New treatments tonight...

Do you need new window treatments quickly?  I mean so quickly that you are embarrassed to even call a decorator?  Do you need them inexpensively?  So inexpensively that you don't want to pay for lining let alone labor?  If so I would like to introduce you to the world of scarf swags.

Scarf swags are a little or no-sew project that is so simple that you can redo your whole house in an afternoon.

Step 1.  Measure.  The traditional method of measuring is to take the distance across the window and add twice the length of the part that will hang down (the cascade). Add 12" per swag (dip) and half a yard per puddle, rosette, bishop sleeve, or poof.  If you don't know what any of those things are I will explain at the end.

Step 2.  Select your fabric.  The ideal fabric is one that is light and airy, and rolls when it is ripped.  If you can find a nice iridescent sheer (organza) this will probably do the trick.  If it doesn't roll then you should seam or surge the end.

Step 3.  Fold.  Lay the fabric down fan fold it the long way.

Step 4.  Tie.  Back to your measurements.  The points where you will lay the treatments over your hardware should be loosely tied at this point.  This will make it easy to move as well as allow you to easily determine the proportions of your piece.

Step 5.  Finish.  Lay the piece on your hardware and gently remove the ties.  If you are going to do anything fancy (those rosettes for example) now is the time.

That's it.  New treatments, little or no sewing, minimal expense, and if a child pulls on it nothing other than light fabric will come crashing down.  Now for a few "advanced" concepts primarily used in pieces that are both traditional and formal.

Rosette - A fabric flower created by using a cord or cable tie behind a twisted handful or fabric.
Puddle - A portion of fabric that sits on the ground.
Poof - A tear-drop shaped ending resulting from pulling the fabric up and into itself also secured with a cord or tie).
Bishop Sleeve - A series of tear-drop shapes one issuing from the other reminiscent of a fancy ball gown's sleeve.

You know what would make this post even better?  Pictures.  Lots of pictures.  But I have 2 dozen clients to call today, so I will leave those for another time.  That is unless you feel like making some new treatments and sharing.