White stitches on a white background should be fine. The seamstress will probably suggest adding a strip of fabric so the top has some structure. Here is a link that might be useful: Translucent buckram

shadylady 2u and sallymo, Thanks for your advice on the double rods. So you are saying it will look better to have both the front and back rods be the same finish and style, versus trying to paint the back traverse rod (for the sheers) to match the wall. What if the back traverse rod is the basic metal square style and it is painted to match the wall? I want a large dark stained rod in front for the decorative drapery panels. So would you suggest I also get the same style and color for the sheer rod? I am thinking it should be a thinner version of the front one. Just double checking to make sure I understand! Thanks!

Grommeted curtains, unless the grommets are large compared to the rod, and sit on it loosely, are not that easy to open and close. The simplest option would be a rod pocket sheer, you would just need to make sure you have adequate clearance. However the thing about opening and closing these daily is that one one generally pulls on the curtain edge to open and close them. I think this gets them dirty in that spot unless you are very careful. They do make traverse rods with hooks and a pull rod to open and close them. Look at Country Curtains for an example. Here is a link that might be useful: Track Rod Set

I've recently gotten quotes for rods for my new house. Antique Drapery Rod Company has an excellent selection, fully functioning traverse rods, double decorative rods, an online consult to help you figure out all of what you need; and I know from experience in the business that their quality is top notch. But be prepared, so are their prices - top notch! Antique Drapery Rod The Finial Company is another one where you'll be able to get whatever you want, and it's high quality stuff. However their website is almost impossible to navigate and get what you want. You need a rep to help you decipher what elements you want, and it's equally as expensive. I'm assuming you want decorative rods so that you don't have to have a valance or a cornice board. If you're going to have a valance you can use a Kirsch Superfine rod, it's heavy enough to handle the length. There are lots of other companies out there, I'm just personally familiar with the above companies and know their quality, so feel fairly safe recommending them.