http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2009/02/make-shades-out-of-mini-blinds.html

This site has instructions for taking down old gross miniblinds, taking them apart, and reusing the mechanism and a few of the slats to create really beautiful roman shades for the cost of fabric and glue.  Perhaps best of all, it can be a 100% no-sew project if you want. 

Aside from the fact that I never liked the minis in the first place, we have replaced who knows how many of them because the dog and cats massacred them.  I can't wait to do this.