Curtain Call Update

I wish I could claim responsibility for picking out the winter/holiday curtains, but, I can't.  DH was all over this decision.  I've gotta give it to him, the fabric and color were perfect for Dolce Olin.  

Our grommet curtains were a little bit too perfect.  When the buyers put in an offer on our home, they added a contingency that the sale include our curtains! Do you think they knew they were DIY? 

In the end, I convinced DH to let the curtains go, but I can't say, 10 months later, that I don't miss them!  

I won't bore with you the DIY-details, you can find the directions here.  

DIY All The Way! 

The Perfect Winter Curtains

Dollars and Cents: 

10 panels took 3 days to sew and I ordered the panels at separate times in order to maximize the discount. 

Hardware: same

Fabric: Panels- 30 yards, with a coupon for a total $871.50 (No liner--Fabric is thick and keeps its shape.)

Sewing Machine: Already own one!

Misc: Thread and Grommets $80.00 after 50% off coupon
Savings: $1,298.50; Based on the quote we received for our Spring/Summer curtains, this project would likely have cost us an estimated $450 a window--labor and the heavy fabric.  Winner! 

Curtain Call

A great DIY way to change the feel of a room is by changing wall color.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE to paint, but I'm not ready to part with our Benjamin Moore Santa Monica Blue.  In the spirit of full disclosure, I also have lingering paint-TSD and I don't want to see a paint brush until May!!

So what's another easy way to change a room?  Change the drapes!

My current DIY drapes are perfect for the warmer months so I'm thinking we need the perfect fabric for the winter holiday season.    I've narrowed it down to three of my favorites.

Duralee Danda in Saffron

LIDO A/JRU 02 In 04 Color

Mill Creek Bombolo Rally in Grenadine

Time to dust off the sewing machine!   Which one do you love?

DIY Curtains—Grommets

I was super psyched last week when I actually not only learned how to sew, but I successfully sewed my first pair of curtain panels— you can read about it here.  I really wanted grommet curtains and after some online research I learned that I wouldn't need a grommet tool or a lot of money to achieve the look.

But, in case I failed, I did consider other styles that don't require cutting the panels.

Rod-pocket curtains are made with a casing (a hole in the hem) that you can slip the curtain rod through.  No cutting, no sewing!

via outdoordrapes.com

I was also familiar with the ring-top curtains which are hung on curtains rings that are attached to the panels.   Once again this option is sewing-free!

via houzz.com

Ring-top and rod-pocket are nice, but they're not the look I'm going for in the living room.  Here's how I made grommet curtains.

Note:   Remember, you need at least a 4" wide top hem for grommet curtains.  My curtain panels, once completely sewn, are 42" wide so I used 6 grommets spacing them every 4 3/4".  

Step 1: For the first grommet measure at least 1" from the side hem, and 1 1/2" from the top of the hem.  Use the design tool included in the grommet kit to draw a perfect circle.  TIP: Use a pencil as a pen could bleed to a visible area of the fabric.

Step 2: Cut the circle you just drew with a pair of really good scissors.  

Step 3:  Insert the toothless grommet underneath the panel and work the opening around the grommet rim.

Step 4: Press the grommet together—you should hear a clicking noise.  And that's it!  You just completed your first grommet!

Step 5: Place a grommet over the design tool.  With a measuring tape place the design tool and grommet in your previously calculated distance—  for my panels it was 4 3/7".  Once in the desired location, place the grommet at 1 1/2" from the top of your 4" hem.   Remove the grommet and draw your circle.  Repeat steps 2, 3, and 4.

And that's how you get beautiful grommet curtains!

Dollars and Cents: 
I bought one grommet package every day in order to take advantage of JoAnn's 50% off coupons— it seems like the only way to get a deal in that store!

A package of 8 grommets sells for $12.99, with my 50% off coupon I purchased 5 packages for $35.

Sneak Peak: DIY Grommet Curtains

Martha Stewart would definitely be proud.  After a failed no-sew attempt and having to purchase a sewing machine, I couldn't be happier with how my DIY grommet curtains turned out!

Here's a sneak peak!

Haven't decided on a length

Thanks for all of your input on which fabric to choose.  We went with the Secret Garden and I'm sure it won't disappoint!

Full recap soon!