I just swooned when Ana posted her Tab-top curtain tutorial! I decided right then and there I'd be tackling all of the window treatment-less windows in my new home using her instructions. I'm no whiz on the sewing machine but I couldn't be happier with the way my curtains turned out!! No joke, if I can do this, so can you!!
I made the green shelf in my living room all by myself a couple years ago from Ana's Painter's Ladder Shelf plans. :-) It used to be red but I refinished it to match the decorating scheme in my new house. I love how everywhere you look in my home you see some piece of furniture or project that came about as a direct result of finding and embracing Ana's DIY spirit!! My curtains are no exception. :-)
I've made the curtains for my living room and my bedroom, and I just started the set for my boys' bedroom tonight. I've gotten better with each set, and this third time around I'm pretty confident in what I'm doing. Lucky for my kids, they're going to get the best set, lol!
I'd already been agonizing over what to do for curtains in my bedroom and I fell instantly in love with the fabric Ana used for hers. I already had bedroom linens that would match perfectly so I went ahead and snagged a few yards. All three of the fabrics I've used have been in the Waverly Home Decor line. The patterns are fun and modern, the price is right, the quality is great and I've always been able to find the perfect design. I usually buy from Fabric.com as it tends to be cheaper once you search for readily available online coupons.
I've really enjoyed making my window treatments! I get to have exactly what I want, in a better quality for a better price than I would ever be able to find in a store. It takes me about a day to finish a set (or at least the first two did) and I have relished the excuse to watch girly movies or listen to music while I get these babies sewn. I've had my first two sets done for 4 & 6 months respectively and they still bring me such joy every day.....give it a try, you wont regret it!!
Comments
LannyBananny
Wed, 07/09/2014 - 21:15
Great Job
From one newbie to another-- your table looks great. Talk about handmade, you went the extra mile by hand cutting and using the "arm and hammer" technique!
Jake
Tue, 08/12/2014 - 14:43
First Timer - No Way
Using only hand tools? You did a great job. Ana offers great suggestions on what you need to start but here are my comments on some tools for Christmas or sooner:
Choose the miter saw over the circular saw. So much more useful and safer. For those times you need to cut sheet plywood invest in an inexpensive small circular saw. Lighter and easier to handle.
Orbital sander
Basic Kreg jig kit with drills , clamp etc.
Several lengths of pocket hole screws. You will use hundreds of them.
Square
Power drill
Clamps (Harbor Freight clamps are great and inexpensive) Get a lot of them and none less than 12" capacity. Miminum of six to start.
Eye and hearing protection
Titebond II or III glue
booksnotbombs
Tue, 08/12/2014 - 15:01
Thank you!
Thanks, Grandpa Jake. :) (I'm just going to call you that since so many of your projects are for your grandkids!) I was sorry to read about your problems today but glad you are so persistent. You weren't kidding when you said that checking for square is super important! I'm currently in the middle of my second project (the step up table, plans here on Ana White--actually done building but need to finish), and I took it apart/redid it twice to make sure it was square.
Thanks for building my Christmas list for me! I'm definitely itching for a fancy kreg jig, but I really need to get those clamps.