Flock Curtains + daring to dream
Saturday was drapery day in the Hauser home! I was able to deck Liam's windows with my favorite Bluebird print. Hurrah!
Making curtains is a great way to start at sewing for your home. They're flat and relatively quick, but give you important experience with cutting, hemming and estimating fabric needs. I typically sew very simple, straight curtains that hang from rods with clips - no tabs, no trims, no fuss. I often opt for a 1" doublefold hem at both sides, a 1.5" doublefold hem at top and a 3" wide doublefold hem at bottom. The wider hem at the bottom helps curtains to fall straight. If you're going for a lighter, billowy look, stick with a 1.5" doublefold hem at bottom too.
Hang your rod first, then take measurements to see how tall your drapes should be, from rod to desired floor clearance. For width, measure your windows and multiply by about 1.5. Don't forget to calculate extra inches for hem allowances. Also, consider ordering a lining fabric. This time I purchased a 115" wide drapery lining, huge enough to not require any piecing. The lining will guard against fading, reduce pass-through light and conceal any seams from the wrong side. I chose to finish all my seams though (1/2 seams with seam allowances pressed open, tucked under and sewn flat), for extra durability.
To keep costs down, I contrasted my main fabric with Kona Tomato solid red, a large 16" band near the floor. Turned out to be a fantastic design decision if I do say so myself! But then, I am always looking for something to patchwork, aren't I?
With Liam's new floors, new drapes and new Ikea dresser, identical to the one I original bought as a changing table, this room is looking rather inviting. I have to admit, those birds would probably not have been Liam's first choice, though he's very happy with his new curtains! I went 100% with his colors and found a print I could imagine for a maybe-baby.... because my husband and I have decided we are open to having a new baby this year. And if that blessing should come to us, he or she will share this room with Liam. We'll be looking for ways to make another pregnancy/baby feel different, and a different nursery is just one of them. So, I imagine this red, white and navy room with the addition of pale blues for a boy or with peach for a girl.
You might realize that these curtains will remind me of my bluebird that flew away far too soon, but then I am reminded of her by nearly everything and will be thinking of her constantly most especially if a baby should come. Always joy and sorrow. Always. But daring again to dream.
xo,
Rachel Hauser