Windows to the World

Good morning, cafe friends!

I've been working on window treatments here at the cottage this week. We finally got some new curtain rods hung this week (Cheap from Lowe's) and I got to work.

I found these lace curtains from IKEA for 12.99 a pair. That's a steal! And when I considered that this is the window Jemma often uses to greet (a.k.a. bark) at the dog walkers, I thought cheap was the way to go. I just wanted something sheer to frame the windows and give a tad more privacy while still allowing the light to come in at the front of the house.

I tried them first at their original length, letting them puddle on the floor, as you can see here:

  But then I decided to hem them. Now I'm not certain if I liked them better longer. What do you think? Long or short?

Then I moved on to the kitchen window. I had this great idea saved from Pinterest. I love the look of this sweet window, so I gave it a try, sewing two panels from fabric I had purchased a while back at IKEA.

And here's what happened:

I just didn't like them at my window.

I think the problem is two-fold. For starters, my window is much smaller, and not nearly as wide as the inspiration photo. And then, because my window has no sash and no panes and it cranks out in a jalousie style, it just didn't look right. It also made it a bit darker, and didn't do much for blocking the view of our neighbor's house next door. It just looked cluttered in my smaller space.

So I took it down and tried this instead:

I used some leftover lace to make panels for the window, hanging them on a tension rod. And then I clipped up the gingham fabric (haven't even sewn it yet!) to the top.

The lace lets in a lot more light, making it sunnier at this spot. And the red check just looks cheerful and matches all of my red kitchen items. I like the idea of the clipped valance because I can swap it out seasonally.

I'm taking a different approach to this house. Simpler, and more hand made. I don't have to think about re-sale, and I have no one to impress. My selections can be frugal, and they can represent my style, not some current trend.

I still have to work on sewing panels for the patio door, and valances for the windows flanking the fireplace. I have a thought in mind, and I'm hoping I can make it work.

Blessings, cafe friends!