FABRICS 291
SELECTION OF DRAPERY FABRICS

The cost of fabrics for curtains might well be low compared
with expenditures for other furnishings, because draperies should
be changed every five years or so. In almost any room that needs
reviving, the most effect for the money expended is obtained by
the acquisition of new curtains.

When shopping for samples of fabrics it is well to have along
a sample of wall paper, upholstery materials, some threads from
the carpet, and samples of paint used in the rooms. Departments
other than the drapery and curtain departments should be visited.
Sometimes a tablecloth or a bedspread can be cut and hung to
advantage as curtains. See page 422. Often cotton, silk, or linen
dress goods, or suitings are more original and effective than ordi-
nary drapery material. They must, however, hang well, press
well, and wear well.

Delicate rooms require such fabrics as silk, raw silk, chiffon,
satin, silk gauze, velvet, velour, taffeta, or embroidered silk.
Sturdy rooms need monk's cloth, bed ticking, sail cloth, tarletan,
fish net, Osnaburg, natural cottons, oilcloth, corduroy, rough
novelty cloth, or similar materials. Informal cottage rooms sug-
gest dotted Swiss, net, marquisette, casement cloth, chintz, the-
atrical gauze, voile, calico, gingham, pongee, colored sheeting, or-
gandy, scrim, or any thin washable fabric. Elegant stately rooms
require crewel embroideries, raw silk, satin, velvet, velour, damask,
brocade, silk rep, metallic cloth, woolens, block-printed linens, or
other high-grade textiles. Modern rooms can use either the new
sleek shiny composition fabrics or the boldly textured novelty
weaves which provide contrast for Modern smoothness.

Other fabrics and weaves are craft, terry, pebble weave, waffle,
mohair, jersey, cashmere, faille, cretonne, and rajah, and the
cheaper denim, gingham, and cheesecloth. Rubberized silk or
cellophane meant for shower curtains may also be considered for
bath and kitchen windows. Imitations of costly fabrics, such as
cheap satins and damasks, should be avoided*

Manufacturers will provide fadeproof, waterproof, mothproof,
flameproof, dirtproof, deteriorationproof, and mildewproof fabrics
if consumers demand them, In such materials light colors wiil
be practical for draperies and for general use.