I did a little home decorating project for myself. That seems to be a rare thing for drapery makers, just like the cobbler with shoeless children our windows go bare. In fact, I have been in this apartment for nine months. I know people that have produced beautiful children in that amount of time so I have no excuses.
So below is the blank slate. Two 60" wide windows and with 9 foot ceilings I planned on 95" long draperies that would break to the floor. Yes, drapery panels. Just like the perfect little black dress, panels are always appropriate. I also realize that that this is not a long-term residence and panels are easy to alter and reuse down the road. The blinds had to stay and provide light control and privacy.
First I had to pick out fabric. That was the perfect excuse to visit Mary Jo's Cloth Store in Gastonia, NC. This store is fabric heaven and there were many choices within my budget. After many trips around the store with camera in-hand to record each "favorite" I settled on brown floral with a linen-like texture. I liked the colorful print and overall pattern that was not dominated by one bold flower. I also found a deeply discounted polyester, light weight linen-look in a terra cotta color to use as privacy curtains on the bottom half of the window.
So with fabric in hand I set out to make the magic happen. The first thing I did was order the decorative hardware. I knew it would take two weeks for it to be "born". I met with Amy Johnson with Finestra Decorative Hardware www.FinestraDecorativeHardware.com and showed her my fabric. Together we picked out the Beauregard finials, one of my favorites with a smooth pole rod, rings and brackets in the Old World Gold finish. I had the opportunity to see my hardware in production. In the photos below the base coat is being applied, the final, beautiful finish is all applied by hand.
Then it was time for the sewing to begin. This all took place over Super Bowl Sunday with my good friend Kelly in her workroom by the lake. It was fun to have someone as talented as Kelly to work with and as they say "many hands make light work". After a fun evening filled with sewing, dinner and a little football I had the draperies completed except for pleating. On my next trip back home to Virginia I would spend an afternoon with my Mother in the workroom where we pleated the panels and I applied the trim using Rowley Fringe adhesive to make quick work of the project. www.RowleyCompany.com
I was so excited when the hardware and draperies were all finished and ready to install. Unfortunately my busy schedule prevented me from doing more than putting up the privacy curtains on tension rods. I enjoyed having the added privacy with the blinds opened and knew that the rest of the project would be installed soon enough.
Finally the day came where I took the time to finish my project. I love the European brackets, they are so easy to install. I was lucky enough to hit wood so didn't even need anchors (partly because of good pre-planning). Rods up, draperies up and I am very pleased with my new, colorful dining area. I am looking forward to entertaining. Come eat!
15 comments:
I love your new soft furnishings Susan, A brilliant job! I also love the story of how they were "born".
penny
warm, elegant, with a touch of fun....hmmm, sounds like the person who lives there!
They look great Susan! Great choice in fabric; I love the colors and print.
Can we come drink? Would you like me to fill in the missing parts of the story? Seriously, they look great!
Very nice indeed......and I get to see them next week.....YEA!
Susan, this is great. Thanks so much for posting, especially the photos of your decorative hardware being "born." Being able to see the hand finishing involved really helps to justify the expense of these gorgeous decorative hardware options that we have today. Your dining room looks spirited and happy -- now you're making me feel guilty about the plain old blinds hanging in my office, along with fabric swatches that I pinned up over a year ago and have never had time to get any farther on the project... Now I'm feeling inspired again to put some shoes on this cobbler's kiddies!
So, will you be making slip covers for your chairs? Where did you get those chairs? I like them! :)
Thanks for the comments friends. Colleen, those are the Parsons Chairs that are used in the slipcover class at CHF Academy. Perhaps slipcovers are in my future!
Looks awesome Susan! Amazing how a little fabric warms up the whole space. :)
Isn't it fun to do some sewing for yourself? A rare treat! Enjoy the beautiful window treatments you created- you deserve them!
I'll bring dessert ! They look really pretty and I love the Finestra hardware.
I redecorated my office last year and still have no window treatments! You are inspiring me to get my act together. We are the last to benefit from our own talents. Love the fabrics you chose, thanks for giving us a glimpse into your world.
You are so generous! I just love finding beautiful and artistic freebies like this. They really brighten up my day, thank you!
I love the tiger prints, lots of great design her it will be good for draperies.. Thanks for sharing.
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