After coming up with that title, I debated: is it fair to dangle you along to wonder if I indeed had to start my window treatment project ALL OVER AGAIN?
Mr says that when I tell him a story I loooove to set up drama, get him all nervous and then tell the very anticlimactic ending.
Wow, that’s harsh.
Maybe if I thought he was actually LISTENING to my story (and not compiling a grocery list while I was droning on), I wouldn’t feel compelled to offer a more suspenseful song and dance.
Oooh, sorry. TMI.
So, NO! No dangling! This project alone was a three-year dangle!
I. AM. FINISHED!!!! Curtains up. Light the lights!
(Actually, I finished them in mid-August. But before posting about it, there was another little problem to solve, which, of course, is below. And then I took on a HUGE new project.)
Also, I owe the entire world an apology for the continuation of the pandemic. I was constantly thinking “I HOPE I get these freaking curtains done before the pandemic ends!” I didn’t realize my procrastinating might then actually be prolonging it. So, through mid-August, you can blame me. Any new cases are NOT my fault. (All of you do continue to be in my prayers, btw.)
I know…you want me to write a bazillion words about how I screwed up the last panel.
But then I risk you dozing off or going to make your grocery list. Instead, I made you a GRIPPING video; and yes, in cartoon world I am much thinner, more attractive, and have better hair.
Use your eagle eyes to figure out how I messed up the last panel:
.
.
SPOILER ALERT: NO ONE NEEDS EAGLE EYES to see that I messed up because I thought I could actually talk on the phone while laying out my fabric, trimming it, and pressing in my panel hems.
What. an. idiot.
Because I was yapping on the phone, I cut one layer…the interlining…too narrow. (Interlining is a flannel-like layer of fabric that’s inserted between the face/outside fabric and the lining. It gives the curtain extra body).
Hey, are YOU making your grocery list????
I debated fudging it so I could finish.
But, NO!
These curtains were supposed to be my do-it-by-the-book masterpiece.
So I ordered new interlining, cut a properly sized-layer and did them correctly so that I could utter the most annoyingly overused DIY blogger words:
“And I am absolutely THRILLED with the outcome.”
GAG…. but TBH, I kind of am.
Now, you all know I love comments and when people let me know that they were here…but I promise, Scouts’ honor, I am not posting this for compliments. Dang, I’m not even sure if I even like the fabric the decorator picked out. BUT… what I DO like is that they are 100% DONE!
And that the feeling has finally returned to my index finger from all that hand sewing.
Did I tell you those hems are hand sewn? (Haha, of course I did!) Eight panels, 100 inches long, 50-ish-inches wide. Even at just two stitches per inch that would be about four thousand stitches!!!
Okay, enough about me. What do YOU think about me.
So...why hand sewing? Was there not something else I could’ve done with my time….like dust, for example?
Why did I not take Bettye’s guidance and use some type of press-on/peel-off sorcery?
Let me be perfectly honest: I didn’t know I’d be hand-sewing them when I paid for the course by workroom wizard Susan Woodcock, aka the “Home Dec Gal.”
BEST MISTAKE I EVER MADE…despite all my whining.
You might remember–when I made my family room Roman Shades–I had just purchased a new sewing machine after my 30-year-old workhorse called it a day.
They turned out acceptably well, and when they’re open, they look extremely passable, IMHO.
But the tension control on that freaking sewing machine gave me nightmares. No matter how I adjusted it, I couldn’t get it right, and when the shades are lowered, puckery stitches are the only thing I see.
Eventually, I found a way to adjust the tension using a combination of settings and taking a screwdriver to the inside of the machine… and THAT worked well enough for the shades in the back hall.
But did I really want stitching that “worked well enough” when I had spent more than $30/yard for fabric? Heck no!
I wanted craftsmanship that was “work-of-art” perfection (or as close to it as I am capable). Hand stitching them wasn’t fast, but it helped me create stitches that were seamless and generally invisible. How invisible?
And unlike press-on/iron-on tape, actual stitches pass through all layers of fabric–face, interlining, and lining–which locks it all into place.
There are lots of free resources you can consult to make your own curtains. I found this one SUPER helpful during my planning phase. Rowley Company also has very helpful instructions for draperies and all kinds of home dec projects.. But you know me… I have ALL THE QUESTIONS.
Susan Woodcock not only answered most of them in her easy-to-follow, 14-step video, she also gave very helpful counsel via email. (Also, as rescue mom to Andy Dandy and Jackie, she speaks fluent Dog… which makes her a “Home Dec Gal” after my own heart.)
Despite the fact that the windows in our house are positioned ridiculously low, I hung the curtains the way the internet told me to, which is close to the ceiling. I agree that the panels look nicer when they’re hung that way, but I kept seeing a giant blinking arrow pointing to that space.
Can you see it too?
So I decided to fake taller windows by hanging a woven roman shade just below the rod.
My helpful son suggested that the shade now calls attention to the weirdness of the windows. Fortunately, I do not ask accountants for decorating advice. Also, he no longer lives with us.
Instead I messaged award-winning Blogger and Designer Laurel Bern.
To Roman Shade or not to Roman Shade? THAT was my succinctly worded question. (Don’t you wish my posts were also as succinct?)
“Fake the height,” she replied.
And with her valued blessing, I hung the shades, tacked the returns (curtain edges) to the wall, made sure I had stuffed every goblet pleat with half a bathroom tissue roll to make them crisp….
and CALLED IT A DAY!!!
Anywho….you have once again been kind and patient… AND may have already lost a great deal of sleep overthinking my curtains right along with me all these months (and years). Perhaps you’ve also lost money as you placed your casino bets on whether or not I would finish (let alone post) actual photos of my actual curtains.
Not only have I finished, I’ve even moved on to a new pandemic project…and IT. IS. A. DOOZY!!!
Yes, I’m stalling. Here are my actual photos of my actual curtains (drumroll, please):
(What?! You want to see all EIGHT panels at once? Well, I can’t show you that bc there’s another new project that’s visible and I haven’t drafted the post for it yet, haha. You’re going to have to trust me, they’re finished.)
Oh, my gosh…I have been so behind in all things blog…but so happy I began catching up today and discovered this jewel of a post. So sorry to have more than one giggle at your expense. I really wasn’t laughing at you, but with you…you did laugh when you discovered the fatal cut, right?
I know better…I would have been heart sick. I am so distractible that I can’t have the TV on, listen to music, anything when I am trying trying trying to concentrate.
But for all the heartache and months (not really years, right?) of hard work, the final results are gorgeous. Loved the fabric from the first. The colors, the print, the texture. Cannot imagine how you make those pleat thingies but they look amazing. And I like the idea of hanging them above the window. I did the same thing in our living room with some terribly boring, store-bought, light blocking drapes from Wayfair. But the space between the rod and the window bothered me, too. Your fix is GENIUS. Love the blinds. The added texture. And the great length they help create in your windows. You are so clever. And while your Avatar is adorable, you are even cuter in real life, buzzing around your sewing table.
Looking at my den window and wondering if I could so something similar in here. The window in this room is short and squat. Faking some height would make a big difference in this room. Wonder if I could figure out a way to fake some height on myself while I am at it??
Oh my goodness. The curtains do look lovely – and I like them better with the fake shades over the bare spots. I’m not sure I’d have been as patient as you (well, I am sure I wouldn’t have) to have the project going on for that long. But, you did good – they look gret!
Thanks, Iris! I hadn’t seen that you visited…sorry! I think, for me, it’s not so much patience…it’s just that I know I’ll have to live with it for a long time so I really want to get it right. But the last two projects are almost done and I’m really happy with how it’s all evolving. Talk to you soon!
Dang, girl.
First…that video is fabulous. What makes you think to even video what you’re doing?? I always think of it when it’s too late, LOL!!
Second, I LOVE the roman shades to fill in the space (although seriously I didn’t notice the space until you pointed it out).
And I truly can’t believe you hand stitched all of those. That took longer than me knitting a sweater possibly!!
BTW, I just love the small dog sitting on the chair looking out…at first glance her tail almost makes it look like she’s wearing a tulle skirt! (I know, I know, only I would think of that).
Thanks for the giggles and amazing project. You are amazing!!
OXOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Ah, Jodie! So happy you liked my dabble in film, haha. I thought about it just before the last panel, which was serendipitous, because that’s when I goofed. #reallife.
I am certain your beautiful sweaters take more time, unless you count my inability to make a decision; the biggest delay. It’s neat that with every stitch, you actually create the fabric and the form.
Jack, haha, the little photobomber…one of his favorite perches. He’s usually, um, naked. He had the most spectacular tail when he was younger, but he’s a little bald there now. It um, look a little ratty, so thinking it was tulle is a plus!
Your curtains look lovely! I’ve been to Curtain Hell a few times myself (got the t-shirt and a nice “Curtain Hell” mug I use for my tea), so I can empathize. I’m not looking forward to my next trip. I’m glad you decided to go with the shades. You totally made your windows taller without having to actually make them taller. I love a good fake out. (People think I’m four inches taller than I am because I wear high heel sneakers. They’re my sneaky sneaks.) As a fellow sewing aficionado (as opposed to sewer, which is probably more accurate, but sounds like crap), I can also appreciate those hours you spent hand stitching. Only a crazy perfectionist would take the time to hand sew something that no one will ever get close enough to notice. I feel you. You are my people.
Ohh, high praise makes my day! I would be thrilled to be your people! I’m seeing the term, “sewist” lately…I have to say it makes me giggle.
Gotta say, I clearly did a lot of bitching ’bout the stitching, but wow, that Susan knows her stuff. Looking forward to the room across the hall, which may get the trim work fakeout….or perhaps a couple of years of mulling over whether or not I now have to do the same kind of fake as the Living Room or go with my other plan.
Talk to you SOON about that other idea!!!
I LOVE the roman shades! I, too, have the same opinion about the open spaces above the window. I may steal your idea on the shades, since it looks so good. BTW, I have a friend who has 5 FEET of open space over her windows in her very tall wall living room. I did NOT say a thing. Bless her heart 🙂
I can so relate to the whole procrastination on the project, although mine is not making drapes. Mine is making slipcovers for my deck cushions. Since we are at the end of summer now, it is officially 2 years since I began the project. And I only have 1 chair completed out of the 6. UGH! My daughter will be bringing her new boyfriend here for Christmas and it will be our first FTF meeting. So, now I have to finish! LOVE reading your posts!
Hello, Tina…and thank you!
I was going to put molding above the window, but the shades offer some nice privacy. Our windows were supposed to have transoms, but the builder said they would be dumb with the porch. Turns out WE were dumb to take the builder’s advice, because he put them on the porched house across the street and they look amazing. SO frustrating.
But five feet! Man, that’s some space. She should check out Toll Brothers instagram for ideas. They have a lot of dumb tall rooms, but fill the spaces really well.
Five more cushions?! Hope that boyfriend is a keeper! Seriously though…how exciting. I want boyfriends (for my daughters, of course. haha)!!!
I meant F2F–face to face. Sorry, typing too fast.
Those are stunning! Window treatments are on an upcoming to-do list of mine. I’m also looking at acrylic drapery rods.
Thank you, Kimberly! I’m looking forward to using the same method for our dining room…and fortunately there are only two windows! Yay!
There are some lovely acrylic rod sets out there…and they can be speedy. FWIW, I repurposed the drapery rod hardware from the old curtains and painted them gold, ordered new rings and painted them to match. Then ordered the acrylic rod from a plastics company. Something to consider.
OMG I am soooo impressed with the finished product and love your new curtains. Your perseverance on this project is inspirational. (Sort of🤨 I would never take on something of this magnitude, pandemic or not. I’m really into instant gratification. ). You did a great job and I love the whole story, too gripping to try making a grocery list while listening. Thanks for sharing. I’m looking forward to seeing next project. Have fun.
Thank you, Lesley, o queen of the layered accessories!
It’s not particularly inspiring, I could have done four stitches a day for three years and gotten them done faster, haha. It really isn’t the project…it’s making decisions that delay me: which kind of pleat, where to place the pattern, interline or no interline (the decorator said no interlining, but I’m SO glad I ignored that advice). But thank you just the same. Mr is more instant gratification, but he gives me the space I need…usually.
So happy you saved your grocery list for later, haha! Sometimes I even bore myself.