Even before we moved in the list of projects had grown to mind boggling proportions. We had to prioritize the immediate concerns – the main support beam under the house had to be reinforced, a sump-pump and waterproofing were needed in the crawlspace, and we had to figure out how to install central air and heat where there was no duct work already in place. In the end, though, it was pretty easy to see what had to come first.
The large single pane windows original to the house were almost all cracked and painted thoroughly shut. For safety and energy efficiency they had to be replaced. Fortunately we found a company on Angie’s List that could provide quality windows that looked remarkably like the originals. One day of noise and mess and DONE!
Removing old windows and the installation of new ones isn’t exactly exciting or blog-worthy helpful, but it was necessary. Also necessary, and much more creative and fun, was making curtains for the front room.
The large single pane windows original to the house were almost all cracked and painted thoroughly shut. For safety and energy efficiency they had to be replaced. Fortunately we found a company on Angie’s List that could provide quality windows that looked remarkably like the originals. One day of noise and mess and DONE!
Removing old windows and the installation of new ones isn’t exactly exciting or blog-worthy helpful, but it was necessary. Also necessary, and much more creative and fun, was making curtains for the front room.
The wooden window blinds that came with the house worked well enough, but
I wanted something softer and more airy that would allow the light to come
through without covering the period moldings, and still provide some privacy.
I wanted something softer and more airy that would allow the light to come
through without covering the period moldings, and still provide some privacy.
A quick stop by the fabric clearance bin at WalMart provided me with 12 yards of
almost sheer white fabric at only $1.00/yard. The fabric may be a bit see-through,
but combined with the window screen they provide a lot of privacy even at night.
almost sheer white fabric at only $1.00/yard. The fabric may be a bit see-through,
but combined with the window screen they provide a lot of privacy even at night.
These curtains are super easy to make. I measured the length I needed from rod to
windowsill, added one inch to turn up for a shirt-tail hem ( Just like it says, check your
shirt tail; see that little double fold of fabric and seam? That’s all it is. ), plus four inches to fold
down at the top to make the casing and ruffle. You will need more if using a thicker rod,
or want a taller ruffle, or less if you use clip-on café rings.
windowsill, added one inch to turn up for a shirt-tail hem ( Just like it says, check your
shirt tail; see that little double fold of fabric and seam? That’s all it is. ), plus four inches to fold
down at the top to make the casing and ruffle. You will need more if using a thicker rod,
or want a taller ruffle, or less if you use clip-on café rings.
On the sides I left the salvages raw giving the edges a feathery effect.
That sort of bugged me at first, (I was “taught better” ;} but I
wanted to get them done and up and now I love them.
That sort of bugged me at first, (I was “taught better” ;} but I
wanted to get them done and up and now I love them.
And, by using café rods that attach inside the window frame I was able to hang
the curtains without covering the beautiful period molding.
the curtains without covering the beautiful period molding.
Now the rooms are light and airy, plus we have views but still maintain our privacy.
The wood blinds pulled all the way up create a valance effect that I’m okay with.
Not totally sure, but they work for now.
Also, though we use this space as two rooms, living room and my office,
I elected to carry the window treatment through both rooms to unify the
space. (The rooms are still a work in process, and I honestly have just
purchased a real desk to replace the folding table. :}
Let me know what you think. I fully believe that the best projects are the result of
collaborate efforts and the sharing of ideas. That’s part of the reason I started
writing this blog; to share our projects and solutions as we work with this
quirky little nest, but also to hear what others are thinking and doing.
Hope your day is wonderful !!!
Cindy
The wood blinds pulled all the way up create a valance effect that I’m okay with.
Not totally sure, but they work for now.
Also, though we use this space as two rooms, living room and my office,
I elected to carry the window treatment through both rooms to unify the
space. (The rooms are still a work in process, and I honestly have just
purchased a real desk to replace the folding table. :}
Let me know what you think. I fully believe that the best projects are the result of
collaborate efforts and the sharing of ideas. That’s part of the reason I started
writing this blog; to share our projects and solutions as we work with this
quirky little nest, but also to hear what others are thinking and doing.
Hope your day is wonderful !!!
Cindy
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