This week I am teaching a class called "Dressmaking + Engineering = A Formula for Success" at a national conference
with my friend and colleague Debbie Williamson. Debbie will be
covering dressmaking skills and I will be sharing several of my
engineering techniques as they apply to the fabrication of window
treatments. One of the techniques I am covering is how to make a
perfect circle valance. Circle valances have fullness at the bottom
while the top remains smooth with no gathers or pleats. They are cut in
the shape of a donut. 
The key to a perfect circle
valance is the right fullness. I won't bore you with the details of pi,
diameter, and circumference but like Goldilocks, you don't want too
much or too little fullness. A circle valance with too much fullness
looks busy at the bottom and can obscure the motif of the fabric. One
with too little fullness looks just plain skimpy.
Circle valances are a great
option when a customer tells you they want a "simple valance". It is
the custom alternative to the rod pocket valance available at Country
Curtains or Bed Bath and Beyond. Another reason to consider a circle
valance is when the fabric selection is heavy or upholstery weight.
Thick fabric does not shirr up well on a rod. The white valance above
was a perfect candidate for a circle valance because it is made of
matelasse.
There are three caveats when choosing fabric and trim for a circle valance.
1) Don't choose a motif that
must be upright. The motif will turn sideways and upside down as it
moves across the treatment. This is part of the charm of a circle
valance. Notice the dragonflies in the skirt of this slipcover made by
Mary Ann Quinn of MAQ Designs. They are flying every which way, just
like real dragonflies!
2) Trims must be able to
curve. Even though the hem ends up looking straight, you must apply the
trim to the circle shape. This tape has a fringed edge on the top and
the bottom which allowed me to ease the flat tape into the circle shape.
3) Use a contrast lining
because the lining will show in the soft folds of the hem. White cotton
sateen was used here to blend with the white matelasse.
Circle construction is not
limited to valances. Any time something is gathered or ruffled, the
circle cut is an option. You often see this technique used on the
runway in flounced skirts, jackets with peplums, and ruffled collars.
Likewise in our world of home dec, dust ruffles, skirted drapery panels,
and leading edge ruffle trim are all possible candidates for circle
construction.
Be it chairs or porridge or window treatments, if you want them just right, contact me at peggy@parkwaywindowworks.com