17 October 2011

Shhh...One of my little secrets!

Welcome back Monday :( I was NOT ready for today, I needed another day off this week. Especially because it has been so rainy and dark out. I hate that weather. But TODAY or course the sun is shining bright, its cold but that sun makes everything better.

So I thought I'd share a little secret I use as a small change with a big impact, bigger windows, taller ceilings. If we try and accentuate the wall height it may give the allusion of taller ceilings. I use curtains! I don't hang them at the top of the window. I hang them at the ceiling! It really gives the window a more dramatic appeal and elongates the wall, making them seem "taller". You get what I mean?

Lets take a look... First let me tell you, I DO NOT spend alot of money on curtains. And you don't have to either. Typical curtain panel length is 84" and typical wall length is 96". You can buy 96" curtain panels and spend the extra money on them, like I did in the master bedroom, they puddle just a bit because you can't hang the rods right at the 96" mark. And let me tell you I paid for them, they are from JCPenny, but that's what worked in that room.

So I make my own semi-homemade version. I'm not a sewer, I'm trying to learn.. So getting some fabric and sewing my own is out the window...  Here's how I do it...

Step #1, pic out some 84" curtains. Pic a fabric that will easily transition, mine are partial silk. $15 dollars from Marshall's.

Step #2, take the curtain and a coupon to Joann fabrics and pic a fabric that has the same consistency, a silk type, get about 2 yards, more like 3 if its your first time. Also get a roll of Iron-On Hem Tape, like 1/4inch size, here(Note: this depends on how much gap you have between the bottom of the panel and the floor)

Step #3, hang the rod, make sure it is really really straight, this is the hardest part i think. I always check my holes 10 times before I actually screw it in :) :)


You will end up with a gap like this...


Step #5, Measure the distance from the seam at the bottom of the panel to the floor. You want to start at the seam because it will then look like it was made that way. Cut the piece you need about 1/2 inch longer on all 4 sides.

I.e. Seam to the floor = 13 inches and width of curtain = 40" your piece should be 41x14, got it?

Step #6, Get out your ironing board, iron and hem tape. I didn't even take the curtains down. :)  Lay the fabric out.



Fold each side over about a quarter inch, maybe a little more, and iron a nice straight crease into the fabric. Trust me this step is necessary, it makes the seam tape go down MUCH easier.

then...

Step 7:

Iron the seam...



Do this on all 4 sides...

Step 8:  Then iron the piece of fabric onto the curtain at the top of the bottom seam.  Do little sections at a time to make sure you get it on straight. And you end up with this...

I have done this on all the back windows of my house. And so far I love it, I haven't changed them so they are obviously working out well. And for about 10 bucks a panel, I can't go wrong! :) :)




 These are a little long, I may fold them up again, haven't decided yet :)


Do you have any little secrets?  If so I would love to hear about them.  Have a great day!!

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6 comments:

Chris said...

Alyssa, you did a marvellous job on your curtains. They look great. I have found you and am following you through Debbie's Newbie Party and hope to visit often. Please drop by my blog and visit and perhaps follow me. I would love that. Have a great day. Hugs, Chris

Anonymous said...

The curtains look great. I've been thinking about doing that too. Now that I've seen yours, I just might.

Sharon

Debbiedoos said...

Very pretty job on the curtains. Glad you found and joined my newbie party. Look forward to seeing what you are up to next.

laxsupermom said...

Love this idea! What a great way to get a custom length with off the rack drapes! Thanks for sharing.

I'm hosting my monthly Before Blogging Throwback Thursdays party and would love it if you'd come and share something you made/did/bought sometime before blogging. Can't wait to see what you share at the party.

Tauja @ Simply Mod Mom said...

Alyssa,

Great tips!! Your curtains look great-I love the contrast!!

Sherry said...

This is so neat!

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