attention crafty sewers need input on potential project

[Leslie]

okay--quiz time.  I have a piece of fabric that is just PERFECT for a window.  I have only a 30" x 40" piece, which is not wide enough to cover the window from side to side.

My thought was to get one of those roller shade kits where you iron/fuse the fabric onto the roller shade--so, here's my question--if I use a 2" piece of ribbon on the left and right as a border to make up for the shortfall, when the roller rolls up, is there going to be a weird bunch at the top of the shade where the ribbon is a little thicker that's gonna make the whole shade a wrinkled mess?

I have enough of another smaller scrap piece to add a border, but I think that sewing it is going to cause the same potential "thickness" problem.

I really want to use this William Morris fabric as I am doing an Arts & Crafts themed room and one of the colors is the EXACT honkin' color as the wall paint. And I splurged for an authentic, hand blocked William Morris wallpaper border from Bradbury & Bradbuary.  Don't even ASK what that cost.

Dee? Roberta? any other crafty home sewers?  Thanks in advance for your input.
Les

[klsb]

What about Lace instead of ribbon? Lasce is thinner and you might not get that bunching problem.

[DeeanDave]

Hi Les......I haven't had any experience with roller shades and material so am not sure about the bulkiness, but I would think there would be some when rolled up.  I did a window covering for our front door which has a long window in the center.  I made a covering for that window using fabric and ironing the seams with iron on tape rather than sewing the fabric.  Both sides of the covering are right sides of the fabric so from looking at it, either inside or outside, you see the original fabric, hem at the bottom and a hem/opening at the top for a small rod.  Then I used the 3-M hangers in a bronze color on the door and placed the curtain and rod on them.   It all looks like it belongs on the door.   I think that Roberta has done some work with roman shades for her new home.  Let us know what you do!  Have a good day!  Dee

[Leslie]

Hi Les......I haven't had any experience with roller shades and material so am not sure about the bulkiness, but I would think there would be some when rolled up.  I did a window covering for our front door which has a long window in the center.  I made a covering for that window using fabric and ironing the seams with iron on tape rather than sewing the fabric.  Both sides of the covering are right sides of the fabric so from looking at it, either inside or outside, you see the original fabric, hem at the bottom and a hem/opening at the top for a small rod.  Then I used the 3-M hangers in a bronze color on the door and placed the curtain and rod on them.   It all looks like it belongs on the door.   I think that Roberta has done some work with roman shades for her new home.  Let us know what you do!  Have a good day!  Dee

Hmm, yes, I was thinking of adding the ribbon with fuse tape, not stitching it, but if fused in the extra fabric, wouldn't that seam be just as thick as a sewn one?

[DeeanDave]

When I did it, the fused area did not feel or look at thick as when sewn......

[Roberta]

Just saw this topic. we can get a double sided sticky sort of tape put the fabrics so if you can get 1 inch place !/2 in of each fabric on it backed onto the blind I think that would not be as bulky. Ribbon or lace may not be the same weight as your fabric and it may hang or deteriorate diffrently.

Another thought is to make a roman blind, I've made a few. So you could add a contrast down each side ( most fabrics come as families so pick a plane one that highlights your fabric) Romans  can be placed inside the window frame so you may not have to add.
But I love the William Morris designs. what colours are in it...................

http://www.homehints.com.au/things+to+do/654/how+to/how+to+make+a+roman+blind
http://www.viddler.com/explore/Blinds/videos/1/

And don't think you cannot do it, I managed it..............................

[Leslie]

But I love the William Morris designs. what colours are in it...................

This is the design: WIlliam Morris Iris  http://www.vandaprints.com/zoom.php?height=428&image=319594&noZoom

but the colors are olive oil, beige and banana yellow.  (sound just awful, but it's subtle)

ANYWAY.  Look at this design--it has a honkin' direction.  The little birdies can only go ONE way so I can't do a Roman shade because the fabric is wider than longer they will fall off their perches.  :scratch:

Soooooooooooooooo...a valance and blinds it has to be.  I can do a really nice scalloped edge and such but I already have the blind/topper thing in the kitchen and I don't want folks to think that it's the only trick this pony knows. BUT the windows in the house ARE small and I am trying to maximize all the light I can.

Thanks everyone, for the input!!!!!!!!!  and p.s my mom always says: "the curtain police are not coming to your house."