My life is to make everything around me beautiful.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

The Curtain Caper

I've sat here trying to figure out a snappy opening but I'm too pooped to pop or think.

This is the 6th pair of curtains I've had for this window. I have never covered the small window with anything but lace because it's so small nothing will fit there and look right. Anyway, I bought this fabric online and got a fantastic price at $6.95 a yard for higher end fabric. I love the fabric. It's a pink, taupe and white stripe and very pretty. I almost shot myself making them and this is the story.

You would think by now I'd be able to make something without ripping it apart...3 times. Yep, 3 times I took it apart. I wanted 4 panels out of the 7 yards I bought. I'm no fool. I know myself and I always buy more than I need just in case. And just in case applies to ME. First the rod pocket was too small and it wouldn't go on. Rippppp! So after sewing 4 lengths together for 2 full panels I thought it was too full. Ripppppp! So I ripped the seam apart and made 4 panels, very looooong panels and redid the edges after ripping out the rod pocket. Ripppppp! I spent several hours on Saturday doing this and while Sunday is a day of rest, the curtains sat there nagging—yep, actually staring me down and nagging—to finish them up last night because this morning I had to go to PT again and the carpet cleaner was coming.

I need a vacation at this point from just reliving this experience! Still with me?

Okay, so I flipped them over, meaning I forgot the top, just let it go, and restarted from the bottom now. But I kept one with 2 panels sewn together and the other 2 just on the rod squished tight so you can't see they are 2 panels (one on the right in the 3rd photo below.

Now, if you're confused, just think how I was this past weekend. A job that should have taken just an hour or so took me 2 1/2 days. If you've lost count of how many times I've ripped them apart, just trust me. Even I've lost official count. But if you come to my house and try to see the bottoms I just might have to kill ya. ;-)

Last night.

Last night

This morning. I really do like them!

I put the ribbon and rose back up there.

Closeup of fabric.

Very close up of fabric.

But one serendipitous thing did happen. While sitting and waiting for the carpet man, Mario, to finish I decided to redo a few things—plus wash some sheets, but that's another story. These 2 candlesticks were too large for the candles so I decided to stick some tissue paper down there. Lo and behold, it looks just like a ruffle around the candlestick. I'm impressed by my ingeniousness!


They now grace my living room table.
~*~

9 comments:

  1. Your new curtains are perfect. I'm sure you had hard words with them at times! But it must be worth it all to see them hanging so elegantly.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You're amazing!!! You've outdone me and I always thought I changed things up alot! ;)

    The curtains look terrific!

    I'm so glad I stopped by today!

    ~Blessings,
    Jan

    ReplyDelete
  3. your new curtains are pretty; love the fabric. I made a quilt block recently that I had to use my seam ripper over and over again on... not fun!!! I love the color in your new curtains.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Connie! I love your new curtains! And I love your storytelling. You are so funny!! The fabric is beautiful. You really did a nice job!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Connie,
    Your curtains look really great! I love the stripes. Lately I have been into stripes, I even ordered a red,white and cream striped rug for my front room from Ethen Allen and may I add that I ordered it on June 11 and its still not here...
    I really do love your curtains and the material is really pretty..
    Have a sweet day, Elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  6. I have to say this sounds very familiar - like my sewing adventures! I know how frustrating that can be, but they look fantastic, Connie! I'd never know if you hadn't told us!

    xo
    Claudia

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love the fabric! They look very beautiful! I have never made curtains yet but I want to make a new pair for my living room and for my dining room. That is my winter project, I think. Your candles are lovely too. I hope you are enjoying the fall!

    heather

    ReplyDelete
  8. Gosh Connie- It's been too long since I have been by to see what you have been up too! So Sorry-

    Love the curtains and that ribbon and rose at the ends is such a sweet touch!!

    Love all those pretty aprons too- my you have been busy!

    bee blessed
    mary

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Connie, I really like your new curtains and the colors are gorgeous. Hope all is well with you. Haven't been doing much blogging lately as I have no energy, but woke up early this morning feeling a little better. My spring is in the fall, so hopefully I will get back into the swing of things. Love ya, Pat

    ReplyDelete

Comments are so nice and I thank all of you that leave one for me.