| Fleece Window Treatment |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-510 |
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Q: What kind of window treatment could you recommend for a log home? I want it to have a masculine and rugged look. A: (Nancy Golden, DIY Decorating expert) How about fleece curtains? Fleece comes in a variety of colors and patterns -- and this idea I'm going to share calls for only the minimum amount of sewing! Before you begin, determine how much fabric you'll need by measuring the width and length of the window, then the width of the fabric. The curtain should be 1-1/2 times the width of the window; add several inches to the length to allow for a foldover at the top. Don't worry about allowing for a hem -- that's the beauty of this fabric and this project! Materials:
Fleece fabric (consider using a geometric or plaid pattern -- the straight lines work great as cutting guidelines)
Contrasting fabric (we used felt)
Button-covering kit with large buttons
Scissors - Cut the fabric to the correct length and fold it down at the top edge where you'll want the foldover to be (figure A). The bottom of the foldover is where you'll want to start cutting the fringe along the side edges.
- Cut the fringe, making each cut the length of the scissors blade (figure B ). Don't worry if the fringes are slightly different in length and width -- this look is meant to be casual, so slight irregularities are okay.
- Next, cut the fringe along the edge of the foldover (figure C).
- Soften the corners of the panel by cutting a radius edge (figure D). Then cut fringe around the corners. Because of the curve of the edge, the cuts you'll make at this point will form almost triangular pieces of fringe (figure E).
- Cover the buttons for the top in felt fabric -- the fleece would be too heavy. Use the template provided in the button-covering kit to cut felt circles of the correct size (figure F).
- Place a circle of fabric facedown inside the rubber base that's included with the kit (figure G), then push the front section of the button down into the base (figure H).
- Fold all the excess fabric to the inside and make it as smooth as you can, then push the back piece down until it locks. Remove the covered button from the base and repeat until all are covered (figure I).
- Arrange the buttons as you please, evenly spacing them across the top of the curtain (be sure to leave enough space at the top to run the curtain rod through). You may wish to use the stripes in the fabric to help to place the buttons evenly (figure J).
- Cut a strip of coordinating fabric that's long enough to fit down the side of the curtain, then cut evenly spaced horizontal slits along the panel's length (figure K). Carefully weave the strip through the slits to provide a contrasting trim (figure L).
More questions for Nancy Golden: Q: I want to install a ceiling medallion in my dining room. How do I determine what size to get? A: Be sure to buy a medallion that's no wider than your fixture. It can be smaller, but no wider. Q: What colors and kinds of accessories do you suggest to tone down the red walls in my dining room? I love the color, there's just too much of it. A: Natural accessories -- baskets, plants, a sisal rug -- and camel as your accent color will really tone down the red. Q: What type of lighting do you recommend for a picture wall? A: It depends on the wall. If you have a lot of pictures like a gallery, you may want to use "eyeballs" in your ceiling to direct the light on the entire wall. If you have one major piece of artwork, attach a picture light to the picture itself. And if you have pictures that are behind glass, you'll probably want to avoid having lamps in front of them -- the lamps will cast glare and detract from the pictures.
RESOURCES :
A Portfolio of Window & Window Treatment Ideas
Model: 0865739560
Creative Publishing International, 1995
Do-It-Yourself Fabric Decor: Pillows, Window Treatments, and Slipcovers for Your Home
Model: 0865733457
Author: Editors of Creative Publishing International
(August, 2000)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
Creative Publishing International, Inc.
Website: www.creativepub.com
The Window Book: A Complete Guide to Window Dressing Inside and Out
Model: 0517159570
Author: Vinny Lee
(September, 1996)
Random House Value
Complete Book of Window Treatments & Curtains
Model: 0806906138
Author: Carol Parks
Lark Books, March 1995
Lark Books / Altamont Press
Website: www.larkbooks.com
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