Not much quiltmaking has been happening since I offered to make window treatments for three windows at Jill's house in Kansas. Two of the windows are those half-circle, decorative windows you sometimes see on newer homes. I had wondered how those window coverings were made, and now I know. The old ones, which were in tatters from sun exposure on the south side of the house, were my pattern.
I'd always thought the curtain must be a half-circle shape, like a fan, so I was surprised to learn it's just one really long rectangle-shape! It took three 58" widths of fabric to make the length needed.
At the top of the window, a clear flexible tube is threaded through the rod pocket and shaped for the arch. The bottom of the rectangle is simply accordion-pleated and secured with a zip tie! Who knew!? |
| From the inside you can see the zip tie. |
My greatest satisfaction in all this comes in the savings. I sewed them with Roc-lon drapery lining fabric which is made to block sunlight and provide "energy saver" insulation. I used two layers of fabric for each half-circle window and made both for only $21! And the decorator quoted Jill $70 for one window. It's stuff like this that makes me grateful that I can sew... and sorry for the young people who are not being exposed to that valuable skill.
From the outside of the house, they look pretty darned good, if I do say so myself.
(Below) This 40"-long window treatment, a tabbed valance, is on the single window in "my" room at their house. If you recall, from the same print I made posh pillowcases, for the bed.
I love how they turned out, and they weren't expensive to make either since I already had white fabric for lining. Aren't we glad we know how to sew and save pennies?
It's been a while since I've shared a good joke. This one is from Elizabeth, a sweet and talented - she bakes, cooks, sews, and takes beautiful photographs - young lady, who's 16 (Oops!) 14 years old. She has the loveliest blog too: JoyfulJewels4Jesus.
Why did the computer technician's cheese sandwich always disappear?
Because his *mouse* ate it!
Because his *mouse* ate it!
You have done a wonderful job with those window dressings Linda. And the savings are enormous.
ReplyDeleteI like the way you tackle these problems and share your solutions very generously.
What creative projects for window treatments! And it was fun seeing my joke featured! :) My brother shared that one with me. :) Thanks for your sweet words about me, too! Also, I am 14, but thank you for thinking I was older! :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Joyfully in Jesus,
Elizabeth
The window coverings look fantastic! Saving a load of $$$ makes them all the better.
ReplyDeleteHow lucky for your daughter to have such a thrifty Mom!! I love nothing better than a great bargain and the labor involved doesn't count towards the cost when it's a labor of love! The window adornements look wonderful :)
ReplyDeletegreat job on the curtains Linda...isn't it nice to save some $$ to spend on stash.
ReplyDeleteLove the joke..
Julia ♥
Hi Linda - you are an inspiration on many levels. Where do you get all that energy?
ReplyDeleteLuv the Zimbabwe Australian Quilter
x x x
Wendi
I think of you everytime I put on my "finger pin cushion" :)
Linda, the curtains are looking great, especially the half round one. Do you remember that I have a triangle window? Do you have a good suggestion for that? If yes, come over and sew them for me ;-))
ReplyDeleteEdith
What a wonderful job you have done with the curtains, and what wonderful savings were made! As much as I procrastinated and complained about making curtains, there is a huge satisfaction factor when you see them all done and looking great! To my sister in window dressing, I salute you!
ReplyDeleteI have a window in need of a gathered treatment like that! Thanks for the tip. Hope your Stichin' Mission is going well.
ReplyDelete