Queen Ann valance sample

[Louise]

I bought this M'Fay pattern and couldn't resist making a sample to try it out. I only had a scrap of trim, not enough for the whole width, and I used curtain lining instead of a contrast fabric. The pattern includes the rosette shape - I sewed a spare dress-making button in the centre to add some sparkle. If you have made pinch pleat curtains then you could make this........

The whole width
[attachment=2:una8yjgb]queen ann valance.jpg[/attachment:una8yjgb]

The pleat and part scallop with trim
[attachment=1:una8yjgb]queen ann valance trim.jpg[/attachment:una8yjgb]

The rosette stitched at the top of a pleat (which is gathered rather than folded)
[attachment=0:una8yjgb]queen ann valance rosette.jpg[/attachment:una8yjgb]

[thecurtainmaker]

Re: Queen Ann valance sample

Isn't it pretty, Louise - thanks for posting the pics. Did you find the pattern easy to follow?

[Louise]

Re: Queen Ann valance sample

Yes, it was easy to follow and had good tips on how to maximise use of fabric, railroading, and altering the pattern to the right width and drop for your setting.

The mistake I made was choosing a fabric remnant with quite a loose weave which meant some of the curves on the scallop section are not as smooth as I would like, and it frayed easily. It was soft though, so gathered nicely for the pleats and rosette.

[applemoon]

Re: Queen Ann valance sample

Wow Louise this is lovely. I really like the beads on the bottom, really effective.

Kim

[Louise]

Re: Queen Ann valance sample

These patterns are really easy to use, they take much of the planning and maths out of making items that would be time-consuming to draft out yourself. They also include the info you need on fabric quantities, trim amounts and varying the width and drop of the individual pleats and swags (where it is possible) to suit your design and setting.

[Louise]

Re: Queen Ann valance sample

Now added a Maltese cross to the last pleat as I hadn't made one before.....

[attachment=0:23arqqdd]queen ann cross.jpg[/attachment:23arqqdd]

[Sharon]

Re: Queen Ann valance sample

Very nice sample Louise...... I think the bead trim looks really good too.
i should really make some samples up.
sharon

[Louise]

Re: Queen Ann valance sample

I am twiddling my thumbs at the moment which is really frustrating - waiting for a cheque from one customer before ordering fabric, and for the deposit from another who is "very busy" but wants her curtains and blinds before Christmas

(we started the order in June.....around building work, didn't want to pay my deposit until October for cashflow reasons.....) - but at this rate she won't get them.......

[kathy]

Re: Queen Ann valance sample

Hi Louise

Your sample is very impressive - looks very hard to do.

Thank you for showing us - it really does show how worth while it is to make samples up.

Hope your not twiddling your thumbs for too long and I hope your customer doesn't leave you rushing around with her curtains, some customers think we have nothing better to do!!

Kathy

[Louise]

Re: Queen Ann valance sample

Thanks for your comments - really, the valance was not hard using the pattern and following the instructions......I am starting to feel a bit of a fraud!

I got the cheque for the fabric today (hurrah!) so I can order the fabric and pole tomorrow and might get the fabric on Friday.....no sign of the deposit from the other customer but she will have to wait now.....especially as I am seeing another customer on Friday who is keen to get moving on three pairs of curtains!