This pattern was revised in 1998. If you don’t have the latest pattern you may return your used pattern for a new one at ½ price. If your pattern is unused there is no charge, except shipping cost.
DESIGN
I am wondering if I can combine the Murphy Valance just using the pattern for a swag (without the application of jabots, tails and rope) with either the single or double horn of the Kingston Pole Swag 9203, or the single horn of the Kingston Valance 9101?
Sorry, no. The Murphy can’t have a sew in horn. Anything you use would have to lay out front. It sounds like you need to use the new Kingston 9101. You can change the fullness area to have only a few gathers instead of a lot of pleats if you want to. The new revised pattern tells you how. A DVD can be purchased to go with the pattern (if you want it), which shows you details of the alterations, etc.
FABRIC
Would you recommend a plaid or striped fabric for the Murphy?
It would look ok for the swags, but the jabot and tail are cut on a curve. A plaid fabric would hang at a lot of different angles. Stripes are better but will still hang with angles.
Do you recommend or discourage interlining the Murphy Valance?
I usually encourage interlining, but it depends on your fabric and the look you want.
SWAG SIZE
I was considering ordering the Murphy Valance pattern, but I can’t tell if my window is too large for this pattern or not? My window width is 89”.
Swag widths are 16” to 34”, use as many as needed.
YARDAGE
I’m having trouble figuring out the yardage required for the Murphy Valance, I think that the word “your size” confuses me. I need the height of the valance to be 24” finished at the longest point. The width of the window is 54”, and the return is 4”. I was going to make 2 swags and will overlay pleated swags from another source to both ends. My fabric is 54” wide. I’m also concerned that it appears that only 10” are being shirred....is that correct?
It is against our policy to figure yardage for you but I will try to help you. Your size is whatever you determine you want your swag width to be. If you want two swags, divide your finished width of the valance by two. That would be your size. The gathered area is about 20” before pulling, it pulls up to about 10” or more. The upper portion is flat.
ALTERATIONS
My board size must be 74” for my window. That is the smallest that it can be. The pattern states that you shouldn’t use more than a 34” swag length. I was going to use two swags for this window, 37” each. Do you think it would be permissible for me to use a 37” vs. 34” swag? I want the swags to look right, and I cannot tell if the longer length would cause the final look to be off.
You need to do a mock up. The swag will probably hang too deep. If so, perhaps you can adjust the shirr tape. We take a pattern as far as it will go in size. The side angles of the pattern would have to change in order to keep it consistent. Wider is ok, depending on the fabric. It can show off a large motif. It will look more tailored. Small swags look more ornate and busy.
Is there a way to alter the Murphy Valance so the swag drop is 16”? I notice that 18” is the shortest the patterns goes.
Just pull the shirr tape tighter.
RETURNS
Is it necessary to use returns when using the jabots?
You may eliminate the returns if you wish, but since the top of the jabot is loose and flaring, some of the board may show at the top.
TRIM
Does this valance need the cording or will it look ok without cord?
Cording in the seams is optional.
How do I “finish off” the cord 1/2” from side edges? Do I sew the cording into the seam allowance or do I cut 1/2” from side and glue the edges and the end of the cord are exposed?
Please look at the last page of your instruction book.
CUTTING
The fabric I have can be cut on the bias. Will it be best if I cut the swags on the bias?
The Murphy swag should not be cut on the bias. It won’t hang well. This is different from most swags that should be cut on the bias.
MOUNT BOARD
Must I make the multi-pieced mount board described on page 2 of the instructions, or can I just make a dust board?
You must have a dust board with “legs” so the valance will have support at the sides.
I am going to make the Murphy Valance with no tails or jabots or rope, as pictured on the bottom of page 10 of the instruction book. My question is whether I should still use the face and side supports for the mount board? I assume I still use returns for valances? This will be an inside mount. Width of 59”.
You won’t need a face, but you will need legs on the board.
BAY WINDOWS
I’m using the Murphy for a bay window.
This will be more difficult because the mount board will need a “face”. Legs are needed at the outside ends only. The outside swags may need to be larger than the inside swags. This is ok, you can still make the valance as one unit.
In My Designer’s Manual Part 2 I do not see the Murphy valance presented in a bay window. Can it be installed on a continental rod in a bay window?
The Murphy can be installed in a bay window, on a mount board. It can not be installed on a continental rod.
