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Thursday, December 13, 2012

Top-Down/Bottom-Up Shades

I've spent hours thinking about the shades I will make for the 6 large (over 70 inches wide single-pane) windows in our living room.  My mom sent me photocopies of a pattern from years ago that describes how to make top down shades.  I originally was just going to use canvas drop cloths (the only fabric I can find in one piece that wouldn't require piecing the shade together) but decided to insulate.  I've bought a darkening insulation fabric (40% off at Joanns), batting that is fusible iron-on to minimize the sewing I need to do and rings for the string to go through.  I made a pinterest board for roman shades here, (creative I know). The problem with most of the links under there is they aren't instructions, they just describe the multiple options you have in creating Roman shades.

I will attempt to document the stops I take in creating our own version of Top-down (and hopefully bottom-up option too) Roman Shades.

One set of instructions I found is on Terrell Designs at this link.  I'll let you know as I follow these instructions and the pattern my mom sent me.

What is different about a Top-Down shade?  
The Top-Down/Bottom-Up shade opens from both directions, giving you lots of flexibility.  You can't hide the hardware with the Top-Down shade.  In order to do that, you have to include a valance.  I haven't decided what I'll do about that yet.

Well, I've tried to go through Terrell's info and I've now got 20 pages of "condensed" notes.  I'll go through the pattern that my mom sent and then based on that, I'll have my list of what else I need.  So far, Terrell's list of materials needed is complicated and long.  I'm not sure I can afford all of the pulleys and things the sites lists I need.  The point of making these shades myself is to save money.

I'll keep you posted.

4 comments:

  1. So beautiful and brilliant idea.It is a very innovative concept in which a window can work as a door also with the help of shades.
    It prevents the extra sunlight causing glaring problem.There is a variety of shades available in the market so a buyer is free to pick and choose the color and design of their own.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Shades are made from luxurious light filtering, point-bond woven fabrics. The shades are highly energy efficient due to the pockets of air formed by the cellular design. The perfect combination of function and fashion, providing energy efficiency while stylishly covering your windows

    Please visit this http://www.getblinds.com/shades.html website here to book an appointment with an in-home consultant or call for more information.

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  3. You won’t see this anywhere else on the market! It is perfect for those days and nights where you just have to keep the glaring sun out of your eyes. It is also great for when you want some privacy, but also want some natural light too.
    Please visit this http://www.getblinds.com/ website here to get more information.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Top down, bottom up is popular because it can meet privacy needs while still allowing access to natural light. This fully functional window treatment gives a clean and contemporary look.
    you can visit http://www.getblinds.com/ here to get more information

    ReplyDelete