| If you have ever redecorated your home or are | | | | little of the fabric. Measuring is easiest when you begin |
| currently in the process of redecorating, I'm sure I don't | | | | by measuring the width then measure the height of the |
| have to be the one to tell you how stressful and | | | | window using a steel measuring tape. Be sure the |
| expensive it can be. Isn't it wonderful to know that | | | | measurements are recorded to the nearest 1/8th of |
| there are still some areas where you can cut corners | | | | an inch. |
| in order to save some serious cash during this budget | | | | You must additionally decide whether you will be |
| breaking time? | | | | mounting the curtains inside or outside of the windows. |
| If you are handy with a sewing machine you can save | | | | Inside mounted curtains provide a much slimmer look to |
| serious money on your home decorating by making | | | | windows while mounting your curtains outside the |
| your own curtains and window coverings. | | | | window will make your window appear bigger than it is. |
| When making your own window coverings you are in | | | | Whichever mount you prefer be sure you are taking |
| the unique position of having almost total control over | | | | measurements that are extremely accurate. |
| the end result. You can choose the fabric, mix and | | | | Now that the footwork is done is time to begin actually |
| match to your hearts delight and you are only limited | | | | sewing your curtains and window treatments. You will |
| by your imagination, the local fabric selection, and your | | | | need to first cut your fabrics to the appropriate |
| abilities when it comes to sewing. For your first | | | | dimensions (you may want to add an extra inch or |
| endeavor you will probably want to go with two | | | | two to be safe). Beginning at the top of the fabric you |
| coordinating colors that can be used in order to | | | | should begin stitching using a straight stitch and giving a |
| achieve a layered look. You can choose to go as bold | | | | half inch allowance. Then you should allow an inch and |
| or as toned down as your would like; however it is | | | | a half down from the top seam and begin stitching |
| recommended to keep your window coverings | | | | down the entire length of the side, then across the |
| somewhat sedate so that they do not overpower the | | | | bottom edge and up the other side. You should leave |
| room. Soft colors are good choices because they are | | | | a six-inch opening on each side of the edges. In order |
| easily adaptable to match almost anything you will be | | | | to finish you will need to come within a half inch of the |
| using in conjunction and they allow sunlight into the | | | | top seam again. |
| room for that extra bit of warmth. Darker colors are | | | | The only thing that remains is for your to pull the and |
| thought to create an uninviting atmosphere because | | | | press the fabric through the six inch opening you left |
| they do not allow sunlight to go through. | | | | and hand stitch it closed. These will work with standard |
| Once you have chosen your fabric, it is time to make | | | | curtain rods that you can buy at many discount stores. |
| sure you have all the proper measurements so that | | | | Now you have your very own window coverings at a |
| you are sure you aren't purchasing too much or too | | | | fraction of the cost. |