Thanks for all your hard work Karen! Can't wait to read it in its entirety. Jodi-

Bob-- the window isn't perfectly plumb vertically speaking: If I measure the width a few inches from the top, it's one figure; if I measure it closer to the bottom, it's off by a small amount, a fraction (can't recall exactly, it's been awhile since I measured it), so I would see slightly more light peeking through the sides at the bottom third. I realized the problem when I went to install a roller shade. I had measured for it about a third up from the bottom, and when I went to install it, it was too tight to fit at the top. Went to Next Day Blinds today--the $400 price for 2 windows was kind of jarring, so I'll do a few more price checks elsewhere and online (tho as I've said, that self-install can only get me in trouble--just not good at that stuff!).

I'm closing on our new construction home next week and have been buying curtains in bulk. :) I need longer panels (most of my windows need 92+ inches), and I don't like most of the fabrics that are widely used nowadays (dupioni, taffeta, etc.) I don't like shiny curtains at all so that cuts about 90% of my choices. I have ordered several from Overstock. I need longer lengths (most rooms will do best with about 92") and some tailoring to length. They seemed to have the best selection of longer panels. Products range from cheap to pricey, it just depends on what you want. I ordered some of the signature velvet panels and even once I have them tailored, it will cost me less than it would've cost to buy enough comparable fabric during the fabric store's 40% off sale. JC Penney, and if they aren't on sale, just wait because they will be soon. If you have a Penney's outlet nearby, even better! AMAZING deals there, if they have anything good. BBB can be pricey, but a little hint - you can use their 20% coupons even after they're expired. And you can use one per item (in other words, if you buy 5 items, you can use 5 coupons... even in the same transaction. But you could not use 5 coupons and get something free). Sears actually has a pretty big selection. Linens n' Things - have done away with their retail stores, but they still have a web business and 20% off coupons. Try your local Craigslist, and/or ebay. Make your own? DD's curtains are made of flat sheets. They were the only thing I could find the perfect color in. And I don't really sew (I had to buy a sewing machine to make those curtains!), so the best part is that -- 2 of your edges are already finished. :)

Annie, Thanks for your reply. I wasn't very clear in my description - the curtains won't actually have tiebacks at all; the panels will be inside mounted by using these little vintage flower pins to tack the upper two corners of each panel to the inside of the window frame. The flower pins are sort of like little decorative tacks, and were originally used to pin fabric tie-backs to the wall, but I'm using them in a totally different way. It's hard to explain w/o a photo, but because of the way my old house's double-hung bay windows are constructed, there is no other way I can see to do an inside mounted curtain, and I don't want to do an outside mount and cover the window trim. It's a vintage 50's kitchen, and the fabric is bright 50's floral, so it'll be almost like just tacking up a vintage tea towel (which is what I have in one window right now, so I can tell that it works and can see how it will look). I hope this description makes more sense. I don't really need to darken the room, but the lining will need to be opaque enough that you don't see the floral pattern from the street (some lining I saw was too sheer), and it needs to cut down on the sun enough that we can eat at the kitchen table w/o being blinded. :) Thanks for your reply; it sounds like I can just find a good-quality lining and go with that; no need for multiple fabrics. Thanks again; I'll definitely practice first and will post pics when I'm done. Jenn