know to help protect you from where you are putting your hard earned money.

No sew shades are often constructed with materials like fabric glue such as "Liquid Stitch," or fusible interfacing. Sometimes it is constructed with both. These materials break down when exposed to heat and lose their ability to stick and hold fabrics together over time. Then the shade falls apart a little at a time. 

The wear from raising and lowering the shade will also affect the stability of a shade assembled with glue and fusible interfacing. Glue and fusible facing will not stand up to the use of a shade being folded up daily or even several times a day. 

The stitching on a sewn shade will stand up to use several times a day for as long as you choose to have the shade. The seams cannot be broken down by heat and are  not at all affected by being pulled on or carrying any weight when raised or lowered several times a day. 

Be very careful when ordering ribbon trim shades as well. Some creators will apply the ribbon trim with fabric glue. Not only will the fabric glue break down over time, but the glue aso changes the color of the ribbon where the glue is applied. 

What it comes down is you get what you pay for. If you are shopping around for quotes and they are drastically different, I would suggest that you ask if you are getting sewn or "no sew" shades. Be careful with your money. You may pay more for sewn shades, but they will last longer and you won't regret the choice. 

Ask Melissa: Is Blackout Black?

Ask Melissa: Is Blackout Black?

If I had a dime for every time I was asked this question. . . 

No, Blackout lining is not black. It is

White. .  .

Ivory. . . 

Or Ecru.

It is available in other colors, but at WTbM, those are your three options.

Blackout is made with an acrylic Latex foam coating that is around a layer of flocked rayon. It is flame retardant, light blocking, thermal and sound proof!

Blackout, though more expensive, is a great addition to window treatments. This is because it will protect not only the fabric of your window treatments from fading, but it will prevent the items in the room from fading from sun damage as well. 

The only downside to blackout is that when you so it into the window treatments, the sewing needle will take out the blackout and you will be able to see the seams if the sun shines directly through it. Other than that, blackout is a great addition to any window treatment.

Here is a great picture of a hobbled roman shade I just made for a client. I think it's a great example of how the blackout works as you can see the bright sun coming through the side windows, but the blackout is completely blocking it coming from the door.

In the comments section, feel free to ask me any questions you may have about sewing, window treatments, fabric, etc.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you learned something new today :)

Ask Melissa: Ordering Custom Work, where do I start?

We get a few people every once in a while that write their first etsy message ever to us! I'm honored. Truly. And they say, "I want custom window treatments, but I have no clue what to do." And sometimes that's all the message says. So here's what to do!

1) Have an idea of what you want. Head over to Pinterest, or other design blogs and websites, and get some inspiration for your space. 

If you're like me, not tech savvy and have little knowledge of navigating the Internet, I have some other recommendations for you. These might be useful for even tech savvy folks as well.

a) Check out a design book from the library. I still do this to keep my ideas sharp about window treatments and to revive some old fashions with a fresh new twist :)

b) Go to model homes in your area. They usually have the latest in window treatment fashions as they are designs by interior decorators. Take some pictures while you're there!

2) Pick your fabric! I have a small selection in my etsy store to consider. But you may also check out my fabric supplier Lynn Chalk,

Or you may browse any of the other fabric stores on my recommendations page on my website:

THEEEEE most IMPORTANT thing to remember when you are browsing for fabrics is that window treatments should be made from a Home Decor Weight fabric. You should make sure you are in the Home Decor section of whatever fabric store you are browsing. If you are not sure if what you are looking at is a home decor fabric, please send me a link and I can tell you. Or you can look for the following indicators: the fabric should be 54" wide or more, medium weight or heavier, or indicate in the description that it is used in home decor or for window treatments. 

3) Measure your windows. I have measuring videos for roman shades here on my youtube channel. 

When measuring, it is important to remember that I will be making your window treatments to be the measurements you provide for me. So please give me the measurements you would like your shade to measure when completed. 

4) With the above information, you should be able to submit your order on the website. But you are more than welcome to contact me personally at my email, windowsbymelissa@gmail.com, or at the etsy shop.

Whatever method of contact you choose, please include the following in your message to me:

a) what style of window treatment you want

b) the dimensions you want them to be when completed

c) the fabric selection

d) the choice of lining (drapery, blackout or non for curtains and valances)

e) your location. This will help us get an accurate shipping estimate for you.

At this time you should include your inspiration images if you have any.

At this point we will then create a quote based on the information you provided. If you approve the quote, we will then give you the address for shipping your fabric, or we can purchase your fabric for you and add it to the purchase price along with our acquiring fee.

Ordering custom treatments is quite simple. The hard part, and sometimes overwhelming, is fabric choice. If you need help, I am happy to offer assistance. I just need to know what style you are going for and colors you are considering. then I will be happy to make suggestions.

I hear from a few people who have never ordered before and they are very nervous about ordering. I am sure I am only hearing from a handful out of all the people actually considering custom work. I hope this post has been informative in helping you to get past the overwhelming feeling associated with ordering custom work. 

As always, if custom work isn't in the budget, please consider Swags Galore for your window treatments. 

Ask Melissa: Why do you not make shades for extra wide windows?

Ask Melissa:

Why Don't you make shades for extra wide windows?

There are several reasons we don't make shades for extra wide windows. 

1) Fabric. Fabric is only 54" wide, typically. Wider shades would result in having seams put in the shade to add pieces of the fabric for width.

2) Ribbing. The ribbing on our shades is created with wooden dowel rods that only come 48" long. 

3) Weight. Wide shades get to be extremely heavy and difficult to manage. They are difficult to raise and lower and the cording system can wear down quickly because of the weight. 

4) Weight, again. Wide shades can be droopy because that much fabric being supported by just wooden dowels can cause drooping.

We will occasionally make shades wider than 52", but we don't recommend going much wider than that. I do wider shades on a case by case basis.

We do have some solutions. We recommend putting two shades on a wide window.

Putting multiple shades on wide windows gives you more control over the lighting in your space.

The shades are also easier to use when they are lighter and have a left and right pull control.

For shades going on the same window we always match up the patterns so that the shades flow nicely.

We also make our mounting blocks a half inch narrower than the shade in an effort to eliminate the gap between the two shades. 

For window near each other, but not quite the same window, we always make our shades identical so they will match in your space. 

We will consider doing extra wide shades if they are for decorative purposes only and made to be non functioning. In this case we can create the shade without seams in it by using a fabric with a print that will allow to be turned sideways, or using a solid. We can also add to pieces of fabric to the sides of the main panel to make up the width if you don't mind the seams. 

I made the shades above for Melanie at My Sweet Savannah. They are two non functioning roman shades made out of linen for two wide windows. The one on the right measured 72" wide. Since it was a solid color we could turn the fabric on its side and use the length for the width since we are limited by a fabric's 54" width. No seams!

Feel free to ask a question here in the comments or send one to my email and we'll get you an answer on a future "Ask Melissa."

Ask Melissa: Where Can I Get Affordable Custom Poufs and Floor Cushions?

Ask Melissa:

 

Where Can I Get Affordable Custom Poufs and Floor Cushions?

 

Rainey Creek Home.

 

Rainey Creek Home offers a variety of home décor items including poufs,

This is an 18" floor pouf out of Premier Prints
 Elephants in Candy Pink with coordinating
piping.

 

This is an 18" square pouf in Waverly Cross Section Bluebell.
Poufs have the option of being shipped stuffed or unstuffed.
All poufs have handles for easy moving!

floor cushions,



Floor cushions have the option to be
shipped stuffed or unstuffed.



Floor cushions have a 4" gusset, but can be customized.
 




 

accent pillows,

 

If you see a pillow cover you like, but not the size, it
can be made in any custom size!
You can also add on coordinating piping
or even have custom piping made out of
the same material!

 

window seat cushions,

 

and more.

 

While Rainey Creek Home offers a variety of stylish and popular fabrics to choose from, you may also supply your own fabric for a custom décor item! While some measurements are made standard for easy shopping, you may also customize the size of any item by simply messaging Rainey Creek Home with your custom item request.

 

Contact Rainey Creek Home

 

 

today for your affordable and custom home décor accents.

Ask Melissa: Why are sewing machines and vacuums sold together?

Sew and Vac? Why are sewing machines and vacuum cleaners sold together?

 

The main reason is that sewing machines and vacuum cleaners use similar small motors and the same size belts. So it is safe to assume that the one location has these repair parts for both items.

 

 

Additionally, Singer made both vacuum cleaners and sewing machines! So they opened one store selling both.

 

It is also said that these are the two non appliance items that are used domestically.

 

And then the sexists call it the woman's one stop shop for all her home essentials :)

 

I would like to add a little side note here. Singer used to be the best of the best in sewing machines. The name has in recent years been purchased and is under new ownership. Singers are just. . . not what they used to be. They are not the same quality as they were last century. Just an FYI for if you are considering purchasing a sewing machine. (Bernina is the best of the best. . . . another side note. . . ).

 

Do you have a question about sewing? Leave it here for the next, "Ask Melissa."

 

Pictures courtesy of ebay :)



Ask Melissa: How to combine roman shades with curtains

I missed last weeks Ask Melissa because my children have been blessed with Fifth's Disease. Good times at my house this week. But now we're back in full swing.

 

Today's "Ask Melissa" is "How do you combine Roman Shades with Curtains?"

 

Image courtesy of Lynn Chalk

You should mount the shades inside the window frame if combining both shades and curtains. But this is not required. If you can't mount inside, you will need to make sure your curtain rod will provide enough depth so that the shade will not interfere with the functioning of the curtains. There should be some clearance in between the shade and the curtain.

 

 

Image courtesy or client Tara

I recommend mounting the curtain rod at least 5-8" higher than where the Roman will be placed and extend the curtain rod the same distance, or even as much as 10" to either side of the window so the curtains can gather beside the Roman Shades when opened.

 

Image courtesy of Lynn Chalk

If you can't mount higher than the shade you may mount the curtain rod at the same height as the shade, but, again, you need to be sure when selecting your curtain rod that it will allow for plenty of clearance between the curtain and the shade to operate correctly.

 

Image courtesy of Lynn Chalk

In the case of combining Roman Shades and Curtains, it is best to line the shades with standard drapery lining and the curtains with blackout liner. This way you are given options. If you want privacy, but still want light, you can just close your Roman Shades. If you want the room to be darkened, you may close your curtains.

Image courtesy of Lynn Chalk

When selecting fabrics for combination Roman Shade/Curtain window treatments, it is best to choose a solid color for the Romans and a coordinating patterned fabric for the curtains.

 

 

Leave your questions in a comment here or on our Facebook.

 

Pin it!

 

 

 

 

Ask Melissa: What Fabric Types Are NOT appropriate for Roman Shades

Today's Ask Melissa is the question I get asked most often:

 

What Fabric Types Are Inappropriate for Roman Shades?

 

 

The first, and one most often run into, is light weight quilter's cottons. While it is possible to make a roman shade out of quilter's cottons, I don't recommend it. They lay limp and flat and don't have much body. Here's how you know if you're looking at a quilter's cotton:

 

Quilter's cottons are typically defined by their weight and also their width. Their weight can be found on the side of the bolt on the label with the other details. You will find details like 44"/45" width, the weight may be anywhere from 3-6 oz per square foot, and the descriptive word will usually say, "Lightweight."

 



Pardon the "over the door" hanging on these pictures. They're from our early days before got pictures in from clients. ;)

Notice in the first image, the red hobbles shade as compared to the blue one. The red is a medium weight home décor fabric and the blue is a light weight quilter's cotton. The blue hobbled shade's pleats lay flat and it just looks boring. The red one looks much more full.


NOW, on home décor fabric. You should be looking for descriptions such as: medium weight, 6 oz- 10z per weight, or simply the description, "Home Décor Fabric." But not all home décor fabrics will produce the greatest shade. Silk, faux silk and sheer do not create the greatest looking shades.

The silks, faux silks and sheers are often lighter in weight or their weave does not allow for smooth topstitching. For the shade to operate correctly, we sew through all layers of fabric so that when the shade is pulled up, it all comes up together and forms the pleats. But in doing this with the lighter weights, the fabric tends to bunch under all the layers of material, as you can see in the images above.

 

The best looking roman shades are made from

 

Cotton:

 

 

Polyester:

 

 

Linen:

 

 

Basket weave or burlap:

 

 

The most important things to look for are the weight, it should be medium weight or heavier; the width, appropriate fabrics are usually 54" wide or wider; and the type, the best fabric are made from cotton, polyester, linen, basket weave or burlap.

 

Please leave any questions you have here and we'll write about them in the upcoming weeks.