I really like FabricCarolina - the website is cumbersome, but the have great selections. I have used FabricGuru as well and have been very pleased. May I suggest, once you decide on a fabric, google it to look for the best prices. Have fun.

Susan, sorry it's taken me so long to respond. The Curtain Slide Tape is a silicone tape applied to the top of the rod which enables the rings to slide easily over the rod. This is their web site: www.curtainslide.com Rings are also available with silicone inserts. The steel rod we used in this design has a custom hand painted finish and I wanted to make sure that the finish was protected and that the rings glided easily.

I agree with Grobby. The way she did not even finish pressing the new hems, the way the threads are left hanging, and the evidence that she did not let the curtains hang for a few days before hemming are all symptomatic of a sloppy job. They are not going to look better with time, even if a contrasting band is added. Every time you look at them you may be disappointed. Put it this way: how much would you pay for these curtains if you saw them in the bargain bin at a department store? Certainly not full price.

You don't have particularly high windows but you do have width...86 an 144 inches will need multiple widths of fabric and support brackets. You cannot go into Target etc and buy rods that will work effectively over those spans, especially if you want the curtains to be able to traverse. Zarins have quoted you for sheers and over drapes,,,,, I would do without one of those layers for starters. Work out which one you can do without. The only way you will get cheaper than Zarin is to go direct to a workroom but most only work with designers or shops in the NYC area. As others have stated you would be looking at multiple widths of readymades if you go non-custom. Inexpensive/ custom/NYC are mutually exclusive.. however having seen so many bad DIY jobs over the years, if window coverings are important to you, I would absolutely say bite the bullet and do custom..and I would not recommend trying to install yourself either. It will be worth it in the short run.