How to guide to creating Pocket Curtains

From our old fave Spoonful.com comes this crazy way to jazz up your curtains. Pocket curtains are not only a great idea for kids bedrooms, but are also a stylish solution to your storage problems.

Click here to find your way to the tutorial.

Find what you need for this and other fabric projects at Fabric and Textile Warehouse, where you can get fab fabrics for less. Call us on our Golden Number 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX to find out what’s in stock and on special. You can also friend us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and keep up to date on the latest in fabric news. 

To line or not to line? That is the curtaining question.

When redoing your window treatment, you’ll be faced with a lot of questions – what colour do I choose? What style? What fabric? Some may be easily answered, others not so much. One of the most important questions, however, will be to line or not to line?

Curtains, in general, are excellent insulators, capable of keeping your house cool in summer and warm in winter. Lined curtains are, however, much better at this than unlined ones. Curtains with light colour lining can stop heat from entering a room and making life unbearably hot and sticky during summer. In winter, drawing your lined curtains immediately after the sun has set will trap in all the natural heat that accumulated in the room during the day. This will help reduce your need for added heating, decreasing your electricity consumption and saving you money. In some cases proper curtaining can decrease energy consumption by up to 10%.

Curtains with a tightly woven material lining are often referred to as blackout curtains. Hung to cover all parts of a window, these curtains block out most of the light, which was extremely beneficial during wartime Europe, when they were developed to hide the lights of the city houses from approaching bombers. Nowadays, with the Blitz far behind us, you may not think blackout curtains a likely option, but these versatile little numbers still have a lot to offer, especially if you work the night shift.

Lined curtains are also highly effective at reducing noise pollution. So, if you’re living near a busy road or next door to a late-night drummer, you may want to choose lined over sheer. You’ll have a quieter night without having to waste money on ear plugs or prescription drugs.

Looking for some more curtain-related advice? Give us a call on our Golden Number 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX – we’re always happy to help.

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“Keeping up with the Joneses” has never been this easy

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So, you're eager to take advantage of our fabulous birthday special, but either don't have the time or know-how needed to create a pair of curtains that'll blow their socks off. Not too worry. We're here to help. All our stores offer a make-up service that will help you to create some divine drapery. Just bring us your window dimensions and pick your fabric and we'll do the rest.

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What's what? A glossary of curtain styles for you to choose from.

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With so many choices out there how do you know what curtain style is the one for you. The  best choice is always an informed choice, so here is a glossary of 5 commonly used terms used to describe curtain headers and styles.

Rod pocket (aka channelled, cased or slotted)

These curtains are possibly the simplest to make and to hang. A pocket is created at the top of the curtain, into which you slide the curtain pole. There is therefore no need for heading tape or hooks and the arrangement of the curtaining on the pole creates a shirred look. One of the most popular curtain styles out there, rod pocket curtains are highly versatile and can be made from any type of fabric.

Tap top

These are perfect for those of you looking to create a feature out of your curtaining. These curtains are created by sewing a tab or fabric loop to the top of a flat panel of fabric and because these tabs are evenly spaced apart, portions of the curtain rod will be on view. This is therefore the perfect choice if you have rods worth displaying.

Pencil pleat

Always a safe bet, pencil pleat curtains are amongst the most commonly used styles available. The deep, crisp pleats ensure that your curtains always look even and neat. Pencil pleat tape allows you to suspend you curtains from any type of curtain tack, giving you the option of hiding the rail or putting it on display.

French pleat (aka triple pinch pleat)

Traditionally this style's characteristic ruching is created by groups of 3 pleats, space evenly part along the length of the curtain. A small stitch at the base of a group of pleats helps complete the effect. If you decide to go this route it is best to use a medium weight fabric. This will prevent the pleats from looking thick and bulky when join together.

Goblet pleat

Oh so elegant, goblet pleats certainly make a statement. Their stately appearance makes them perfect for use with woven fabrics or jacquards. This style looks wonderful in formal dining rooms where rich colours and true luxury are favoured.

For more stunning styles and beautiful design ideas visit http://bit.ly/JRQIOh.

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Hanging curtains – how do the professionals do it?

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Yes, there is more to hanging curtain than simply slipping the hooks through the track’s runners or curtain rings. For a truly professional look, you’re going to have to put a little bit more effort in, but we guarantee that you won’t be sorry you did.

1. To start with make sure that you have all the essentials. A sturdy ladder, some brand new clothing pegs and light weight cord or string and plenty of spare curtain hooks should the others slip out and fall onto the floor. Remember you’ll be up a ladder so your pockets would be a good place to store these bits and bobs.
2. Check that you have a strong support system in place. Make sure that your curtain rail or rod is securely attached to the wall and that the brackets are strong enough to take the weight of the curtain and the rail. If your window is particularly large, you will need to ensure that there are a number of brackets spaced evenly along the rail. This will prevent the rail from buckling or breaking under the weight of the curtains.
3. It is a good idea to check now that the number of hooks slipped into your curtains heading tape is the equal to the number of runners or rings on the rail.
4. Move one runner or ring to the outside edge of the rail beyond the last support bracket. Don’t worry about it slipping off as the stoppers of finials at the end of the rail should prevent this. By doing this you will not only ensure that the curtain covers the outside edge of the window frame completely, but also conceals the last support bracket.
5.  Before going any further go wash your hands! Clean hands are essential, especially if your curtains are lightly coloured.
6. Time to get hanging. Start from the outside edge and work your way in, carefully slipping the curtain hooks into the runners or rings as you go.
7. Once they’re up you are going to need to open the curtains, but this is not as simple as it seems. Taking the inside edge of the curtain, making sure that the right side of the fabric turns in towards the window, gather the curtain together, drawing the heading and the whole curtain back completely into neat even folds and creating pleats down the fabric.
8. Using your new washing pegs, peg the curtain folds together across the top of the curtain. *Tip: Have your pegs point down towards the floor as this vertical arrangement will hold the pleats together more effectively.
9. Tie a piece of light weight cord around the middle of the curtain. Not too tightly though – you are just looking to keep your folds together. Do the same around the top and bottom of the curtain.
10. Leave your curtains tied like this for a few days. This will ensure that when your curtains are finally released, they will gently fall back into these beautiful folds every time.
11. Remember that unless you have one-way glass in your windows you are going to be able to see your curtains from the other side. So, always check from the other side of the window that the lining is falling smoothly.

You can find these and more useful tips on curtains when you visit http://bit.ly/IXSPP9. 

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Some hot tips about curtaining

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With our shelves overflowing and those crazy specials on the go, we thought that we would give you some helpful advice on what to do with your new curtaining.

• Firstly, don’t just rush out and buy the first pretty fabric you find. Take the time to consider what you want from your curtaining. Are you looking to enhance or disguise the view? Is the room light or dark? Do you have other elements, like colour or pattern, limiting your choice? Although they may not appear it, curtains are a big deal. The have the power to shift the décor from the realm of tranquil harmony to complete and utter chaos. So, choose carefully.
• Full length curtains are always better. Shorter sill-length curtains can leave the room feeling disjointed and are a lot less dramatic than their fuller counterparts. So, even when there are additional elements fixed underneath the window, we recommend that your curtains touch the floor. Having said that there are always exceptions to every rule. We do not recommend having your curtains tumbling into your bath or kitchen sink.
• Make sure your measurements are correct. Under estimating the amount of fabric you will need can cost you more in the long run. We would even go so far as to say buy more fabric than you need. Any scraps and off cuts can always be used somewhere else in the room. Click here for a guide on how to measure fabric for your curtains.
• Hidden lead weights in the hems of your curtains will help you curtain to hang correctly and look gorgeous. You will need to hide a weight in each corner. If your curtains are comprised of more than one width of fabric, you'll need to place an additional two weights in the hem where the panels have been joined.
• Lining your curtains is always a good idea. Lining will help to protect your curtains from sun damage, prolonging their life span.
• Accessorize. If you’re going to make your curtains a feature then don’t hold back. Metallic or wooden curtain poles with eye-catching finials are a great way to shine a spotlight on your window treatment. Tiebacks are also a nice touch, letting light into a room, without you have to shovel the curtains off to one side.
• If you’re sewing your own curtains, it is a good idea to press all seams and stitches as you go. Not only will the heat set the stitches, but the flatted seams will ensure more accurate measuring on your part.
• Hang your curtain like a professional. For most of us the task of hanging curtains involves climbing a ladder and hooking the curtain on onto the runners or rings and that’s about it. But, if you’re looking to make your curtains a feature, we suggest you go the extra mile and hang your curtains as an expert would. This may seem like quite a complicated process, what with all the pegs and string, but the results speak for themselves. If you want to know what we’re talking about, keep an eye on this Blog.

If you found any of these tips particularly helpful or have any more advice to share please let us know. 

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And the party continues...

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As most of you know it's our birthday this month and to celebrate we are offering  you some spectacular specials and super savings.

Firstly, there is the fabulously exclusive offer of 10% OFF ALL CURTAINING we're making available to all our loyalty card holders. This is just one of the many ways we like to reward you, our dedicated supporters.

Next on the cards is an amazing sale on ready-made voile curtains. At R150 per curtain this is a deal not to be missed.

Rush down to your local store today to take part in the celebration. These specials are valid until 31 May 2012 and you don't want to miss out on the party. Loyalty cards are FREE and available in-store. 

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Ready-made curtains @ rock bottom prices!

Pure linen curtains.

Great news, and just in time for an Autumn make-over: ready-made curtains at unbeatable prices.

• Printed 100% cotton fully lined curtains - 140cm wide x 230cm long @ R145/drop
• Plain linen curtains - 280cm wide x 230cm long @ R85/drop
• Jacquard linen curtains - 250cm wide x 230cm long @ R110/drop
• Ready-made organza curtains - 5m wide x 225cm long @ R110/drop

All prices are valid while stocks last - don't miss out!

Note: these prices are already so low, no loyalty discounts apply.

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JUST UNPACKED!

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Curtain Calls

While slipcovers and new upholstery can do wonders for a lounge suite or dining room chair, every room in the house can benefit from a window face-lift now and then.

As our defense against the sun, curtains fade and discolour. As summer arrives, your home needs a new lease on life. Take away the musty winter colours and spring into new season of warmth and beauty.

Fabric & Textile Warehouse has an incredible range of curtaining in stock - cotton prints, faux silk (3m wide), sheer linen fabric (3m wide) and many more! We can also make curtains up to your specifications. Just give us a call on 0861 FAB TEX (322 839) or email us on fabrictextilewarehouse@gmail.com for advice, information and ideas.

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Drapery

The right curtains turn any room into an elegant oasis. Visit Fabric & Textile Warehouse for inspiration and advice. With the widest range of curtaining, curtain accessories, rods and poles, you can't go wrong. We make curtaining up to your specifications. Call 0861 322 839 (0861 FAB TEX) for your nearest branch.

For some original and innovative ideas on window treatments, visit InteriorDezine and browse their gallery  for tips and inspiration. We love Taunton Home Ideas Book's Window Treatments, filled with great photos and expert advice.

Get to Fabric and Textile Warehouse for the best quality curtaining, curtain accessories, rods and poles. And remember, we'll make up whatever you require for your window treatments, to your specifications. Visit one of our branches or call us.

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