Hi,
I would use a silky type fabric for the lining. It doesn't have to be expensive, the reason I say this is due to the discription you gave of your fabric, it sounds like it has some stretch to it. If this is the case and you sew a fabric to it such as cotton, that doesn't stretch you won't be happy. I must say you choose a picky fabric for a beginner but I think you can work with it. Just remember to use the stretch stitch setting on your machine so the stitches give with the fabric.

A photo of your fabric and the pattern you plan to use would be hellpful for more instructions.
Hope this helps some.

I would use drapery lining, myself. It's typically a cotton or poly-cotton blend.

It would be my choice because it would give the face fabric more stability and support when the valence is hung. It would also be the material to use to protect the face fabric from the ravages of UV light and varying degrees of condensation that occur in and around windows.

JMO

Chelone - The only drapery fabric I "know of" (not) is more an inner lining to give weight? It really wouldn't do for the other side that is seen. (Hope this makes sense). I put that stuff inside the DR valences but this stuff is already really heavy and has lots of drape.
I've asked at JoAnns and Hancocks, maybe I've just asked the wrong people but I've not gotten any real help.
Hopefully a picture may help a bit. Stuff reminds me a bit of velvet but heavier than the cheap fake velvet.

{{!gwi}}

I don't think I understand what you need the lining to "do". Help me out.

When you're seated in your room you will be looking at the "velvet-y" fabric. I'm thinking the lining will be facing the street... what you'd see when you walk by your home.

Do I have the wrong impression?

No that's it, that's what I mean.
The stuff they called "drapery lining" at the store that I used before was more like a cream colored felt, sort of like thin quilting batting. I used it inbetween the back and front fabric.
So that I wouldn't want seen from the street.
Thanks,
Mary