Recently I showed the evolution of my daughter’s room CLICK HERE. I mentioned that I was making curtains, and today I’m sharing a tutorial for making these embroidered blue curtains. The post is sponsored by CALICO. The fabric I chose is a Charlotte Moss fabric called Lira, color – Watercolor.
This is part of the French Country Friday series. so be sure to check at the bottom of the post to see the other bloggers joining me.
I have a fascination with embroidered fabric and this one is so fresh and pretty. I tried to get some close up photos so you can see the details.
I felt the room was looking a bit dark and here’s a before and after together. As you can see for the after I also changed out the rug and rearranged the furniture.
I think the new curtains look so fresh. They are perfect for spring. I tossed a throw over the chair so it would work better in the room, and removed the other furniture. I also moved the 3 canvases from the side of the room to above the bed. I love the new look!!! The verdict is in. Most of you think the dressers are too dark. I agree. That might be my next painting project. The chair will get a new slipcover soon too!
Now onto the curtains. For my room, I measured from the top of the rod to the floor.
Here is how I figured how long to cut the fabric.
distance from curtain rod to floor – 104.5 inches
+ 1 inch for a trouser pleat
+ 3.25 inches for the rod pocket at top
+ 4 inches for the hem at bottom
= 112.75 inches.
Your measurements will probably be different.
I bought fabric to do a liner, but in the end, decided against it. This room does not get a lot of direct light. If your curtains will be hit with a lot of direct sunlight, then I highly recommend doing a liner. Otherwise, I think it isn’t important. If you want the room to be dark when the curtains are pulled closed, then you need a liner.
Another thing I recommend are weights for the bottom of the curtain. I didn’t have any when I made the curtains, but I’ll be adding them as soon as I can go buy some. They make the curtains look better and more professional. They can be slipped in the bottom hem at both ends.
Now for the width you tradtionally measure the width of your window and double it to get the width of your fabric. I was planning to do that, but when I removed my current curtains, they were only about 55 inches wide. So I decided to make these curtains the width of the previous curtains, which is one width of fabric. I still may add more fabric to each panel. I am thinking about it. The curtains would look fuller, but I don’t want to cover the window.
First I cut the fabric, then hemmed the sides.
Next I pressed down the top of the fabric 1/2 inch. Then I pressed it over again 2.75 inches. Then I sewed it to create a rod pocket. For the hem, I pressed it over 3/4 inch.
Then the second pressing, I folded it over 3 1/4 inch.
You can do a regular stitch along the bottom if you choose, but I did a blind hem stitch. This stitch conceals the stitch so it is difficult to see from the right side. You’ll need to consult your machine for instructions on how to do a blind hem stitch, since each machine is different. After sewing a blind hem stitch, when you remove the fabric from your machine, it will have this crease in the fabric, but it comes out when you press it.
The new curtains give the room such a fresh look. I can’t wait to work on the dressers so they are lighter and work with the room better.
Those curtains really make the room look bigger and much brighter. I love the design on them.
I liked Dream Keeper by Ralph Lauren. Your curtains look beautiful!
Love the new curtains, great inspiration!!
Lira, color – Watercolor my new favorite from Calico
I love watercolor from Calico. Love your curtains!
Beautiful curtains and I admire your skills to create them as I’m not gifted to sew. My Sister was a wonderful sewer which I always admired?Your room looks wonderful!
The curtains are perfect to let the light in and add beautiful color. I would love to use Vern Yip’s Furrow – in Natural. I have been looking for a nice medallion and this is perfect.
Your curtains look beautiful. I love the crewel fabric. I think Mistral Chambray would make a sweet covering for a small chair. It’s feminine and romantic looking.
Pretty pretty Anita!! Hope all is well with you!
I seem to like a lot of Robert Allen fabrics – pearl drop – is the one this time for me.
Good morning. Pretty curtains; the pattern has my favorite color too!
I see you removed the mirror above the bed; the flowery painting looks perfect, so springy and lovely!
Are the dressers going to be painted white or a white wash , or are you thinking on going with a totally unexpected color? I can’t hardly wait to see them! Have a blessed weekend.
Much prefer the before.
I love the Glimmer Grove fabric. I am so taken by the embroidered and cruel fabrics for their texture and detail.
The room looks so changed by lightening up the draperies and the rug. I don’t mind the bedside tables – I think they are georgous as they are.
I know it’s probably odd, but when I look at the photo, in addition to the floral curtains, my eye goes to the little chair. The throw and the pillow are perfect there, with the pom poms all in a row. It adds such a softness and casualness to the room. I’m sure it will be stunning when reupholstered, but I love it as is.
I’ve always admired Bosporus in the Flax.
Your curtains are so pretty! I love the Succulents Leaf fabric from Calico.
What a difference your new curtains made, love your ideas! My next project will be curtains for my kitchen! I think Majorelle Path would work well for me.
Santori – Fortress Outdoor – Palm spoke to me for pillows on my patio.
I have been trying to figure out what to put above my bed since I live in an earthquake zone and I don’t want something with glass which could fall on me. The canvases about the bed would be a good solution. Do you have a source for that set?
Also, how old is your daughter? What is your solution for all the stuff a kid needs to keep out in her room – like her computer, school texts, current faves and fads?
I don’t have a source for that set, but you can see some other canvas options on my amazon affiliate page. Amazon.com/shop/cedarhillfarmhouse My daughter is 24. There is a French armoire in the room to hold stuff and it hides her TV.
Love your fabric and the Alva Sienna.
The Lira fabric you picked would be perfect for new curtains in my bedroom. I love the crewl look and I image they feel wonderful!
I chose Floret by Vern Yip in turquoise cloud. Thank you !!
How about Zen it would be fun to spruce up the patio with this great fabric! I would love to own your beautiful book Anita. Please enter me into the drawing.
Thanks, Denise
I love Project Coal… so pretty! You’re ideas are so inspiring! =)
Pali spring for me. So fresh I could use this in so many ways
Your curtains are gorgeous, I love the way they make the whole room look! My favorite fabric is Delhi Delight – Robert Allen Fabrics Brass. I’d love to make living room drapes with this pattern!
Beautiful Curtains! I Love how they lighten the Room! Beautiful color! After a long Winter, These Curtain’s bring a touch of Spring into our Lives! Thank you! Rose M Storm
I adore the new bedroom look!! Fresh, is what I thought too!!
I love the new curtains! The lighten the room just perfectly!
Brissac Jewel would be lovely in one of our guest rooms.
Thanks for the sewing refresh as well!
Please enter me for your book, and thanks so much!
I love the spring look. My favorite fabric is Sunbrella mirage seaglass.
I think the room looks nice both ways, but I can see how changing out the fabric makes the room brighter and fresh.
Actually I liked the before and after, both. The before is more classic and timeless, the new is light and young looking. Just my opinion but I do like both.