First Time Window Treatments: The Absolute Beginner's Guide - Learn By Doing * Step-by-Step Basics + 8 Projects

First Time Window Treatments is a tutorial guide aimed at beginning sewists by Susan Woodcock. Due out 6th Aug 2019 from Quarto on their Quarry imprint, it's 128 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

Window treatments are a very important part of dressing a room. It can be very difficult to coordinate fabrics in ready-made draperies, which are likely of limited selection at local retailers. Additionally, if the room's windows are non-standard sizes, custom fitted curtains generally cost a king's ransom. For DIYers, it's entirely plausible to make it oneself, in the size(s) and shapes and colors wished. It's also a great way to coordinate the soft furnishings in a room with coordinated decorative pillows, etc.

This guide presupposes zero familiarity with sewing and the introductory chapters (23% of the page content) cover tools, specialist supplies, motif matching, seams, finishes and more.  The following chapters cover curtains and draperies, shades and blinds, crown treatments (valances and cornices), and installation, including hardware. There's a short glossary, resource section (aimed at readers in North America), and an index.

The photography is clear and the step-by-step tutorial instructions are easy to follow. With this book in hand, a keen beginner could produce a simple window treatment (see cover photograph) without mishap.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.