New Window, New Curtains

I really didn’t want to put any curtains up on the new window.  I like the blissfully bare look on that particular one.  But last weekend, we realized that it might be nice to have the option to have a little privacy if we want it.

When I usually hang curtains, I hang them 6″ to 8″ above the trim and 8″ to 12″ wider than the trim to give the illusion of a larger window.   This one was different to me.  Since there is a transom (a smaller row of windows on the top) I wanted to highlight that since it’s a little snazzier than a plain old window.

I decided that a tension rod placed right below the transom would be a good place for it.  Sheers would allow for privacy and still let a ton of light in.  I spent a few hours (seriously) in the window treatment sections of Target, Bed Bath And Beyond, and a few other stores.  None of the tension rods were long enough for my window.  So, I improvised.  I bought a shower curtain tension rod. As for the curtains, I realized that I had a specific vision in my mind and I wasn’t going to find it in a store.  I was going to have to make these babies.

I was going to attempt to sew my own curtains.  This may not sound like a huge deal to most of you Martha Stewarts out there, but up until now, the most I’ve sewn was a few flower headbands and brooches!   But, I thought, how hard could it be?  Curtains are rectangles.  I could do this.

I drove to Joanne Fabrics and searched for the perfect lightweight, cheerful, white fabric.  I found it, then discovered that there was exactly enough left on the bolt for the curtains.  This may sound like a wonderful thing to most people, but to me it meant that there was ZERO room for error.  I wanted to buy a few yards extra, should I mess it up royally.  But, me being me, I decided to give it a shot anyway.

The first thing I did was figure out the dimensions I needed each curtain to be.  I added about 4 1/2 inches extra to the length for a small bottom hem and the pocket to put the rod through.  I added an inch to the width to allow for a small 1/2″ hem so it looked nice & clean.  Then I cut it that size.

Next, I measured 1/2″,  folded, and pinned the fabric vertically.

Then, I measured 3 1/2 inches from the top of the curtain and folded it to the back.  I pinned it, and sewed a straight line.

The last part to do was the bottom hem. In order to make it look more polished, I folded the fabric to the back 1/2″ then folded over again another 1/2″.  Pin then sew.  Easy peasy.

Slide these puppies onto the tension rod, put it in place, step back, &  feel like Martha Flippin Stewart while you realize you actually just sewed your own curtains 😉

Here’s what they look like when we don’t want the neighbors to see me eating my morning oatmeal in my ripped nightshirt & undies…

I didn’t like the way they looked when they were just hanging & open, so I concocted tie backs from silvery grey ribbons and push pins.

I pushed the pins into the corners so that way I wouldn’t put more holes in our walls.  I billowed the curtains out so they covered my ghetto tie back holders.

I know I’m far from a sewing pro, but I’m happy with the way they turned out.  I didn’t follow any directions, I just kinda winged it and got lucky.  I got over my fear of attempting a big(ish) sewing project…big as in big for me 😀

As of today, me likey.  Once my A.D.D. kicks in, I’m sure I’ll be switching things up.

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What’s the most ambitious thing you’ve ever sewn?  Are you a sew-a-phobe?  Let’s talk it out.

xo

Mindy