Design and Make Curtains and Drapes

Book excerpt: DECORATING To the growing list of how-to books on curtains and blinds (e.g., Yvonne Rees's Quick and Easy Curtains and Blinds, LJ 1/96, and Carol Parks's Complete Book of Window Treatments and Curtains, Lark, 1994), Luke brings her expertise as head of a soft furnishings school. She begins each book with clear, well-illustrated instructions on basics such as sewing techniques, measuring, equipment, and set-up. She then proceeds with directions for the simplest treatments unlined curtains and roller blinds continues with more complicated designs such as interlined drapes and Austrian blinds and concludes with embellishments and decorations. A glossary and care instructions are also included. Missing are illustrations of the various hardware used for curtain and shade hangings that is included in Parks's book, which prevents these books from being truly comprehensive. Still, these are solid additions where more window treatment instruction books are needed.-