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Curtains 1

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New curtains have been on the 'to-make' list for a while and this weekend I finally managed to complete a set for the living room. There are the most amazing big old windows in here; curved, heavy wooden sash-style (our house was built in 1912 I think) and they look out over our suburb and across to the sea.

I'd been putting off the job, mostly because of the scale of it and not knowing which fabric, curved curtain tracks to choose, etc. In the end I found a huge bolt of botanical-print cotton fabric that looks like a bit like linen and suits the wallpaper, etc. I lined the curtains in cream cotton (if you know old Wellington houses and our weather you might be recommending I add wool blankets to the lining in winter.)

Tom helped me plan, measure, cut, press and pin the seemingly countless fabric panels we needed for these. I really thought the job would never end. I'm so glad he helped me. 

He even matched up the botanical pattern on each fabric panel by pressing and hand-stitching the pieces in place before I machine-stitched them together. We had to look up an old curtain-making guidebook for that inside knowledge.

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9 responses to “window dressing”

  1. Kate Avatar
    Kate

    Beautiful. My mum makes absolutely gorgeous quilts and dad always helps her with the cutting and measurement of fabric. Teamwork!

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  2. Josie Avatar
    Josie

    I had a similar experience, but did the measuring and matching myself for four huge windows. Made the mistake of buying a fabric with a slight stretch in it – what a nightmare! I had to entirely unpick it at one stage when it was almost complete. It was a living nightmare! I can empathise!

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  3. nueyer Avatar

    Lovely curtains, and a great view to match!

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  4. Julie Avatar

    They look great – I am thinking of making curtains next year for our lounge and family room, but I think I will go for a plain fabric.

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  5. Megan Avatar

    Gorgeous work. Curtains intimidate me, our lounge is in desperate need of some and has been ever since we moved here 4 years ago, but I’ve never had the courage (which is ridiculous, but there you have it). I shall take a leaf from your book and just do it.

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  6. Hosanna Avatar
    Hosanna

    Beautiful!

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  7. Angela Turner Avatar

    Beautiful curtains. Whau, the view is marvelous.

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  8. Ruth Avatar

    Curtains are my least favourite thing to make, yours look fabulous and your view is wonderful.

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  9. Nancy Avatar

    They look beautiful I have a cream pattern curtain in my living room and it’s lovely.

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