2023 Mini Show Workshop

Chicago had its 2023 Miniature shows this past weekend. 

I did one workshop - draperies by Marsha McClain of McBay Miniatures. Here's the prototype. 

I wanted to use this in my Chateau, and would need 2 for either LR or DR. I chose a taupe color because I have patterned wallpaper. 

The header is layered gaterboard, and its slightly rounded on the front. I may have to cut out a notch on the bottom of it, so it fits right over the top of my window frame. I don't have much room between top of frame and crown.

Marsha is all about finishing all areas - even the underside and inside of arches. So we cover the header with fabric also. 

You can see the shape of the valance, and even though it is straight on the top, it will shape on the arch when we attach it..

These cardstock templates also get covered, and these will hold the back side of the pleated drapery in place.

Once side panels are hemmed with Stitch Witchery on all sides, the pleater is sprayed with water and we pleated these in and left them to dry. 

This part takes time - after gathering, it gets pinned to a cardboard template so we can spray with hairspray to lock in the pleated valance.

Trim is glued onto valance, tiebacks.

Here's where the cardstock template gets attached to the pleated draperies. Once this is dry, trim is applied to sides of draperies.

Cautiously placing the finished draperies in the Living Room to see the effect. I'm quite pleased! Now to make the 2nd one on my own!

Random photos in French Country

 What bedroom isn't complete without If you give a moose a muffin" or "cat in the hat" or a slinky?

Much happier with smaller newel posts on these railings. I also added the finishing baseboard and white trim to cover the spot between floors where wallpaper doesn't meet.

Potential picture, and will need to start filling the bookcase with all those books I made a couple years ago.

What do you think about the parsons chairs here?

Need to figure out what I want above the LR and DR fireplaces - I have some resin mantel frames...I should get them out to see if they work.

Kitchen from the actual front of house. Think I want to put some plants on top of the cabinets and have vines hanging down. Any other ideas? Maybe a picture? Would that look odd?

Interesting view.

I gave up on my idea of a shower curtain - I am terrible at hand-sewing, and this was silk, not easy to work with. I used a different silk as a test...I have the silk that is the fabric match for the wallpaper but am really not looking forward to trying it. I may try with a cotton to see if I get better results.

I am starting to think about draperies for this house. This rook would look good with beige silk that would blend and pull out the silk in the headboard. Something very simple - draperies and a cornice probably. Wouldn't have to worry about sewing rings like the dreaded shower curtain and could hide edges under a cornice.

Maybe light pink draperies for this room?

Living room and Dining room - something neutral - beige for draperies again?

Finished backing on needlepoint rug.