KITCHEN CURTAINS

This past weekend I was able to finish up a project that I had been slowly working on. Since Auburn played away and Brandon made a weekend trip to the hunting camp, I had a weekend to myself to get whatever done I needed! I am so glad I devoted the weekend to getting these curtains up, because I so happy with them (for now)!

Melrose's double kitchen window looks straight into the neighbors house and has been itching for some cover up. As you know, I like things simple and monotone so I didn't want anything too busy or fussy. Mom found this picture in my New Farmhouse Style book by Terry Woods and it was instant inspiration:

Mom and I discussed how I could achieve this vintage, worn look and we decided with tea bags! So, I purchased some white linen fabric, cut them into panels, dyed them, hung them to dry, hemmed them, and voila! Here are some pictures from my process and the end result.

Not that this is super cool, but if you are interested -- I boiled some water, steeped the tea bags for about 5 minutes, removed, then let the fabric soak.

I hung them to dry outside and then measured the correct length for them to hit the window sill and pinned up the excess. I hemmed the bottom and cut off the remaining fabric.

For a little interest I made a top ruffle. I folded about 1" over and then stitched right along the fold so that there was a small open path for the wire to slide through. I tried to get the stitch as close to the fold as I could so that the wire would be tight in the opening and not allow too much slack.

I slid the wire through the pockets and attached the wire to the hooks in the window frame. They looked great, but I needed something else. So, I hung this beautiful lamb's ear wreath that I bought at the Country Living Fair to the center of the window. And now this is Melrose's kitchen:

check out the blue mason jars ... sugar, coffee beans, and brown rice.

This is an antique table I bought at Hanna's Antiques downtown Birmingham. My friend Catherine and I carted it from the store to the house without any guy's help! I purchased these stools at Overstock and it is the perfect breakfast nook.

I think the table was made from an old wagon wheel? Not sure where the iron stand is from.

A tea cup made into a candle - a cute take home gift from a shower. 

Cast iron pot rack over the table -- I was uneasy about this at first, I think I was concerned it would look too "messy", but I have come to like it. Fits in perfectly with the whole industrial theme.

And that is it! Just wanted to share the new curtain project. Now, onto the next!

DROP CLOTH CURTAINS

I am sure that it was somewhere on blog world that I read about using canvas drop cloths for around-the-house projects, and the idea stuck in my head. I did a little google-ing and found that people make sofa slipcovers out of them and curtains. This is what I like (and read) about drop cloths:

- they are all ready HUGE

- great for long lengths or puddling at the floor

- neutral color

- thick, strong material

- no need for lining

- just hem, sew pole pockets, and iron and voila!

I purchased 2...gosh I can't even remember the size now...drop cloths for about $15 each from Lowe's and began the adventure! Luckily, my Mom was in town and was able to help me get started - good thing, because this was my first go on my sewing machine and we encountered a few problems. ;) This was our process:

1. We measured the window, where the rod would be installed, and how many inches we wanted to allow the fabric to "puddle" to determine how much we needed to hem. I think we allowed around 4-6" for puddling. 

2. We pinned the top down 2" for the pole pockets. The bottom was the raw edge so we pinned it up 1", sewed that length, then folded it another 8" for the desired hem length. 

3. Repeat for both curtains. I ironed both before I hung them and it really helped with the wrinkles and form.

Take one...

And, take two...

[yes, that is spackling on the wall - disregard any drywall anchors included in package when hanging a light rod, not needed! Will leave a huge hole!]

Getting close...

[click on picture to enlarge]


I really love the final product and they hit the floor perfectly. I think the thick material helps them keep their shape and look so full. I also read where others mentioned sewing a color band along the bottom to spice them up. For about $30 of fabric + a $30 rod from Target, I say you have yourself a deal and some fancy curtains!


Thanks Mom and Brandon for your help!