Lace Curtains info and more:

Queen Anne's Lace offers you timeless cotton lace patterns in lace curtain panels and yardage, woven on authentic Nottingham looms.

THE ORIGIN OF LACE CURTAINS

Whereas hand woven laces go back to the Middle Ages, it took the invention of the mechanical loom to introduce lace to the world of window dressings. The Frenchman Jacquard is credited with the invention of the mechanical loom in 1804.

The Jacquard Loom is a programmable weaving machine to allow for intricate patterns and designs. It uses punch cards akin to early computers and was designed to use cotton threads as opposed to linen and silk common in hand woven lace. (Today Queen Anne's lace curtains contain 95% cotton plus 5% synthetics to provide for extra strength. Double woven Madras lace is 100% cotton.)

The Nottingham Loom is a derivation of the Jacquard loom principally designed to weave window laces. These looms started to be used widely in the city of Nottingham around the middle of the 19th century. They stand out for their multi-story height allowing to weave very large pieces of materials at one time.

The weaving industry peaked in Nottingham around the turn of the century followed by a gradual decline. In 1877 Alexander Morton started to move Nottingham looms to Ayshire, Scotland, probably due to lower labor costs.

Today the only operating Nottingham looms are located in Scotland outside the City of Glasgow.

THE LOOKS OF LACE

Lace curtains provide a beauty to a window which is unique to lace. The passerby will first note the beautiful design woven into the lace. Beyond the design, he will perceive room furnishings in a very subdued manner as contrasted to the stark look of an uncovered window or the forbidding look of a shuttered or shaded window.

For the occupant, lace provides a degree of privacy without shutting him or her off from the outside world. Sunlight is softened and the surroundings assume a mellow look. The higher the points of the lace, i.e. the denser the weave, the greater is the privacy factor.

HANGING LACE PANELS

Inside the widow frame, tension rods are preferred. On the frame, white standard rods of about ½ inch width fit easily into the rod pocket and will work well in most cases.

There are a number ways to use lace to dress your windows. A single panel might work well for narrow windows. As a guide, the panel width should roughly measure 1.5 times the window width to allow for gathering. For wider windows two panels maybe called for, either pulled back or hung straight down - either to the window sill - or floor length. Pulled back floor length panels can be allowed to puddle when released.

Lace valences are often used with the panels to give a lacy look. For more formal rooms drapery material provides contrast with the lace panels.

CHOOSING COLOR

The color of the window sashes and frames will tend to determine whether to choose ivory or white. Off-white or beige painted woodwork will call for ivory; whereas white calls white.

Lace Curtains Care

With proper care, lace curtains are extremely durable, lasting for many years - more beautiful with age.

Just machine wash, using only the delicate cycle and cool water with non-detergent  soap.  To dry, hang while still damp.

Measuring

To determine the correct length, please allow 3% for possible shrinkage.  For width, we recommend about 1 1/2 times the window size.  Rod pockets are sized for 1 1/2" curtain rods.  If you require a special length, we can shorten panels for a charge of $ 8.50/panel.

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