Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: lendube
Date: 07-13-2007, 04:23 PM (1 of 34)
|
Okay, I've got 14 windows plus one slider and one bay window to cover. I want something different than just blinds. I've got $1000.00 to spend at least and could go more. I thought I might make a lot of it myself. I've never done this before. I'm leaning more toward fold-down fabric (Roman?) blinds as opposed to curtains per se. I'm up for any ideas. Most of the windows are about 36" wide by 5 ft. tall. The bay window is 5 ft. tall also by about 6 ft. altogether. There are various other sizes as well. Ideas, please? No frills. Southwest/earthy tones/style are what I like. Any experience with particular patterns? I've got the fabric, foam and zipper to make a window seat for the bay window. Any tips on doing that? Thanks for any input. This is new territory for me. Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: Jeke
Date: 07-13-2007, 04:44 PM (2 of 34)
Oh, Lennie, I love the looks of roman shades. However, I have never made any!  My sister has a summer home and made all the roman shades for it. Some of them were at least 10 feet high in their great room. I think she actually used muslin, and I think they look so nice. I also like the way they can be opened to varying heights depending on the view, the light etc. Anyway, I'm not much help  but love the idea. Good luck!
Jay
|
User: Jeke
Member since: 11-10-2004 Total posts: 232 |
From: lendube
Date: 07-13-2007, 05:50 PM (3 of 34)
|
Hi Jay, Thanks for the encouragement!  Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 07-13-2007, 09:23 PM (4 of 34)
|
There are tons of site online that show you exactly how to do the roman shades, and I'll bet that HGTV's website will have info and pics for you for the cushions as well. I'm sure you can do that!
Andrea
|
User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
|
From: lendube
Date: 07-13-2007, 10:32 PM (5 of 34)
|
Hey, great idea, Andrea! Thanks. Will check it out. Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: paroper
Date: 07-14-2007, 11:42 AM (6 of 34)
|
You'll cut your foam with either an electric carving knife or a serated kitchen knife. I haven't done it myself, but I've heard that you can take something warm and run it through the fabric, warm the styrofoam and heat set it to the fabric so it won't turn or twist, once you have it in place. The reason I didn't try it was because I didn't have anything I could use at the time...might be something to experiment on using scraps. Of course, a few well placed covered buttons would do the same thing. This is one of the best online sources I've found for basic home dec... http://www.alternative-windows.com/index.htm Of course, it not only covers blinds but also includes curtains and the pillows/cushions too. It gives some ideas for toppers in case you are interested. My old bedroom had a bay window. I couldn't find simple (cheap) rods for the curtain, so I took some and bent them to size myself. I used simple hooks in the corner as you would use on cafe curtains to help support the long rod. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: lendube
Date: 07-15-2007, 06:52 PM (7 of 34)
|
Thanks a lot, Pam. I'll check out that site. Sounds like it will help. Great idea to curve a long curtain rod. I don't think I would have thought of that and would probably have ended up with something like a stage curtain. Wouldn't want that! Can you imagine? Red velvet with gold ropes.......... Appreciate all ideas. Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 07-15-2007, 10:45 PM (8 of 34)
|
The show that used to be on in the mornings -- Room by Room with Sherry Hiller and Mat Fox did roman shades and their website used to have step-by-step instructions on how to make them. I've done several of the box cushion covers and they're not that hard to do even with cording in them. Patsy Patsy
|
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: MTjumpnJX
Date: 07-16-2007, 12:03 PM (9 of 34)
|
Lennie, Sounds like loads of fun. That's a lot of yardage, remember to keep an open mind & check out ALL of your options. For example: Shower curtains, sheets, etc. I had a friend use some shower curtains for a 50's theme on her windows in her entertainment/spa addition. It was really cute. Keep us updated |
User: MTjumpnJX
Member since: 05-17-2007 Total posts: 29 |
From: beachgirl
Date: 07-16-2007, 11:06 PM (10 of 34)
| Your right Patsy, Box cushions aren't hard to make & corded piping isn't either. I made box cushions with the piping for my kitchen captain like chairs quite awhile back & they are still going strong. I used an electric knife to cut my foam. Just made an exact paper pattern of the chair seat, traced it on the foam & cut it out. One of the easiest things I've ever made, I think.Oh, I wrapped the foam with batting & the covers don't shift at all. If you wrap your foam in plastic to insert them they slide in easily. Just rip the plastic off after they are in. Cleaner bags work great. |
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615 
|
From: lendube
Date: 07-17-2007, 12:37 PM (11 of 34)
|
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u20/lendube/IMG_0751.jpg Thanks for all of the ideas. I'm not working with a straight box design though. This might be a little tougher?? Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: material_pakrat
Date: 07-17-2007, 07:15 PM (12 of 34)
Nah Lennie......just a few more seams and cutting.
Cheers, Soph.
I'm happiest when I am sewing! |
User: material_pakrat
Member since: 12-13-2006 Total posts: 220 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 07-18-2007, 12:58 AM (13 of 34)
If you don't mind the informal look you could skip the foam - make the shapes roughly right and use bean bag beans.  The cats would certainly love it.
Pauline
|
User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: lendube
Date: 07-18-2007, 10:26 AM (14 of 34)
|
Interesting idea but I've already got the foam and I think I'll stick with it. I think the cats are going to love it no matter what I do. Dh swears that's the only reason I wanted a window seat, for the cats! Silly man. Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 07-18-2007, 08:08 PM (15 of 34)
|
Lennie I would cut the center of the window seat as one piece and then the ends and seam them at 45 degree angles for the top and bottom and then you could cut the center piece for the box cusion as one piece or the same as the top and bottom and seam the cording in on the top as one piece. I'm betting that your window is going to be gorgeous when you're finished with it. Be sure and post pics so we can see and oh yeah, be sure and include your furr babies. Patsy Patsy
|
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: paroper
Date: 07-18-2007, 08:15 PM (16 of 34)
|
I would tend to make a paper pattern of the whole mess and I'd cut the fabric as one piece. Sometimes I will square something that is custom made for an area, sometimes I won't. It depends on how perfect the area is. If it is close to square, I will square the fabric and make it perfect but if it is not, I think the space between the wall and the cushions looks worse than the cushion not being exactly square because the empty space usually shows. I usually start with the paper pattern and then square the pattern to see if what it will look like if it is square. That is the pattern for the foam. Then, I add the seam allowances and all for the cover. When you go to put the foam in you might still be able to fill it from the end and close the end when you are finished, rather than filling from the wall side of the cushion.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: lendube
Date: 07-19-2007, 12:10 PM (17 of 34)
|
Thanks, Patsy and Pam. I'm starting to get a good, clear pic here. I asked dh if there was any more to finishing that seat and he said "no". I'm thinking it might be a good idea to get some more of the same fabric and cover the plywood. It would be both aesthetic and useful as it would keep the cushion from slipping. Your comments, Pam, about spaces always showing made me think of doing that. I love this board! Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: paroper
Date: 07-19-2007, 12:41 PM (18 of 34)
|
That's not a bad idea at all.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Upholsteress
Date: 07-21-2007, 08:54 AM (19 of 34)
|
Sounds like you have it under control. What style are you making them?
Cheryl
|
User: Upholsteress
Member since: 01-21-2007 Total posts: 35 
|
From: lendube
Date: 07-21-2007, 12:49 PM (20 of 34)
|
HI, the window coverings I haven't decided quite yet. I finished the window seat cushion yesterday. I'll get a pic posted soon but am a bit busy today. Lennie
|
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: lendube
Date: 07-25-2007, 06:00 PM (21 of 34)
|
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u20/lendube/IMG_0757.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u20/lendube/IMG_0754-1.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u20/lendube/IMG_0753.jpg Here it is along with a chair that I love but desperately needs reupholstering. I've heard it's not too hard to do. Is it something I dare take on? I made a "muslin" out of an old sheet. I cut it in one piece by just laying the cushion down and drawing around it then flipping it straight up and then down again. I added 2 inches all around. I sewed the corners like I would a tote bag bottom. The muslin came out well and then I cut my pattern from that. I made the cover and sewed in a 36" zipper and I'm very happy with the way it turned out. Anxious to see it with the final woodwork finished. I put the muslin on before sliding the cover on. Made it much easier. Oh, btw, using an electric knife is the ONLY way to go with cutting foam. I tried a bread knife first and it shredded and crumbled. With the electric knife I got beautiful clean edges. It was a piece of cake. Oh Patsy, I'd love to get a picture of my feline furbabies together on the cushion but have you ever tried to get 4 cats lined up in one place by yourself? I didn't even try.....If I ever manage I'll be sure to post. Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: paroper
Date: 07-25-2007, 06:18 PM (22 of 34)
|
It looks VERY nice! I hope no one sits on those cranks.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Magot
Date: 07-29-2007, 03:01 PM (23 of 34)
|
Turned out well Lennie, well done. How are the rest of the curtains coming? I have upholstered chairs -it's a lot of work. Be sure to remember in which order you took the thing apart in order to get it back together. The old fabric acts as a pattern so be carefull as you take it off. http://www.upholster.com/howto/reupch.html has some tips you can use. I found it hard to get the webbing tight even with a stretcher. Put it this way - it is a project! love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
|
From: lendube
Date: 07-29-2007, 04:18 PM (24 of 34)
|
Thanks very much, Pam and Jan! High praise indeed from the likes of you two experienced, creative ladies. I have not yet started on the curtains/blinds, etc. I'd like to do a little more research. Thanks for the warning, Jan (and the site). This chair might a good one to try on. It wasn't expensive but the structure is still fine. I might, then again, I might not........ Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 07-29-2007, 08:06 PM (25 of 34)
|
Wow, Lennie! Don't stop now, you are on a roll!
Andrea
|
User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
|
From: Magot
Date: 07-30-2007, 02:53 AM (26 of 34)
|
I find it funny being linked with Pam as an experienced lady! I still think of myself as a beginner but one who is getting there! I love anybody who calls me creative though 
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
|
From: lendube
Date: 07-30-2007, 12:11 PM (27 of 34)
|
Seems to me I've (and several others) done that from the start. You may wear the title proudly, Ms. Jan! Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: paroper
Date: 07-30-2007, 12:22 PM (28 of 34)
|
I've always thought several of you were very insightful and clever, I wouldn't know where to start in the list of people that I think are very knowledgable...as sure as I started, I would leave out several names, but there are a number of people (Magot included) on the board that I look up to.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Magot
Date: 07-30-2007, 04:46 PM (29 of 34)
|
Mutual backslapping all round then! I am always amazed by your wealth of knowledge Pam. lets all have a 
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
|
From: paroper
Date: 07-30-2007, 05:05 PM (30 of 34)
|
I don't do coffee, but I adore hot tea! So you can lift your cup of coffee and I'll have a cup of Earl Gray or English Breakfast! (That's kind of a switch for and American and and Englishman isn't it?)
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: lendube
Date: 07-30-2007, 06:18 PM (31 of 34)
|
I think we need to start a "Mutual Admiration" post! Isn't it terrific that we all love each other so much? I'm a tea drinker and I have a cup beside me as we speak. Cheers, Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: Magot
Date: 07-31-2007, 02:10 PM (32 of 34)
|
I always start the day with a good ole cuppa. Mid -afternoon as well - definitely time for tea. I like lapsan suchong, affectionately known round her as 'the charcoal burners delight' but generally drink tesco's own!
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
|
From: Longblades
Date: 07-31-2007, 09:20 PM (33 of 34)
Wow, the window seat cushion is just what I've always intended to do with my almost identical bay window. Right now I just have some fleece pads for the cats to sit on. And I would never be able to get all of my four lined up together either but I have seen three there. It's a good thing I don't know where you live because that cushion looks just what I want, seems the right size and is even a colour that would go in my living room so if you ever left that window open you might come home to find it gone. 
|
User: Longblades
Member since: 07-14-2005 Total posts: 182 |
From: lendube
Date: 07-31-2007, 10:14 PM (34 of 34)
|
Thank you! If you get around to doing it I'll be happy to talk you through it if needed. It was not difficult. The fabric I got at JoAnn's with 40% off originally $19.99 per yard, 1.5 yards. They carry the foam as well. I'm sure any JoAnn's will have the same stuff even online. I had to choose a fabric that was animal friendly (as in not showing dropped dog food as one of my guys like to look out the window between bites infrequent hairball , etc. ) and not too expensive because I don't mean for it to last forever.Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-22863.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft