Simple Window shades

[minnikin1]

We were searching for an inexpensive, convenient, yet "green" way to cover the windows for privacy.

I like old fashioned roll up shades, (and I love the price!) but not the stinky plastic (vinyl?) they use in the standard styles available.
I saw a kit to make your own shade with the fabric of your choice. This thing was EXPENSIVE!! I could buy 3 or 4 ready made plastic ones for the cost of one
of these kits? Why??

If I buy the cheap plastic ones, will the mechanism be sturdy enough if I put real fabric on them? Has anyone else done this?

[Ruby]

I like Roman shades. They are mounted to a board and have rings sewn on the back of the shade with cords running through. You raise and lower them with the cords. You can make them your self without any sewing. If you would like to PM me I will try to explain how they are made.

[veme]

I was thinking about making a roll up for my bathroom. I have made them in the past and they are VERY EASY! A few times I wasn’t too happy with the way they turned out. It was mostly because I didn’t take my time, I cut them sloppy, I didn’t put the proper backing on them and I used too heavy a fabric. A standard roller shade will work just fine. You don’t have to buy a kit. Roman shades are good too. If you like patchwork, you can make one that looks like stained glass when the light comes through. You will need to line it so it doesn't look ratty from the outside of the window. There are internet sites that have them if you want to see them or get inspired.
Here’s some links that I found for standard roll ups.
Good luck
veme


http://sewing.about.com/library/sewn...ashade0404.htm

http://www.digsmagazine.com/lounge/l...llershades.htm

http://www.alternative-windows.com/roller-blind.htm

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/li_oth...269110,00.html

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_windows_...806182,00.html

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_windows_...377727,00.html

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_windows_...393926,00.html

[nduetime]

Mc Calls and some others carry a lot of different patterns to make your won shades with the method that Ruby is talking about. I bought some when they were on sale a couple weeks ago. They have a lot of styles to choose from and do not look extrememly difficult.Very cool. JoAnn fabric was where I purchased mine at. Good Luck, let us see the end result. I am curious as I have not done anything with mine yet. (Winter project)

[Ruby]

I was a supervisor for and interior design work room. One of our most popular styles was the Roman. The way we made ours was more complicated but they can be made simple. With just a glue gun and staple gun. The only sewing would be tacking the rings on back.

[Sparticle]

How funny, I had this exact conversation with someone this week. She also recommended Roman shades. Some cable TV reality show that does home make-overs makes them and she explained how easy they looked to make.

[Ruby]

The most important thing about Romans is to make sure they are squared up or they won't pull up right.

[minnikin1]

Originally Posted by veme

I was thinking about making a roll up for my bathroom. I have made them in the past and they are VERY EASY!

Thank you all for your replies..

Veme sent an url that had instructions to create the exact look I wanted. (The video clip from Room By Room.)
It's nice to know I don't even have to go buy new hardware, I can dig out old shade hardware we have just hanging around.

[annethcz]

I made this:
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_windows_...939431,00.html

without the scallops on the bottom. It was pretty easy to make. Instead of using a board at the top, I slipped the large dowel from an old roller shade through a pocket at the top of the shade. Turned out beautifully!

[homebirtha]

I bought these:
http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/store...umber=60093968

For $7 a window, they look good and do a great job. They also had some bamboo roll-up shades that were only $5 that I considered too. But I wanted white.

[tramp]

I don't know the proper name for this type, but it fits inside the window frame to eliminate all light.

I was wondering if anyone would have plans to make them?

I stayed in a building above the 49th parallel (Inuvik, N.W.T.) when there was constant daylight. I remember the blinds (shades?) worked great, but I can't remember exactly how they were built.

When ever we get a chance to sleep late, it's hindered by the sunlight shining through.
Thanks!!

Paul

[Pink_Carnation]

For light blocking that fit in the window frame area ...there are roller shades, honey comb/pleated and I've seen a roman style shade that works too.

The roman can use heavy material and quilting to block the light...honeycombs are kind of spendy but are very effective when you get the room darkening ones. Both of these will insulate better than the vinyl roller shades.