Title: Cutting and draping : a practical handbook for upholsterers and decorators
Author: Stephenson, John W.
Language: English
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                          Cutting and Draping


                       A PRACTICAL HANDBOOK FOR
                      UPHOLSTERERS and DECORATORS


         OVER TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY DIAGRAMS AND ILLUSTRATIONS


                         By JOHN W. STEPHENSON


                           CLIFFORD & LAWTON
                       19 UNION SQUARE, NEW YORK



                          TABLE OF CONTENTS.


    French Festoon Drapery,                            3

    Irregular Festoon Drapery,                         7

    Flat Valances or Lambrequins,                     11

    Pleated Valances or Lambrequins,                  15

    Piano and Mantel Draperies,                       19

    Scarf Draperies,                                  23

    Festival Decorations,                         26, 31

    Lace Curtains,                                    35

    Window Shades and Blinds,                     39, 43

    Archways and Alcoves,                         47, 51

    Portieres and Appliques,                          53

    Bed Draperies,                                    57

    Traverse, Drop and Theatre Curtains,              65

    Interior Grouping, Cosey Corners, Wall Hangings,      69

    Awnings and Veranda Curtains,                     73

    The Application of Grille Work,                   77

    Workroom Auxiliaries,                             81


               _Copyright, 1905, by Clifford & Lawton._

  [Illustration:

    _Fig I_
    _Fig II_
    _Fig III_
    _Fig IV_
    _Fig IV B_

  _FRENCH FESTOON DRAPERY_

    (SEE TEXT ON OPPOSITE PAGE)]



  [Illustration]



                        FRENCH FESTOON DRAPERY


The art of draping is nearly as old as is the manufacture of fabrics.
And artists and craftsmen of all ages have taxed their ingenuity to
produce ideas unique, original, out of the ordinary--with varied
success. Of the myriad of designs and treatments thus produced some of
the more pleasing have stood the test of time.

One of the survivors is that generally known as “French festoon
drapery,” which, by reason of its voluminous pleats and scallops,
presents a showy appearance in almost any class of fabrics. To measure,
plan and cut this style of drapery is one of the first problems that
confronts the would-be decorator and drapery artist, and to make plain
the method successfully used by the writer is the purpose of this
article. Of course to the practical decorator such close discussion
of details is irksome; but it is for the novice that I write. (See
diagrams on opposite page.)

Figure I is an example of straight festoon drapery, the right side
in skeleton to more clearly show the figures. To measure a door or
window for this style it is necessary to have the extreme width of the
space to be draped (5-0), the distance from the top of wood trim to
floor (8-0) and the distance from the top of trim to ceiling (2-0).
This is to determine the general proportion of the various parts in
planning the complete treatment. Always measure with rule, getting the
width measurement at the floor line and the height measurements from
a ladder, and put them down as soon as taken. Don’t trust anything
to memory! A three-foot folding pocket rule is a splendid all-round
measure, as it comes in nine-inch sections (quarter yards) and the
length gives it a decided advantage over the old-fashioned two-foot
rule.

When these measurements have been secured take a piece of paper
sufficiently large to lay out the dimensions of the space to a scale of
say one inch to the foot, and on it sketch the style of the drapery you
wish to produce.

Bear in mind that the purpose of draperies is to relieve the austerity
of the straight wood lines, and to dress or furnish an otherwise bare
space, _not_ to make an ostentatious display of fabrics. Moreover,
the display must be practical as well as decorative. If a window is low
and a drapery carried out in proportion would be so low as to exclude
the light or interfere with the vision, the usual rule must be departed
from and the drapery raised to a greater height. The proper elevation
our third measurement will enable us to easily determine.

Again, if we are planning a door, we must allow sufficient distance
from the floor to the lowest point of the festoons for an ordinary
person to pass or stand beneath without stooping. In practice it is
seldom well to leave less than six feet six; but of course different
designs call for different execution.

In planning for styles similar to Figure I the general rule is to allow
the lowest point of the tails to drop one half the distance to the
floor and the lowest festoon one half the length of the tail. Having
determined the style and size of the drapery on the plan, correct
the general outline till it conforms nicely to your idea and the
requirements of the space, and measure it as follows: Take a flexible
rule (a six-inch celluloid pocket rule makes a splendid article for
this purpose, and can be obtained from celluloid novelty manufacturers)
and, making it conform to the shape of the bottom line of the festoon,
note the measurement A to B (Figure I), and record it as also the line
C to D; measure all the curved outlines on the plan in like manner and
record the various distances.

Now measure the space covered by the pleated ends of the festoons and
the distances between, as one to two, two to three, three to four,
Figure I, and the distance from X, the lowest point of the line C----D
to X, the lowest point of the line A----B, record the distance in feet
and inches (two and one-half inches on the plan representing two feet
six inches), for convenience in cutting later on; for the tails measure
only the straight lines represented by the points E to F, G to H, E to
G and I to H.

  [Illustration]

You are now ready to cut the festoons, and unless there is a likelihood
of a number of festoons being needed exactly the same size, we can
dispense with a pattern and cut direct from the measurement; but I
would advise the novice to start on inexpensive material, like shaker
or canton flannel, until he is sure of his ground.

Lay the goods on the table, face down, with the end to--and even
with--the side of the table, in front of you. The pattern, if any,
should run from you, and in the case of pile goods the nap should run
toward you. Smooth the goods out sufficiently to transfer the complete
measurements without readjusting. Take a piece of soft white crayon,
and mark off on the end of the goods nearest you the distance between
the points A----B on your scale plan, using the end of the goods as
your line (Figure 2). If the width of the goods is not sufficient, as
in this case, mark the points on the table, at equal distance from each
selvage. (See A----B, Figure 2.) Now at X the centre of the line or
end of goods, strike a perpendicular line X----X at right angles to
the edge of table and end of goods and as long as twice the distance
from A----B to C----D in Figure 1. This allows as much again for
fulness--a safe allowance for nearly all purposes, but governed to
some extent by the nature of the goods. Soft materials like art silks,
silkolines and other light-weight drapery stuffs require a little more.

At the top of this perpendicular line X----X, Figure 2, draw a
horizontal line parallel to the bottom line and nearly as long (or,
if it is the last cut in the goods, right across the goods, leaving a
straight end), and on it, with X as a centre, mark the points C----D
equidistant.

With one point of a pair of dividers at A and one-third of the distance
from A to X as a radius describe a quarter circle from the line,
1----1 Figure 2, and repeat at B, 2----2 Figure 2. Then with point
of dividers at X and A----B as radii strike a semi-circle to bisect
the two smaller circles at points E----E, rule from these two points
to X on the bottom line and also to points C and D on the top line.
This gives us the general shape of the festoon, but the lines must
be rounded a little at the bottom and sides and allowance left for
straightening the pleated ends. (See dotted lines, Figure 2.) And if,
as is the case in Figure 2, the width of the goods is less than the
distance between the points E----E, the corners must be pieced out of
the pieces F----F.

In cutting the sides, as dotted lines Figure 2, allow about three
inches extra at top and bottom and hollow at centre to one and one-half
inches from straight lines E----D and E----C, round the bottom as
curved dotted line, with greatest swell at about one-third of the
distance from X. This gives us our perfect festoon pattern, with three
inches allowance at each side for trimming off after pleating.

  [Illustration]

To lay out the plan for the tail it is more economical to use a paper
pattern; take a large piece of paper and lay on the table with the
longest edge parallel with the edge of the table nearest you. From the
end, as point F, which should be at the corner of the table, mark the
point E the same distance as on the scale drawing you have, also the
point I about half way between. With this as a basis locate the points
G and H according to measurement and draw the full sized plan of tail
as defined by these points, Figure 3, solid lines.

Locate the point J where the lines E----F and G----H would intersect
if continued (the distance J is from E governs the amount of flare in
the bottom of the tail, farther meaning less flare and closer meaning
more). With J as a centre, make with cord and chalk circling lines to
intersect with each point of the raking edge, 1----1, 2----2, 3----3,
4----4, 5----5, and 6----6, also one at H and at E, making the line
longer as you go towards the top of the tail.

With point of dividers at F and I as a radius allow a couple of inches
extra for fold and strike to intersect line I at 1X, measure from 1 to
2 and using 1X as centre locate the point 2X on line 2, and locate the
other intersecting points 3X, 4X, 5X, 6X and HX in like manner, always
allowing the two inches extra for folding, rule from F to 1X, 1X to 2X,
to 3X, to 4X, to 5X, to 6X, to HX, as dotted line indicates, and also
from HX to J to locate GX on line E, and from points 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X,
5X and 6X to J, to find the points 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A and 6A on line
E----E. These last should be notched out in pattern to mark goods for
folding. Cut out along the raking edge F----1X, 2X, and so on, from H
to G and the sweep E to GX, and the pattern is complete. As our pattern
stands, Figure 3, it is a left-handed pattern; mark this side (Left)
and turn face down on the table and mark the other side (Right) and
always remember to turn over the pattern in cutting a pair, so as to
make right and left tails. To cut out lay the pattern on the face side
of goods with the line HX----GX parallel with the selvage and piece out
the point if necessary. When all cut and pieced out complete, spread
the pattern out over it and mark the points 1X, 2X, 3X, etc., and also
the notches on line E----E, 1A, 2A, 3A and so on. With the edge E----F
parallel with the edge of the table in front of you catch points 2X
and 2A, one in each hand, and draw toward you till fold is made at
1X----1A. Take 4A and 4X in like manner and repeat till all are folded.
A glance at Figure 3 B will explain the method. Trim the top square,
and the tail is complete. To pleat up the festoon requires a little
more care, but facility is easily acquired with a little practice.

Mark off on a horizontal board (see Figure 4) the dimensions of the
completed festoon, as indicated on the scale drawing, Figure 1, points
one, two, three, four, and put a large tack in each of these points as
a guide, also about six inches above each point place another, which
can be seen when the others are covered up with the goods. Temporarily
attach corner D of the festoon to point three and corner C at point
two, allowing in each case about three inches to project above the
line. The centre of the goods between these two points lay back toward
the board to form the top pleat, Figure 4, and the lowest point of this
pleat should correspond with the top line C----D on the scale drawing,
Figure 1. If it is lower or higher than the drawing calls for it should
be properly adjusted until it is correct. In this case, Figure 1, there
is a distance of three inches from bottom of pole to X on line C----D.

In adjusting be careful to keep the goods perfectly centred, or you
will not get nice pleats. Now divide the remaining space from three to
four and two to one into as many spaces as you intend to make pleats.
In this case (the general rule) there are six. So you need six spaces,
the last pleat (which is being put up, Figure 4) covering two spaces.
Having divided the distance, now with the left hand pinch up the goods
about one-fifth of the distance from fold already made and with the
right hand grasp the biased edge D----B, Figure 4, and form a pleat
toward the point D, adjust till the fold follows naturally around from
one hand to the other without drawing, and temporarily tack it in
place on the line in its space. Take the left bias edge, A----C, and
make this fold follow around to the point where it should attach in
the first space to the left on the line one----two. These folds should
follow around from one end to the other without pulling or buckling,
and will need to be helped at first by the disengaged hand until the
fold is complete.

Pleat up all the remaining goods in this manner and tack each fold to
the line, being sure that each fold goes around clearly without in any
wise interfering with the hang of the previous one and using the same
quantity of goods each time.

This will not come easily at first, but follow the method illustrated
in Figure 4, and practice will do the rest.

The last fold covers two spaces and completes the festoon. If you have
too much fullness for the last fold go over the rest and take up a
little more for pleating them. If the distance from the centre of top
line to the centre of bottom line does not correspond with the distance
on the plan, you will have to raise or lower the pleating until it
is the same. Leave the points C----D attached and adjust each pleat
separately till the desired result is obtained.

Now, if the ends are to be joined over a pole, as in Figure 1, allow
three-quarters of the diameter of the pole above the line and trim
square. (See dotted line, Figure 4.) Pin or baste pleats in place and
take down and bind with a bias piece of the same goods about one and
one-half inches wide, turning in the raw edges. Bind tail in same way
and sew together with baseball stitch that is illustrated in Figure 4
B. This stitch allows the greatest flexibility, and the tail can be on
top or be turned back and the festoon on top without re-sewing, as it
acts as a perfect hinge.

To estimate for this style a safe allowance roughly is one yard of
goods to a foot of the width of space, and three yards more fringe
than goods; thus, this drapery on that basis would take five yards of
goods and eight of fringe; but for a close estimate make your scale
drawing first and measure from that, thus, add together the depths of
the various festoons with as much again for fullness and add to this
the length of the tails on their longest side. This drapery measured
in this manner would require two and one-third yards for the festoons
and three and five-sixths yards for the tails, or five and one-sixth
yards, six inches more than the other way. This last method, of course,
is absolutely safe, while the other will vary according to the depth of
the festoons. The practical man will, with the rough-estimate system,
usually be correct, but the novice had better measure his plan before
giving a positive quantity. Another thing, too, will be noticed between
the two systems, for spaces under five feet wide the yard to the foot
will be scant, while for spaces over five feet, unless you try to make
too many festoons, the calculation on this basis will invariably be
over the mark.

When using a striped goods that would admit of any number of
seams, a seventeen-foot bay window has been effectively dressed
with twelve yards of goods, including in the treatment two double
tails, and presented such an elaborate appearance that a disgruntled
representative of a rival house offered to alter it and save enough
from it to drape an eight-foot window at the back of a room.

This is mentioned only to show to what extent economy can be practiced
without skimping the appearance. The eight-foot window in question,
with all possible economy, required six and three-quarters yards when
the order was completed.

It is a good plan for the beginner to take the rules here set forth and
sketch out a number of draperies with festoons of various depths and
measure. Cut and make up in some inexpensive material, such as cotton
or cheap flannel, until you get the method thoroughly memorized.

A little practice will make the veriest novice master of this method,
which has been evolved from practical experience, and is thus
independent of the various sketches and patterns offered for sale.

If any material advantage would be gained, several other methods that
are used could be given, but the foregoing will be found thoroughly
practical and economical, a great item in present workroom problems.

  [Illustration]

To estimate the fringe add together the measures of the bottom line
of each festoon and the length of each tail and add ten per cent. for
taking up in sewing.

  [Illustration:

    Fig 5

    Fig 5. B.

    Fig 6

    Fig 7

    Fig 8

    Fig 9 B

    Fig 9

  _IRREGULAR FESTOON DRAPERY_

    (SEE TEXT ON OPPOSITE PAGE.)]



  [Illustration]



                       IRREGULAR FESTOON DRAPERY


If the top of the opening or space to be draped is not a straight line,
but is curved, arching or angular, necessitating that the ends of the
festoons be fastened at different heights to follow the shape of the
space, irregular festoons must be used. Or, when the space to be draped
exceeds five feet in width irregular festoons will present a better
appearance, and add character to the decoration.

By irregular festoons we mean those in which the two halves of a
festoon differ in size and shape, as when the lowest point of the
bottom line falls to one side of the centre; when one pleated end
covers a wider space than the other; or when the ends are fastened at
different levels.

Figure 5 (see diagrams on opposite page) is an example of irregular
festoon drapery, covering a straight space six feet wide, with the
middle festoon elevated to give the whole an irregular appearance.

Having secured the measurements from floor to top of trim, from top of
trim to ceiling, and the extreme width, make a scale drawing of the
space in the proportion of one inch to the foot, and on it sketch the
drapery, as explained for straight festoons in last chapter.

Unless the wood is unsightly it is not necessary to cover it
altogether, as this style is of a lighter, more airy character than the
last one, and the appearance is sometimes improved by showing enough of
the trim to define the opening.

If the color of the wood interferes with the harmony of the wall and
fabric, then, of course, it must be hidden as far as possible; but
dispose the festoons to accomplish this without making the purpose
apparent.

Correct the sketch of the drapery to conform with the necessities of
light or passage, as explained before, observing the proportion the
tail about one-half the height of the space, and the deepest festoon
one-half the depth of the tail, and it is ready to measure.

In Figure 5, on the opposite page, we have three different sizes and
shapes of festoons, so that all must be measured and cut separately.

From the lowest point X on the line A----B draw a perpendicular line at
right angles to the floor line to connect with X on the line C----D,
top of festoon. (Festoon A, Figure 5.)

Measure the distance from A to X and X to B on bottom line, following
the curve, also from C to X and X to D on top line, and from X to X;
record the distances on the plan in feet and inches, also the spaces
covered by the pleated ends 1 to 2 and 3 to 4, and the distance between
2 and 3 horizontally (see dotted line), and the elevation from line
1----2 to line 3----4. (See dotted perpendicular line from top of
trim.) Record all these distances and measure festoon B in like manner.

Festoon C is joined to tail on right side to form a pipe, but is
measured in the same way, treating the bottom line as if it were
continued around to the rosette (dotted line through pipe, Figure 5),
mark point X and measure the same as festoon A, measure the length of
pipe from rosette to bottom and record the distances.

To measure the double tails draw a line through centre (dotted line,
left tail, Figure 5) and measure the pleated half in the same manner as
the single tail in last chapter.

Lay out and cut pattern as for a single tail, and repeat from the back
edge (dotted line) to give the double tail.

If necessary to piece the tail in planning the goods, make the seams
where the folds will conceal them when pleated up.

  [Illustration]

If you find any difficulty in sketching the full size pleated tail
from which to lay out the pattern for cutting, as explained in last
chapter, Figure 3, the following method, while not needed by many, will
give you correctness and certainty:

The pleated top should equal one-sixth the distance from top of tail to
bottom point, and the widest part, which occurs half way down, should
be one and one-third times the width of the top.

Thus a tail 6--0 long would be 3--0 on the front edge and pleat into
1--0 at the top, spreading to 16 inches at the widest part.

Lay out your paper with the longest edge even with the side of the
table in front of you, and from the right hand end point F, Figure 5B,
mark point E the length of the tail and I half way between. Draw a
perpendicular line at E and on it mark G the proportionate distance,
and on another perpendicular line at I locate H, Figure 5B. Halve the
line I----H and from its centre 1X rule to F; divide the line 1X----F
into seven equal spaces, and mark every alternate point, commencing
with the first one, 2X, 4X and 6X, and the points between 3, 5 and 7.
At right angles from the line at point 3 mark J, the distance from 3 to
2X, or one space, and repeat at 5 and 7, locating points K and L.

Rule from points J, K and L to 2X, 4X and 6X (dotted lines, Figure 5B),
and from 2X, 4X and 6X draw straight lines to the top parallel with the
line E----F.

Rule also from J, K and L to the dotted raking lines and from G to H,
and you have a complete outline of the pleated tail from which to plan
your pattern, as explained in last chapter.

The right tail joined to festoon C is cut in exactly the same manner as
if it were not joined, but was complete in itself.

Lay the pattern on the goods with the side to be joined to the festoon
even with the selvage. (See Figure 7. Dotted lines which show festoon C
cut out and the right hand tail marked out for cutting lying together
for matching at the selvages.)

To cut irregular festoons it is well at first to make a paper pattern;
spread out a paper sufficiently large to contain the full measurements,
with the longest side even with the table in front of you (Figure 6),
using the edge of the paper as the line A----B, from which to project
the shape of the festoon according to the measurements.

From the right-hand end point B mark X the distance recorded on
Festoon A, Figure 5, on your plan, and from X mark point A. Erect a
perpendicular line at X as long as twice the distance from X to X,
Figure 5, and at right angles to the bottom line.

Draw a horizontal line parallel with the bottom line or edge of paper,
passing through X, the top of your perpendicular line, and on it mark
the points C and D the same distances as they appear on your plan.

From X on the bottom line, with B as a radius, strike a quarter circle
from the line, and repeat on the other side with X as centre and A as a
radius.

With A as a centre, and one-third the distance from A to X as radius,
strike an arc to intersect with quarter circle A at point A1; and from
point B, with one-third the distance from B to X as radius, locate
point B1 in the same way.

Rule from B1 to X and from A1 to X on the bottom line, and from C to A1
and D to B1, which gives us the general outline.

The bottom lines must be rounded as dotted lines indicate, with
greatest swell one-third of the distance from point X on each side; and
the raking lines at the side must have the allowance added for trimming
off three inches at top and bottom, hollowed to one and a half inches
at centre, dotted lines, Figure 6.

Cut out along curved lines on sides and bottom, and straight line at
top, and the pattern is complete.

Spread out the goods on the table _face up_, the pattern, if any,
running from you, and the nap, if pile goods, running toward you, with
the end of the goods, which must be square, even with the side of the
table, in front of you.

Lay the pattern on it with the perpendicular line X----X positively at
right angles to the straight end of the goods and parallel with the
selvage.

If the width of the goods is not sufficient to cut the festoon without
piecing, lay the pattern so as to leave an equal projection beyond the
selvage at each side.

If the amount to be pieced out does not exceed six inches, make the
join at one side only, and piece out with the pieces left from the
raking sides, F----F, Figure 6.

Pleat festoons A and B in the same manner as straight festoons in last
chapter, the lines on the board corresponding with the lines on the
plan, the elevation at 3----4 exactly as the plan calls for, and adjust
the goods until it conforms to the size and shape on the plan. When
one end of a festoon is attached at a higher level than the other,
attach the elevated end of the pleat first, and then the lower end, for
greater ease in forming the pleats nice and round.

Irregular festoons are not interchangeable any more than clothes, and
will only fit the size and shape for which they are made; for this
reason be careful in laying out the measurements on the board, as once
pleated they will hang that way only, and a change in elevation or
distance, unless very slight, will destroy the neatness of the pleats.
If, in a drapery design, a festoon with the heavy fall point X to the
left of the centre is repeated in another place with the heavy fall to
the right of the centre, and the sizes are exact, the pattern cut for
one will do for the other by turning the other side of the paper up;
but be careful to mark each side and the festoons to correspond, so as
not to duplicate.

It is a good plan to number or letter each festoon and tail on the
plan, and the patterns to correspond; then, if the goods is cut with
the face side up, the completed drapery must be the same as the plan.

If for any reason it is advisable to cut the goods with the face side
down, you must be careful to turn your patterns all face down, or your
drapery will be transposed, with the right tail at the left side, and
_vice versa_, and errors of this kind are, to say the least,
vexatious.

To lay out festoon C for cutting is a little more difficult, but can be
easily mastered with care. Lay out the paper for pattern on the table,
as explained for festoons A and B, and draw the bottom line A----B
parallel with the edge of table, and about half the length of the pipe
above it (Figure 8). Erect the perpendicular line X----X, and find all
the points on the pattern in exactly the same manner as for festoon A;
round out the line from A1 to X (dotted line, Figure 8) and the raking
line A1 to C.

From point B1 as a centre, with the length of the pipe as a radius,
strike a quarter circle from the line A----B down to a point below B1
(line 1----B1), round the line right side from X to a little above the
line, and gracefully sweep to break the sharp corner where the circle
intersects, as dotted line, Figure 8, and rule from B1 to D, adding
afterwards the allowance for trimming off after pleating.

If you have a small festoon to cut, and one of this kind, mark out the
small one first, letting the pattern lie to the opposite side from the
side on which you want the piece for the pipe, and the allowance for
the pipe can usually be cut out of the corner, F. (See broken line,
Figure 8, which outlines the top of a festoon beneath the line A----B.)

In irregular festoons the line X----X _must be_ at right angles
to the end of the goods, or chalk line representing bottom of festoon
where no pattern is used.

Cut festoon C out complete and match the pattern of the goods to the
piece before cutting out the tail. (See Figure 7.)

Join the straight side 1----B1 on festoon C to the left side of tail
and press the seam out so that it lies flat as one piece.

Spread out on the table, and with the paper pattern mark the top and
bottom points of the folds in the tail, and commencing at the middle
(dotted line E----F, Figure 7) pleat the outside in the way explained
in last chapter. Pleat the other side toward the centre also, forming
all but the last fold or pipe, and pin or baste the folds in place.
Tack the top of tail on the board, which you have already chalked out
to the sizes of the pleated festoon and tail on the plan, and pleat up
the festoon by the method explained in last chapter, forming the last
pleat of the festoon and the last fold of the tail into a pipe (Figure
9), concealing the seam in the fold under the pipe. The rosette is made
of a circular piece of goods, usually joined up from the waste, as the
pleats will conceal the seams.

If the completed rosette is to be six inches in diameter, take a
circular piece of goods seventeen inches in diameter, and in the centre
cut out a three-inch circle; shirr the outside edge from the wrong
side, using long stitches on the right side and short stitches on the
wrong side (Figure 9A), dotted and unbroken lines (dotted lines on
face side of goods), use a strong linen thread or twine and draw the
shirring up close, wrong side out, and fasten securely. (Figure 9B.)

Turn back the small circle over this to bring the right side out, and
shirr it into the other shirring, fastening both together securely.
This method gives very little fulness on the back of rosette, and
plenty in front; pick out the pleats to distribute the fulness evenly
around the rosette, keeping the outer edge square and thicker than the
centre.

The fulness is governed by the size of the hole in the centre, and the
distance from it to the outer circle must equal the desired diameter of
the finished rosette, with one inch allowance for shirring.

Sew the rosette to the finished festoon tail, and if it is to be
suspended from a loop, as Figure 5, sew a couple of lambrequin hooks
beneath the rosette to take the weight. (XX, Figure 9.)

Figure 5 illustrates a straight top opening, but this style is
particularly adapted to spaces where the top is curving or angular, or
in the case of a low door or window, where it is desired to give an
effect of greater height without elevating the entire drapery scheme.

Sketch out and plan a number of irregular festoon draperies to your
scale, complying with different requirements in the way of curves and
angles, and cut out of some soft and inexpensive material, as advised
in last chapter, until you have thoroughly mastered the rules and
acquired the knack of forming nice round pleats from end to end. Be
careful in sketching an irregular drapery not to get the festoons too
thin from X to X, which you will be apt to do.

Except in some special case where a shallow festoon is required, a
pleated festoon that is less than eighteen inches from X to X will
not look well on this size space, and should be as much deeper in
proportion as the size of the space requires.

Double tails are used in Figure 5 to explain the method of cutting
them, and where the quantity of goods will not permit the use of double
tails, single tails may be used with very good effect.

Double tails are frequently joined in the centre (dotted line E----F,
Figure 7), and except in goods of a striped or pronounced design may be
joined even more by calculating for the seams to be in the under folds.

  [Illustration: _FLAT VALANCES OR LAMBREQUINS._

    (SEE TEXT ON OPPOSITE PAGE)]



  [Illustration: SIX WAYS TO HEAD AND HANG DRAPERIES.]



                     FLAT VALANCES OR LAMBREQUINS


The flat valance or lambrequin was originally designed as a body or
background on which were embroidered the most elaborate patterns. It
has passed through various forms and modifications, and at present is
used for almost every purpose in the way of drapery treatments. We
illustrate a few styles which will explain its versatility.

Figure 10 is one of the simpler forms, surmounted by a moulding
cornice, and is frequently used where it is desired to give the windows
the appearance of greater height by raising the cornice the desired
distance above the top of the frame, the valance concealing the real
height of the window.

This style is provided with a piece at each end that returns to the
frame (at right angles to the face) and confines the curtains as well
as concealing the pole or rod to which the curtains are attached. It
can be made very simple and inexpensive, and is suitable for bedrooms,
dining-rooms or libraries when the nature of the window and the general
architecture of the room requires simple treatment.

Figure 11 is a combination of the flat valance and festoon drapery. Its
use is not confined to any particular room, and it can be made simple
and inexpensive, or elaborated with appliqués, as Figures 12 and 14,
until it is rich enough for any purpose. Its main characteristics are
the small quantity of goods required and the ease with which it can be
made. Nearly all flat valances are made on buckram to give them the
required stiffness to hang flat and smooth.

  [Illustration: LOUIS XIII.]

Make a scale drawing of the space and sketch the style of the valance
upon it. Then lay out the full size on a piece of paper and cut out
the pattern of the flat body or background. Spread out the buckram and
transfer the outline to it, joining it, if necessary, to get the size
by lapping the edges one upon the other and sewing them together flat.

If the buckram is sufficiently large without joining you can draw the
design upon it without making a pattern.

Do not try to make too many scallops; allow the outside scallops to be
a little wider than the others, so that they will appear about the same
size when the tails are put over them. The outline of the end scallops
can be made a little more straight where the tail covers it, as dotted
line, Figure 11.

The illustrations show these two styles trimmed with a galloon or gimp,
which, on a plain material, is an effective trimming.

Figure 11A illustrates the method of finding the radius of three given
points--as the two ends and the centre of a scallop. Having determined
the width of the scallop, draw perpendicular lines at its extremities,
A----A and B----B, Figure 11A, and on these lines mark X the distance
you wish to raise the ends of the scallop from the line. With point of
dividers at C on the bottom line strike an arc at a little more than
half the distance to X on line A; then with point of dividers at X on
line A strike an arc with the same radius as before to cross the other
arc at the two ends. Repeat this on the other side of the centre point
C toward line B, and by ruling straight lines through the intersecting
extremities of each arc to where they meet in the centre you find the
radius from which all three points would be touched by a sweep of the
dividers.

The pipes which are attached at the top of each scallop are cut in the
following manner: Measure the length of space the pipe is to cover and
draw a line on your pattern paper its equivalent in length; from one
end, with half its length as a radius, draw a quarter circle on each
side of the line marking point D where it crosses the line. With point
at D and the end of the line as a radius sweep to intersect the curved
line at each side, which will give you points C----C; rule straight
lines from points C----C to B and to A. The bottom line following the
circle is too round for a nice pipe, and should be modified to midway
between the curved and straight lines, as dotted lines, Figure 11B.

This pattern can be used to good advantage by utilizing half of it
only, repeating from the line A----B for the buckram pattern and the
lining, as Figure 11B, and repeating from the line A----C for the
pattern for the outer covering, Figure 11C. After being covered with
the lining, as Figure 11B, it is bent round and the two edges joined
together with fine thread and baseball stitch, as Figure 11D. Cut
the covering as Figure 11C, allowing a half inch all around for hem;
fold together wrong side out and stitch the edges A----A and B----B
together; press the seam out flat, turn right side out, and pull over
the buckram form, turning in the edge around the bottom and sewing it
down.

The tails are cut just as for festoon draperies, and the tops are
turned over the top edge of the buckram body and sewn to the wrong side
or back of it.

A valance of this kind is provided with lambrequin hooks on the wrong
side to hook into the curtain rings, and can be put upon the same rings
with the lace curtains or on extra rings, as you desire. The hooks
should be placed to support it at the points where will be the greatest
weight--one on each side of the tail, one at the top of each pipe, and
about every six inches between. The tip of the pipe is sewn over the
top like the tails and the bottom is fastened securely at the end of
the scallop. A nice effect is given to the pipe by suspending a large
pair of tassels from its interior, falling about six to twelve inches
from its base, according to size.

  [Illustration: GOTHIC.]

Figure 12 is a similar treatment, with the lower third composed of
a shirred skirt; the buckram form is made first and covered, and
the skirt is sewn to the under side before the lining is put on. In
addition to the fringe at the bottom of the skirt this style is further
embellished with an edging or lace around each scallop and an appliqué
ornament centreing each scallop. The top edge is sometimes finished as
illustrated with a heavy silk cord with knots or double loops at the
prominent points.

Figure 13 is a combination of pelmet and overdrapery, used where
the decoration is desired to be very deep without the appearance of
excessive weight. The flat back or pelmet is made perfectly straight
and flat, trimmed with a gimp or galloon, and appliquéd, the long end
being provided with a deep fringe. The overdrapery is cut as per rule
for irregular festoons, and while it has the appearance of passing over
and down behind the pelmet, it is joined behind just out of sight,
using no more goods than is necessary for the appearance on the face
side. This can be made very effective by using a plain material for the
pelmet covering and a striped or figured fabric for the overdrapery. It
can be used for dining-rooms, libraries and offices where the windows
are high and not very wide. Repeated from the left side with double
tail in centre it is a nice treatment for a double or mullioned window.

Figure 14 illustrates another style and the method of applying it to a
double window. The top is further embellished with a garniture of heavy
silk cords and tassels, which, on very deep valances, is sometimes
replaced with a light-weight silk festoon drapery in harmonizing shades.

A bow or bay window is treated in like manner by suspending a double
tail between each window.

To make up flat valances lay the cut out buckram form upon the goods
with which it is to be covered and cut the goods an inch larger all
around.

If there is a pattern that is conspicuous, plan it so that it will
centre in each scallop, joining the goods if necessary where the pipes
will conceal the seams. Pin the goods to the buckram to prevent from
slipping and draw the edges over and baste them to the back of the
buckram. This must be done smoothly and without puckering.

  [Illustration: ILLUSTRATING FOUR POSITIONS OF THE DRAPERY RELATIVE
    TO THE WOODWORK.]

It will be necessary to notch the goods to allow it to go up into the
points of the scallops, as X, Figure 15.

After the covering is all basted down lay the face side down and spread
the lining out over it, allowing an inch to project all round. Turn
in the edge and tack it with shoe tacks or pins, then the bottom edge
and the two ends, taking care to keep the thread or grain of the goods
straight and square to avoid puckering.

When all properly basted it is either slip-stitched together, as shown
in Figure 15A, or machine stitched, keeping the edge of the lining
about a sixteenth of an inch back from the edge. The tails also are
lined; lay the cut tail on the table face down and turn over on top
about half an inch on the two sides and bottom, and with shoe tacks
tack it to the table nice and even all round the edge; lay the lining
over it face side up and tack it over the other, turning in the edge
the same distance that the goods is turned over, and with edges lying
even, removing the first round of tacks as you put in the others, baste
the two together with basting stitch and slip-stitch, or machine stitch
it together, according to the nature of the goods. In making the pipe
cover the buckram form with the lining before forming it into the cone
shape, bringing all the edges over and sewing them to the wrong side,
so that they will not be visible in the cone when made.

  [Illustration: A MODERN VERSION.]

For the skirt in Figure 12 allow about as much again for fullness for
light-weight goods, and half as much again for medium weight.

Do not make it on heavy goods unless very deep, and then some other
styles would be better.

All appliqués should be put on and sewn before the lining is put on.

In estimating for these styles calculate how many widths of goods are
required to cover the form from end to end, and take that many times
the depth of the valance, with two inches allowance each time for
turning in, and add to that the length of the two tails.

Thus a valance like Figure 11 would take for a four-foot window two and
five-eighths yards of fifty-inch goods, the same of lining, and about
one yard of thirty-six-inch buckram.

The fringe you can measure from the drawing, but three yards more
fringe than goods is near enough for an approximate estimate.

  [Illustration]



  [Illustration]



                    PLEATED VALANCES OR LAMBREQUINS


For places where a flat valance seems too stiff and severe, a number of
simple, but dainty and graceful, treatments have been evolved.

One of these is the plain box pleat surmounted by a French ruffle. (See
Figure 16 on opposite page.) The box pleat is made with various degrees
of fullness and in many different ways. The usual method is to allow
each pleat to be as wide as the spaces between them--as illustrated.
For a valance pleated in this way allow about three feet of material to
one foot of finished pleating. After the goods are hemmed the proper
width for the valance, they are pleated on the table, the pleats are
tacked top and bottom to keep them in place temporarily, and the folds
are pressed.

The tops are pinned while still in this position and the whole is then
turned face down, each pleat being tacked to the next one with stout
thread (see Figure 16A) to keep them from becoming disarranged in use.
The top is either attached to a pole or is nailed flat to a board
cornice and the top edge finished with a moulding or French ruffle.
(See Figure 16.)

When the pole is used sew a flat tape to the back of the heading, and
sew lambrequin hooks to the tape.

The French ruffle illustrated in Figure 16 is made of a strip of goods
about four inches wide, lined with window holland wiggin or fine canvas
to give it stiffness.

Hem both edges, allowing about two and one-third times as much strip
as the finished ruffle is desired; turn on its face and mark every two
inches on the back on or slightly below the centre (A to B in Figure
16B). Then take a needle and stout thread or twine and draw together
every alternate mark and knot them securely (B to C). At the top and
bottom of these alternate spaces pinch them together and knot them
about one-half of an inch from the pinched point, which should be in
line with the centre of the space (C to D). Then turn face side up, and
a slight pulling or stretching from end to end will start the pleats
into shape, when a little manipulation will make them take the desired
shape, as sketch Figure 16C, showing the face side; the back should
appear as D to E, Figure 16B.

The double box pleat is a little more decorative than the ordinary
pleat, and is made as illustrated by Figure 17. The top is turned
forward and pressed flat, as shown in successive stages by drawings
17A, 17B and 17C. And another style by drawings 17D, 17E and 17F, which
can be quite easily followed.

Figure 18 illustrates another style with French heading, which requires
a little more care in calculation and in making. If you have determined
the length and depth of the valance, divide the distance into the
number of scallops you desire to make, and proceed to mark out the full
size of one festoon upon your pattern paper. Use the bottom of your
pleats (dotted line A----A in Figure 18) as a temporary top line, and
the distance from centre of pipe to centre of pipe, with about four
inches extra as a temporary width, the depth the same as plan calls
for, with no allowance extra.

Lay out the bottom line according to the measurement of bottom of
scallop, and draw perpendicular lines at A and B to about nine or
twelve inches above the line A----A in Figure 18A. On these mark off
the distance from bottom pleat (line A----A) to the top of heading,
with as much again for fullness, and rule line E----E, which is the
true top of the festoon.

Half way between E and E make a perpendicular cut, C----C, from the top
to the line A----A, and from the bottom C draw a horizontal line the
length of the measurement of the bottom pleat (in this case 1 foot 2
inches); divide it in the centre and erect a perpendicular line through
E----E as a centre guide.

On the line E----E, with F----F as a centre, mark the points of the top
of the heading, H and E in Figure 18A, the distance apart that lies
between X and X on your sketch (in this case, Figure 18, one foot) and
repeat this measurement at D----G one-third the distance from line
E----E to line A----A in Figure 18A.

Rule from D to H, G to E, D to C on dotted line, and G to A, as
illustrated, and from A to B, fold pattern over on centre line C----C
and cut out the other side. Lay pattern on the goods so as to centre
the pattern of fabric nicely in the scallop, and cut out as many as
required for the valance.

In order to get the pleating shirr or pleat the raking lines G to A and
D to C as tightly as possible, so that H H and D D meet together just
above the lower C. The pipes between the festoons are cut in a manner
similar to the plain pipes in last chapter.

When the pattern is planned out and ruled off for cutting, as there
explained, measure down from top point of pattern on centre line one
and one-half times the distance represented between the lines H----E
and D----G on Figure 18A, and with point of dividers at this point (K,
Figure 18B), and point I, the top of pipe, as a radius, strike an arc
equal in length to one and one-half times the radius. Rule from each
end of the arc, J----J, toward middle K, till you meet the raking line
of each side.

This gives the outline of the pipe, which is joined flat to the
festoons on either side, as illustrated, Figure 18C, and formed into a
pipe by pinching together the two back edges at L and L.

Should the pleated pipe seem too wide at this point double pleats on
each side will obviate any difficulty. The pattern included between the
points J J and M on pipe pattern is the size and shape required for the
little heading at C----C, Figure 18, and is simply formed into a pipe
inverted and sewn in place. This particular style is very effective
for bedrooms, made in art ticking, denim, cretonne or taffeta, having
a prominent pattern. The sketch shows a slight ripple in the bottom of
the scallop, which is not sufficient to interfere with the pattern,
and will be greater or less, according to the sag of the pleats, and
consequent distance between H and H, Figure 18.

The pipe on the outside is joined to the tail and festoon, as Figure
18C, and is pleated up with the tail to the shape illustrated.

  [Illustration: SIMPLE DRAPERY SCHEME.]

Figure 19 is similar in style, with a pleated scallop, and is made
after much the same plan. Make a scale or full-size drawing of the
festoon and pipe, and measure the bottom of the festoon, as a regular
or straight festoon. Lay the measurement out on your pattern paper, as
per rule for straight festoon, chapter I, except that points E E are
raised one-quarter the distance from A to B, instead of one-sixth, as
formerly explained.

The depth for cutting is twice the depth of the finished festoon,
and the top measurement and centre cut are found and determined as
explained for plain scallop in Figure 18A.

Mark out the full pattern as illustrated in Figure 19A, measure the
circumference of bottom of pipe, and lay out the distance horizontally
from E to E parallel with the bottom line. From the centre of line
E----E erect a perpendicular line as a centre guide, and on it mark the
length of the pipe from F to G and G to H. (See dotted outline of pipe
pattern in Figure 19A.)

The circumference of the small part of the pipe is laid out
horizontally at G, and also the upper sweep at H, as explained for
pipe in Figure 18B. Then rule from the extremities of dotted line G,
dropping slightly to raking edge of festoon, add pleating allowance as
dotted line from D to pipe, and the pattern is complete.

This festoon and pipe can be repeated indefinitely, as in Figure 19A,
and make a very pretty effect as a valance. If necessary stiffen the
top edge with wiggin or fine canvas. The festoon is pleated up as
hereafter explained for Figure 22. The design can also be made with
separate pipes, if so desired, by following the instructions for Figure
22 and using pipes instead of tails.

Another simple valance is that illustrated in Figure 20. It is very
easily constructed. The goods are cut to the required length to allow
for top and bottom hems and as many widths as are necessary to give
double fullness across the space. Starting at one end make three
or four pleats about one and one-half inches wide, and fasten them
temporarily together at a distance of six or nine inches or more,
according to the design of the goods and width of the space, repeat
pleating, and so on to the end of the goods.

If you have correctly spaced and estimated your goods so that they come
out even to the desired length, fasten the pleats permanently together
about two and one-half inches down from the top and through the centre
of the pleat. (See X in Figure 20.) Draw down the top of each outside
pleat behind and stitch them in fan shape, as shown in back view,
Figure 20 A, the top edge turns over to the back between each bunch of
pleats and is sewn flat.

Figure 21 is another form of lambrequin in which the corners to form
the festoons are obtained by piecing out. Draw out on paper the
full-size sketch of complete lambrequin, as in Figure 21 A, and from
the pleated ends of festoons represented by the letters O, A, D and I,
mark out on the sketch each festoon pattern, allowing them to overlap
each other as they will, taking double the depth of the pleated parts
for the depth of the festoon from dotted line to bottom (Figure 21 A).

After each pattern is lined out on the paper in full, take a small
nail, and laying the pattern over a piece of soft wood, punch the
extreme points of the outline of each part by driving the head of the
nail through the paper, as also the points where any part crosses the
perpendicular double lines. The paper is then cut up the double lines
and around the extreme outline of the parts, as from outside bottom
corner of right hand tail to N, N to I, K to H, H to D and F to C; the
pattern can then be folded over on X----X, the centre line, and the
left side cut out.

By laying the pattern over another paper, and with a soft pencil
marking through the punched holes, as well as the corners where the
perpendicular lines cut through the outline, you easily get the
dimensions of the pieces to be joined on to complete the pattern.

Thus the triangular piece represented by the points A, B and C is that
required to piece out the left side of festoon No. 2; D, E and F the
right side of festoon No. 2; D, G and H the left side of festoon No.
3; I, J and K the right side of festoon No. 3, and I, L, M and N the
balance of the tail.

After the different pieces are all joined on and the whole lined the
parts are pleated up in the usual way, with the top of valance tacked
flat on the board, and the ends of the pleating sewn nicely and covered
with a knot of large cord which appears to support each raised part.

When cutting the goods add the trimming allowance of three inches
beyond the raking sides of the patterns and trim the surplus to as
small a compass as possible when pleated.

Figure 22 represents a style of narrow festoon drapery which presents a
fairly elaborate appearance with a small quantity of goods. The tails
are planned as explained in the chapter on French Festoon Drapery.

The festoons are measured from the sketch, allowing the straight lines
between the heads of pipes and tails to represent the top measurement,
the curved line at bottom of festoon the bottom measurement, and twice
the distance between for depth and fullness.

To plan festoon A, which is a regular festoon, lay out the bottom
line, Figure 22 A, and from its centre erect the perpendicular line
X----X, and on the horizontal line at the upper end mark off the top of
festoon. Find all the points of the festoon, as explained for straight
festoons in the chapter on French Festoon Drapery, and round out the
bottom and sides as for regular festoons.

Follow also the instructions already given in cutting the goods,
keeping the perpendicular line parallel with the selvage, and in regard
to nap and pattern.

To pleat up the festoon fasten the top edge to the board with temporary
tacks, pinch up a pleat about one-fifth the distance from top to
bottom, and with the disengaged hand form a pleat at the edge of the
goods, the point of which is attached on the line of the top edge.
(Points A----A, Figure 22 B.)

The remaining goods are equally divided and pleated in like manner into
four full pleats of equal size and depth.

When all tacked in place a line is drawn from A to B on each side, the
pleats pinned or basted and taken down, then the edges trimmed off
square to the line and bound.

The centre pipe or tail is treated as a single tail by drawing a line
through its centre to divide it for measuring. (E----F, Figure 22,
dotted line.)

The half is sketched out full size, as explained in Figure 3, Chapter
on Festoon Drapery, allowing one more return fold at back to meet
the other side at centre line (Point F, Figure 22), and the pattern
repeated at G----H X in Figure 3 to make the full double tail, which
is lined and joined together at the edges E----F, Figure 22, and then
pleated.

It is well to cut a double pattern all in one piece and pleat it so
that you can tell by the folds of the pattern where seams will be
permissible in the fabric.

A great many combinations such as these can be made by the exercise of
a little ingenuity and patience, which will depend for their appearance
on the neatness of the work and the disposition of the stripe or
pattern of the fabric.

  [Illustration:

    Fig 23

    Fig 25

    Fig 24

    Fig 24 A

    Fig 27

    Fig 25 A

    Fig 28

    Fig 29

    Fig 30

    Fig 29 A

    Fig 31

    Fig 32

    Fig 32 A

    Fig 32 B

    Fig 26]



                      PIANO AND MANTEL DRAPERIES


The fabric decoration of pianos presents difficulties peculiar to
itself, and the effort to combine beauty with common-sense utility
has resulted in many pretty treatments, a few of which we illustrate.
One of the first problems in the treatment of an upright piano is to
securely and neatly attach the drapery to the instrument without in
anywise interfering with its use or marring its finish.

For most treatments a board the shape of the top of the instrument,
covered with a neutral-tinted fabric and lined beneath with felt or
canton flannel, will be found to be an easy and practical method of
protecting the top of the instrument, at the same time affording a
solid place for the attachment of the drapery.

When covering the under side be careful not to leave any tack heads
projecting; either sink them into the fabric below the surface, or at
the four corners, and centre tack a small wad of felt about an inch
in diameter, and drive the tack in so that the felt is forced upward
around the head of the tack.

If the board should be inclined to teeter or rock, thicken the wads at
the loose corners until it lies perfectly flat and solid.

The drapery can be attached to the board in a number of different ways.
For light festoon draperies in which the top of the festoon falls below
the edge of the board a good method is to attach a small metal rod
to the edge of the board, turning the corners nicely with elbows, or
bending it sharply at right angles, and loop the drapery over this. For
flat or straight top festoons attach directly to the board and cover
the edge with a ruffle or large cord.

Figure 23 illustrates a valance or lambrequin treatment made with a
plain scalloped centre and narrow festoons on the sides and ends, with
pipes at the intersections of the scallops. The festoons are fastened
along the edge of the board and covered by a large cord. The plain
scallop in centre does not interfere with the use of the music rest and
is sufficiently decorated with an appliqué pattern.

The pipes may either be made separately, as explained in chapter on
flat valances, or cut together with festoons, as in chapter on pleated
valances or lambrequins. Where appliqués are used, whether of leather,
tinsel or lace, the best effect is obtained by using a self-color
fabric without pattern or design. Sew the appliqués down flat either by
hand or machine before the lining is put in.

Figure 24 is a flat appliqué valance on which the appliqué is allowed
to project beyond the edge of the scallops, making an irregular lace
edge effect. This makes a very neat and simple arrangement, and is cut
as Figure 24 A, to allow an overhang on the face and two ends of the
instrument.

The overhang X at the end is made the width of the top, so that the
front overhang falls close to its front edge and meets the appliqué to
conceal the opening at the corner.

This style usually requires two breadths of fifty-inch goods, and is
made with an overhang of six or nine inches in front and eighteen to
twenty-four inches at each end. After the edging is sewn on it is lined
(sometimes interlined) and laid on the piano, where its weight is
usually sufficient to keep it in place.

Figure 25 is a festoon drapery looped over the metal rod on the edge
of the board or attached to the edge of piano top, as illustrated by
small cords and tassels, which are attached to the back of the piano.
(See dotted lines Figure 25 A.) They may be either straight loops, as
left side of illustration, or crossed, as right side of illustration.
This style is cut and made up with due consideration of the size and
requirements of the space, as explained in chapter on French festoon
drapery.

A pretty scheme is sometimes made in soft fabrics by using a drapery
that is a composite of the last two, a flat top cover with a pleated
festoon effect on the front and end, as outlined by scalloped broken
lines on Figure 26. It is made as explained for Figure 21 in chapter on
pleated valances or lambrequins.

After the festoons are drawn out full size and marked for cutting, the
pipe for the corner may be added and cut out with the festoon. (See
explanation for Figure 19 A in chapter on pleated valances.)

The tail in Figure 26 is planned the reverse way to the method
mentioned in a former chapter, but a study of this illustration will
show that the principle is the same.

The tail and pipe may be cut separate from the rest or cut attached by
allowing for the little connecting pieces X and X, which fold beneath
and do not show. In cutting the tail for this design there is nothing
to be gained by cutting it attached to the festoon, but the method is
given here to explain the principle.

The plain tied scarf, Figure 27, is usually a piece of soft unlined
fabric twenty-seven inches wide by about two and two-thirds yards long,
and is caught up as illustrated by tying a small shirring cord which
is run through the fabric and divides the front overhang into three
festoons.

In large rooms there is sometimes an advantage in turning the keyboard
to the wall and decorating the back of the instrument, which is then
the most prominent part.

The nature of this treatment is to disguise the piano and give it the
effect and usefulness of another piece of furniture.

Figure 28 illustrates a popular treatment, the back covered with a
curtain of soft fabric shirred on a rod, and attached to the back of
the instrument so that the heading or shirring projects slightly above
the top. In making the curtain allow about as much again for fullness
(or twice the length of the space to be covered), letting the bottom
edge of the curtain hang free or shirr it on a rod similar to the top.
To this is added an upholstered seat or bench and a few pillows.

If desired a festoon drapery can be added at the top of the curtain
with good effect.

A decorative panel may be used instead of a curtain, as illustrated
in Figure 29, either with or without a seat, and the drapery made to
conform to the style of the panel.

The drapery may be made as a part of the panel, as Figure 29 A, or
attached separately after the panel is in place.

A square or grand piano is prettily treated with a flat cover, the size
and shape of the top trimmed with an overhanging fringe or appliquéd
edge of a depth to suit the individual taste.

The cover may be made of any medium-weight material of self or
composite colorings, but preference should be given to a fabric not
easily marked by the ornaments or bric-à-brac.

In many cases the designs suitable for an upright piano can be used
with good effect on a mantel, Figures 23, 24, 25 and 27 of our
illustrations possessing this feature to a certain degree.

The decoration of a mantel, however, does not present the same
difficulties as the decoration of a piano, because there are fewer
restrictions to bear in mind, and there is perhaps more danger of
overdoing mantel decoration on this account.

From the appearance of some of the old-fashioned fireplaces still in
existence we would infer that in those days utility and capacity were
the first, last and only considerations.

The open grate, though popular for a long time after its introduction
into this country, gradually became less and less frequently used,
and as its usefulness decreased its artistic insufficiencies became
more and more apparent, draperies being used to relieve and ornament
it where it was thought unwise to remove it altogether. Succeeding
the period of disguised homeliness we have a period of more elaborate
designs, and with the return of the overmantel architectural art has
lavished upon this piece of furniture carvings and mouldings until it
is usually a thing of beauty, and the decorator has sometimes to advise
against what would be a superfluity of decoration in the employment of
fabric.

A little judicious advice along the line of superabundant decoration
is sometimes profitably and kindly received, but the man who presumes
to so advise must do so only upon invitation and with the utmost
tact. In a great many cases, however, the mantel drapery is still an
artistic necessity, and we give herewith a few styles and methods
of modern treatments. Figure 30 is a flat-covered buckram pelmet,
having a scalloped bottom, and a series of apertures through which a
light-weight drapery is arranged in regular festoons.

This style is frequently employed to obtain depth without the
appearance of weight. The top edge of the pelmet may be finished with a
cord, fringe, moulding, antique nails or any simple form of trimming.
For method of making this class of drapery see chapter on flat valances
and lambrequins. It is sometimes necessary to provide an open grate
with draught curtains, as Figure 31.

These are hung on a small rod close up to the top of the opening, using
rings large enough to allow them to traverse easily, and are provided
with a tassel loop at each side to retain curtains, as dotted lines,
Figure 31, when the grate contains fire.

It is necessary, unless the goods are very heavy, to weight the bottoms
of the curtains to prevent the draught from drawing them inward. This
is accomplished by a small roll of shot, about the thickness of a lead
pencil, cased in cotton and inserted between the lining and the goods
along the bottom of the curtain. Do not fill the roll so tightly that
it will not retain its flexibility.

This will be found a good method to employ where a draught of any kind
interferes with the proper appearance of a light-weight curtain, and
the roll can be kept almost invisible in the lightest materials by
covering it with a piece of material the same shade as the curtains.

Frequently the appearance of a room may be enhanced by giving the
mantel fitment some elevation, as, for instance, Figure 32, by reason
of its plainness, would in a large room present a squatty appearance,
were it not for the elevation given it by the panel and drapery.
Instead of the panel, a mirror may be used, and the drapery added to
relieve the bare top line. The drapery may be attached to a pole, cords
or ornaments, as your design may require, taking care only to give it
sufficient extension to clear the panel nicely and not lie flat against
the face of it.

This style, with Figure 32 A, gives another method of combining a
festoon and a tail, the join being made after both are pleated up and
the seam concealed by a cord which appears to loop it back.

Measure and cut festoon A, Figure 32 A, as per rule for irregular
festoons in the chapter pertaining to that subject, which will give
you the pattern Figure 32 B. Pleat this up on your board to the
dimensions and shape of your plan and make a paper pattern of an
ordinary single tail the size you require. Pleat this up and trim the
corner C, Figure 32 D, to fit the angle covered by the cord in Figure
32 A. Cut, line, and pleat up the tail in the usual way, and join it to
the pleated festoon as neatly as possible.

  [Illustration]

The decorator with an eye for ensemble will sometimes be able to
suggest the breaking up of a too flat boudoir or dressing-room
side-wall with a mantel shelf or hanging book-shelf, which can be
tastefully decorated in keeping with the surroundings. The treatment of
high upright steam rediators is analogous to this line of furnishing
and demands in some instances much the same mode of procedure. A board
or shelf is made to fit the top of the radiator and so constructed
as to fit squarely and securely with a boxing or keeper beneath, to
prevent sliding or slipping. This is covered with a fabric to harmonize
with the other furnishings and trimmed with a deep fringe, a Japanese
reed and bead curtain, a moulding, or a very shallow valance.

The depth of any, governed by the style of the radiator and the taste
of the decorator, best results are obtained by using a board that has
saw cuts about an inch apart, and running within a few inches of from
end to end, lengthwise. Very low upright radiators can be effectively
treated by making the top into an upholstered seat and trimming the
front and ends with a deep close fringe from seat to floor, which will
conceal the radiator and permit the escape of all the heat.

A study of the accompanying illustrations will suggest the application
of each to the requirements of a piano, mantel or shelf, and from these
a great many pretty combinations may be evolved.

In the styles presented we have tried to avoid anything of a cumbrous
or fussy nature, on the ground that dignity and simplicity are more
preferable in the smaller furnishings.

  [Illustration]

  [Illustration

    Fig 33 G
    Fig 33 B
    Fig 33
    Fig 34 D
    Fig 33 A
    Fig 33 C
    Fig 33 E
    Fig 34 A
    Fig 34 B
    Fig 34 C
    Fig 33 F
    Fig 33 D
    Fig 38 A
    Fig 36
    Fig 34
    Fig 34 E
    Fig 37
    Fig 37 A
      Face Side of Goods
      Back of Goods
    Fig 35
    Fig 38
    Fig 38 B]



                            SCARF DRAPERIES


ALL draperies that are not regularly cut and made, according to some
design, but depend for their appearance entirely on the way in which
the fabric is put up, are classed under the heading scarf draperies.
They are at best but an imitation of the cut festoon drapery, and for
anything permanent much better satisfaction is obtained by the use of
fabric properly cut and made up.

When the decoration is of a transient character, however, such as
show-window decoration, festival decoration, or the temporary adornment
of a door or window, very good effects can be obtained by practice
and the exercise of a little ingenuity without cutting the material,
and it is not a rare occurrence to meet men of long experience in the
drapery business who employ this method altogether. As a knowledge of
the methods used to obtain various results in this style will doubtless
prove useful, we present herewith a number of illustrations which show
the versatility of this principle.

Figure 33 (see diagrams on the opposite page) illustrates one treatment
of a pair of tapestry, silk or chenille curtains to form a drapery over
a six or seven foot opening.

To accomplish this divide the width of the opening into three spaces,
the middle one slightly narrower than the others. At point A, Figure
33 A, temporarily attach the corner of one curtain and draw the other
end of it up and over the pole B, from behind; without twisting the
curtain, draw the top (or dotted line) edge Figure 33 A over until
the sag between A and B is nearly correct, then adjust the bottom (or
broken line) edge, allowing it to sag considerably more than the upper
edge to give the necessary depth to festoon 2. Note the stripes of the
material in Figure 33 A, which illustrates how a straight cross-striped
material would look if used in this way.

Fasten the goods temporarily at B with a few tacks and proceed with
festoon 3.

Carry the (broken line) top edge, which was the bottom edge in festoon
2, to C, your left outside point, Figures 33 and 33 A, allowing it to
sag slightly as the top of the festoon.

Hold the material at point C with the right hand, and with the left
hand grasp the edge of the goods a short distance farther to the left
and raise it above the right hand (at point C) until the edge of the
goods between your hands is taut, as illustrated by Figure 33 A.

If you have allowed a sufficient distance between your hands, corner E
of the curtain should be higher than corner F, as illustrated.

Adjust the position of your left hand until you get the corners to
satisfy you, leaving the corner F as low as you desire to have it. With
the hands in the positions of Figure 33 A move the left hand over above
the right hand, keeping the edge of the material still taut between
them, and with the fingers and thumb of the right hand gather up all
the goods across the dotted line X----X into small pleats and squeeze
this tightly with the right hand as Figure 33 B. Half way between the
two hands bend this bunch back, bringing the point held by the left
hand under the fingers of the right hand where it is tied securely by a
cord passed around the goods gathered there, and attach it to the wall,
pole or door frame at point C, Figure 33.

The rosette is formed by spreading out the loop formed by bending back
the point for tying. Spread it fan shape, Figure 33 C, bringing each
side around to form a complete circle, ending by tucking one within the
other as Figure 33 D.

Pick out the most prominent folds below the rosette to form pleats and
form them as far back toward point B as you can follow them, making as
many as are necessary to dispose of the fullness of the festoon; form a
pipe dropping from the centre of the tied bunch beneath the rosette and
pleat the rest of the fullness to form a double tail as illustrated.

Release the goods where they were temporarily tacked at B and form
folds over the pole that will be continuations of the pleats radiating
from the rosette.

Commence at the side nearest the rosette and tack each one as you form
it, allowing the last one to be a nice full pleat, as illustrated in
Figure 33 E. The point of the curtain which was attached at A is now
drawn up slightly to make a few shallow pleats in festoon 2, and the
point thrown back toward the wall, out of sight, where it is fastened
to keep the pleats in place.

For festoon 1 spread the curtain out flat, as Figure 33 F, and with one
hand gather the goods into small pleats across the end on the bias and
slightly curved, as dotted line. This is securely tied and thrown over
the pole at point A, the short edge uppermost and next to the other
curtain (see Figure 33 G), fasten it there and make a festoon rosette
and tail with the balance of the curtain, as explained for festoon 3,
Figure 33 A.

  [Illustration: Fig 36 A]

If you wish the single tail at A, formed by the end of the second
curtain, to cascade the reverse way (with long side next to the other
curtain), twist it where it is brought up behind the pole, but do not
turn the whole curtain over, as you need the longest edge for the
bottom of the festoon.

A study of the dotted and broken line edges of each illustration will
explain how they are manipulated to secure the requisite length for
the bottom of the festoon, how the surplus from the top of one festoon
is used to increase the length of the next one, and how, by using
alternate edges of the curtain, it is made to cover a larger space.

Figure 34 is another treatment of a pair of curtains for a similar
space.

The right-hand curtain is manipulated much the same as the left-hand
curtain in Figure 33, which has been already explained. The left-hand
curtain is pleated into the space allowed for it at the top, either
tacked over the pole as illustrated, or attached to rings. It is
allowed to hang straight from the pole and either caught up with a
rosette at the side or is gathered back and confined by a loop.

To make the rosette, allow the curtain to hang perfectly straight
either just to the floor or even a half yard longer (if you desire the
sweep of the bottom edge nice and full), and grasp the edge, without
stretching it, at the point where you wish to make the rosette.

Then with the disengaged hand, Figure 34 A, catch the edge again lower
down and raise it until the longest point of the curtain clears the
floor or is as much higher as you want it to be when finished, gather
across dotted line, Figure 34 A, and form the surplus into a rosette,
as explained for Figure 33.

Pick out the fullness of the curtain into pleats, form a pipe depending
from the centre of the tied part beneath the rosette and pleat the
balance into a double tail.

To gather the curtain back with a loop, as Figure 34 B, allow it to
just nicely clear the floor, and then with both hands gather it into
large folds commencing at the outside edge considerably below the
position of the loop, and following the sweep indicated by dotted line
across curtain in Figure 34 B.

Figure 34 C is an illustration of how this can be accomplished neatly
without the necessity of pulling the curtain through the loop after it
has been caught up; Figure 34 D is a cross section of a curtain while
being gathered, illustrating the position of the fingers as they form
each successive pleat, the thumbs remaining stationary and the fingers
drawing the goods toward them to form each pleat.

Figure 34 E is a back view of the end of the curtain that is pleated
over the pole, Figure 34, and shows also the corner of the curtain
which forms the middle festoon. For Figure 35, another treatment of a
pair of curtains, gather the curtains, one for each side, as explained
for festoon 1, Figures 33 F and 33 G, and fasten the tied parts
together to form the double tail in the centre, twist each curtain
where it passes through the ring to bring the short edges to form the
outside of the double tail, and form the festoons, rosettes and outside
tails, as explained for Figure 33.

Figure 36 is an illustration of a scarf drapery for a six-foot circular
top window or archway, made of six yards of fifty-inch material, with a
fringe sewn on one side and both ends.

Divide the space for the number of festoons you wish to make, mark the
points where the attachments will be fastened, and put them in place,
mark X the centre of the space and V the middle of your length of goods
on the top or unfringed edge.

Temporarily attach V at point X and carry the edge of the half length
to the right or left to A or B, the first point of attachment, allowing
a slight sag for the top of the festoon.

With one hand hold the edge of the goods at B, Figure 36 A, and move
the other hand twelve or eighteen inches farther along the edge, and
with a gathering motion of fingers and thumb allow the two hands to
follow the shape of the dotted line across the goods, Figure 36 A,
until they meet at E, which you have judged to be as far from the
bottom edge as the length you wish to make the pipe O, formed at
B----B, Figure 36.

As the hands meet gather all the goods into one and with the other
tie a cord tightly around the gathering, the same as for the rosette,
Figures 33 A and 33 B; the surplus above the tying may be formed into a
rosette or thrown back through a ring, as illustrated.

The same process is repeated at ring A----A, and the two outer festoons
and tails formed as explained for festoon 3, Figure 33. After all is
securely attached pick the fullness into pleats that follow nicely from
one point of attachment to the next; form pipes of the surplus bottom
edge and fold and pick out the ends until you have a presentable double
tail surmounted by a rosette, as illustrated.

As we have already stated, scarf draperies depend for their appearance
on the way in which they are put up, and a little time spent in
carefully adjusting the pleats and pipes so that they hang gracefully
without drawing or twisting will be amply rewarded by the appearance of
the finished product.

Some materials require an infinite amount of coaxing, particularly for
scarf draperies, but patience and perseverance will usually conquer the
most contrary fabric.

Figure 37 is a scarf drapery made with one reverse where it passes
through the ring. By reverse we mean that the fringe instead of being
all sewn on one side of the goods is for some distance transferred to
the other side of the goods and sewn to the opposite edge.

If the material is reversible (finished alike on both sides) the fringe
can be reversed, as Figure 37 A, without cutting the goods, and the
fringe, instead of ending with the two ends opposite one another, is
allowed to pass or overlap to about the position indicated by the
extremities of the dotted A----A.

If the material is not reversible, as is supposedly the case in Figure
37 A, the goods are cut (in this case one-third the distance from one
end) and sewn together at A1----A1, with the long end the reverse side
up. Gather the goods across the broken line A1----A1 and draw through
the ring until the seam is concealed; draw over the hook B, leaving
the necessary sag to the bottom edge and allowing the top edge only a
slight droop; gather and tie at the outside corner D, and then go over
both the festoons and coax the pleats into shape.

You will find that the goods have become considerably biased where
they pass over the hook B, and for that reason do not fasten them at C
until the centre festoon is finished to your satisfaction. When this
is accomplished proceed to finish the left festoon after the manner of
festoon 3, Figure 33 A.

The top edge between B and C will be found quite full, and the surplus
must be disposed of in the rosette at C. This is one of the most
popular styles of small scarf draperies, and if nicely carried out in
soft fabrics can be made to look quite neat. Before cutting the goods
for reversing, we would advise the temporary draping of the goods, as
hereafter explained for Figure 38.

Figure 38 is an elaborate festoon scarf drapery, with the fringe
reversed in four places.

To accomplish this successfully it is almost imperative that we use a
reversible material that will permit of each side being alternately
presented to view in the festoons without perceptible difference.

To calculate for reversing scarf draperies the best plan is to mark
off on your drapery board the dimensions of your space or opening, and
attach to it at requisite points ornaments, rings or poles similar to
those you intend to attach it to when finished.

Cut off your material, allowing one yard of material to each foot
in width of space, and temporarily attach the centre of one edge of
your goods to the middle of your space; then bring it through or over
the next attachment, drawing to about the desired proportion of the
festoon, and repeat at the next point, and so on to the end rosette;
bring the goods over and over each time without twisting it, as you
would bind a bandage round a limb. When all temporarily attached go
back over each festoon and be sure that it is correctly adjusted, and
then tie up the ends to form rosettes. You can now readily see where
fringe will be needed; mark it as it hangs, using safety curtain pins,
placing a pin at the extremities of the bottom line of each festoon,
the points toward the bottom of the festoon. (See Figure 38 B, points D
and G.)

The bottom line of the next festoon runs up behind this one,
consequently you must reach up underneath the first festoon and place
the pins in the face side of the under festoon, points downward, as
dotted out lines, E and F, Figure 38 B. Put a pin also in the outside
corner of each tail, pointing toward the lower point of the tail. When
all pinned take down and sew the fringe on the side from which each
pair of pins was inserted, and from point to point of each pair. This
will bring the fringe alternately first on one side and edge and then
on the other side and edge, as Figure 38 A, which represents the fringe
between points A----B, D----G and H----J, as being on the top side of
the goods as it lies spread out, and that between points C----E and
F----I, on the under side.

Figure 38 B shows a variation from the style of Figure 38, in that the
festoon does not form a wind round the pole, but is as a loop dropped
over it, both ends of the festoon showing in front of the pole. It is
seldom employed more than once or twice in a large drapery, and then in
the centre or at equal distances on each side of it.

In scarf draperies, as in cut draperies, study to produce a symmetrical
and well-balanced effect, and at the same time avoid having each
side the exact duplicate of the other. Figure 38, for example, is an
illustration of this thought.

If for architectural reasons it is necessary that both sides be alike,
as Figure 35, then plan to have them as exact as possible, but, as a
general rule, a slight variation adds character to the decoration.

Avoid, also, too many rosettes, two being quite sufficient in almost
any drapery that is not of a temporary character.

We do not advocate the use of scarf draperies for permanent treatments,
but the knowledge and skill acquired by practice in this style of
decoration is a valuable possession.

  [Illustration]



  [Illustration: BUNTING DECORATIONS

    RED   WHITE   BLUE
    ENGLAND
    NETHERLANDS
    PARAGUAY

    WHITE   BLUE   RED
    RUSSIA

    BLUE   WHITE   RED
    UNITED STATES
    FRANCE]



                         FESTIVAL · DECORATIONS

                                PART I.


  [Illustration]

During certain seasons of the year the decorator is called upon to
furnish decorations for national demonstrations, society functions and
the enrichment of halls, lawns, booths, etc. These decorations demand
something more than the usual exhibition of a few flags and bunting,
that may signify anything from a national victory to the opening of a
saloon, and this branch of work is gradually becoming more important in
the decorative business.

To successfully handle it to any extent it is necessary to carry on
hand a quantity of the different decorative materials, such as flags,
bunting, shields, banners, etc., and for quick and effective display a
few of the following suggestions might be profitably adopted.

  [Illustration]

The natural advantages peculiar to each building frequently suggest the
basis for a decorative scheme, and in planning an exterior trim it is
best to first make a careful study of the building and jot down what
particular features strike you as offering advantage or difficulty in
their decoration. Note also the accessibility of the prominent places,
and plan your trim accordingly.

Too much stress cannot be laid on the importance of this preliminary
survey, for plans might be suggested which would have to be
considerably modified in execution, to the disappointment of your
customer.

After notes are taken, secure, if possible, a cut of the building from
the stationery or advertising matter of the tenants or owners, and with
these as a basis project your scheme of decoration. If a sketch must be
made, adhere rigidly to the architectural proportions of the building,
and be careful not to show streamers or festoons where your workmen
would require wings to place them and glue to stick them in position.

The methods of disposing decorations for exterior work differ according
to taste, and no hard and fast rule can be laid down as to what is and
is not proper. We illustrate in Figure 39, on the opposite page, a few
of the different designs which are most frequently used.

  [Illustration]

This building possesses most decided natural advantages, and the whole
decoration could be carried out completely in any one of the different
styles suggested in the illustration.

On the ground floor elevation we illustrate a number of columns resting
on a square base and surmounted by an illuminated globe. The plinth
(see detail Figure 40) is a square box covered with cotton stretched
smoothly and tacked on the back or bottom to conceal the tacks.

The torus is a circular piece of board a little less in diameter than
the top surface of the plinth, covered with cotton, also drawn
tightly and tacked underneath.

  [Illustration: _FESTIVAL DECORATIONS_

  FIGURE 39. SEE TEXT ON OPPOSITE PAGE.]

The framework of the shaft is made as Figure 40 A. Two pieces of board
are nailed together V-shape, and finished at each end with a circular
piece of board the diameter you desire your shaft to be; this frame is
covered with cotton pleated from end to end, as figure 40 B.

This requires considerable practice to do it nicely, but when neatly
covered with bleached white cotton, with pleats about one and one-half
inches wide, it makes a very pleasing column.

The astragal, neck, ovolo and abacus (see detail) are covered circles
of graduated diameters, all securely fastened together; the globe
which surmounts the capital is a hollow shell made on a frame similar
to Figure 41, and covered with alternate colors of cotton, the joins
tacked together on the ribs and concealed by the puffing explained a
little later.

When completed, the whole forms a light and neat semblance of a heavy
fluted column, and gives a dignified appearance to a trim. If desired
they can be made half round or half square and used as pilasters,
made and finished in the same way. While not quite as effective, they
require less time and material.

  [Illustration:

    Fig. 40

    Fig. 40 B

    Fig. 40 A

    Fig. 43

    Fig. 41

    Fig. 42
      A
      B
      C

    Fig. 47 A

    Fig. 47]

  [Illustration:

    Fig. 44

    Fig. 49

    Fig. 48

    Fig. 45

    Fig. 46]

The corner doorway of Figure 39 shows a round top shirred in with
cotton or bunting trimmed with a couple of flags and a drapery of two
alternate colors.

If the sweep of the arch is a semi-circle, take a piece of material a
little more than half the diameter in width and as long as twice the
diameter (or bottom measurement) and gather one edge into small pleats,
tie it tightly and attach it to the centre of the bottom frame.

Commence in the centre of the top edge of the fabric and fasten it to
the middle of the top frame, and, working from this each way, stretch
the material smoothly into pleats radiating from the tied edge, and
tack it all around the sweep of the frame, cover the bottom edge with a
couple of flags draped as Figure 42 A, B and C, minus the sticks, and
finish the outside of the circle with a puffing.

To make the puffing, fold a width of material (about 30 inch) into
pleats about two inches wide, and tack one end of it to the point where
the puffing is to finish. Leave a loop of the pleated material about
three inches high, and with a single tack attach the goods three inches
from your first tack; follow this out to where the puffing ends, and
then go back over it and open each loop out nice and round, taking a
selvage each way, as illustrated in Figure 43.

The sprays of flags between the columns are made as explained by
Figure 44; the flags for these and the windows of the second story,
manipulated as Figure 42 A, B and C, to produce the full-draped effect.

  [Illustration]

The double drapery of alternate light and dark festoons below the
second story windows are gathered as Figure 45, the hands gathering
down from the top edge till they meet at the bottom edge, as explained
for Figure 36 A, in chapter on scarf draperies.

The banners on the second and third stories may be made of bunting,
joining the different colors together, or of cotton, with the colors
and patterns painted on them. The draperies on the third and fourth
stories are gathered as Figure 46, the hands gathering the goods as
dotted line, and meeting about one-third of the distance from the top.

With an assistant to handle one piece of the goods, the alternate
effect can be easily produced by making first a festoon of one color
then a festoon of the other color, crossing the goods each time a
festoon is made.

If you desire to use three colors, stretch one, preferably the lighter,
straight along the back as a background and drape the others over it.

The wreaths and festooning on the third story are made of tissue paper
or of cedar twigs tied together, and are quite effective in contrast
with other decorations.

To secure the effect illustrated at the windows of this floor, the end
of the material is tied into a bunch and attached at the bottom corner
of the window (Figure 47), and then stretched up and spread along the
top of the frame and tacked; treat the other side of the window the
same, and finish the top with an inverted fan.

To make the fan, allow about three times as much material as the width
of the space, and pleat one edge into small pleats; attach this to the
centre of the top of the frame, and then carry the two outside bottom
corners of the material up to the corners of the window frame, and
gather each into a rosette, as Figure 47 A.

  [Illustration]

The drapery on the top floor of the illustration is made as a scarf
drapery. Gather the high points, allowing the hands to describe two
sides of an equilateral triangle (Figure 48), and form the surplus into
rosettes, the lower points gather as Figure 46; tie in position, form
rosettes and carry the goods on up to the next point, as illustrated.
Do not tie rosettes where the shields will be placed, but allow the
goods to fall in a deep festoon. The shields or trophies are a quick
and effective decoration, usually made of sheets of tin or heavy
cardboard, mounted on a frame, as illustrated Figure 49, and painted
with emblematic devices or coats of arms; flags are inserted at the top
to form a spray.

The Venetian masts shown on the top of the building are very largely
employed in out-door decorations, usually in the form of a colonnade,
to line the sides of a street or walk, or to flank the entrance and
approach of public buildings during a demonstration. A quick way to
erect them when they cannot be driven into the ground is to stand them
in barrels; fasten them upright and fill the barrels with sand or
stones.

They may be any height, and placed as far apart as you wish, but do not
put them nearer than a mast length apart to obtain the best effect.

The small triangular banners are suspended from the mast top by ropes
attached at each corner of the wide end of the banner, a rod being
hemmed in the banner for this purpose.

  [Illustration]

Festoons of wreathing or small flags and code signal flags may be
strung from mast to mast with good effect. The decorator can easily
arrange a variety of treatments embodying some or all of these ideas,
and by following out the architectural suggestions of each building
will obtain sufficient variety to avoid repetition.

  [Illustration]

Two things are to be carefully considered in decorations of this
character. The danger of fire from contact with electric wires, and the
changes which may be occasioned by the weather.

To avoid disaster and disappointment, use only fast colored materials,
drive every nail and tie every knot to stay under the strongest wind.

Various schemes have been used to keep bunting draperies from flapping
in the wind and lodging upon ledges or other projections, thereby
destroying the effect of the decoration.

We have discarded all methods of weighting or tying the bottom
edges, because these methods only serve to hold the wind, as does
a close-hauled sail, and increase the danger of tearing away the
decoration.

To prevent the drapery from becoming disarranged, make short festoons,
and do not allow the top much sag. Use a double alternate drapery, and
keep it so far away from projections that it will drop into place again
after the gust has passed.

You will find if it hangs free with only its own weight to keep it in
position that the wind will to a large extent blow off it, and it will
not become unsightly.

  [Illustration: Fig. 50.]

Under ordinary conditions the colors red and blue used with white
present a most attractive combination. For special occasions, however,
any desired colors may be employed, bearing in mind the relation of one
color to the other and the harmony of the whole.

In different countries the relative position of the three colors in a
joined red-white-and-blue bunting drapery is different (Figure at head
of page 26). In Great Britain, Netherlands and Paraguay red has the
place of honor at the top; in the United States blue; and both observe
the old law of heraldry that color must be separated from color by
one of the metals--in this case by white, the emblem of silver. Where
two colors only are used in combination better balance is obtained by
having the darker band slightly the narrower. As the object sought is
brightness, sharp contrasts give best results, always bearing in mind
the correct harmony of related colors. Mourning draperies should avoid
as far as possible fussy or frivolous tendencies, the festoons taking
on the appearance of solemn massiveness, and finished at each extremity
with a heavy cascade or tail.

Black, the accepted emblem of mourning, is either used alone or mixed
with a small percentage of white in unobtrusive places.

Deep purple, symbolical of extreme grief, is used in conjunction with
black as the official emblem of royal mourning.

The weight of the materials used for exterior decorations differs
according to the taste of the decorator. We have found our purpose best
served by using unbleached factory cotton of a fairly heavy weight,
having it specially dyed to the colors in demand, and for white using a
soft-finished bleached cotton or a shaker flannel.



  [Illustration: Fig. 53.]



FESTIVAL · DE · CORATIONS

PART II


When the nation is called on to do honor to one high in the world’s
esteem, and State, corporation or society coffers contribute to the
erection of a triumphal arch, the experienced decorator, supplementing
his knowledge with the advice of the carpenter, plasterer and painter,
will submit plans and specifications, and will frequently secure the
contract. Figure 50 shows a quadruple arch placed at the intersection
of two streets. The frame is built of heavy timbers and lathed into
the shape of the arches and moldings. Then two or three heavy coats of
plaster, and a smoothing last coat, which is colored dead-white.

The same effect can be produced with bleached cotton stretched tight
over wooden frames, the molding being covered separately and attached
afterwards.

Electricity is an important decorative feature in nearly all
present-day treatments of any size, and serves the two-fold purpose
of decoration and illumination. Its unquestioned supremacy after dark
is a temptation to place the entire decoration in the hands of the
electrician. The result of that is a building pleasing by night, but by
daylight exhibiting nothing more attractive than a temporary wiring and
stripping.

To produce a satisfactory result the electrical and fabric decorations
should be planned together, so that one will aid the other.

Ball and banquet decorations are usually planned in keeping with the
nature of the function, and suggest by the symbols and emblems used
the nature of the organization under whose auspices it is held. Figure
53 represents a large hall decorated for a yacht club ball. This hall
is fortunate in possessing a stage and gallery, which facilitates its
decorative arrangement. The stage is planned to represent the upper
deck and pilot house of a large yacht, and is arranged for the use of
the orchestra. Everything in the yacht’s furnishings is represented,
and the effect is of a vessel moored bow on, at the end of the hall.

Flanking this, on each side, are miniature lighthouses, made of wood
covered with cotton, and fitted in the upper chamber with electric
lights. The roof of the hall is covered in the club colors of blue and
white, so interwoven as to form four complete club burgees radiating
from the centrepiece, which is a St. Andrew’s cross, made on a frame
and drawn up into position.

  [Illustration:

    Fig 56
    Fig 55 A
    Fig 55
    Fig 58
      shirring thread
      shirring thread
    Fig 54]


The cotton forming the ceiling is first attached to the centrepiece and
stretched to the outer edges, one or two men handling each end of the
goods so that it can be stretched without showing gaps between. Where
there is much overhead work, time is saved by constructing an upright
trestle after the manner of Figure 54, which is mounted on large
casters, and can be moved about from place to place in the room without
the workmen descending. We have used trestles of this kind thirty-five
feet high, eight feet square at the base and three feet square at the
top, which could be moved about quite easily.

Immediately below the ceiling is a painted frieze, representing
primitive and modern methods of navigation, the figures sketched on
white cotton and heavily shadowed to give a relief effect. Separating
the figures are shields bearing the principal dates and events in the
club’s history.

The space between the bottom of the frieze and the edge of the gallery
ceiling is covered with white, over which are suspended banners bearing
the club emblem and the names of the different yachts, and in addition
to these a double festooning of large white cotton rope, with anchor
pendants.

The pillars are pleated from floor to frieze with white cotton, which
spreads fan-shape above the electric light bracket; a short board is
fastened across the post, just above the bracket, and another of equal
length at its base; the cotton is tacked first to the upper block and
drawn up to the frieze and tacked there. Then commencing at the upper
block again it is drawn to the lower block and secured. It can be done
in one piece, but is more easily accomplished by using one piece for
the fan and another for the straight lower part.

The spaces between the pillars above and below the gallery are draped
with large tri-color banners, gathered as dotted lines, Figures 55 and
55 A, and require about two feet of material to each foot of space. The
banners on the faces of the pillars are suspended from boat-hooks, the
whole thought being to give things nautical particular prominence.

The drapery on the front of the stage platform, with Figure 56,
illustrates another method of manipulating a scarf drapery to secure
the necessary fullness for the bottom edge, and take up the excess of
the top edge, by forming a double pleat at the top and gathering the
material from the bottom. This method is equally applicable to any
purpose where the fringe is all on one edge of the material, and not
reversed, and will be found particularly useful with narrow material.
The back and sides of the stage may either be pleated in with white or
covered with marine scenery.

  [Illustration: Fig 57]

We illustrate, Figure 57, a booth for exhibition purposes which
embodies some of the main decorative ideas in use. This is built
independent of any pillars or beams of the building in which it may be
used, but frequently a booth is so situated that part of the building
proper is incorporated in its construction.

  [Illustration: AUSTRIAN SHADES. SEE ARTICLE “WINDOW SHADES AND
    BLINDS” BEGINNING ON PAGE 39.]

In all cases where goods are exhibited for commercial purposes, the
size, shape and appearance of the materials exhibited should guide in
the construction of the booth. Our illustration shows only one exposure
of the booth which is repeated on all four sides. The corners are
columns made like Figures 40 A and 40 B, capped with plaster crowns.
The roof is made on a shaped frame covered in the same manner as the
globe Figure 41. The arches are curved pieces of wood covered with
velvet, and radiating from the corners to the arches are spirals of
twisted ribbon or colored crêpe tissue paper. The drapery illustrated
is a simple reversed scarf drapery made as explained in the chapter on
scarf draperies. The lower portion of the booth shows three methods of
paneling. The first one on the left is made of one piece of material
with a circular piece taken out of the centre. The piece taken out is
equal to about one-quarter of the width of the panel and the material
gathered and fastened in the centre as illustrated by Figure 58. After
that it is stretched into pleats to the edges.

The centre panel is a quick and effective method of covering space.
The background is first covered plain, then commencing at the floor or
bottom of paneling stretch the goods out its full width and tack the
end of it at A--B, Figure 57. Tie a small piece of the goods loosely
around this at what will be about the middle when it is pulled up.
Then proceed to stretch up the top and tack it along. Draw it out to
the same width as the bottom and pull out all the wrinkles, so that it
pleats nicely each way from the tied part. After it is tacked in place
adjust the tying to the exact middle and proceed the same with the next
one.

To make the right hand panel, alternate colors of material are bunched
and tacked in the centre of the space and stretched to the outer edge,
keeping the dividing lines square and true.

The designs and instructions that we have given are sufficient when
variously combined and assembled for almost any decorative requirement.
The main things to bear in mind are balance or symmetry, neatness, and
color harmony; a proper consideration of these points will result in a
satisfactory trim.

For interior work the decorator is limited only by his price in his
selection of material; but sometimes the best effects are obtained
without the use of more expensive fabrics than those previously
mentioned. Next in the order of values are sateen, cashmere, velours,
satin and silk, in plain fabrics, and the endless variety of damasks,
brocades, etc.

  [Illustration:

    Fig 59
    Fig 60
    Fig 61
    Fig 62
    Fig 64
    Fig 70
    Fig 77
    Fig 74
    Fig 69
    Fig 71
    Fig 63
    Fig 76
    Fig 65
    Fig 66
    Fig 68
    Fig 67
    Fig 78
      ELEVATION DETAIL
      TOP EDGE]



                            LACE · CURTAINS


In the eyes of the housewife the lace curtains are one of the most
important considerations in the furnishing of the home, and until
they are properly in place the house does not seem to be settled.
Considerable interest is usually exhibited in the matter of hanging
them, and the discussion as to the proper method invariably hangs on
the following queries:

Should they come to the window sill, a little below it, or down to the
floor?

Should they hang straight, be looped back, or caught up with a rosette?

Should sash curtains, stores or panels be used next to the glass?

The answers to these and other questions will depend largely on the
architectural position and style of the window, the nature of the
room and the purpose for which it is to be used. The question of sash
or glass curtains is usually a matter of taste, and in the majority
of cases they are used for outside appearance only. The examples of
different styles presented herewith cover a fair range of treatments,
which can be easily added to or modified, as the occasion demands.

Sash curtains to hang straight are made as Curtain A, Figure 59, and
reach from the top of the window sash to nicely clear the sill. They
may be shirred on a rod or attached to rings.

If the material is liable to shrink when laundered it is customary to
turn in an extra allowance of one or two inches at the top (according
to the length of the curtain), to be let down when required. Sash
curtains hanging straight, as Figure 59, reduce the apparent width and
increase the height of the window, and should not be used on long,
narrow windows.

If made of plain or dotted material they may be edged with lace or
ruffle on the sides and bottom, or finished with a deep hem, as Figure
67, with or without an insertion.

Sash curtains to loop back, as A, Figure 60, are made about six inches
longer than the length of the window from top to sill, with shrinking
allowance added, and produce the opposite effect to straight curtains,
seeming to increase the width and reduce the height. They may be made
of bordered goods or of plain or dotted material edged with lace or
ruffle of itself. Looped curtains give a jaunty, cheerful appearance to
the exterior of a house, but do not look well on wide, short windows,
unless left widely separated at the top. Stores bonne femme, as
illustrated, Figure 61, Curtain A, do not materially alter the apparent
size of a window, and are very effective on large windows. They are
usually made with scalloped bottom edge, trimmed with a frill eight or
ten inches deep, and edged with lace.

For a wide window the body of the curtain is sometimes divided into
panels by rows of insertion, instead of having a motif or lace pattern
set into it, as illustrated.

The material used is usually a fine étamine, madras or fine net. They
are hung on a rod fastened to the top or just inside the frame (see
Rod E, Figure 78) so that they will hang next to the glass, as sash
curtains, and are usually made to just clear the sill in length and
very slightly full in width.

The upper part of the window in Figure 68 is a combination of the bonne
femme and Austrian shade, and makes a very effective sash or glass
curtain for dining-room, library or bedroom. They are made in the same
manner as the Austrian shade explained later, except that they hang
stationary, and do not raise or lower. The material may be plain or
colored silk, net, challie, casement cloth, or madras, with insertion
of any desired style, and edged with lace to match. In colored
materials good effects can be obtained by using a contrasting color for
the insertion.

The curtains on the lower sash are attached to a rod placed at I,
Figure 78, and are trimmed to match the curtains on the upper sash,
they hang free at the bottom and just clear the sill, the insertion
across the bottom placed high enough to show clearly through the glass
from without. They may be used in conjunction with the upper curtain,
as illustrated, or may be used alone, and are usually sewn to rings, as
Figures 70 or 77.

Lace panels with motif centre, as A, Figure 62, are quite largely
used for clubs, hotel or institution windows, and in many cases for
dwellings also (though some think them too severe for the latter).
Wherever used they should be perfectly proportioned and shaped to fit
the size and shape of the window, the design so executed that it shall
be entirely visible from without, and appear as a picture framed by the
window sash.

They are generally made to order by applying lace insertion and motifs
to net, and are attached to the sash by rods, tacks, or, what is
still better, make a small wooden frame of strips one-half inch by
three-quarter inch and wrap it neatly with cotton the same color as the
net, baste the panel to the cotton and attach it to the window sash
with small brads. This frame is only slightly visible through the panel
on the inside and completely hidden by the sash from the outside.

To attach a panel to a door where the glass is framed by fancy
moldings, the small frame is made as above to fit into the sash against
the glass. It is finished to match the woodwork of the door, and has a
groove on the outer edge to receive a small, soft cord, tacked or glued
in place, and projecting sufficiently to permit the edge of the panel
to be sewn to it (see Figure 63). Care should be taken in measuring for
panels, as the effect is completely spoiled by a misfit.

Sash curtains, stores or panels, when properly applied, add greatly to
the exterior appearance of a house, but should be uniformly applied
to all windows visible from the same quarter. For instance, if sash
curtains are used on the front drawing-room windows, all of the front
windows, from basement to attic, should be treated with some form of
sash curtains adapted to each individual space and in harmony with the
whole. Nearly all glass curtains are provided with a double hem at the
top, Figure 64, through which is passed a small rod fastened at each
end to the stops or frames of the window in such a manner that the sash
will work freely if raised or lowered. (See E B, Figure 78.)

In some cases it is desirable to apply a peek-a-boo sash curtain to the
lower sash to render it opaque from without and not exclude the light.
This is accomplished by using a curtain with a double hem at top and
bottom and attached (as illustrated A, Figure 65) so that it raises
with the sash and does not touch the stop on either side. (Note Rods I
and G, Figure 78.)

The pleats are stretched tightly from top to bottom, and the usual
allowance for fullness is twice the width of the space to be covered,
which may vary according to the density of the material.

  [Illustration]

It is natural that the ground floor windows should be more densely
dressed than those of the upper floors, not only to impart a sense
of privacy, but as following the general construction of ordinary
buildings, the ground floor windows usually being larger and more
heavily trimmed, and as the treatment ascends from floor to floor
permit the curtains to be less weighty in character and expose a
larger area of uncovered glass. By lace curtains we mean that class of
furnishing familiarly known to the trade by that name and comprising
all of the various styles of net and patterns.

The sizes usually carried in stock run 2, 2½, 3, 3½ and 4½ yards long,
and vary in width from one to two yards.

Where the decorator has not the necessary equipment for making special
sizes and designs he is compelled to employ more or less of these
ready-made furnishings. Briefly stated, these for the most part
consist of plain or fancy nets, scrim or muslin with a pattern of lace
or muslin appliquéd thereon or woven in with the net, and the edges
finished with bound or overlock stitched scallops, a lace, or a ruffle
of the same material.

The method of hanging these curtains depends to a great extent on their
surroundings, and on the nature, style and use of the room in which
they are used, and while it is not possible for us to give positive
rules that will guide the decorator in every case, we illustrate some
of the effects that may be produced by the different methods, and
suggest their adaptability to various requirements.

In the absence of special reasons to the contrary, it is a safe rule to
hang any style of lace curtains in the way that will best display the
beauty of the pattern or fabric; thus a heavily worked border and body
pattern would show best hanging straight, while plain bodied goods with
a small pattern would look well either way.

Setting aside for the moment all thought of the size and shape of
the window, long curtains hanging straight to the floor, as Figures
B 60 and B and C 67, appear to curtail the floor space, while
curtains looped back or caught up with rosettes, as 61, 62, 65 and
66, apparently increase it, therefore in small rooms it is usually an
advantage to tie up the curtains, and in extra large rooms to allow
them to hang straight to the floor, subject, of course, to other
considerations equally desirable.

If sash curtains are used it is usually a good plan to hang the long
curtains to be the opposite of the sash curtains; that is, if the sash
curtains hang straight loop the long curtains, and vice versa. In this
way the treatment will balance, and a neutral effect be obtained, as
Figures 59 and 60. Bear in mind also in this connection our former
statement that long curtains hanging straight reduce the width and
increase the height of the window, while curtains looped or caught up
with a rosette reduce the height and increase the width.

Curtains reaching only to the sill, or just below it, as Figure 68,
have a tendency to shorten the window, and if looped or draped this
effect is increased.

Sash curtains, stores, panels, or any other style of glass curtains,
are hung with the right side of the goods to the glass, unless the
windows are so far removed from ordinary vision that it is impossible
to discern the difference. Long lace curtains are hung with the right
side to the room where sash curtains are used, or the reverse way when
hung alone, subject to the above proviso in reference to the difference
being perceptible from without.

We illustrated in Figures 34 A and 34 B, chapter on scarf draping, the
method of gathering back a curtain for looping and for draping with a
rosette, and lace goods are manipulated in the same way. To obtain the
effect illustrated in Figure 61, Curtain B, attach the curtain at the
top, allowing it to be from six to eighteen inches longer than to the
floor, hold the edges of the curtain in each hand and pleat it forward
and back from the bottom, as illustrated in Figure 69, until it is
pleated up to where you desire to fasten the loop; hold the outside
side edge there and release the inside edge and it will fall in a fan
shape, as illustrated; the loop is then passed around, the pleats still
retained, and the surplus of about six inches above the tying pushed
back and down behind the edge of the curtain, as shown.

Lace curtains may be shirred on to the pole or rod by making a double
hem at the top, as illustrated in Figure 64, the distance between the
two stitchings A and B a little less than twice the diameter of the
pole, to allow for shrinkage. Thus, for a one-inch pole, which would
measure loosely three and one-eighth inches in circumference, you would
require to allow about one and seven-eighths inches between A and B,
making three and three-quarter inches of a pocket for the pole to pass
through.

A pretty effect is produced (Figure 70) by running a tape into a small
double hem (leaving one inch for the heading and half an inch between A
and B for the tape) and shirring the curtain to the width of the space
it is to cover, after which rings or hooks are sewn to the back in the
position indicated by letter A above Figure 70.

Curtains made of soft net or muslin, with a very small border or soft
ruffled edge, look well shirred, but those having heavy pattern borders
look best pleated.

Where it is possible to do so the top of the curtain to be pleated
should be turned over about two inches (Figure 71) and a tape about one
inch wide sewn along the back where the pins will be inserted. This
gives strength to the delicate fabric where repeated pinning is apt to
cause its destruction.

If this cannot be done, spread the curtain out upon the floor or other
flat surface, face downwards, and turn over about six inches of the
top, smooth this down nicely and fold it again in the middle, or three
inches from the top of the first fold, press it flat with the hands and
pleat and pin it while in this position, the pins being inserted about
two inches from the top edge (Figure 72).

Curtain B, Figure 61, with Figure 73, shows a box pleat slightly
gathered on a safety curtain-pin, the fullness being taken up equally
in the pleats.

In curtain B, Figure 59, with Figure 74, the fullness of the curtain,
instead of being pleated, is gathered on to the safety pin, but this
can only be done with fine curtains. The fullness is equally divided
among the pins, and the tops of the small pleats are spread into a
small fan shape, making a dainty finish beneath the pole.

The pleat illustrated in Figure 67 C and 77, is a straight pleat, held
in place by the curtain pin, and is most commonly used for all purposes.

Turn the pleat to the front edge of the curtain on the wrong side,
which lies upwards, as you pin it, and that will make the pleats turn
to the back edge on the under or right side, as illustrated in Figure
72.

If a small curtain the pleats may be formed and the rings sewn on as
Figure 77.

Lace curtains hanging straight, as in Figure 60, Curtain B, should just
nicely clear the floor, and to adjust this to a nicety we have found it
a good plan to pin them so as to clear the floor by about two inches
(not more), and then gently stretch them down this distance.

To stretch them, place an outspread hand on each side of the curtain,
and, pressing the two palms together, stretch gently, a little at a
time, working across the curtain from one side to the other until it
is the required length. This must be done very carefully, and if the
curtain is not found pliable enough to stretch the required distance
pin it over again, allowing it to be longer.

Curtains having a distinct pattern, as figure 72, are usually
pleated as there indicated, without any pleats in the border, the
fullness being all taken up by pleats in the body of the curtain, and
where fabric over-curtains are used, as Curtain C, Figure 67, the
over-curtain should not be permitted to cover the border of the lace
curtain.

Over-curtains are always better on a separate pole, but may be
attached to the same pole as the lace curtains by using extra rings for
them. In the elevation detail, Figure 78, Rod B is for lace curtains
and Pole A for the over-curtains, a plan that permits either curtain
to be drawn without interfering with the other. Over-curtains may be
used at the discretion of the decorator in almost any room, and are
particularly effective in large rooms. They may hang straight or loop
back, having the same effect on the apparent size of the window as
already explained. They should be long enough to just clear the floor,
whether straight or looped back, and should cover the back edge of the
lace curtains.

When gathered back, as in Figure 62, the lace curtain and over-curtain
should be looped back separately, the over-curtain drawn back far
enough to show a good border of lace down the front edge and across the
bottom.

Narrow windows in large rooms may be made to appear wider by making
the pole or cornice project at each side and pleating the curtain to
cover part of the wall at each side. The pole or cornice should be
placed high enough in this case to entirely conceal the top of the
wood trim, as in Figure 67; but in cases where it is advisable to show
the wood trim at the top it should be shown also at the outside, as in
Figure 68, which shows the trim all around. Over-curtains are pleated
to the size as illustrated by Figure 72 for lace curtains, or shirred
on a tape, as in figure 70, and lambrequin hooks or rings sewn on. A
lined over-curtain, if to be pleated for pinning, is made as the right
corner of Figure 75, the two materials turned in and slip stitched at
the top and sides and machine stitched as indicated, about one and
one-half inches from the top of the curtain. The curtain is spread out
right side up for pinning, the pleats formed and a Gordon hook pin (as
Figure 76) is passed through the pleat between the two lines of machine
stitching. Use the straight pleat of Figure 72 for this purpose, making
as many as may be necessary to dispose of the fullness. If the
over-curtain is not to be lined turn the top over as the left corner of
Figure 75, and stitch and pin as already explained.

Soft curtains finished with a full ruffle usually look best looped
back, as B, Figure 65, or if fastened with a rosette the edge drawn up
near the rosette to give a full sweep to the ruffle, as Figure 66.

If the curtain is made of very fine or soft net graceful effects are
produced by using two rods at B, Figure 78, one a little in advance of
the other, and both the same height; shirr one curtain on each rod, so
that when tied back the crossed effect is produced, as illustrated.

A great variety of styles can be produced in either crossed or single
curtains by changing the position of the loop or rosette, and a good
way to acquire the different styles is to take a pair of curtains
and see how many different effects you can obtain by tying them at
different heights and by manipulating the fullness in different ways.
Crossed curtains are not effective unless the curtain is lacy and soft
enough to drape gracefully. Heavy patterned curtains treated in this
way do not produce good results.

Frilled curtains, as Figure 65 and 66, are more particularly suitable
for bedrooms, sewing and sitting-rooms, but with proper surroundings
may be applied to some of the heavier down-stairs rooms during the
Summer season.

Frilled curtains made up as sash curtains are also very effective next
to the glass, but should be made of very soft material that will drape
easily and gracefully.

Sash curtains, lace curtains or over-curtains should be pleated to the
exact width of the space they are to cover, sufficient pins being used
to dispose of all the fullness and hold the top edge of the curtain
from sagging between each pin.

This may seem a small thing, but to those accustomed to neatness the
sloppy droop of the top edge of a curtain from pin to pin is extremely
distasteful and would spoil an otherwise neat arrangement.

In hanging lace curtains having a prominent pattern it does not always
follow that the same distance turned down at the top of each one will
bring the patterns in line, and it is well to spread them in pairs side
by side and match the pattern, so that when hung the pattern will be
perfectly true and not zig-zag all the way up the two middle edges.

We have given the simpler forms of pinning and tying, which may
be easily mastered by practice. Numerous other forms will suggest
themselves, and a proper consideration of the effect to be produced
will result in the selection of the style most suited to each
requirement.

  [Illustration]

  [Illustration: _LOUIS XIV_]

  [Illustration: _LOUIS XV_]



                       WINDOW SHADES AND BLINDS

                                PART I.


Modern decorative thought has been directed to almost every article in
the equipment of a house with more or less artistic result; but with
few exceptions the articles on the market for the purpose of excluding
the sun or shutting out the vision have been plain and ordinary in
the extreme, despite the fact that the treatment of the windows as
presented to view from the exterior has much to do with the general
appearance of a house.

From the day when the housewife made her own shades out of green paper
or white cotton up to the present, the chief requirements seem to have
been opacity and the faculty of being easily rolled, folded, or in some
way put easily out of sight when not in use. One of the oldest methods,
still recommended and manufactured for this purpose, is the rolling
shade, made of thin slats of wood, laced together with twine to form a
flat flexible curtain or shade, rolled from the bottom by means of a
cord passed over a pulley.

For public institutions, offices or verandas, where usefulness and
efficiency may be desired more than decorative value, they serve the
purpose very well; but it can never be claimed that they tend to
beautify the room in which they are used.

The tilting slat blind, which gathers from the bottom, and tilts with
a touch of the hand as a child’s Jacob’s ladder, is also used for the
same purpose, with the same limitations.

The sliding or folding inside shutter, illustrated in figures 79 and
80, came near to accomplishing the purpose, but had such a knack of
getting out of order, and presented such a jail-like, uninhabited
appearance, that they, too, have been almost altogether discarded.

In rare cases we find them still in use, and where adverse criticism
would not be well received it is best for the decorator to adjust
his schemes so as to include them, and, if possible, hide their
unsightliness.

Figures 79 and 80 illustrate how this may be accomplished by using a
lace-trimmed shade between them and the glass, while sash curtains of
almost any kind are equally effective for outside appearance.

Where the shutters are so constructed that they open into the room, as
Figure 79, the curtain pole must be projected forward from the frame a
sufficient distance to allow the shutter to swing clear of the curtain
without interfering, and if the curtain is looped or caught up with
a rosette at the side, the point where it is tied must be projected
forward in a similar manner.

These blinds, so far as their manufacture and installation are
concerned, rest perhaps more with the carpenter than with the
decorator, and will, therefore, interest him little except as to their
after treatment.

The rolling shade, made of painted cotton or glazed linen, as
illustrated in Figure 79, is perhaps most commonly known of all
expedients for seclusion and sun protection, and the ease with which
these shades can be made to order in any size is so well known that
nearly every upholstery shop is equipped with a cutting table and the
necessary material for their manufacture.

The table illustrated in Figure 81 will be found to possess a
combination of many good points in cutting tables for this purpose,
although one less elaborately planned and constructed may serve for
a small shade-order business. The top is made of clear white wood,
and is six feet wide by twelve feet long. At one end is a half round,
trough-like receptacle, the bottom of it composed of two-inch rollers
with pin heads (see Figure 81 A for detail); these rest in iron
brackets, and revolve when necessary with the action of rolling or
unrolling shade cloth.

A flat steel plate about one inch wide and a quarter of an inch thick
(or slightly thinner if more convenient) is fastened to one edge of the
table to form a solid straight-cutting edge. It should be all in one
piece and free from any irregularities, and a similar plate is fastened
to the end on which the bracket is attached. Saw-cuts about one-eighth
of an inch deep run across the table, perfectly true and at right
angles to the side of the table, dividing it into feet from end to end.
At the bracket end, and included in the first twelve inches, a six-inch
strip of hardwood is let into the top, flush with the rest, and has
saw-cuts (as illustrated in Figure 81 A) one-half inch, two and a half
inches, three inches, three and a half, four and four and a half inches
from the outside edges of the steel plate.

These are scoring lines for marking the hems, and should be half an
inch deep and about one-eighth inch wide. The cuts marked one to eleven
are filled in smoothly with dark putty, and are for measuring purposes,
while cuts A to F are cut with a fine-tooth saw and left as cut. In
addition to the lines every twelve inches it is necessary to have the
inches between these spaces.

  [Illustration:

    Fig 79
    Fig 80
    Fig 80 A
    Fig 81
    Fig 81 A
    END of TABLE
    right hand of above
    Fig 93
    93 A
    Fig 82
    Fig 83
    Fig 84
    Fig 85
    Fig 83
    Fig 86
    Fig 87
    Fig 88
    Fig 89
    SHADE KNIFE
    Fig 96
    Fig 90
    Fig 92
    Fig 91
    Fig 98
    Fig 99
    Fig 94
    Fig 96 A
    Fig 96 B]

A convenient way of providing these is a flat steel rule about
one-eighth inch thick, three inches wide and eighteen inches long,
marked with inches from one to twelve, and with a small button at the
end for convenience in moving it. This will be heavy enough to lie
where placed, and by placing it at the side of the table between the
lines, as in Figure 82, the measurement of a piece of cloth can be
accurately gauged.

The other sections of the table and their purposes can be readily
understood from the illustration, the shelves being used for rollers,
drawers one, two, three and four for shade hardware and accessories,
and drawer five for tools.

The trough at the right end of Figure 82 is made so as to slide in
out of the way when not required, and is used when cutting the ends
off rollers. It is marked in inches along its entire length, and the
cutting end is faced with metal, or has a true saw-cut a short distance
back as a guide for the saw. In the latter case it should be made of
hardwood, and the saw-teeth should have very little set.

The table should be placed so that the operator faces the light, and
his stock of materials should be as convenient as possible to the
cutting table.

Having gauged the length of the shade with the small steel rule, as
Figure 82, place the roll of cloth with the end of the material resting
at the mark. Weight it with a small weight and unroll the cloth until
the roll reaches the receptacle at the end; a touch of the hand will
tighten the slack by revolving the roll; adjust it evenly and run the
knife along the steel edge, severing the piece from the roll. If more
than one shade of the same length are to be cut from the same roll,
allow this length to lie as cut and unroll over it as many more pieces
as you need, cutting each one as you get the cloth adjusted evenly.

When the lengths are all cut, if care has been taken to have the cloth
running true with the edges of the table, the cut ends will have been
trimmed square by the action of severing them from the roll. Adjust the
edges nearest the cutting side of the table so that they lie even and
project about a half inch over the edge of the table, as Figure 82,
and the cut ends lying true and even with the table end, the cloth is
securely weighted at each end and the projecting edges trimmed true by
running the knife along the cutting guide, as illustrated.

  [Illustration]

The knife should be held perfectly true with the flat of the steel
edge, allowing no play sideways, and with the handle slightly slanting
toward the shoulder of the operator (Figure 82).

While the weights are still in position measure with a six-foot rule
the width the cloth is to be cut, measuring from the trimmed edge, and
mark it at each end as x x (Figure 82). Now remove the weights, and
without allowing the trimmed edges to shift, change the cloth end for
end on the table, bringing the pencil marks at each end directly above
the side cutting edge of the table, and with the ends of the cloth
projecting sufficiently beyond the end cutting edge; weight as before,
and trim the surplus off end and side.

It is more difficult to trim a number of pieces than to trim one, but
with a little practice it can be done quite easily and considerable
time saved thereby.

As the cloth now lies it should be even with the steel edges at end
and side, the left hand ends lying over the scoring lines, and as they
lie one or more may be scored at once, according to the weight of
the cloth. Roll back the rest a sufficient distance, and holding the
rounded corner of the back of the knife in the position indicated by
Figure 83, draw it across the first score line A; do not bear too heavy
on the knife, but make sufficient indentation so that it can be folded
over without trouble.

If the shade is to have the regulation two-inch hem score also at the
second line B, if for a two and a half-inch hem score A and C, for
three-inch A and D, and so on according to the width you desire to make
the hem. All ordinary shades have a two-inch hem, but special cases
require a variation from the rule.

Fold the hem over as illustrated in Figure 84, and press it flat with
the side of the knife; it is then ready for stitching.

While almost any sewing machine will stitch a window shade, perfect
results are only obtained by using a special shade-stitching machine.

Care must be exercised in stitching the hem so that it does not slide
or pucker, but lies flat and even, with the line of the stitching as
straight as possible.

If lace is to be applied to the bottom of the shade, as Figure 79, the
knife is run over the bottom of the hem after stitching it to press it
flat, and then passed through it, as Figure 85, and the lace inserted
between the edges and stitched, as Figure 86.

  [Illustration]

If insertion is used without lace, as Figure 87, the top edge of the
insertion is placed between the cut open edges of the hem, as above
described for lace, and a separate hem (A--A, Figure 87) scored, folded
and sewn on, as illustrated. If both lace and insertion are to be
applied the bottom of the separate hem (A, Figure 87) is split and the
lace inserted and sewn in, as above.

This separate hem is made the same width as the ordinary hem for
shades, but need not have the little turn in indicated by arrow in
Figure 84.

When cutting lace or insertion measure it so that the pattern will
balance nicely, and if both lace and insertion are used be careful to
have the pattern of the insertion in line with the lace. After these
trimmings have been cut the size of the shades, the cut ends are
bound by sewing them between the edges of a piece of the same cloth
as the shades, say half an inch wide, folded in the middle, and for
convenience a number of the ends can be stitched into the same piece
of binding, as illustrated in Figure 88, and afterwards separated by
cutting the binding.

Motif patterns, as Figure 90, are applied to the shade by a double
row of stitching, about one-quarter of an inch apart, all around the
outside edge of the motif, after which the cloth is carefully cut away
from the back, just below the stitches and following the outline.
Should the pattern prove too large to work beneath the arm of the
sewing machine, pin it carefully in place on the shade and sew it on by
hand, passing the needle down and back as neatly as possible. This is
a tedious job, and should only be resorted to when no other way seems
possible. Applique lace edges, as Figure 91, are sewn on in the same
manner, and the cloth cut away from the scallops behind.

The shade illustrated in Figure 80 is a combination of the bonne
femme and motif shade, and is constructed like the foregoing Figure
91, having in addition a frill eight or ten inches deep, composed of
étamine, madras, mull, muslin or net, and trimmed with a lace. This
is applied to the scalloped edge of the motif, and has usually an
allowance of as much again for fullness (two feet of unshirred frilling
to one foot of space), or if very fine a little more.

When applying the shirred frill to the scallops, have the greatest
fullness between the points B and C (Figure 80 A), and decrease the
fullness from B to A, for as the material follows the curve up into the
angle at point A, it will be found that the bottom edge of the frill
becomes more full according to the elevation of point A above point C.

Lace motif and scalloped bottom shades may be made with a hem and slat,
as illustrated in Figure 80, or the slat may be dispensed with and the
shade operated by a cord which passes through a screw eye at A (Figure
90), and winds around the roller, which is left long enough for the
purpose. The cord is wound around the roller the same number of times
as the shade and attached by a fair-sized tack. The roller need not be
provided with a spool unless the shade is extra long, as the screw eye
at A will guide the winding and confine it to a small space. Figure 90
shows the cord and ball pull attached to the left end of the roller;
but the tack which fastens the cord would be likely to penetrate to the
spring on that side, and it would be best to attach it to the right end
of the roller.

The shade is operated by pulling the cord, and works the same as with
the tassel in the regular way, as Figure 92.

  [Illustration]



                       WINDOW SHADES AND BLINDS

                               PART II.


All other shades except the previously mentioned styles are provided
with a slat to which is attached a screw-eye and tassel, as
illustrated. Always attach the tassel above the insertion on insertion
shades, as Figure 79 and X, Figure 87, as the strain of pulling the
shade will stretch the insertion out of shape if fastened below. (See
diagram on page 40.)

The cloth is not hemmed at the sides, but left as trimmed, and the top
is tacked on to the roller in a straight line, as Figure 93. Most shade
rollers have a line drawn the length of the roller as a guide for the
shade cloth, and one-ounce tacks are used to tack it to the roller.
Several kinds of clips or clasps are also used, but the tacks are most
popular.

Standard sizes of shade rollers in both wood and tin are guaranteed
by the makers to carry ordinary cloth up to a certain size for each
roller, but it is safe to underestimate their assurance by a little
rather than work up to the limit.

The roller is cut to be one and a-half inches longer over all than the
width of the cloth, and is mounted to allow the same play at each side,
though in special cases this rule may be departed from, and a smaller
allowance for play will sometimes work quite freely if hung perfectly
true. It is customary to allow only one inch difference between cloth
and roller for inside brackets, as they are usually made narrower than
those for outside brackets, and, the bracket being much smaller, they
work freely with the smaller allowance.

Dark-colored shades are most opaque, but light-colored shades
give a more cheerful appearance to the exterior of a house.
Combination-colored shades are frequently used; light on the outside to
the glass and dark on the inside to the room. This gives the necessary
density and preserves the cheerful exterior of light-colored shades.
In making combination shades the bottom hem is cut off, reversed,
and sewn on as illustrated by Figure 89. The chief objection to
combination-colored shades is the fact that the dark color is exposed
to view in the room whenever the shade is pulled down, and the window
cannot be at all obscured without this feature.

  [Illustration: Fig. 97]

Perhaps the best plan for correctly shading and obscuring a window is
to use double shades, as illustrated by Figure 90; the outer shade next
to the glass made of a light-colored material, which may be ornamented
and decorated in any desired manner. This may be fastened to the window
stop as at A, Figure 79, with inside brackets, or at C, Figure 90, with
outside brackets.

If placed on the stop at A, Figure 79, a plain shade of dark green or
other opaque color is placed on the frame at C-C, Figure 90, and is
made wide enough to effectually shut out all sunlight at the sides.

If the light shade is placed on the frame at C-C, as Figure 90, the
dark shade is placed just beneath it at D-D, and is made about two
inches wider than the light shade, so that the cloth of the light shade
passes freely between the brackets at D-D and does not interfere with
the dark shade.

The advantage of this plan is that the light shade may be used all the
time and is decorative from both sides, while the dark shade is only
used when needed, and when not in use is only a small dark roll at the
top of the window, where it is not objectionable.

The dark shade must be provided with a small cord or chain reaching
down a convenient distance when the shade is completely rolled up at
the top. Roller shades are hung perfectly level and square, noFig. 95
matter how much the window may be out of true, as they will only work
satisfactorily when so hung.

The two different kinds of brackets used are illustrated by Figures 93,
outside brackets, and 93 A, inside brackets--outside meaning on the
face or room side of the window frame and projecting toward the room;
inside meaning some portion of the woodwork facing to the centre of the
window (see diagram 94).

Wood rollers are made with two slots or notches in the spring-post, in
which the pawls drop when slowly revolving, and as they are on opposite
sides of the roller, it is immaterial which side is uppermost as it
lies in the bracket.

  [Illustration: Fig. 95]

Most tin rollers, however, have only one slot, and if dropped into the
bracket with the slot down, the pawl, which depends on its weight for
its action, will not come in contact with the slot, and the shade will
not remain down when unrolled. Should you accidentally place a shade in
the brackets thus wrong side up, unroll it altogether and push a small
wire or stout pin through the hole you will find punched through the
roller directly behind one of the pawls and force the pawl up into the
slot, when the tension of the spring will hold it in place so that it
can be taken out and put in properly.

It is sometimes necessary to run shades from the bottom of the window
instead of the top, as in the case of a 10 ind-top window (Figure 95),
or when the object is obscurity without excluding necessary light, as
in some office windows. This is accomplished by placing the brackets at
the bottom of the window, as illustrated by Figure 95, the slot bracket
to the right, placed upright on the sill, and a small nail inserted in
the little holes found near the edge of the opening, to prevent the
roller from leaving the bracket. Stop the action of the pawls after the
shade is adjusted by a clip made for the purpose (squeezing soap in
behind them answers very well), so that all the tension of the spring
is exerted on the cloth and on the cord, which passes over a pulley at
the top of the window.

This pulley may be an ordinary pulley and the cord attached to a small
cleat at the side of the frame to hold the shade the required distance,
or an eccentric stop-pulley may be used, which binds the cord at the
will of the operator, the latter being the more convenient method.

Round-top shades are provided with extra slats at various distances,
as illustrated by Figure 95, which prevent the edges of the shade from
flapping as they might unless so supported. These slats are perfectly
flat, made of clear wood about one-eighth of an inch thick and one inch
wide, or larger, according to the strength required, and, being flat,
they readily roll up with the shade.

The slat used in the bottom of shades is usually made wedge shape, as
Figure 92, and possesses more strength than the perfectly flat slat.

As we have already stated, roller shades are usually made of painted
cloth or glazed holland, and while for years they have been, with
few exceptions, plain and undecorated as to the fabric itself, we
are pleased to note recent efforts on the part of manufacturers to
produce something more distinctive and artistic, shade holland now
being produced in delightful damask effects in a variety of weaves
and colors, while the painted goods are also being made to order in
beautiful hand-decorated patterns of artistic merit.

The Austrian shade illustrated by Figures 96 and 96 A is a very pretty
and effective method of diffusing and softening the glare of the sun
without excluding the light.

They may be made of a great variety of fabrics, including challie,
casement cloth, plain and brocaded silk, silk or wool damask, madras,
net, or other soft material of sufficient strength and fast color to
withstand the sun, and are a very effective combination of shade and
sash curtain. They are simple of construction, but must be accurately
and neatly made to insure satisfaction.

Having secured the size of the window and determined the space the
shade is to cover, the goods are joined up to the required size,
allowing a third of the space (four inches to the foot) each way extra
for fullness, with about three inches allowed in addition for double
hem at the top and also for a single hem on each side. Calculate so
that the seams will come on one of the shirrings each time when joining
for the width, as they will not show there and are very unsightly
anywhere else.

The material, when ready, is spread flat on the table, as Figure 97,
and the width divided into the requisite number of panels and marked
in straight lines for shirring. Turn the double hem at the top for the
rod, and a single hem on each side of one or one and a-half inches.
Baste these hems and sew them. Then spread the material on the table
again, as illustrated, and with a stout thread gather each shirring
line into the required length, fasten each end of the thread to the
table with tacks as you gather them, and when all gathered go over each
one and adjust the fullness until it is nicely distributed the length
of the curtain. Leave the lower one-third of the curtain slightly less
full than the upper two-thirds, for when in place it is generally left
fastened about half way up the window, and if this is done, the lower
end, which is all pleated on the strings, does not look so much more
full than the upper portion, which is hanging as shirred.

Cut strips of paper one inch wide and as long as the shirring-thread
and pin them along each shirring, the pins sufficiently close to hold
the fullness in place. When all pinned in place, the tacks are drawn
and the curtain turned paper side down and run through the machine
(the paper is used to prevent the machine feed from disturbing the
fullness), using the thread as the line for stitching. The paper is
then torn away and the shirrings run through the machine a second time
for safety if very stretchy material is used.

Spread it out on the table once more, face side down, and on the back
of the shirrings baste a quarter-inch baby ribbon or tape to match the
goods, and stitch this also. Sew small brass rings to these tapes, as
illustrated in Figure 96, about six inches apart, along the full length
of each tape or ribbon. Shirr the double hem at the top to the required
length and stitch a tape to it also, to keep the panels equally
divided, and trim the bottom with a fringe.

The bottom of the shade need not be scalloped unless the material
is heavy, as the act of shirring it lengthwise and across forces the
fullness to take that shape.

The bottoms of the shirrings are weighted to keep the lines
perpendicular. This is accomplished either by a small rod covered with
the material, as left of Figure 96 A, or by small bags of shot covered
with the material and attached to the bottom of each shirring.

The rod, while not so unobtrusive as the bags, has the advantage
of keeping the bottom spread full width, separate weights having a
tendency to swing toward the centre.

The shade is drawn up and lowered by means of cords passed through
screw-eyes at the top of the window, down through the brass rings and
attached to the bottom weights. After passing through the screw-eyes at
the top they are led to a pulley at the side, as indicated by Figure
96, and all adjusted to draw evenly, fastened together and attached to
a cleat. They may also be manipulated by attaching the cords to a shade
roller after they pass through the screw-eyes.

The roller is provided with spools either turned up in wood or made by
tacking a ridge of leather around the roller, allowing a spool-like
space between, and the cords are wound several times around these,
while the shade hangs full length; the free bottom ends are then
attached to the weights, as before explained, and the whole manipulated
by the free cord at the end (X, Figure 96 B), as explained for raising
and lowering the shade illustrated in Figure 90.

If the roller is swelled toward the centre by wrapping with leather or
by using graduated spools, as Figures 98 and 96 B, the shade will draw
up in an arching shape, as indicated by dotted lines in Figure 96 A,
the larger spools in the centre consuming more cord each revolution
than the smaller ones at the ends, and hence drawing the curtain up
faster in the centre, producing the arched effect.

If the cords are mounted on a plain roller without spring-winding
attachment, as Figure 99, the manipulating cord is wound on it the
reverse way, and is all wound on when the shade is down, so that
pulling on it causes the roller to revolve, winding up the other cords,
and, releasing it, allows the weight of the shade to unwind the roller
and causes the shade to descend.

In measuring for shades, some decorators measure for the cloth only and
have the rollers cut and mounted accordingly, either at the house or in
the shop. We have found it best to measure for the rollers by selecting
the most convenient place for the bracket and making the cloth to fit
the rollers. Figure 94 illustrates a modern window trim, showing by
crosses the most convenient places for placing shade brackets, those
enclosed in circles representing inside brackets and the plain crosses
outside brackets.

The illustration of a window’s elevation, Figure 78 in the chapter on
sash curtains, also shows the positions of double shades on the face of
the window frame--C, the roller of the light shade, and H the bottom of
the shade, and D the roller of the dark shade, with F the bottom of the
shade.

Always measure for shades with a rule, as tape-lines are unreliable,
and put down the measurement accurately in feet and inches, being
careful to make a decided stroke or dot between the feet and inches, as
2 = 2--6 × 9--0 means two shades two feet six inches wide by nine feet
long, and the obliteration of the strokes between vastly alters the
sizes.

If there is anything peculiar about the windows that should be noted
in their manufacture, jot it down also, leaving nothing to memory. In
measuring the length, allow about one foot extra for a couple of laps
around the roller when the shade is all pulled down. Austrian shades
need no extra length, but should just clear the sill when down full
length.

Shades running horizontally, as across the bottom of a skylight, are
treated exactly the same as explained for Figure 95, and if very large,
stretch a number of wires lengthways beneath the shade to help support
it.

Put up shade brackets with the slot or open bracket to the left side
of the window and the hole or closed bracket to the right, leaving a
little play between the brackets and the roller. Place the shade in the
brackets and pull it down full length. If the spring is too weak to
carry it up smartly, take it out of the brackets and roll it partly up,
replace it in the brackets and try it again. If still too weak, take it
out and roll up a little higher.

If the spring is too strong or will not allow the shade to come down
full length, take it out of the brackets when rolled up and unroll it a
little.

Do this until the roller will carry the shade smartly without too much
tension, and if you find the roller is not strong enough it is always
better to replace it with a heavier one before the customer makes a
complaint.

  [Illustration]

  [Illustration: _ARCHWAYS AND ALCOVES_

    Fig 103
    Fig 100
    Fig 100 C
    Fig 100 D
    Fig 101
    Fig 100 A
    Fig 100 B
    Fig 106 A
    Fig 102
    Fig 104
    Fig 105
    Fig 106]



                         ARCHWAYS AND ALCOVES


Given a straight opening, the average decorator will have no hesitancy
in suggesting numerous stock schemes of treatment, from the simple and
inexpensive to the most elaborate. But if the top of the opening is
curved, his difficulties are increased. In the chapters on scarf and
festoon draperies, we illustrated how draperies may be applied to the
face of a round top opening when the object is to decorate or relieve
the severity of the opening by partially concealing the outline. We
desire now to more particularly deal with a few cases which demand that
the opening be not concealed, but harmoniously decorated within its
prescribed limits.

Figure 100 illustrates an opening between two rooms, presumably a
drawing-room and dining-room, where a treatment is desired that will
admit of the opening being either completely or partially closed at
will. This is accomplished in this case by a pair of portières that
traverse freely on a pole placed at X, the spring of the arch; or if
this is considered too high the pole may be placed lower and the upper
treatment brought down to meet it. It is not wise, however, to leave an
opening less than six feet six inches in height beneath the pole. The
upper part of this arch is filled with a frame made as illustrated in
Figure 100 A and covered with the same material of which the curtains
are made. This is fastened beneath the arch by mirror plates (see
Figure 100 B), which are barely visible, and hold the frame securely in
place. If the curve of the arch is an unbroken line and the portière
curtains are desired to completely divide the rooms, the bottom of the
frame will look well straight, as illustrated, and the curtains are
suspended directly beneath it, as Figure 100 C, showing side detail of
frame and curtain.

If the pattern of the fabric, the motif appliqués, or the irregular
curves of the opening suggest an irregular curved bottom line, as
Figure 101, and perfect division is desired, two frames are used, as
Figure 100 D, with the curtains traversing between them, and the pole
placed high enough to be invisible, or if one room is less particular
than the other, the pole may be placed high enough on the back or least
particular side so as not to show from the other room, and a single
frame be used to fill the opening from the front room. For arches which
have large projections, as Figure 101, the frame is not usually made to
fit into all the _little_ irregularities of the plaster, but these
little irregularities are usually included in graceful sweeping curves,
which follow the general outlines of the projections, giving almost
as good effect as if it were made to fit closely. Of course we do not
mean that it is permissible to leave conspicuous openings between the
plaster and the frame, but as it will be found extremely difficult to
fit all the little projections in plaster ornamentation, we suggest the
advisability of including the lesser ornamentation in this way rather
than nicking out the edges so that it is neither square nor curving.

If, as frequently occurs, there is more light on one side of the arch
than on the other, and little points of light sift through, showing up
any irregularities from the dark side, a little chinking with a strip
of the same material will overcome this difficulty; but it must be
neatly done, and unless the frame is a very bad misfit it should not
require enough to be at all visible from either side.

In measuring curved openings for any purpose there is no method so
satisfactory as an accurate full-sized pattern, which may be marked,
cut, and tried into the opening before leaving the house. Figure 102
illustrates a splendid way of taking the shape of a plaster detail
where an exact fit is required. The pattern paper is held behind the
object, and with one point of a pair of dividers following the outline
the other point will tick off the corresponding points on the paper by
pressing it through the paper or marking with a lead pencil, and when
cut and fitted the detail may be attached to the rest of the pattern in
the proper position.

  [Illustration: Fig.126 B

The portière curtains may be attached to a pole as above mentioned to
secure complete division, but if the object is rather decoration, with
partial division, the method (illustrated in Figure 101) of suspending
the curtains from chains will be found pretty and effective, the chains
equalizing the irregular curves and keeping the tops of the curtains
straight. Portières can be hung in a shallow arched opening by using
the chains to equalize the sweep and allowing the curtains to hang
straight on a line with the spring of the arch. The chain used should
be of a fairly large pattern, and of metal and finish to harmonize
with its immediate surroundings. It is attached to the arch or frame
by cup hooks, and being in one continuous length (as illustrated) is
easily adjusted to the proper length before fastening permanently.

Figure 103 illustrates a round top opening treated with a pair of
shaped curtains shirred on a rod so as to leave a small heading all
around the curve, and is a very pretty way of treating a window or
doorway where the top of the curtains may remain fastened and need
not be disturbed for ingress or egress. The space left for the rod
should be made small enough to fit quite snugly to the rod and prevent
the weight of curtain from dragging the fullness down to the outside
corners; or if the material is very heavy a shirring tape is sewn in
separate from the rod, and stitched to the goods to keep the fullness
in shape, after which it is run on to the rod and placed in position.

Figure 104 is another variation of the same principle, showing a double
festooned curtain, which is very effective and largely used in arch
draperies. The lace curtains shown in this illustration are hung on
a separate rod, and so arranged that one does not interfere with the
other.

To plan the top of a shirred round-top curtain, lay out the full size
of your arch on a blackboard (as Figure 105), dividing it in the centre
by an upright line, as X--B. Locate the point where the curved top
leaves the straight side line, and mark it (as A in illustration).
The distance from this to the centre line, B--X, is the width of half
the space, and, therefore, the proportion of the space covered by one
curtain or width of goods, and the circling line from A to B represents
the shape to which the curtain is to be shirred.

  [Illustration]

It will be readily seen that the circle of the top must be increased in
proportion to the amount of fullness desired in the shirred curtain.
For example, say that the distance from A to line B--X is twenty
inches and the width of the curtain before shirring is fifty inches.
Spread out the goods on your cutting-table, and, taking the line E--C
of Figure 105 to be the top of the goods, measure down on the E or
left-hand selvage the distance from E, the top of the arch, to A, the
spring of the arch, and mark point A; now, with a cord fastened at
A, and the goods spread smoothly out, face side up, strike a quarter
circle, with C as a radius (line C--D, Figure 105); shift the cord to
C, and with A as a radius strike another line to intersect the first
one, thus locating point D, the point of intersection; shift the cord
again to point D, and with A as a radius strike another sweep toward
the upper right-hand corner until you cross point C.

The line thus drawn from A to C will be the top line of the curtain
that will shirr properly into the space A--B. Add sufficient for
heading and hem, before cutting, and trim to shape. If the curtain is
to hang as Figure 103, measure down the C selvage edge of the goods the
distance from top of arch to the floor, and trim squarely across for
the bottom of the curtain, the gathering and raking edge (Figure 103)
being formed by the looping up, as illustrated in Figures 34, B, C and
D, chapter on Scarf Draperies.

If the curtain is to hang as a double festoon curtain, as Figure 104,
sketch the curtain on your blackboard with the arch as Figure 105, and
after defining the top of the curtain on your goods as above explained,
measure the distance from B to G on your blackboard, and mark the same
distance on the edge of your goods from C downward.

This locates point F. Measure the distance from A to H (the top of the
seam) on your board and mark it on your goods exactly same size; add
trimming allowance as dotted line three inches extra at each end and
one and one-half inches in centre, and the piece of material defined
by points A, C, F and H will shirr and pleat correctly into the space
sketched on board, and defined by A, B, G and H. Pleat this up on the
board and trim the line H--G square. Measure the distance from H to
floor and cut a length of material, allowing a little for trimming.
Pleat this on the board also, allowing the bottom to clear the floor
nicely by a half inch, and not spreading beyond the points H and I.
Trim this corner dotted line H--I--G to fit the line H--G, and join to
the upper part, making as small a seam as possible, which is covered by
a cord, in Figure 104.

  [Illustration]

The back of the seam is bound by a piece of the material or lining, as
the case demands.

The Gothic arch illustrated in Figure 106 shows a case not often met
with, but serves to illustrate a principle of soft valance cutting
equally applicable to any shaped opening and any desired scallop.

The opening in question had an arching exposure into one room and a
square exposure into the other room. The square opening is simply
treated with a pair of portières, as Figure 106 A, the same showing
behind the valance in Figure 106. To plan the valance itself it is
necessary to have a full-size pattern of the arch, and on this as a
plan (106 B) sketch out the drapery actual size. Be sure to allow more
paper than is defined by the outline of the arch, as the details of the
pattern will probably go beyond the outline as in this case. Half
of the sketch only need be used, but it should be fairly correct in
outline and proportion. When satisfactorily sketched (as Figure 106 B)
detail the individual pipes and tails as follows:

If the pipes have been properly sketched it will be readily seen that
the side outlines converge toward the centre at the top, and diverge
from the centre at the bottom. Continue these lines upward until they
intersect as at U and V, Figure 106 B. This point will be nearer or
more distant according to the flare of the pipe at the base. With one
point of a pair of dividers at point U, and with the top of the pipe as
a radius, strike a line across and on each side of the pipe, as line
1--2; repeat at the bottom of the pipe, cutting through the front sides
and back of the mouth of the pipe, as dotted lines 13 and 14; place
one point of dividers at Y and with Z as a radius add a half inch for
fold, and strike to cross line 13 on each side; shift point of dividers
to this intersection on line 13, and with I as a radius strike to
intersect line 14, thus locating point 8 (Figure 106 B). Locate point
7 in the same way, and rule from 7 to Y and from 8 to Y, swinging the
line a little to include the intersection on line 13 a half inch from
point Z; rule also from all these points, 7--8--Z and Z to U, locating
points 1 and 2 where the outside lines cross the sweep at the top of
the pipe. Find all the points on the next pipe and mark and rule in the
same way. Continue the outlines of the first fold of the tail until
they meet at W; attach a cord there, and with chalk or pencil strike
circling lines at the top of the tail and at M, N, O, P, Q, R, S and T,
the bottom of the tail.

Place point of dividers at M, and with N as a radius add an inch and
strike to cross line NI, locating NX on line NI; measure from N to O
and lay out this distance, with an inch added, by placing dividers at
NX and crossing line OI, locating point OX; locate PX, QX, RX, and so
on, in the same way, and rule from NX to TX, striking each intersection
on the way, and also from each intersection to W, as dotted lines. When
all located the lines between 5--6--11 and 12 will be the outline of
the tail, those between 3--4--9 and 10 one of the pipes, and 1--2--7
and 8 the other pipe.

Now, lay the patterns over a soft board, and with a nail perforate the
outline of the arch from A to T, the outline of the drapery from G to
H, I to J and K to L, and also the outlining points of the pipes and
tail, namely, 1--2--7 and 8, 3--4--9 and 10, 5--6--11 and 12, and the
points NX, OX, PX, QX, RX and SX.

(_Continued on page 51._)

  [Illustration:

    Fig 111 A
    Fig 111 B
    Fig 111 C
    Fig 107 B
    Fig 108
    Fig 109
    Fig 109 A
    Fig 109 B
    Fig 110 G
    Fig 110 A
    Fig 110 E
    Fig 110]



                         ARCHWAYS AND ALCOVES

                      (_Continued from page 49._)


Now take a piece of paper about twice the size of your pattern paper
and lay your perforated pattern over it. A glance at 107 B, showing the
detailed drapery pattern, will show you how best to lay your pattern to
use the paper you have to advantage.

Commence by marking A--B--G and H through your perforations as well as
any perforations which may be included between these; shift No. 1 on
the pattern over point B, as marked through your perforation, and point
7 over point H, and mark out the perforations from 1 to 2 and 7 to 8;
shift C over mark 2 and I over mark 8, and mark from C to D and I to
J; shift 9 over mark J and 3 over D; mark the perforations included
between 3--4--9 and 10; shift E over mark 4 and K over 10, and mark E
to F and K to L; shift 5 over F and 11 over L, and mark all the points
of the tail pattern. When all complete the under paper should appear as
the outline of 107 B. Fold the pattern by following the lines of this
illustration, the plain parts all face the front and the shaded parts
all face the back of the drapery. As this is rather an intricate piece
of work we have given each move in detail, and would suggest that you
make a full-size plan of the pattern here illustrated to familiarize
the details.

Figure 108 illustrates a round-top window treatment made like the
foregoing, or either of these effects may be obtained by making
scalloped flat valances as explained in the chapter on that subject.

The round-top flat valances may also be used in conjunction with a
festoon drapery by providing apertures in the valance through which the
drapery is passed, as left side of Figure 109.

  [Illustration: Fig. 112]

To plan aperture pelmets for any purpose we prefer to sketch out the
full size of the pelmet on a blackboard and plan the points where the
apertures will be. Then lightly sketch the outlines of the drapery on
your board, as right side of Figure 109, and measure from your chalk
lines direct as follows: Take a small plumb line and allow it to fall
over the deepest part of the festoon, as illustrated; attach a tape at
D, festoon A, and allow it to drop down to X and around up to C; note
the measurement at X and record it, and also the distance from X to C,
which, in the case of a regular or equal-sided festoon, is the same;
measure from B to A in the same way, recording the distance on each
side of the line and also the distance from the top of the festoon to
the bottom of it, in line with the plumb line. Measure festoon B in the
same way, recording the distance on each side of the plumb line, and
also the depth.

These festoons are cut as explained in the chapters on French festoon
drapery and irregular festoon drapery, but we give the diagrams here as
an additional guide. (Note Figure 109 A and 109 B.)

The drapery illustrated in Figure 110 illustrates an irregular festoon
drapery, made to exactly fit the arch or opening. To plan this drapery
use the blackboard and full-size sketch as for last figure. After the
outline is sketched in and corrected to your satisfaction, flatten
the tops of the festoon by ruling lines from each end of the bottom
outline, as B to C dotted line, or from the outside extremity of one
bottom outline to the outside extremity of the next festoon, as A to B
and C to D dotted lines.

Drop a plumb line over the deepest part of each festoon and measure
the outlines as explained for Figure 109, recording the measurements
on the board; measure the distances of the straight dotted lines, tops
of festoons on each side of the cord, and also on each side of the
centre of the dotted line, recording the distances each way, and also
the distances from the centre of the dotted lines to the outline of the
arch.

  [Illustration: Fig. 111]

When all measured, take a large sheet of pattern paper and proceed to
mark out your pattern. Spread your paper on the table, the longest edge
of the paper even with the side of the table next to you, and on this
edge mark the measurement of the bottom line of festoon F, as recorded
on your board. (See Figure 110 A.) In this festoon the plumb line
crossed its centre and both sides measured equal, so, measuring each
way from the centre of your line, mark the ends B and C, distant 1--4
from X, the centre of your line; erect a perpendicular line twice the
length of the depth of the festoon, from dotted line to bottom line,
and in line with the plum line (twice 1--1½ = 2--3). At the top of this
line, or 2--3 from its base, draw another horizontal line parallel with
the bottom line, and on it, each side of the perpendicular line, mark
the distances recorded on your board each side of the plumb line; now,
with one end of a pair of dividers or cord at X (110 A), and with B--C
as radii, strike a quarter circle upward from these two points; with
one end of the dividers at C and one-third of the distance from C to X
as a radius strike an arc to intersect the first circle, locating C 1.
Repeat this arc at B and rule from B 1 to X, C 1 to X, B 1 to B X and C
1 to C X. Add trimming allowance at the sides, as dotted lines, three
inches extra at extremities and one and one-half inches in centre, and
round out the bottom from C 1 to B 1, as dotted line. This gives you
the shape of the pleated part of festoon F, and to this you must add
the plain piece above the dotted line.

From the centre of the top line of the festoon erect a perpendicular
line to correspond in length with the upright three-inch dotted line
at the top of festoon F (Figure 110); place one end of dividers at
this point D (Figure 110 A), and with a little more than half the
distance to C X as a radius strike an arc equal to a quarter circle.
Shift the dividers to C X with the same radius and strike an arc that
will intersect the first one at both extremities; repeat these with
the same radius from D toward B X and from B X (as illustrated), and
rule lines that will pass through both intersections of both arcs
until they themselves intersect at E; now, with one point at E and
B X as a radius you can sweep the same circle from B X to C X as is
outlined on your board of Figure 110. Festoon E and G of Figure 110,
and B of Figure 109, are measured and laid out in the same manner; the
measurements on each side of the perpendicular line corresponding with
those recorded each side of the plumb line, the points locating the end
of bottom lines raised one-third the distance from the end in question
to the perpendicular line, and the depth of the festoon doubled on the
perpendicular line to allow for pleating.

The draperies illustrated in Figures 109 and 110 are attached by rings
to bent poles inside the arch, to a light frame similar to Figure 100
A, or may be tacked to the arch itself.

A plan employed largely by French decorators is illustrated by Figure
111, combining the principles of the drapery and long curtain. The arch
here illustrated and detailed in Figure 111 A represents an arch 5--0
wide by 8--0 high. Add to these dimensions half as much again to the
width (2--6) and a like quantity (2--6) to the length; join the fabric
up to these increased dimensions (111 B), 7--6 x 10--6, and lay it
out flat on the table; from the centre of the top edge draw a line at
right angles to the top and as long as the quantity added to the length
(2--6), and on each side of this line mark on the top edge points equal
to half the quantity added (1--3), thus locating points C--D and E;
rule from C to E and E to D; add the trimming allowance, as dotted
lines, and cut this piece out.

Shirr these curved lines from C to D tightly (as illustrated 111 C) and
tack it in place at C--D (111 A); raise each outside edge until it just
clears the floor and tack it at E, the spring of the arch; edges C to A
and D to B are tacked around the curve from the centre as far as they
will reach, and the surplus between B and E is distributed into pleats
and the same repeated on the other side.

It is sometimes necessary to square the bottom edge if the goods
are very heavy, but the bottom can usually be kept square with
the pleating. To straighten the bottom tack the curtain in place
temporarily and allowing it to hang naturally, insert pins all along
the goods as it hangs at the floor line; trim off the surplus thus
marked, and finish the bottom with a hem, cord or fringe, and trim the
top with a gimp or large cord. This method is only suitable where the
fabric will not be disturbed, but is very effective as a background.

Figure 112, a combination of an embroidered flat valance and pair of
double festooned curtains, is very effective for large spaces. The
valance, made on a light frame or on buckram and tacked to the arch,
the tacks covered with a gimp in harmony with the embroidery, and the
curtains attached as explained for Figure 104.

The method of employing a blackboard and full-sized drawings mentioned
in the foregoing, with the explanation of festoon F (Figures 110 and
110 A) gives the fundamental principle of the blackboard system of
drapery cutting, and the principles therein suggested may be applied to
any explanation of drapery cutting which we have given by changing the
scale drawings to full-sized drawings and measuring the sketch with a
tape. It is not at all necessary that the outline of the festoons be
made up of accurate and true lines. If the general size and shape is
fairly correct you will find that the tape will hang true enough to
correct any deficiency in sketching.



                      PORTIÈRES · AND · APPLIQUÉS


As early as the year 1012 B.C., straight hanging portières for
connecting doorways were employed in the temple built by King Solomon.
In a modern house, portières are almost as important as doors. Aside
from the ready-made portières, which are manufactured in a variety of
patterns and materials, the demand for portière curtains specially
adapted to various rooms has resulted in a profusion of made-to-order
styles, a few of which we illustrate.

Among the fabrics most used are tapestries, brocatelles, damasks,
velvet, plush, plain and figured velours, armures, fancy reps and
serges, and for Summer furnishings, the lighter-weight fabrics, such as
taffetas, art tickings, cretonnes, denim and sateen, in almost endless
variety of shade and pattern.

In many cases the carpets and wall coverings are chosen and in place
before the portières are considered. This is unfortunate for the
drapery man, as it not infrequently happens that the unadvised or
overadvised purchaser has chosen colorings that bear no relation to
one another, so that to select a material for portières that will
harmonize with the carpet at its base and also with the side-wall
which it divides is a difficult proposition. Frequently the best that
can be done is to employ an unassuming neutral color that will not
offer a very decided contrast to either floor or side-wall, and then
introduce the colors of these other furnishings in a modified form in
the trimmings.

Where walls and floor are in harmony, or where the furnishings are
chosen together, it is a safe plan to build from the ground up,
allowing the portières to be slightly lighter in tone than the carpet,
and the over-draperies and side-wall in lighter tones still. This
applies equally whether the scheme be one of contrast, or analogy.

  [Illustration]

Considerable care must also be exercised as to the general effect of
plain or patterned fabrics in relation to floor and side-wall. As a
general rule avoid upright stripes for long, narrow doors, since the
stripes accentuate the slimness of the portières. Likewise avoid cross
stripes on short openings, as they decrease the height and increase the
width. Plain self-colored materials look larger than figured materials
unless the expanse of color is reduced by appliqué trimmings. Study the
effect you wish to produce and plan accordingly.

Some of the fabrics mentioned above are reversible, having a finished
surface on each side. These, as a rule, do not require lining unless
too light in weight or out of harmony with the colors of the adjoining
room. Other goods should be lined and--unless the goods are heavy
enough without it--interlined as well.

Figure 113, on the next page, illustrates the most common type of
portières made of a figured material and trimmed with a cord on one
side and bottom of each curtain.

Assuming that these are made of a reversible or double-faced material,
the goods are first spread on the table and the measurement of the
portière marked out. If the curtain length as marked spoils the pattern
at both top and bottom it is better to shift it up so that the bottom
pattern may be perfect (or both bottom and top if possible), add about
three inches to the net length of the curtain measurement and cut it;
match the next length to this one before making the second cut. If
it creates too great a waste and there should be more than one pair
required of the same material (the pairs not required to match each
other) cut a length for one of the other pairs and try the first pair
again. If this is no better and there are no other sizes to cut, try
the other end of the goods. Never cut to waste without trying every
plan you know for avoiding it, as a little planning will often pay for
itself in the amount of material saved.

  [Illustration: _PORTIÈRES AND APPLIQUÉS_

    Fig 114

    Fig 114 A

    Fig 113

    Fig 113 B

    Fig 114 A

    Fig 114 B

    Fig 113 A

    Fig 113 C

    Fig 117

    Fig 118

    Fig 117 A

    Fig 117 B

    Fig 117 C

    Fig 119

    Fig 120

    Fig 116

    Fig 115

    Fig 114 C

    Fig 114 D

    Fig 114 F

    Fig 115]

Assuming still that this is reversible material and the matched lengths
are ready for making, spread each length on the table and cut off the
selvage or part of it, according to the width of it, and turn or fold
the edge over as Figure 113 A to make a felled edge about three-eighths
of an inch wide, which is slip-stitched as illustrated. Be careful that
the stitches are taken between the threads of the goods and do not show
on the reverse side.

Fell the curtains on both sides and bottom, taking care not to stretch
the edge of the material in doing so, and leave the top as cut. When
all felled around, lay the fabric on the table with the bottom of the
curtain even with the end of it and the sides parallel with the table
top, mark the length of the finished curtain on the table as A Figure
113 B and fold the top of the curtain over as illustrated, making a
fold about two inches deep, which is stitched at X the bottom edge of
the fold and at O one-half inch above it.

The cord is sewn on as illustrated by Figure 113 C, holding both cord
and curtain loosely, so as not to stretch either, and pulling the
stitches barely taut.

A great deal of the difficulty in the hang of portières is caused by
the way in which the cord has been put on, and too much care cannot be
taken until one is expert enough to produce perfect results.

The right side of the curtain is considered to be that side from which
the hems were turned, and the cord is sewn from the right side, the
ends being securely fastened and sufficient fullness allowed at the
corners to turn them squarely.

In portières, as in draperies, cut the goods to be made with the
pattern running up, and the nap of pile goods running down. When not
shirred to the width of the space the portières are pleated to the
width, the pins being inserted between the two stitchings X and O,
Figure 113 B, and the pleats turning to the back edge of the curtain,
as Figure 113.

Figure 114 is an illustration of how a pair of portières can be applied
to a narrow door to give it the effect of greater width. Hung in this
way and for this purpose all woodwork must be hidden and the pole
projected forward far enough for the curtains to clear the face of the
door frame.

An appliqué lace is illustrated as a trimming on the left-hand curtain
(Figure 114), and the curtains are lined on the reverse side with a
fabric to harmonize with the surroundings in the next room.

  [Illustration]

To apply the trimming, the curtain is first tacked out flat on the
table face upward, true and even with the square table edge, and a
guide line ruled where the lace is desired to be.

Open-work appliqué trimmings are usually started from the corner,
and the trimming so planned that where the mitre is made a perfect
pattern is made and the surplus cut away. When all laid on in place
the trimming may be either basted, pinned or cemented, after which it
is taken up and sewn permanently. For pile goods a splendid method of
holding the trimming in place is to spread some paste on a piece of
paper and then press the wrong side of the trimming on to the paper
until it absorbs a quantity of the paste, then lay it on the fabric in
position and weight it until dry, after which it can be stitched.

After the trimming is stitched in place, lay the curtain on the table
face downward and turn a half inch (or more if desired) over on sides
and bottom, as illustrated in Figure 114 A and 114 B, and tack it
temporarily, taking care not to stretch the material, but keeping it
smooth and straight with the table; turn the surplus down at the top to
make it the length of the finished curtain, less whatever allowance is
necessary for cord or fringe, which projects beyond the bottom edge,
and so must be included in the length of the curtain.

Lay the lining over it, as Figure 114 B, turning under sufficient at
sides and bottom to make it equal to the width of the tapestry or chief
fabric of the curtain. Tack only half of this, as illustrated, and
then fold the free half back over the tacked half and knot--stitch the
lining and fabric together, as shown in 114 C. Pass the needle between
the threads of each material in such a manner that the stitch will
not show through on the right side of the curtain, and knot it to one
fabric only.

When all knot-stitched, using one, two or more rows, according to the
weight, texture and value of the fabric, finish tacking the lining,
turning under the edges as before and baste the fabrics together all
around, using a stitch similar to that illustrated in Figure 114 A,
which holds the folded edge well in place.

Stitch the top across twice, as X--O, Figure 114 E, and then pin the
curtains temporarily to a try-pole to see if either side sags down and
looks baggy. If it does so the bottom basting must be taken out and the
excessive fullness allowed to hang free until both fabrics hang square
and flat together; then pin the two fabrics about four inches from the
bottom, so that neither can shift, lay it on the table, and, turning in
the bottom evenly as at first, baste it once more and test it on the
pole.

If flat and even this time without sagging, it may be removed and
slip-stitched all around, holding the edges as basted and using the
stitch illustrated in Figure 114 D.

The curtain is then corded as explained in connection with illustration
Figure 113 C, and if the lining is a different color and sufficiently
important to require it, the cord should either be a mixture of the
two colors or two separate cords should be put on, each sewn from and
matching the color of its own side.

If the tops are to be pleated and pinned, as Figure 113, the pins are
inserted between the stitches X and O, Figure 114 E; but if they are to
be shirred, as Figure 114 A, a tape is run between the stitches X and
O, and hooks placed in between the tops, as A, Figure 114 E, and sewn
to the tape, after which the spaces between the hooks are stitched at
intervals to keep the two fabrics up in position.

Where price limitations do not exist a more satisfactory portière can
be made by using an interlining of sateen, canton, or shaker flannel
the bottom of which contains small vertical pockets, as Figure 114 F,
which are filled with shot and sewn up. These are made by turning up
the bottom of the lining about three inches and running it through the
machine, as indicated by the arrow. It will be noticed that the pockets
are heavier or a little closer together at the corners to increase the
weight there and correct the tendency to flare common to a pleated
or shirred curtain. This weighted interlining is placed in position
before putting on the lining in Figure 114 B, and is included in the
knot stitching and basting; the edge of it, however, is trimmed even
and lies between the turned-in edges of the two fabrics without itself
being turned in. When weighted interlinings are used with extra-heavy
corners the fabrics should be knot-stitched together, say four inches
from each outside edge and down the middle for ordinary fifty-inch
material (three rows in all). There is a tendency on the part of a
great many fabrics to sag or stretch down with their own weight after
hanging for some time. The best way we have found to correct this is
to stretch the material between clamps, as Figure 115, allowing the
tension to remain on the material for about twelve hours, after which
it is made up in the usual way.

  [Illustration]

Figure 116 illustrates a pair of portières with a leather or embroidery
appliqué corner which is applied as already explained for lace
appliqué, making a very rich and effective portière. When made to order
it is possible to have the embroidering done on the fabric itself,
making thereby a better finished and more durable article.

The French heading illustrated in Figure 117 is made as explained by
drawings 117 A and 117 B, showing the front and back views of the
double box pleat which is opened out into the heading after having been
sewn to the hook. This heading requires a special hook having upright
arms which support the top of the heading and are something after the
style of Figure 117 C.

Figure 118 is an illustration of a tapestry panel made up as a portière
by bordering it with a plain material, such as velours or plush; they
are made with very little fulness in width, and are effective for den,
library or smoking-room curtains.

A great variety of gimps, cords, edgings, galoons and appliqués are
procurable for trimmings, each applicable to specific requirements,
while a combination of two fabrics in the way of bands or borders, as
Figure 118, and the right-hand curtain of Figure 114, is also most
effective, and allows an assembling of colors and shadings not easily
produced in any other way.

Figures 119 and 120 illustrate two kinds of portière poles for use on
a doorway where it is necessary to have the portière swing open as a
door, or with a door which it covers. The principle of each can be
readily seen without explanation, and they serve a useful purpose where
such fixture is desired.

Figure 119 is self-supporting, and is independent of the door unless
provided with bracket X. Figure 120 is dependent on the door for
support at one end, and is hinged just in line with the hinge of the
door. The small bracket at the left of the hinge is equipped with a
set screw, which holds the pole rigid, while the right-hand bracket is
provided with a large opening through which the pole slides with the
opening of door. Portières are usually made to just clear the floor,
and should be suspended from rings which traverse freely on the poles.
Appliqués look best on plain materials. Materials with prominent
patterns are better without them.



                            BED · DRAPERIES


Bed draperies should be planned and constructed to carry out the style
and design of the bed itself, and should never appear obtrusive. Care
should be particularly exercised in sleeping apartments that the
draperies, furniture, floor and wall coverings merge into one complete
harmonious whole without a discordant note.

The conformation of the draperies has much to do in determining the
artistic atmosphere of a room, and may suggest vivacity, dignity,
restfulness, solemnity or depression, according to the design and the
style of material. The application of style and design to particular
purposes is not governed by rules as fixed as the harmony of color, and
doubtless every decorator of experience has seen scores of treatments
which have impressed him as being in bad taste and unrelated to their
surroundings, yet these treatments must have pleased somebody.

The salesman who told a lady customer that _good taste_ was what
_she_ liked best was not far astray in his definition, and it
would be folly for any of us to say what is and is not absolutely good
taste. We would, however, suggest that the purpose for which a room is
used should govern to a very large extent the nature and character of
the furnishings, and that the more exclusive the purpose so it should
be with the furnishings.

This was hardly the thought prevalent in ancient times, judging from
the examples extant, but is more in touch with latter-day thought and
tendency.

Students of period draperies soon reach the conclusion that there is
very little really new, and we think this is particularly true of bed
draperies. In bed draperies the French decorators of the Sixteenth
and Seventeenth Centuries are still pre-eminent, and we reproduce for
purposes of explanation a few of the best examples of these periods.

  [Illustration:

    Fig 116

    Fig 116 A

    Fig 116 B

    Fig 117

    Fig 120

    Fig 121]

Figure 113 is a type of the elaborately upholstered bed of the
Pompadour period and contains much that is graceful and applicable to
present-day decoration, the entire canopy arrangement being worthy of
reproduction in toto.

While it is not customary at present to upholster beds (head-board,
foot and side-rails), except for purposes of exact reproduction, it
would not be amiss to explain in passing the steps taken in producing
the different styles of tufting shown in our illustrations.

The biscuit tufting of Figure 113 is usually made small and shallow
as compared with other styles, the squares composing the tuft seldom
running larger than two inches. To mark off the surface of the article
for tufting find the centre each way and draw lines as dotted lines
1----1, 2----2, Figure 113 A, being careful to make them perfectly
perpendicular and horizontal, as governed by the outline of the space
to be tufted. Measuring from the centre lines draw other lines every
three inches until you reach to within three inches of the outline of
the space, thus dividing the surface into three-inch squares, as dotted
lines, Figure 113 A. Rule diagonal lines, as A, B, C, to cut through
the intersections of the dotted lines, and make these diagonal lines
sufficiently heavy to be legible when tufting, as the smaller squares
enclosed by the diagonal lines outline the size of the tufts and the
intersection of the diagonals mark the points for the buttons. (See
Figure 113 B.) When all the lines have been drawn the article is ready
for tufting, but the cover must also be marked for buttoning before it
can be applied with any degree of success.

To ascertain the size of the covering needed, count the number of
squares diagonally from one extremity to the other, thus from C to C,
Figure 113 A, numbers ten squares, and ten also from A to A; now take
the size of the dotted line squares first marked on Figure 113 A (three
inches), and multiply the number of diagonal squares by the size of the
dotted squares, which gives us the size of the covering as 30 x 30
inches; add an inch all around for tacking, and a piece of covering 32
x 32 will be the size required.


  [Illustration: Fig 113

    Fig 114 A

    Fig 114 B

    Fig 119

    Fig 114

    Fig 115]

For spaces such as 113 A, where the surface is longer than wide, it is
possible to economize in covering by joining two pieces together on the
centre line of tufting, B----B; take width from the lower right hand C
to the upper B, nine squares, and the number from B----B to A, upper
right hand corner, five squares, and multiply each by three inches,
as before, and we find that two pieces, 27 x 15 inches, with tack
allowance added, will be sufficient to cover the spaces thus divided by
line B----B.

The covering is turned face downward upon the table and divided into
the requisite number of three-inch squares, leaving the tacking
allowance beyond the outside lines and keeping the lines parallel with
the edges of the material, similar to Figure 114 B.

Attach the centre mark of the lowest line on your material to X, the
lowest button mark on your tufting surface on line A, Figure 113 A, and
temporarily tack the next marks on the bottom line at X----X, Figure
113 B. Stuff the fullness thus allowed between your button and X----X,
and then put in button B, as Figure 113 B; the space between A----B and
X forms a triangular pocket of fabric, which is stuffed up plumply and
button pulled into place by following the marks on cover and tufting
surface; the rest of the tufting now is a repetition of this procedure,
stuffing up the three-cornered pocket, pulling in the fourth button to
complete the square, and forming the surplus from button to button into
a straight pleat. When all filled the edges are stuffed up plumply and
tacked all around, the surplus fullness around the edge being formed
into pleats running outward from the outside row of buttons, as Figure
113 B.

This is by no means an easy task for a novice, but patience and
perseverance will accomplish the result, and the method of square
marking for the covering and diagonals intersecting similar sized
squares on the article will give the proper allowance for fullness for
all sizes and nearly all coverings.

Square or bun tufting, as shown in Figure 114, is marked as Figure 114
A, dividing the space into three-inch squares (or larger, if desired)
and the covering marked also into squares (as Figure 114 B) from one
to one a-half inches larger than those on the surface of the article.
Thus, for three-inch squares, rule your cover into four and one-half
inch squares and add tacking allowance. The size of the covering can
easily be ascertained, as you need the same number of four and one-half
inch squares of covering as there are three-inch squares marked out for
tufting.

Put in the entire bottom row of buttons and the first one of the next
row (Figure 114 A), forming the triangular pockets, which are stuffed
as explained above for biscuit tufting.

The diamond tufting of Figure 115 is made in a slightly different way,
but the principle is the same. Rule the cross lines 1----2----3----4
as Figure 115 A, line 3, say three inches from the bottom, line 2, six
inches above line 3, and line 1 three inches higher again.

Divide lines 1, 2, 3 and 4 into three-inch spaces, as shown on line
1, A----B----C, etc.; rule from B on line 2 to A on line 3, and also
to C on line 3; rule from C on line 2 to B and D on line 3, and also
from A on line 2 to B on line 3, continuing this until the surface is
all marked, as Figure 115 A. This will give you a row of intersecting
diagonal lines between lines 2 and 3 and marks the diamonds for buttons
by following the intersections.

To measure the space for covering, measure from A to B, to C to D, and
so on to G, adding one and a-half inches to the distance between each
letter for fullness. Measure from 4 to 3 to 2 to 1 in the same way,
adding one and a-half inches to each space, so that a panel the size of
115 A, which measures 12 x 18 inches, requires a piece of covering 18
x 27 inches, with an allowance of another inch all around for tacking
(20 x 29). Mark the covering, as Figure 115 B, which shows the one and
a-half inches added to the spaces between the upright lines and also to
the spaces between the cross lines.

Put in the first row of buttons and draw the bottom edge of the goods,
which lies directly in line with each button, straight down, and tack
it temporarily there. This will form a series of pipes all across the
bottom; stuff evenly and plumply, and commencing in the centre stuff
up all the space between the first row of buttons and the second line;
pull the cover down over this by pulling the button mark on the cover
down to the button mark on the line, and put in the button, forming
the surplus material diagonally from button to button into a pleat,
as illustrated (Figure 115 A). Continue this row and the rest in like
manner, folding the pleats downward and facing each other in pairs, as
indicated by arrows. Finish the top with a row of pipes similar to the
bottom, stuff up all the edges and tack them, drawing all the surplus
fullness into pleats from each button of the outside rows, and rounding
the edges down to the place where finished off by tacking.

Beneath the rail of Figure 113 a short piped valance fills the space
to the floor. It is slightly pleated between the pipes, so that the
pleats fall into festoon shape, and is also an effective valance for
cosey corners and chairs. Mark out on a paper, Figure 116, the exact
appearance of a portion of the valance, including two pipes and the
space between; erect perpendicular lines A and B through the centre of
each pipe, measure the width of the pipes at bottom and top, the length
from top to bottom, the distance between D----C at the top and the
distance around the curved bottom line between A----B at the bottom,
recording the measurements as here shown.

  [Illustration: _COLONIAL BEDROOM_]

Take a large piece of paper, and using the longest edge of it as the
bottom line A----B, Figure 116 A, mark off the distance of the bottom
edge of the festoon (1----9); from the centre of this space erect a
perpendicular line E----E at right angles to the bottom line, and
as long as twice the length of the pipe (2----0); at the top of the
perpendicular line rule another horizontal line parallel with the
bottom line or the edge of your paper, and with the perpendicular line
as your centre, locate points C and D, exactly as on your drawing 116.

With E as your centre and A----B as radii (116 A), strike a half circle
to connect A and B; with B as a centre and one-quarter the distance to
E as a radius, strike an arc to intersect the half circle and locate
point A----1, and repeat at B to locate B----1; rule from B----1 and
A----1 to E, from A----1 to C and from B----1 to D, defining the
general outline of the festoon-like section between the pipes.

  [Illustration: Fig 123]

Reverting again to Figure 116 the bottom of the pipe measures four and
one-half inches across the face when pressed flat; double this to get
the circumference, which would be nine inches; rule a horizontal line
from point A----1 (116 A) parallel with the bottom line and nine inches
in length; erect a perpendicular line, X----X, from the centre of it,
and on the perpendicular mark the length of the pipe as shown on your
drawing (1----0); at the top of this line lay out the size of the top
circumference of the pipe, which is double the face measurement, and
locate points G and G four and one-half inches apart; rule from G to
A----1, round out the bottom line from A----1 to B----1 as dotted line,
add the trimming allowance between C and G, dropping about two inches
to F, midway between lines C and G as dotted line; fold the paper on
line X----X and cut out the festoon and half the pipe, as outlined
by X----A1----E----B1----D----C----F----G and X, together with the
paper folded underneath, which will give you when opened the pattern
of two festoons and one pipe, as Figure 116 A, which may be repeated
indefinitely by joining the pieces at F so that the seams are hidden
behind the pipe.

To pleat the festoons shirr from C to F and D to F tightly on a stout
thread, fasten F----F together, drawing the pipe together at the back,
and fold the top of the pipe down behind to finish even with the top
of the festoons. Tack the whole to a slat or to the bottom of the bed
itself and straighten out the pipes and pleats to hang nicely and
uniformly.

By increasing the depth of the festoon to (2----8) twice the depth of
the festoon drawn in Figure 116 (1----4) and adding rosettes, made
as explained in chapter on pleated valances and lambrequins, a more
elaborate effect is obtained, as Figure 116 B, suitable for other
purposes where a simple valance is required. The canopy is made on a
frame shaped like Figure 117, suspended by brass chains or wire from
the ceiling or wall, and supports the curtains at sides and back, in
addition to the drapery which completes the canopy. The side curtains
are made about a foot longer than the distance from floor to canopy,
and caught up with rosettes or loops, as explained in chapter on scarf
draperies.

The festoon-like pleats in the top of the curtain are obtained by
cutting out sections of the top of the curtain, similar to the piece
defined by points E----1, E----1, and F, in Figure 118, the total
amounts cut out consuming the fullness allowance, as, for instance, a
piece of forty-eight inch material pleated to twenty-four inches would
have two triangles of eight inches removed, as Figure 119, and a half
triangle of the same size taken off each corner; by shirring the raking
edges the pleats are obtained and the fullness consumed.

The drapery of Figure 113 is made up of triple-pleated festoons, made
as follows: Sketch out the festoon as you desire to pleat it, either
full size on your blackboard or to a reduced scale on paper, the large
lower pleats occupying two-thirds of the depth, and the small upper
pleats the remaining one-third, as Figure 120; measure the distance
around the bottom of the festoon from A to B, the depth from E to X,
and also from C to E and D to E, recording the distance on your drawing.

The bottom line and the depth of the festoon pattern, Figure 118,
are planned as a regular festoon, so draw the bottom line, A to B,
locate the points A1----B1 one-sixth of and above the bottom line, as
explained for straight festoons; rule the perpendicular centre line
E----X as long as twice the depth recorded on Figure 120, and rule the
top line parallel to and almost as long as the bottom line.

  [Illustration: Fig 124]

  [Illustration: Fig 125]

Now take one-quarter of the measurement between C----D, Figure 120, and
mark it on your top line, so that half of it lies on each side of your
centre line E, thus the distance between C----D is eighteen inches,
one-quarter of it is four and one-half inches, and two and one-quarter
inches on each side of the centre line locates E1 and E1 four and
one-half inches apart.

Now take the distances recorded between C and E and E and D on your
sketch, and mark these distances outward on the top line from E1
and E1, which will give you the size of the top of the festoon and
locate points C and D on your pattern. Mark F about one-quarter of the
distance from E to X on your pattern (Figure 118); rule from F to E1 on
each side, A1 to C and B1 to D, add pleating allowance, as dotted lines
on raking sides of festoon, hollow out the U-shaped marked at E, as
dotted line, round out the bottom of festoon, and cut out the pattern,
shirr the edges from E----1 around to E----1 on a stout thread, and
pleat the raking outside edges up as an ordinary straight festoon.
(See explanation in chapter on French festoons.)

The ruffle which surmounts the drapery and forms a trimming at the edge
of the canopy (Figure 113) consists of a piece of material pleated in
such a manner that the pleats are smaller at the bottom than at the
top. It is made separately, and either joined to the drapery or put on
over it. The size and number of the little cone-like pleats are matters
of personal taste, and the principle of making is the same for all
sizes and shapes.

On a fair-sized piece of paper draw out exactly two pipes and the
space between as you desire it to look when finished (see Figure 121).
Continue the side outlines of the pipes downward until they meet, as
A----A. This, of course, will be nearer or more distant according to
the flare of the top of the pipe. Place point of dividers at A, and
using the length of the pipe as a radius, strike a quarter circle
through and on each side of the top of the pipe, as line B----B; now
draw perpendicular lines passing up through the centre of each pipe and
at right angles to the straight bottom line of the ruffle.

Place one point of dividers at C, where upright line intercepts the
circling line, B----B, and with a little more than D----D as radii,
sweep to cross the line B----B on each side; place dividers at the
point where your sweep crossed B----B, with the same radius, and strike
another line to cross B----B and locate E, and rule from E and D to
A on each side of the pipe; with dividers at A, and with the bottom
of the pipe as a radius strike another quarter circle as H----H, the
points where dotted lines D and D cross H----H locate G----G, and where
dotted lines E and E cross H----H, F----F are located; mark the place
where the perpendicular line crosses H----H as X, which is shown on the
middle pipe, and the pattern is ready for punching.

Note instructions for punching pattern of Figure 107 A in chapter on
archways, and follow the same procedure with this pattern, punching
points E----D----C----D----E at the top, and F----G----X----G----F at
the bottom. You will notice that letters E----D----D----E----F, G----G
and F outline the pipe and show the lines for folding, while the space
enclosed between C----C----X----X is the pattern of the plain piece
between the pipes; now by shifting the pattern as explained for Figure
107 B, in above mentioned chapter, and marking through the perforations
you will have a pattern outlined by the same letters as Figure 122;
rule from point to point and you have the complete pattern of one pipe
and the space between it and the next one, by repeating this, as shown
in Figure 122 A, you may make the ruffle any required length, stiffen
with wiggin holland or buckram and pleat as indicated by lines in
pipes, the shaded portions of Figure 122 A going to the back of the
pipe, and the points C E----C E and X F----X F meeting and fastened
together. The completed ruffle is now sewn to the top of the festoons
and the seam finished with a cord, as Figure 113.

Figure 114 illustrates the application of straight top festoons to
a molded canopy frame, the roof of which is shirred to a centre in
sunburst effect.

Figure 115 shows a ruffle or piped heading similar to Figure 113 with
larger spaces between the pipes, and the method of detailing the
pattern is the same as already explained.

Figure 123 illustrates a dome shaped canopy supported by a molded
cornice, and is more simple of construction than at first appears; the
molded cornice needs no further explanation than the front view, Figure
123, and the side view, Figure 123 A.

The construction of the dome can easily be followed by Figures 123 B
and 123 C; a light hardwood circular frame is first marked at intervals
around the outer edge where the ribs are desired to be, and a number
of straight iron wires about one-eighth of an inch in diameter are
inserted by boring holes in the edge of the frame, driving in the
wires as C, in 123 D, after which tacks are driven in beside the
holes to swell the fibres of the wood against the wire, and the wires
bent upright as A and B of this illustration. Each separate wire is
bent to take the shape of the rib, and all are fastened at the centre
temporarily; when all are thus fastened, commence winding the three
wires composing each rib, binding them solidly together with soft twine
continuing to the centre, then turn the wires sharply aside, in line
with the next rib, to which the ends are then bound, and the winding
repeated on each rib.

  [Illustration:

    Fig 123 A
    Fig 123 B
    Fig 123 C
    Fig 123 D
    Fig 122
    Fig 122 A
    Fig 118]

It is desirable that no wires be permitted to continue across the
centre, but that all should turn back, leaving the centre free from the
thickness that would be occasioned by the crossing and recrossing of
the wires.

  [Illustration: EMBROIDERED LACE CURTAINS AND BONNE FEMMES--IRISH
    POINT, RENAISSANCE AND MARIE ANTOINETTE.]

By crossing twines on the frame and dropping a plumb line over the
intersections, the centre of the dome may be kept in line with the
centre of the open frame (see Figure 123 C).

When the ribs are all in position wire loops are run around the ribbed
circle inside, at different heights, to strengthen them and preserve
the globular shape. The framework is then covered with canvas, and each
panel (the space between two ribs) is padded with some soft material
evenly distributed and covered with cotton, after which the covering
material is put on, a row of stitching holding all firmly to each rib
and a cord covering the stitching.

The drapery beneath the cornice of Figure 123 combines the festoon
and straight valance principles which have been already explained in
former chapters, and the small drapery above the embroidery is put on
separately.

The four-poster of Figure 124 shows the application of a straight box
pleat in keeping with the architectural lines of the bed, and any of
the draperies shown herewith may be applied to four-post beds if the
general outline and style of the draperies conforms to the general
construction of the bed itself.

In Figure 125 we illustrate a French canopy which adapts itself
very readily to the decoration of brass beds. The dome is formed of
panels of buckram or cardboard, cut to shape, and covered with the
fabric, plain or pleated; the panels are then sewn together with the
baseball stitch, previously illustrated, and a hoop fastened inside
the bottom to preserve the shape. If heavy fabrics are desired for
curtains, drapery and covering, the dome should be more substantially
constructed, as described for Figure 123, dispensing with the molded
cornice if desired.

Bed canopies, no matter how light, must be carefully put up and
securely fastened to avoid accident.

The back curtains, which appear in almost all of the illustrations
presented herewith, are in some cases attached to the side curtains, so
that the fabric is continuous from fringe to fringe, those of Figures
123 and 125 being so planned.

The back curtain of Figure 124 is shirred on a rod top and bottom,
and stretched into pleats, while those shown in Figures 113, 114 and
115 may be treated similarly, or, as illustrated, pleated into long,
sweeping pleats. The material is joined up, allowing nearly half as
much again to the width, say a piece 6--- 9 for a 4--- 6 bed, and allow
a like quantity (2--- 3) in addition to the required length.

Spread the material out on the table, find the centre of the top,
and measure each way on the top edge a distance of eighteen inches;
measure down each side from the top corner the distance you have
allowed (2----3), and rule from these marks to the extremities of your
eighteen-inch marks; add outside of this the allowance for tacking and
trimming and trim off the corner, which means that you remove from
each corner a piece of material measuring about 20 x 24 inches, and
triangular in shape. Tack the straight top to the back of the canopy,
centering the goods (3----0) in the space (4----6) and pleat up the
biased corners into the remaining spaces at each side.



              TRAVERSE, · DROP · AND · THEATRE · CURTAINS


Where curtains, while possessing decorative properties, are also to
form a complete or partial screen at will, it is essential that their
manipulation be simple and easy. For curtains which travel to and fro
on a straight pole while hanging at full length traverse cords are
effective. This is accomplished by means of two pulleys, as Figure 126,
the pulley marked A being a double pulley and B a single pulley. The
curtains are pleated up to the required width so that they just nicely
fill the space, and are hooked, pinned or sewn to the rings. Place
the pulleys in position even with the outer edges of the curtains and
thread a small braided sash cord (well stretched) through the single
pulley B; carry the doubled cord over to A and measure the distance,
the ends will have to fall below A to bring them within easy reach;
allow a couple of feet extra on one of the cords, and cut. Without
allowing the cords to shift in the single pulley fasten the short cord
to D, the right hand corner of the left curtain, and thread the end
through the double pulley.

Fasten the longer cord to the corresponding ring at C on the right-hand
curtain and thread it through the other groove of the double pulley. By
pulling E (Figure 126), the shorter cord, the curtains will separate
each way from the centre, and as this cord descends the F cord ascends,
the cords traveling in the direction of the arrows, and by pulling F
the curtains draw together again.

Adjust the cords so that when F, the closing cord, is taut the curtains
will meet exactly in the centre of the pole, and also so that E, the
opening cord, is a foot higher than F when the curtains are closed.

Finish the cord ends with a weighted tassel, and, as will readily be
seen, it is only necessary to pull the higher tassel at any time to
alter the position of the curtains.

To insure easy manipulation, it is necessary to have the rings large
enough to travel freely upon the pole, and if the curtains are heavy
the rings should be provided with small wheels or rollers which run
upon the pole. The rings should also be free from any projections that
would catch the cord, and the hooks or pins should have the points bent
back into the fabric so that the cord cannot get caught thereon.

  [Illustration: Fig 129]

  [Illustration: Fig 127]

  [Illustration: Fig 126]

This method is employed for sun or draught curtains, and sometimes for
small concert curtains. Another method of curtain manipulation in which
the curtains draw up in drapery form is illustrated by Figure 127.
To accomplish this effect the pair of curtains are pleated to size,
as back view Figure 127 A. Spread flat on the floor, and with a cord
attached at A, the inside corner of the curtain, a quarter circle is
struck from the outside corner to a corresponding position on the front
edge of the curtain.

  [Illustration: FIG. 129 A.]

  [Illustration: FIG. 127 A.]

Rings are sewn to this line, and a cord which is attached to B is
threaded through the rings, passed over a pulley at C, and across and
over a large pulley at D, and brought down to the floor, as E.

A pull on the cord at E now causes the cord to draw up through the
rings on the curtain, the material gathering into folds because of its
weight, and the release of the cord allows the curtain to swing back
again into place. By arranging both curtains in this manner and drawing
them simultaneously a pretty draped opening is produced, as Figure 127.

For a heavy pair of curtains, attach the cords, after passing over
pulley D, to a counter weight, and either attach a separate cord to the
B cord immediately above A, the centre of the curtains, and bring it
over D and down to F, so that a pull at F sets the pulley and weight in
motion; or arrange as explained later for Figure 129 A.

If it is desired that the front edges may draw completely up to the
pulley, forming two festoons, as Figure 128, more sweep must be allowed
on the front edge than on the top, and can be easily calculated by
moving the stationary end of the marking cord out beyond A the distance
desired to give the required sag to the bottom edge when drawn up (see
X, Figure 127 A, and the dotted sweep).

Figure 129 illustrates a drop curtain made after the style of Austrian
shades, as explained in the chapter on blinds and shades. The back
view (Figure 129 A) shows the method of running the lines to a counter
weight, which balances the weight of the curtain and is controlled by
two lines--J, leading from the weight to the small pulley F, and down
to the floor pulley I; H, the other line, leading from the weight down.

As will be readily seen, this line is continuous from the top of the
weight around to the bottom of it, and the curtain is raised by pulling
line H, which lowers the weight and is lowered by pulling line J.

  [Illustration:

    Fig 128

    Fig 132

    Fig 131

    Fig 130

    Fig 130 A]

We have used the plans outlined by Figures 127 and 129 for temporary
drop curtains forty feet high by eighty feet wide with complete
success. The back view of Figure 129 A illustrates the method employed
for swinging a temporary drop curtain of these dimensions across a hall
that had no curtain facilities, bare walls and rounded ceiling, it
being accomplished by three groups of stay lines (B) drawn up through
the ceiling, each line adjusted to the proper tension while slightly
hoisted, and the curtain itself attached to batten D, which is built up
of 1 x 4-inch stuff to aggregate 2 x 4 inches. The top of the curtain
remains stationary, the bottom shirring to the desired height, the deep
flounce forming a decoration to the bottom edge when in either position.

  [Illustration: BRISE-BISES SUSPENDED FROM CURVED RODS AND AUSTRIAN
    SHADES THAT CURVE TO MEET THEM.]

The drawn lines K are attached to the bottom batten C, and are adjusted
evenly over the individual pulleys L, and all carried over E and
attached to G, the counter weight. To prevent the draught from blowing
the curtain out small loops of stiff wire, as M, Figure 129 A, are
attached to the sides of the curtain, and traverse freely up and down
the guide wires A--A.

Should a curtain of this sort be desired as a permanent theatre
curtain, it may be prettily made as Figure 130, which is drawn up by
means of strips of webbing or leather, which pass through covered metal
keepers on the face of the curtain and are attached to the bottom
batten.

These pass over pulley wheels at the top, as Figure 130 A, and are
fastened to a bar counter weight which balances the weight of the
movable portion of the curtain, and is put in motion by causing the
shaft to revolve in the desired direction. The theatre curtain which
rolls from the bottom, as Figure 131, is fastened to a batten at the
top and a roller attached to the bottom. The method of constructing the
roller is shown in Figure 132. A sufficient number of six-inch circles
of clear pine are procured to allow of one being placed every twelve
inches, and these are sheeted round with ¾ × 2-inch strips of clear,
straight pine, kiln dried, each piece securely fastened with screws to
every circle it touches, and the joins all made where supported by a
circle. The whole roll is then wrapped with a strip of coarse canvas
plentifully supplied with a solution of hot glue, care being exercised
to keep the wrapping uniform and tight.

The roller is made long enough to contain a large spool at each end,
and works equally well at the bottom of the curtain, where it rolls
up with it, or at the top, where it revolves in brackets and winds
the curtain up. The rope which causes the roller to revolve is first
wound around the spool a couple of times when the curtain is altogether
rolled up, and as the curtain is unrolled, the spools take up a
sufficient quantity of rope, so that pulling the rope causes the spool
to revolve and the curtain to roll up.

Some of the more recent theatre curtains are stretched on a frame like
a picture and rise flat, like the lower sash of a window. They are not
difficult of manufacture, but require that the proscenium and fly loft
be as high again as the stage opening, and the curtain is arranged with
counter weights and side guides, as Figure 129 A.

If you consider the batten D of Figure 129 A as the top of the fly
loft, and batten C as the top of the curtain, the lines K are correctly
placed to raise the curtain until C comes in contact with the pulleys
L. The whole frame will have then been drawn up this distance, and it
is only necessary to have batten D high enough to permit of the curtain
being drawn out of sight.

We show the hand line E on Figures 131 and 127 A to illustrate its
position if the curtains should be manipulated by hand without a
counter weight, but for permanent curtains the plan of 129 A, with the
continuous operating line, will be found much better.

  [Illustration: _LOUIS XVI_]

  [Illustration: _LOUIS XIV_]



          INTERIOR · GROUPING. COSEY · CORNERS. WALL-HANGINGS


That there is a knack in the selection and disposition of furniture
beyond the haphazard placing of odd pieces inside four walls is a fact
admitted by housekeepers generally. That this knack is possessed in a
very limited degree by the average housekeeper is impressed again and
again on the mind of the observant decorator.

We have heard the statement that houses decorated and furnished by
the professional decorator lack that something--that indefinable
charm--which can only be imparted by the touch of the homemaker woman.
In other words, that man can make houses but woman makes homes.
This is beautiful as a theory, but as a matter of fact the average
drawing-room--woman’s particular care--contains enough incongruities to
shock the artistic sense of the most liberal-minded of decorators.

The writer does not lay claim to any special dispensation of taste nor
any extraordinary degree of artistic training, but he has seen scores
of rooms which by their furniture selection and arrangement were a
jumble of inarticulate profanity and defeated the purpose for which
they were intended.

I have in mind the drawing-room of a wealthy dry goods merchant (who
is something of a curio hunter), that is, considering the individual
pieces, rich and sumptuous, but the assembled whole is such a
conglomeration of style, design and color that it gives one the
impression of a bazaar.

Another expensively furnished drawing-room which occurs to my mind
imparts to the observer a feeling of strangeness. The various pieces
are not only unrelated, but are so conspicuously separate in style and
purpose that they are not even acquainted.

Then there are drawing-rooms that are so repellent because of their
military austerity that the back of the visitor unconsciously stiffens
and he feels that his entrance is presumptuous.

We have purposely drawn these descriptions in an exaggerated sense
that we might in some measure give point to our statement that every
room of a house should have as the fundamental purpose of its creation
the comfort of mankind. And as man is many sided in his nature, having
many moods and needs, these different moods create the necessity for a
varying environment suited to the complexity of the hour.

Thus we have a sleeping-room, a dining-room, a reception-room, an
entertaining-room, a cooking-room, and so on, each designed and
furnished to create the atmosphere and stimulate the spirits of the
occupant to the mood which the environment best serves.

The man who told his friend _in confidence_ that the architect
wanted to put a drawing-room in his new house, and he supposed he
wpurposeould have to have it, though it was no earthly use to him,
for he couldn’t draw a straight line, was in his way thinking pretty
close to the line of _purpose_ in home making, which should be the
dominant factor in the furnishing of every room.

A sleeping-room should be not only provided with a bed and its
complement of clothing, but in its location, furnishings and color
theory should suggest restfulness, simplicity and repose. That this
might be more easily produced, we would suggest the use of modified
color and slight gradations of tone throughout, using a monotone or
duotone carpet of a modified shade (a normal color is modified by
the addition of white and intensified by the addition of black), a
lighter shade of the same color introduced in the movable furnishings,
as furniture and hangings, lighter shades still in the side-wall and
frieze, and modified to the barest suggestion of a tint in the ceiling.

Avoid stimulating contrasts and keep to the same balance or
modification of color where the slight contrasts are introduced.

For the living-room heavier colors and sharper contrasts may be
introduced. But the same strength of color should be present in all
contrasts, that the sense of balance be maintained. In the living-room
will be assembled those with varied interests and purposes. So there
will be present more or less of a jumble of different things which for
the moment interest the various members of the circle. Consequently
more license is permitted in the furnishings. But those things which
by their design or construction suggest austerity or dignity should be
forever banished from this room. In fact, we know of no room in the
modern house where there is space to waste on furnishings which suggest
or actually impart discomfort.

The dining-room should be cozily, even joyously, furnished with those
colors and designs which suggest strength and satisfaction. No half-way
colors or designs will answer here. The tones used must be full,
rich, satisfying, and the furniture should complete the suggestion.
The prevailing styles of dining-room furniture--particularly of
the chairs--seem to have been purposely planned utterly devoid of
comfort, that the occupant might not even for a moment be lulled into
forgetfulness of the business at hand, but be urged to prosecute it
with dispatch and seek comfort elsewhere.

  [Illustration]

Much the same thought seems to have established the prevailing styles
of hall chairs and seats. Truly, if the chance guest who must needs
occupy one of them until his identity is established should judge of
the hospitality of the host by the comfort of these furnishings, he
would make haste to depart while his wearied limbs could still perform
their office.

The reception-hall and drawing-room are, perhaps, the two places most
anxiously considered in the planning of the house. There seems to be
a mistaken idea that these places, which are most seen by strangers,
should be furnished as an advertisement of the financial standing
of the owner. No matter how much the rest of the house may suffer,
these places must be lavishly, even extravagantly, replete with
everything that custom ordains as necessary to a stylish house. Against
extravagance as to value we have no quarrel, provided all things are in
keeping, but we do oppose the garish assembling of costly goods which
do not make for comfort or beauty or utility. Have extravagance if you
will, but not riot; luxury, but not profusion; comfort, but not stock
display.

As to the arrangement of the various pieces of furniture we would
strongly advise a study of nature’s scheme. Note the variety of
shapes and sizes of the trees of the forest; the broken, sympathetic,
undulating surfaces of undisturbed mother earth. Note how well
acquainted and even familiar the various parts of the landscape seem to
be; how the tall tree nods and reaches down to the short one and the
low one reaches up to the high one; how the knoll sweeps gracefully
down to the level glade and how the glade runs up to the knoll.

Everywhere is the charm of related variety and harmonious grouping of
equalized differences.

  [Illustration: Fig 135]

  [Illustration: Fig 133]

  [Illustration: Fig 134]

Everything in nature is formed and placed for _purpose_, and here
is the keynote of harmonious interior arrangement. For instance, here
is a drawing-room with appropriate and well-chosen pieces of furniture.
How then shall we arrange them?

Imagine the room peopled with a chattering gathering of average people.
This stout all-over-upholstered armchair would be occupied by one of
the portly members of the group, and as these persons would by contrast
appear larger and more portly in contact with those of lighter build (a
chance of comparison which they studiously avoid), we will dispose the
heavier pieces of furniture, if not altogether removed from the lighter
and more frail, at least with intermediaries between in the shape of
pieces which possess, in a measure, the characteristics of both.

Preserve the balance of the room by distributing the weight much as
you would if it were a disk revolving on a central point. If there is
a mantel here on the left, over there somewhere on the right would
be a good place for the upright piano. If the cosey corner is in the
southeast corner, then the eye instinctively seeks a corresponding
piece of capacious seat room in the vicinity of the northwest
corner. Continue this thought. Seat your imaginary guests in négligé
conversational groups, drawing some of the pieces confidentially near
to each other, and you will in a great measure have solved the knack of
pleasing furniture arrangement.

To reach this consummation we said that the articles were in the first
place appropriate and well chosen, and this, of course, must be the
basis of the furnishing scheme.

If we might, we would plead for greater simplicity in furniture
selection, less of the garishness and more of the subpurposestantiality
of goods built to satisfy and to last; not necessarily the
cumbersomeness of Mission, but the pleasing styles of Sheraton’s
work, where strength was clothed with grace of outline and disguised
with unobtrusive ornamentation. We look for a style somewhat similar
in character and purpose to grow out of the present Arts and Crafts
and Mission, which have appealed so strongly to ornament-satiated
appetites; that grace will be added to strength, and chaste ornament to
simplicity of construction.


COSEY CORNERS.

All that has been said in regard to appropriateness in general
furnishings is true in a concentrated sense of the cosey corner.
Applicable and suitable in almost every room of the house, it should
be all that the name implies. The simple desire for its possession
should be no excuse for its introduction in a location where coziness
or even comfort would be an impossibility. A cosey seat should never be
placed in a position where its presence would constitute a nuisance, as
before a window or in a doorway. It usually appears lonesome away from
the wall, and as its atmosphere is retiring it should occupy the least
conspicuous position. It is not intended as a single seat, and should
therefore be fairly commodious but not oppressively large. And, above
all, it should be comfortable.

As to color, the cosey seat and all other large upholstered pieces
should follow the dominant color tone of the room, the contrasts being
introduced in the smaller pieces.

We illustrate a few of the treatments which serve this useful purpose
and conform to the prevailing thought in regard to style, shape and
general utility.

Figure 133, one of the common types, is constructed of a bench seat,
loose cushion, box pleated valance, and curtain back. In suitable
covering this style could be introduced in almost any room of the
house, but is most used for den, sitting and bedroom corners.

Figure 135 illustrates apurposen all-over-upholstered seat and back
with bric-à-brac shelf. This style is capable of a great deal of
elaboration and is much used for reception and drawing-rooms. Made with
a polished wood frame instead of the stuff-over, it is much more dainty
in rooms where the other furniture is delicate and of the show wood
variety.

Figure 134 is a heavier type and more after the style of Arts and
Crafts. Built to conform with the other furnishings, this style is very
appropriate for dining-room, library, hall, club or den corners and
lends an air of solidity to the room it occupies.

  [Illustration: Fig 136]

Figure 136 illustrates a den seat with over canopy--the seat is
provided with a loose couch throw or cover and the canopy is made up
of two scarf draperies and a pair of curtains with a shirred roof of a
plain color to match the draperies.

There is opportunity for a great deal of ingenuity in the construction
of these fitments, and by following the motif or theme of the general
furnishing scheme of a room you will have little difficulty in evolving
fitments that will not only suit their environment, but will be an
artistic addition to the furniture of the room.


WALL-HANGINGS.

If the walls of a room are covered with a fabric there is usually less
difficulty in working out a complete scheme of color harmony, and for
that reason the use of fabric wall coverings is usually recommended by
the decorator who undertakes the complete furnishing of a room or suite.

Although there are little tricks and wrinkles for the application of
special fabrics to special places which are acquired by practice, in
the main wall covering is quite simple.

In Figure 137 we show the plan of a room measured for covering. The
walls are drawn as if they had been pushed out flat like the sides of a
cardboard box. Each wall is measured separately, and the positions of
doors, windows, recesses and projections accurately indicated on the
plan by the proper measurements.

To cut the sections for a wall such as we illustrate commence with
section 1 and each separate section is cut and matched to the preceding
one, so that the pattern will be continuous around the room; this
requires nice calculation to allow for the quantities of pattern that
are consumed by the tacking and back tacking in the angles, but an
allowance of two or three inches extra each way will usually be found
sufficient to allow of the pattern being matched, provided the lengths
have been cut at the same pattern.

Upright seams only are permissible in wall fabrics, and these should be
as few as possible and perfectly plumb.

  [Illustration]

After having cut the first length with about three inches extra for
handling, if the next length when matched would cut to waste, try one
of the shorter lengths or two of the short ones together--if this still
causes waste try the other end of the goods--never cut goods to waste
until you have exhausted every expedient you know to avoid it.

  [Illustration: Fig 137]

Beveled wall strips, as Figure 138 A, are placed at top, bottom and
both sides of every separate space as well as around all projecting
frames, as windows and doors; these are securely fastened to the
studding by nails or screws, and all holes in the plaster covered with
pasted paper to prevent dust sifting out.

The double lines of Figure 137 illustrate where beveled strips are
necessary and provide for two in every angle corner and two also on the
face of each projecting corner.

One of those, however, used in each angle, as number 2 of Figure 138 B,
is only temporarily fastened at first. Commencing with section 1 cover
the walls first with shaker or canton flannel lining tacked smoothly
and evenly on the strips, as Figure 138; next spread the covering out,
attaching it temporarily to the top strip until you get it in place,
then commencing in the centre at X tack each way, keeping the edge
straight and tight, but not stretched. Drop a plumb line from the top
over the centre seam and stretch the seam down as the line indicates,
tack it temporarily, and do this with all the seams; now pull down half
way between the seams and tack permanently, halve the two spaces thus
made and tack again and continue halving and tacking until the bottom
is all tacked in place, taking care to stretch the goods so that the
pattern is perfectly straight at the bottom.

Now stretch each side and tack it closely into the angles, as the tacks
on strip number 1 must be covered by the thick edge of strip number 2,
Figure 138 B; now take the loose strip number 2 which was removed to
allow the tacks to drive close up into the corner.

After matching the exact part of the pattern which is to turn in of the
next section, tack the marked edge of goods to the back edge of strip
2, nail the strip in place so that there is no gap between the two
angle strips. Cover the wall with lining and stretch the cover across
from the tacked side, fasten it temporarily and then commencing at the
side which is fastened permanently tack across the top, keeping the top
tight, but not stretched, stretch down and plumb the seams and finish
as before.

The detail of procedure for Figure 137 would be as follows: Section 1
tacked all around. Section 2 back tacked at B stretched around C and
to tack at E. Section 3 back tacked at E and stretched to F. Section
4 backed tacked at F and stretched around G to H. Back tack Section 5
at H, stretch to I. Back tack 6 at I, stretch to J. Back tack 7 at J,
stretch around K and L to M. Back tack 8 at M, stretch to N. Back tack
9 at N, stretch around O to angle P. Back tack 10 at A, stretch around
S to R. Back tack half of 11 at R and half at P, and stretch each to
join at L, which has been chosen as the smallest place for a join to be
made by hand.

  [Illustration:

    Fig 138

    Fig 138 A

    Fig 138 B]

Finish at top and bottom and around windows and doors with a gimp or
molding, and the room is complete with continuous pattern and every
tack concealed.



                  AWNINGS · AND · VERANDA · CURTAINS


Awnings are naturally divided into two classes--house awnings and store
awnings. Of the first, Figures 139, 140 and 141 illustrate the kinds of
windows most frequently met with. Figure 139 is an ordinary square top
window, of which Figure 142 A is a side view in skeleton, showing the
method of attaching the frame to the window, and also the relative size
of the awning to the window.

To measure this window for an awning, measure the width of frame from
centre to centre (A--A), and half the distance from the top of the
frame to the sill, with three inches added (A--B). These measures are
simple, but should be carefully taken to ensure a good fit. Take note
also of any projections of stone or brick which would prevent the
awning fitting closely to the frame all around, and be sure to allow
for these when making the awning.

Figure 141 is measured in like manner, and a record also made of the
depth from the top of the centre to the top of the straight side of
the frame (C--B). The round top (Figure 140) is measured for width and
height as the foregoing, but the height of the circular sweep must also
be taken. Stretch a tape or cord across at B--B, the spring of the
arch, and then measure the distance from this to the top of the frame
(B--C). If the windows are so constructed or are in such a position
that a projection of three inches more than half the height would not
be permissible, a measurement must be taken for projection also; but if
there is nothing to interfere with this amount of projection the height
measurement will be sufficient to determine the amount of projection.

When ready to cut the goods, mark out on your awning table (which
should have a top measurement of at least 5.0 × 8.0, and larger if
possible) the measurements as follows: On one end of your table (Figure
143) draw a line across it parallel with the end and eleven inches from
it. Now, attaching a tape at A, one end of your line, measure across
to B, the projection of your awning (A--B, Figure 139), which is half
the height of the window and three inches extra. Place a tack at B, the
point thus determined, and then measure up the table the height of the
awning (in this case the same as the projection). Place a tack at this
measurement (D) also, and chalk a line across the table; fasten the
tape at tack D, draw it across to tack B and down to C, the end of the
table, as indicated by the heavy line; add a couple of inches for hems,
and this measurement represents the length of the top of the awning.

Plate 155 is a ready-reckoner for quantities required for the sizes
therein contained when the projection and height are the same. To find
the height required for the top of a given size, take, for instance,
3.0 projection by 3.0 high (3.O × 3.0), the top measurement is 4.3; add
1.0 for curtain and the total 5.3 is reached.

To determine the number of widths required to make the width of the
awning, refer to the width table, which gives the finished measurement
of different numbers of widths when joined together. Cut a sufficient
number of lengths the size needed as measured from D to C and join them
up to aggregate the width of the top of the awning. To cut the ends
draw another chalk line eleven inches beyond point D on your table and
mark the projection on it (F, Figure 143) and rule from F to C, the
end of the table, cutting through B; snap a chalk line from B to D (as
heavy line, Figure 143). Take a flexible slat, and placing it against
the tacks at D and B, bend it an inch beyond the chalk line at G; mark
the curve thus described as dotted line and repeat on the other side
of the line. Cut out along the two curved lines and across at F, which
will give you two complete ends, and if the goods are reversible (_i.
e._, the same on both surfaces), by turning one end over these two
form a pair.

Should the goods not be reversible, and there are two awnings to make
which are the same size, mark one set (as Figure 143), and the next set
biased from A to H, and this will give you two pairs of ends. Or, if
only one awning is to be made, and the goods are not reversible, each
end is planned out separately by ruling the pattern (as Figure 143) and
piecing the goods out to fill the space outlined by D--B--C and I.

To assemble the pieces the ends are joined to the top, as indicated by
figure 144, the edge of the top forming a binding over the biased edge
of the end (see Figure 144 A, a cross section of the seam). Scallop the
bottom edge as indicated by dotted lines, so that each stripe centres
in the scallop (as Figure 144) and sew a two-inch strip or band of the
duck on the inside of the awning to receive the iron, as indicated by
dotted lines, Figures 144 and 145. Figure 145 also indicates where
patches of the same material, about four inches square, are sewn to the
top (inside) to reinforce the rings through which the ropes pass, and
the method of attaching the rope to the iron, small openings being left
in the band for this purpose.

  [Illustration]

Awning rings are sewn along the top edge at intervals of six inches,
and also one at each end of the band, as X, Figures 144 and 145. Mount
the awning by sliding the iron through the pocket between the band and
the awning proper; thread the ropes through the rings so as to lead
to the right side of the awning from inside the room, as Figure 145,
and as Figures 142 A and B, which show an awning iron in position, but
uncovered to show the roping.

  [Illustration:

    Fig 139

    Fig 140

    Fig 141

    Fig 142

    Fig 142 A

    Fig 142 B

    Fig 143

    Fig 144

    Fig 144 A

    Fig 145

    Fig 146

    Fig 146 A

    Fig 147

    Fig 148

    Fig 148 A

    Fig 148 B

    Fig 149

    Fig 149 B

    Fig 150

    Fig 150 A

    Fig 150 B

    Fig 150 C]

To put up the awning, fasten the cleat B (Figure 142 A) in position,
then, by measuring the positions of the ropes on the front of the iron,
determine where pulleys or screw-eyes will have to be placed to be in
line with the ropes; put these in and pass the ropes through them, pull
up the awning and fasten the ropes to the cleat. The weight of the
awning is now held in position, and it is a simple matter to put in the
hooks at the top, one for each ring. Lower the awning until it hangs
in position (as Figure 142), the iron supported by the cover. Adjust
the feet at A (Figure 142 A), so that the iron hangs square and true,
and fasten them in place. Test the ropes to see that the awning raises
properly and easily, and the job is complete.

For round elliptic or shaped tops, as Figures 140 and 141, we prefer
to cut the awning from the iron itself. Fasten the iron to the floor
(as Figure 146) and then let it lie flat, as dotted line, while you
mark out its shape and dimensions on the floor. Raise it again to the
perpendicular and fasten it with a cord, as indicated, so that it will
stay in an upright position. Measure the distance from A on the dotted
line to B on the iron; allow a couple of inches at each end for hems,
and cut a length this size.

Try this on the iron and dotted line, and measure the length for the
next piece to join to this one. Repeat this until enough are joined to
reach around the iron, and commencing in the centre of the iron and
dotted line pin and tack the goods smoothly to the shape thus outlined,
working all the fullness out to the corners (as Figure 146 A). Mark
the line described by your tacks, which have followed the dotted line
on your floor, and mark the goods on the edge of the iron all around;
allow for seams beyond these marks and cut the surplus away. Turn a
half-inch hem around the edge marked on the floor and sew rings to it
for the top edge. Cut and scallop a piece long enough to go around
the length of the iron and sew this to the edge of the cover where
marked on the iron. Lay the scallop and cover face to face and take an
ordinary seam, so that when the seam is opened out the raw edges will
be on the under side; sew a two-inch band beneath this seam for the
iron and patch and rope it as before.

This is the simplest and most certain plan of getting any shape other
than square to fit the iron properly.

The foregoing methods apply to all iron-frame awnings where the height
equals the projection. It is sometimes required, however, that the
projection. be greater than the height, that the necessary shade be
obtained and not have the frame so low that it would interfere with
ordinary traffic beneath it.

To overcome this difference slides may be used, like Figure 147, which
permit the iron to drop to their lower ends, as X--X, dotted bar, when
drawing up the awning, and the irons are pushed up and pinned, as
illustrated, when the awning is fully extended. Awning covers for irons
with slides have a band on the front edge only, as side-bands would
prevent the iron from descending the slides. The bottom corner of the
awning is held in place by a ring and hook at the top of the slide.

  [Illustration: VIEW INSIDE OF VERANDA

    Fig 151

    Fig 152

    Fig 153]

  [Illustration: Plate 154

    ------+----------+---------+--------+----------+---------+--------+
    WIDTH |          | Feet of | Yds of |          | Feet of | Yds of |
          |Projection|   Iron  |  Duck  |Projection|   Iron  |  Duck  |
    ------+----------+---------+--------+----------+---------+--------+
     2-0  |   2-6    |    7    |   3⅜   |   3-0    |    8    |   5⅛   |
          |   3-6    |    9    |   5⅔   |   4-0    |   10    |   6¼   |
          |   4-6    |   11    |   7⅛   |   5-0    |   12    |   8    |
    ------+----------+---------+--------+----------+---------+--------+
     2-6  |   2-6    |    7½   |   3⅜   |   3-0    |    8½   |   5⅛   |
          |   3-6    |    9½   |   5⅔   |   4-0    |   10½   |   6¼   |
          |   4-6    |   11½   |   7⅛   |   5-0    |   12½   |   8    |
    ------+----------+---------+--------+----------+---------+--------+
     3-0  |   2-6    |    8    |   4½   |   3-0    |    9    |   5¼   |
          |   3-6    |   10    |   6    |   4-0    |   11    |   6⅔   |
          |   4-6    |   12    |   7½   |   5-0    |   13    |  10    |
    ------+----------+---------+--------+----------+---------+--------+
     3-6  |   2-6    |    8½   |   4½   |   3-0    |    9½   |   5¼   |
          |   3-6    |   10½   |   6¼   |   4-0    |   11½   |   6⅔   |
          |   4-6    |   12½   |   9¼   |   5-0    |   13½   |  10    |
    ------+----------+---------+--------+----------+---------+--------+
     4-0  |   2-6    |    9    |   4½   |   3-0    |   10    |   5½   |
          |   3-6    |   11    |   6¼   |   4-0    |   12    |   8    |
          |   4-6    |   13    |   9¾   |   5-0    |   14    |  10½   |
    ------+----------+---------+--------+----------+---------+--------+
     4-6  |   2-6    |    9½   |   4⅔   |   3-0    |   10½   |   5⅔   |
          |   3-6    |   11½   |   7⅔   |   4-0    |   12½   |   8    |
          |   4-6    |   13½   |   9¾   |   5-0    |   14½   |  10½   |
    ------+----------+---------+--------+----------+---------+--------+
     5-0  |   2-6    |   10    |   4⅞   |   3-0    |   11    |   6⅞   |
          |   3-6    |   12    |   7⅔   |   4-0    |   13    |   8⅔   |
          |   4-6    |   14    |   9¾   |   5-0    |   15    |  10½   |
    ------+----------+---------+--------+----------+---------+--------+
]

Figure 148 illustrates another method of obtaining a greater
projection than the height by using an extended bracket, the iron
throwing up as dotted bar X--X; while dotted bar, Figure 148 A, would
give greater projection, still on the same bracket, by increasing the
length of the bar and lowering the bracket till the straight part of
the bar is on a level with the front of the awning.

  [Illustration]

For awnings wider than 6.0, with a projection of 4.0 or over, the iron
is usually made in three sections (as Figure 149), and if more than 9.0
wide a centre support is put in like Figure 149 A. Small store awnings
may be made as above, but for large sizes roller awnings (as Figure
150) will be found much more substantial and easy of manipulation.

The roller is either made of iron tubing wrapped with canvas and the
duck sewn to it, or it can be built up of wood (as Figure 150 C), the
laps or joints wound with band iron and the whole securely nailed
together.

  [Illustration: Plate 155]

Put an iron hoop on each end to keep the pin from spreading it, and
provide one end with a spool (as X, Figure 150 B). The rope is attached
to and wound upon the spool and the roller put in the brackets. If
the roller is long enough to require a centre support, Figure 149 B
provides an excellent bracket. The side arms are placed in position as
indicated in Figure 150, so that they will throw up straight with the
edge of the bar in line with the roller (Figure 150 B). The bar is made
of clear straight pine 2 × 4 inches, and the duck is first tacked to
the roller and then to the bar, as Figure 150.

The ends are made and attached, as illustrated by Figure 150 A, and
need not be further explained. The awning is manipulated by pulling the
rope which unwinds, causing the roller to revolve and releasing the
rope allows the weight of the awning to make the roller revolve the
reverse way, winding up the rope.

Veranda awnings are constructed as are other awnings, and increase
the comfort and shade of a veranda, the same rule of proportion as
given above being used in the measuring and the feet of the iron
attached to the posts of the veranda. In many cases veranda awnings are
impracticable, and veranda curtains are used as a substitute. These are
constructed to work horizontally (as Figure 151), or mounted on rollers
(as Figures 152 and 153). Of the two styles those of Figures 152 and
153 are more preferable, because when not in use they may be drawn up
completely, while the other is more or less exposed to the elements at
all times.

The rollers may be a spring shade roller mounted in the ordinary way,
or a roller with a spool and cord, identical in principle with the
roller shown in Figure 150, and the bottom of the curtain is provided
with snaps to hold it in place when down.

In Plate 154 we give a table of the ordinary sized awnings, giving the
quantities of iron and duck required in their making. We have figured
on thirty-one-inch reversible duck, cutting the ends as marked out in
Figure 143.

The awning trade is essentially a Summer trade and the season
necessarily short, and as customers usually postpone the purchase of
these things until they are really needed, this work must be handled
quickly to be successful. We have found it a good plan where possible
to arrange for recovering and renewing this work for regular customers
during the late Winter months, when the workroom is apt to be a little
slack.



  [Illustration]



                THE · APPLICATION · OF · GRILLE · WORK


Grille work, fret work or lattice work, as it is variously termed, may,
when properly applied, serve a very useful and decorative purpose.
Like many other decorative articles, however, its uses are not always
governed by its limitations, and it is frequently misapplied.

As an aid to decorative fabrics in the artistic reduction of large
openings, or as a partial screen or division that will not altogether
obstruct either the vision or the light, it is unequalled by any
other upholstery adjunct. Setting aside its uses for office railings,
partitions, etc., in which we are not particularly interested, we
consider it solely as a household fitment.

Unlike other furnishings, such as draperies, chairs, tables, etc., the
grille is essentially a part of the room itself, and should conform to
the style, color and composition of the wood trimmings of the room,
which practically means that the fitment must be made to order.

There are scores of ready-made stock grilles and patterns on the
market, some of which can be applied with comparatively little trouble
to different purposes, but their greatest drawback as a general
decorative stock is their set style and finish, and consequent lack of
sympathy or relation to other furnishings.

We have been continuously advocating uniformity or conformity as the
foundation of decorative thought, and in no branch of the trade is this
more necessary than in the application of grille work. Few people would
have the courage to advocate the use of quartered-oak polished doors
in a room with white enameled wood trims, and yet grille work made
and finished in natural oak is confidently shown by some salesmen as
equally suitable for weathered oak dining-rooms, Oriental dens or Louis
XVI drawing-rooms.

This, of course, is the salesman or check-book holder’s end of the
business, and with incentives in the way of tally sheets and selling
percentage, small wonder if he considers the amount of the sale rather
than the suitability of the article. It would be better for the
trade generally if every salesman could have expert training in the
application of the goods he sells, and we believe this is possible
to the man who studies and profits by experience. “There is always
information for the man who is willing to dig,” but until this is
considered possible the decision as to fitness rests with the decorator.

We illustrate suggestively a few designs in which the practical element
is as much considered as the decorative.

  [Illustration]

  [Illustration:

    Fig 157

    Fig 156

    Fig 158

    Fig 159]

In Figure 156 grille work is used to break the length of a room and
form a partial division. The weight of the whole treatment should be
carried out in keeping with the woodwork of the room, and also with due
consideration of the size of the room itself, a large room requiring
the use of heavier woodwork than a small one, and the columns properly
proportioned to the amount of woodwork in the upper portion of the
grille which they support.

  [Illustration:

    Fig 160

    Fig 161]

This treatment can be effectually employed to divide a large bay window
from the room proper, to divide a hallway, or to reduce the size of a
large opening between two rooms.

Figure 157 illustrates another application of the same idea, with
one side only supported from the floor. While it is not absolutely
necessary that the pattern in grill work should be exactly duplicated
on each side of the centre, the balance or symmetry must be retained by
having the same body or expanse of woodwork on each side of the centre,
or when a drapery is used, as in this case, it should be so disposed as
to equalize the appearance of the grille by having the heaviest part of
the drapery opposite to the heaviest side of the grille work.

Figure 158 illustrates an archway treated with a grille and drapery
forming an entrance to a bow window. Both sides of this treatment
balance, and the depth of the whole is determined by the height of the
room, sufficient room being provided for a comfortable passage beneath.

High doorways may be reduced in height by using a straight panel of
grille work, as Figure 159, and when used in conjunction with a pair of
portières the slim appearance imparted to an opening by long, straight
portières may be avoided.

Rope portières, as shown in Figure 159, serve much the same purpose of
transparent decoration as grille work, and may be effectively employed
for doorways, archways, alcoves, etc., and as they can be so easily
procured in special colors to match their surroundings, they have
become quite popular.

  [Illustration: Fig 162]

In Figure 160 we illustrate a combination of scarf drapery and grille
corners. This idea can be employed in a great many ways, and with
different designs of corners (which can be finished to match the
desired woodwork), some very effective trims can be produced.

  [Illustration]

The metal grille shown in Figure 161 is made of strap iron or brass,
bent to shape and riveted together in a frame. It is provided with two
incandescent lights, serving for illumination as well as decoration,
and squaring the arch for straight portières.

This idea of doorway illumination has recently been elaborately
introduced by the Parisian decorators in the form of festoons of
electric jewels, which scintillate and glow with beautiful prismatic
colors.

A door treatment after the style of Figure 162 would form an attractive
treatment for club, hotel or ballrooms, and the idea admits of almost
endless variation.

  [Illustration]

Grilles are also made of rattan, the patterns made up in the scrolls
and spindles common to rattan furniture, and ordinary manila rope,
stiffened with glue, while bent into circles and scrolls, can be
assembled into very attractive grilles, which are shellacked and
varnished in natural or tinted colors.

Some of the mistakes most frequently made in the application of grille
work are characterized as follows:

“Using a design foreign to the style of the room.”

“Using too much grille for the size of the space.”

“Using diminutive designs for large spaces, and vice versa.”

“Poorly-balanced, top-heavy or lop-sided designs.”

“Inharmonious coloring.”

Always use a rule or rod when measuring for grille work; never a tape.
Take a pattern of all irregular spaces and fit the pattern into the
space to insure its correctness before making the grille.

The prettiest design may be hopelessly spoiled by a poor fit, and
measurements should be absolutely accurate.

  [Illustration]



                        WORKROOM · AUXILIARIES


The workroom should be cheerful and well lighted; roomy and
well-equipped. Some upholstery managers, evidently considering the
workroom a disagreeable though necessary part of the department, do not
give sufficient attention to its location and furnishing. Perhaps one
of the reasons why the average upholstery buyer does not think more
highly of the workroom is because of the unsatisfactory comparison
it presents to the strictly merchandise end of the business. He has
comparatively little difficulty in figuring the percentage of gain on
twenty-five or fifty yards of material cut off the piece and delivered,
and can easily determine whether the transaction was profitable or
otherwise. But send that twenty-five or fifty yards of material
through the workroom, and unless he is a practical man, thoroughly
understanding the nature and value of the work performed, he is apt to
feel that the ratio of profit is uncertain.

We know of but one way to offset this feeling, and that is by a
carefully thought-out system of tallying, so that each item that passes
through the workroom will be accompanied by a voucher that shows
correctly all details of the work performed.

Briefly enumerated, the points to be covered in a system are about as
follows:

1. A careful check on every item of material directly or indirectly
supplied to the workroom.

2. A careful charging-up in the workroom of every item consumed in the
completion of the work.

3. A serial numbered sheet for each workroom order, which is filed and
indexed on the completion of the work.

  [Illustration: Fig. 164.]

4. All goods taken from the department for use in the workroom should
be duly accepted, measured, checked and receipted for by the head of
the workroom and the receipt immediately deposited in the office.

5. All goods received from the workroom should be examined by the
salesman whose order they are, and all surplus goods checked and
receipted for by him.

6. All goods taken to the workroom should be accompanied by fullest
written instructions, and work should not be commenced until the
instructions are accepted by the head of the workroom.

7. All disputes relative to the amount of goods used should be referred
to the manager, and on no account should a salesman be permitted to
alter the workroom report on any order.

8. On receipt of the finished work the salesman should fill out on
workroom voucher his sales number, the amount charged the customer for
the completed work as covered by the workroom report, the date and the
number of his sales check.

The head of the workroom shall, after having receipted for an order, be
held responsible for its execution within the time stated, and should
return with the completed order all surplus goods, requiring a receipt
for same and depositing the receipt in the office. By having all
receipts from department and workroom numbered with the serial numbers
of the work-sheet to which the order belongs, it will be possible at
any time to verify the quantities reported as having been consumed in
the workroom, and a check can be kept on every order.

There is, however, no plan which human ingenuity can devise which will
not depend on the honesty and carefulness of those who operate it for
its effectiveness, and there is every necessity for carefulness and
certainty in connection with workroom management.

  [Illustration: Fig 163.]

The work performed by outside men should be just as carefully
recorded--a proper sheet should be made out for each order showing
the nature of the work and the amount paid for it. The workman should
record his time and the materials used, and the sheet should be
returned to the office for filing.

With a system such as we suggest the manager has but to compare these
reports with his salary and expense list to ascertain the amount earned
by the workroom staff.

The equipment of the workroom should at all times be fully adequate to
the demands upon it, and the very smallest of workrooms should have
at least: A good sewing machine, capable of performing fine or coarse
work; a cutting table approximately 5--0 by 12--0; a work table 5--0 by
9--0; a pressing table 3--0 by 6--0; a draping board, a test pole, a
steamer and a cupboard for finished work.

As to the sewing machine, almost any reliable make of machine will do
the necessary sewing for ordinary drapery work. There are, however,
special machines for special kinds of work, such as window shades,
awnings, bobbinet curtains, etc., which greatly facilitate their
manufacture. Poor machines of any kind (human or mechanical) are false
economy.

The cutting table should have a level, smooth top, and should be so
situated that the operator can walk all around it. If covered with
white table oil-cloth the measuring lines placed upon it from time to
time can be washed off, and the top is always smooth and free from
slivers.

The work table should have a good, clear, soft wood top, and should
be permanently marked in feet, the first foot at one end being again
divided and marked in inches. This is the table to which portières are
tacked in making, as illustrated in the chapter on portières.

  [Illustration: Fig 165]

The pressing table should be of a convenient height for pressing, and
should be padded to about the thickness that two layers of an ordinary
blanket would give it, and then covered with clean white unsized cotton.

The drapery blackboard should be about 5--0 by 15--0, or larger, if
convenient, so placed that the top of it can be easily reached. The use
of this board has been referred to in the preceding chapters, and the
illustration, Figure 163, gives further explanation of its purpose.

The test pole, which is also shown in Figure 164, is used to test the
hang of portières before and after cording.

The opening can be set at any desired height, and the portières can be
thoroughly examined before leaving the workroom.

The steamer shown in Figure 165 is used for steaming the nap of pile
goods which have become crushed, the cross partitions A--A are tightly
stretched pieces of heavy cotton which absorb the moisture, and the
open top of the box is covered with several thicknesses of the same
fabric. The steam enters the intake at X, and follows the direction
of the arrows until it finally emerges through the top. The goods
are drawn across the top of the box beneath the roller nap side up,
and the brush roller is made to revolve so as to lay the nap in the
proper direction while it is softened by the steam. The motion of both
roller and goods should be steady and continuous from beginning to end,
and should be slow or quick according to the amount of steam passing
through the fabric.

The quantity of steam should be regulated so that it will just soften
the fabric without making it wet. The hair of the brush should be
short, even, and fairly stiff. The brushes used in carpet sweepers
when joined end to end make good steamer brushes, or the roller can be
covered with mohair plush, so that the nap forms a brush.

While it may not be always convenient to construct a steamer large
enough to take the width of the goods with one operation, and as
complete as the one herein described, the quality of the work performed
by one of this kind will repay the effort of building it.

Drapery work that is not worth doing well is not worth doing at all,
and it is far better to turn out a perfect job at cost, or even at an
occasional loss, than to turn out poor work that pays a big profit. The
customer who receives firstclass work will usually return and will be
willing to pay you a fair price for your work, so that in the end you
may be recouped; but the customer who pays a big price for a poor and
unsatisfactory article seldom returns to give you another chance.

It would be a magnificent achievement to make a workroom pay
thirty-three and one-third per cent. profit, but the chief _value_
of a workroom lies not in its earning power from a per cent.
standpoint, but rather in its power to hold and satisfy critical custom
and in the educational suggestiveness finished work produces, and which
accounts for a large amount of the yard goods which are sold without
passing through the workroom.


Transcriber’s Notes:

Obvious printers’, punctuation and spelling errors have been corrected
silently.



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