Creating a Pleated Drapery Heading

The draperies for our upcoming webinar are ready to be pleated.

They are going to look fabulous and make a bold statement with the graphic print fabric from Greenhouse Fabrics and modern black gloss square pole from Finestra Decorative Hardware.

(To see more details about the draperies and this project, see our previous blog entries).

 To sew in pleats, an industrial sewing machine is used.  This machine will easily sew through the multiple layers of fabric, buckram and blackout lining. The pleats are marked and stitched from the top to the bottom of the buckram heading (4").  There are two "right ways" to sew the pleats.  From the bottom-up or from the top-down.  We are showing both methods here.

Sewing from the bottom up: Start 4" down from the top edge, back-stitch and continue up towards the top, back-stitching at the end.  To prevent an uneven top edge, purposely start with the top slightly uneven, the fabric will push forward as you sew.  How much uneven?  This depends on the layers, fabric and sewing machine being used.  One practice pleat will give you the proper step-back for all the rest.

Sewing from the top down:  Start about 3/4" below the top with the needle seated in the down position.  Back up and continue sewing from the top to the bottom of the buckram, back-stitching at the bottom.  Starting below the top prevents the fabric from shifting out of position.

The pleats have been hand-tacked into the French Pleat style.

Heavy Duty pins (#DPHD)are added using the Pinsetter tool (#PS10/D) from Rowley Company.

The drapery pins are set 3/4" down from the top edge to fit onto the carriers of our traversing track.

Ready to install!

If you would like to see the final room design join us for Glam for the Fam: A Dining Room Makeover 
on Tuesday, August 23rd at 11:00 am Eastern Standard Time. 
Click here to register.

Creating a Unique Drapery Track AKA The "Easy" Traverse System

We hope you have enjoyed taking a peek behind-the-scenes as we continue to work on our Glam for the Fam: Dining Room Makeover.  The draperies have been completed.  Before they can be installed, the traversing track needs to be assembled.  This track will fit inside a square-routed pole rod from Finestra Decorative Hardware, which has been painted gloss black.

A baton draw, traversing track was chosen, carriers for drapery pins.  Assembly is unbelievably quick and easy.  The steps and stock numbers are listed below if you would like to try this system for one of your upcoming projects. 

Step One:  Cut the track (#4003) to the size needed and insert the left (#M-500-L) and right (#M-500-R) master carriers into the track, facing each other (so that the arms overlap).  This master carrier allows for the baton to be hidden behind the drapery. 

Step Two: Insert the carriers (#M-578) that you will need into the track.  Remember, the first two pins will go into the master carrier, and the last two pins will go into the end bracket and return to the wall (if your drapery has a return).  The carriers chosen for this project feature micro-ball bearings which will allow easy operation.

The traversing track fits perfectly in the routed pole.  
An allowance has been made for the finial.   
Routed Pole Rod Options

 

At the window, wall mount brackets will be used.  The bracket will mount under the pole rod and the track snaps into place and is secured by turning the plate on the bracket into the slot on the track.

This is how the rod will appear from the front.  
The carriers have three holes for pin-adjustment.

This system can also be used without the routed pole and also for ceiling mounted traversing draperies.  To see a short video showing how to assemble this traversing system, click here. 

Stay tuned for more updates and plan to attend the live webinar presentation to see the completed room including installation of the decorative drapery hardware.

Tools of the Trade

In the workroom Susan Woodcock is busy sewing the drapery panels for our dining room make-over project.  The panels have been lined, measured and buckram was added in the top, for the pleated heading.  Susan is hand sewing the side hems.

Susan Woodcock at the worktable hand sewing side hems in the drapery panels.

Susan's favorite hand sewing supplies include John James hand sewing needles (Rowley #TP108, TP110 or TP112), easy to use Thread Clippers (Rowley #WW20), a leather Coin Thimble (Rowley #WW38) and a heavy thread like Coats and Clark Hand Quilting Thread.  A magnetic pin bowl (Rowley #WW44) keeps the pins that are removed in order and a cheerful tomato pin cushion keeps needles handy.

Hand sewing hems is a traditional technique that requires a minimum of tools and supplies yet gives a premium, custom finish.  There are many benefits to hand sewing including less puckering and take-up, diminished light holes when blackout lining is used and the project does not have to be lifted and carried from the worktable, and manipulated under a machine.  If there are every any future alterations needed, hand sewing is easily removed with no damage to the materials.

Hand sewing is usually priced higher by drapery workrooms because of the extra time required.  Often, as with this project, hand sewing provides a better finish due to the weave, texture or fiber content of the fabrics being used.

To learn hand sewing tips and to see the finished draperies plan to attend our webinar Glam for the Fam: A Dining Room Makeover, August 23rd at 11:00 am EST  Click Here to Register

More updates from Sarah...

We just received more photos from Sarah Gleason "in the field", working on the project for our August webinar. Be sure to join us on August 23rd to see all the before-and-after photos and techniques for creating the draperies, slipcovers and more. To register, click here.

The fireplace mantle has been painted and we love how it turned out.    You can see how clean and polished the brick surround looks after being painted black.

Sarah spent the weekend looking for a piece of furniture for the side wall.  She needed a piece that was the right size, right style and right price. She picked up the fabulous find in a Richmond, VA antique mall.  Not only does it have ample space for serving buffet-style, it also has tons of storage for linens, silverware and dishes.  We love the detailing in the veneer which repeats the geometric pattern on the drapery fabric.  You are also getting a peek at a modern painting that is yet to be framed, that will hang over the buffet.

Back in the workroom the draperies have been pattern matched and hemmed.

The velvet pattern made hemming a challenge, hand sewing was the best option and it turned out beautiful.  Note in the photos below that a large stitch was used to avoid sewing into the velvet area, which was difficult to stab with a needle.  The linings are ready for the draperies to be tabled and pleated. 

The project continues with more sewing, the drapery installation, selecting and hanging art & mirrors and adding accessories.   Stay tuned...

It's Paint-tastic!

It is amazing what a few cans of paint can do for a room.

Our room makeover continues and most of the painting is complete.  The designer for this project, Sarah Gleason, sent us a few photos of the progress.

We love how fresh and airy the room has become with the colors Sarah chose.  The old mirror looks like a new purchase with the updated black gloss paint finish.

In the workroom you will find the fabric for the window treatment cut and ready for pattern matching and hemming.  

The slipcover fabric has been pre-washed and is waiting to be cut and sewn.

Stay tuned for more updates and be sure to sign up for the live webinar presentation, Glam for the Fam: A Dining Room Makeover on August 23rd at 11:00 am (Eastern Standard Time) to see the final room revealed and learn about all the techniques used to complete this project.

Behind the scenes...

Redecorating a room takes more than sketches, paint, fabric and hanging art.  A lot of work goes on behind the scenes and while the project may look-a-mess for a period of time, the magic happens and the room comes together.  

In our previous posts, you will see that Sarah Gleason,our designer for this project, chose a beautiful black and white print for the windows.  She consulted the workroom professionals here at Rowley Company about drapery and hardware choices.  Two of the options considered were ripplefold panels with a short, upholstered cornice to hide the track or pleated drapery on a wood pole rod rod with rings.  

The final choice: A square routed pole rod with traversing track and decorative Acanthus Leaf finials.  (To see a video of routed poles, click here) 

Instead of a contemporary Ripplefold heading, a pleated drapery will be used to blend with the traditional elements of the home.  The drapery pleats will sweep across the rod below the wood fascia.  Blackout lining will be used to keep the white background of the fabric from having an orange or yellow tint on sunny days.

After the hardware order was placed with Finestra Decorative Hardware, the talented painting and finishing team got to work on a black, high-gloss finish.

Acanthus Leaf finials #1099 hanging on the drying rack. 

Our projects 2" Square Pole is drying with other custom painted poles.

And while we wait for the paint to dry on the hardware, Sarah and her team are busy painting the walls, ceiling and trim.  Sarah will be recycling some pieces that were already in the home, like this mirror which is getting a fresh coat of paint.

This mirror will be updated with new paint.

For over the dining table, a black crystal chandelier was selected.  Sarah shares why she chose this style of fixture... "the shape of the chandelier is very traditional, like a classic crystal chandelier but in black, it looks super chic". 

Some assembly required!

Sarah is busy working on an abstract painting to use on the wall opposite the window and will be painting the existing mirror over the fireplace while Laurie Medford and Susan Woodcock are crafting the window treatment and slipcovers.

The final reveal of this room make-over, including how-to details of the drapery and slipcover fabrication and installation will take place with a live webinar on August 23rd at 11:00 am EST.  Join Laurie, Susan and Sarah for a fun and informative presentation, including door prizes!  

Click here to register:Glam for the Fam: A Dining Room Makeover

Black and White and Graphic Prints all over...

We love the black and white fabric Sarah chose for the dining room window of our "Glam for the Fam" makeover.  Would you like to incorporate a graphic design into your life?  

Here are some ideas for how to use bold black and white prints in beautiful ways and a few more fabric options from Greenhouse Fabrics.

Greenhouse Fabrics #98176

Greenhouse Fabrics #98824

Greenhouse Fabrics #A1330

Black and white graphic prints also make cute shoes!