Newbie again with roman shade question

Ok, it has been many years since I have actually sewed. Most likely I have forgot more than I remember. When I did sew I mostly sewed clothing for myself and all the baby bedding for my first born, which in turn happens to be one of the last things I sewed 13 years ago. LOL! I would not call myself an expert but I was able to figure out anything if I put my mind to. Well I figured anything you do now adays you have to have a group so here I am....

I am getting ready to make some Roman shades for my french doors. While seeking out free patterns I found this one:

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have never used the Tube Tape and would like anyones input who may have. Also if you know of any better patterns that would be welcome.I am glad to be here and look forward to my new adventure back into sewing. I have a 3 yo daughter I bought some patterns for today. She is estactic and has been carrying them around all day. She thinks when I open them her clothes will be in there... lol

Reply to
b3mom
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I've never sewn one of these but I have seen them do it on some of the decorating shows on tv. They've used the tube tape and it turned out great. The shade seems to lay nice and flat horizontally when pulled up. I've seen a few they've done without the tube tape and occasionally the sides would be slightly droopy.

Someone will be along to help you with this project and be able to give you advice. Good luck!!

Reply to
itsjoannotjoann

Ah, so true---I believe it's called 'Group Therapy'; glad you joined us, and please do stay.

Reply to
cea

Darn, I forgot to add that the upper stack-back of Roman shades on French doors can and will be substantial, and will bump the shade out quite a bit when the whole shade is raised. I once had a potential client who was quite peeved about her shades doing so--someone else had made it for her, thankfully---and had done a good job---but there was nothing I could do to remedy the problem. If she had chosen a much lighter weight fabric, or had the shades mounted above the doors, the bumpout/skewing could have been lessened or cured. Here I'll note that, at the time, I did not know this sort of mounting/bulk could casue this problem, either. Some things one finds out simply by doing.Lucky for me, I was able to observe it and make notes for the future. If you can picture it, the shade lies flat when down. As you raise it, each fold is drawn up behind the next fold, creating 'stacks' of shade fabric. On a long window or door, the fabric stack can bump away from the window quite a bit, and, as a result, won't lie in place when drawn up. Sometimes the folds/bulk just skews to one side. Now, I think the tunnel tape might give greater control over the skewing problem, but you'd still have bulk to deal with. Really, it wasn't unlivable, just a tad awkward looking. Cea

Reply to
cea

Reply to
Elaine Carpman

Oh, how cool to have input. I am really going to enjoy this group therapy!!

I also found this one:

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there is some nice stuff on there. I am aware how they will bunch up. In fact it will be on the outside replacing the blinds that are now there. In fact on mine, there is no way possible you could even do a inside mount. I don't think I will do the flat installation, this will probably be something I have to look more at but the blinds there now stick out a couple of inches and therefore they hang smoothly over the window. They have a different technique of finishing the top that had to do with Velcro and now I can not locate it. I know I just read it. I guess my next step is to sit down and get all the dimensions and hunt for fabric on sale.

It just hit me, I have always sewn using a pattern. How do you suggest I keep these rectangle and make sure it is right. I know right at this moment I am over analyzing and just imaging screwing it up.

Reply to
b3mom

Reply to
Elaine Carpman

Have any of you also made a valance? When you do this, do you use an additional rod or somehow incorporate it into the top of the blind.

Also my door has two side windows that are a little smaller and with 54" fabric, I could cut them both out b/c even with seam allowances they only measure 24. What do any of you think of this idea?

I am going tomorrow to get my fabric and I am trying to get everything lined up. My next project is a dress for my 3yr old.

Reply to
b3mom

Fro the valance if it is to be hung on a rod I would think it best to use a second rod. Your idea of the cuts if for the valances could work. I am not sure on the shades as you need enough fabric for a nice hem on each side. I don't think that 54 inches will give you all that much.

Reply to
M. K.

I am sorry, I accidentally replied to the poster. I have got to get used to this. My reply was:

The shades are only 24" inches wide this includes the extra 2". So I would have 30" left but I found some 90" fabric and just bought an extra yard. Doing the happy dance!!!!!! Shay

Reply to
b3mom

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