5 Expert Tips For Hanging Curtains From A Famous Seamstress

Belen Villaluz started making curtains in 1975 with a capital of P50 and two sewing machines. After her first major project to make curtains for the Regent Hotel in Manila (now called Heritage), she soon became the curtain maker of top designers in the country. If, just like her, you love putting your own drapes together—we listed down some of her must-follow tips to help you out: 

1. Fabric usually shrinks when first soaked in water. Soak the lining before sewing it to the curtain to know that it is the right size. This is especially a must for a canvas types of fabric. 

2. For sheer and heavy drapes, make a five-inch double-fold hemming. This allows for future adjustments. 

3. Use polycotton for the lining of heavy curtains and Roman shades. Aside from reducing heat and sunlight in your room, it will protect your fabric and lengthen its lifespan. 

4. A fabric's pattern matters when choosing fabric. Get what matches the style and scale of the room and windows. Use small patterns for small rooms and large patterns for big rooms. 

5. Distribute patterns across a room. Avoid too many patterns clustering in one area. Use one bold pattern on a large surface. Add two or three complementing smaller-scale patterns to complete the look. 

WHERE TO BUY:

Seasons Fabric 

• LRI Design Plaza, N. Garcia St., Makati City, tel. (02) 898-3714

Larry's Curtain & Upholstery Supply, Inc.

• 4/F, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, tel. (02) 570-0000

Stephanie Curtains and Pillow Factory

• 2/F MS Prime Block, Tutuban Center Mall, Tondo, Manila, open from Mondays to Sundays, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m

Shell Canvas

• 1999 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City, tel.(02) 831-3103

Read the original article ("Curtains Up") in the July 2004 issue of Real Living Magazine. Download your digital copy of Real Living on the Real Living App now! Log on to summitnewsstand.com.ph/real-living for more details.