Hangin' Out

"How do I determine the correct width and length for my curtains?"

I spend a lot of time with our customers who are asking just this question. They're on speaker phone, standing on a step ladder, and I can hear the tape-measure clattering in the background.There's no exact formula for determining the appropriate measurement of length and width is when buying lace curtains, but one can usually divide their selection into one of two eras: the 19th century or the 20th century.

In the 19th century (Federal, Greek Revival, Early-Mid Victorian and some Colonial Revival), window treatments were "fuller" with more gathering. Typically, the ratio of lace was 1½ to 2 times the width of the window opening. Lace curtain patterns of ours that work best with this amount of fullness are the Grecian Panel, The Eastlake Panel, Cherwell and even the Hunter Rose lace curtain in some instances. 19th century lace panels often hung well below the window sill, sometimes even pooling onto the floor, but usually they terminated near or on the baseboard.

20th century (Mission, Craftsman, Arts & Crafts, Colonial Revival, Bungalow, Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern) window treatments were hung much "flatter" with less gathering; the lace ratio in this instance was no more that 1½ times, and preferably 1 to 1¼ times lace to glass. Our panels that look best in this treatment are Hunter Rose, Glen's Edge, Gingko Leaf, Pine Cone, Prairie Sumac, Art Deco, Old Colony and Good Hare Day. The preferred length for this era is just touching the window sill, which lends a much crisper, modern appearance to the window treatment. Our seamstress will custom shorten any curtains (from the top, so as not to cut into the decorative border) for only $7.50/panel. She will keep the rod pocket and header, or just the rod pocket, if you wish. Please specify which you would prefer.

If you are undecided which pattern and its respective length and width look best in your home, please request a loaner or two, and we'll send them out straight away.

The simplest and cheapest way to hang your lace curtains is with a spring-compression rod, available at most hardware stores. Choose a white one, and it will visually disappear when tucked inside the lace. If you're looking for something fancier, especially if you want to mount the curtains on the face of the woodwork, we suggest Rejuvenation, who makes a great set of inside and outside mount café rods in a variety of finishes.

We're #1!

"True Grit" topped the US Box Office this week, undoubtedly due in part to the cameo appearance of Cooper's Cottage Lace's Eastlake and Grecian panels. Featured in many scenes set in the Monarch Boarding house, these panels impart a matchless historic influence on the lush interiors.

With Gratitude

Yep, 'tis the season when the presidents of companies inundate the unwilling with their tedious traditional end-of-year letter that sums up the past 365 days.

I'll try to make mine short and sweet.

2010 was a vast improvement over the challenges of 2009. Cooper's Cottage Lace added great new patterns, appeared in what will be one of the leading films of the holiday season (True Grit, if you've missed my incessant plugging) and surpassed our competition to become the preeminent resource for historically-inspired lace curtains.

Not bad for a lil' ole start-up that crept onto the scene in early 2007.

But most importantly, we've built up a fanatical clientele that continually writes to inform us how much they love our product and amazing customer service. Folks, I'm humbled and flattered by your approval. I had no idea we would be this popular. Of the hundreds of comments we've received , the one that comes to mind was from a woman in the Mid-west who said: "I've been looking online forever; everyone else's lace is so boring!"

So, in closing (cue sigh of relief from readers), Thank You, to all of you for making this such a great year! May the next be even better, and a safe and peaceful holiday season to all.

Yours warmly,

Dan Cooper, President
Cooper's Cottage Lace, LLC

Rod Pockets and Headers

One of the most frequent questions we receive is "how are your curtains finished at the top?"

When our lace panels leave the mill, they are cut from the top to the appropriate length and finished with a rod pocket and header combination. The pocket is about 1 1/2" high, while the header above it is about 1 1/8". You can use either for a curtain rod, as it allows some adjustment. We will custom-cut a curtain to length for you for only $7.50 a panel, and when we do this, we will give you a choice of replicating the original rod pocket/header combination, just a rod pocket, or a simple hem that you can use to attach clip-rings. We can also add a rod pocket at the bottom for door panels, and this is a frequent request as well. Please call or email if you have any questions about measuring or what size is best for your door or window!

Morris & Us.

The obvious question is: why hasn’t someone made a lace curtain inspired by the works of William Morris until now? I’m supremely proud to announce the introduction of Cherwell, an 1887 design from the archives of William Morris’ Morris & Company to Cooper’s Cottage Lace’s collection. For the first time, a true, English Arts and Crafts Lace Curtain designed for Aesthetic Movement interiors is available! And for the first time, we are offering a matching Arts and Crafts lace tablecloth as well! Cherwell gives you the opportunity to bring the timeless genius of William Morris into your home in an exquisite manner, whether it’s furnished in the Late Victorian, Craftsman or a Contemporary style. This stunning all-over pattern features chrysanthemums, thistles and other flora along with the graceful leaves that make the work of Morris and Company so distinctive.

Cherwell doesn’t hint vaguely at English Arts and Crafts like some other company’s patterns; it boldly proclaims its origins! Our Scottish designer, Sherry, spent hours converting the colors of the original wallpaper pattern into different shades by varying the stitches on the loom. In fact, this is our most intricate pattern yet. Cherwell will be available on the first of the year as lace curtain panels in three widths: 20”, 33” and 47” and lengths from 54” to 90”. There will also be tablecloths that are 68” wide by 84” and 108” long. Like all of our other lace panels, Cherwell is 100% cotton and finished in Natural White, also known as Ivory. Please email me or call 413-549-1063 with any questions, and watch our website for a special introductory offer!

Patience, please!

Yes, you've all been waiting breathlessly to see our newest lace pattern. I promise you, it will be worth it! We are photographing it now, and it will available for viewing by next weekend. And another tidbit; there will be matching tablecloths; a first for Arts and Crafts lace!

Back in Massachusetts, and a Teaser

The Pasadena Craftsman Show was great for Cottage Lace; they moved us into the Pasadena Convention Center, which gave all of the vendors an equal opportunity to meet attendees, and the show's organizers doubled the number of vendors. This show is now the West Coast Arts and Crafts Show, and has truly risen in prominence. I met a lot of great folks, and spent time with my favorite colleagues.

And now, The Teaser. I displayed our newest pattern at the show as plain fabric, straight off of the Scottish looms. The response was fantastic; possibly the best I've ever received for a pattern introduction. Here's a hint: It's English Arts & Crafts, executed by the finest designer of the time, and its rendering into lace is a first for this person, as far as I can tell. Watch this space for an announcement!