Curtain Call: Custom Draperies
Today's post is dedicated to my Mom. Hi, Mom! *waves*
Have I ever mentioned that my mother is an incredibly talented seamstress and designer? When my sisters and I were growing up, she put her creative energy into decorating (and redecorating, and re-redecorating) our house. We spent more time at wallpaper stores and fabric stores than we did at the playground. When I went to college, Mom went to design school. For nearly 10 years, she's been working as an independent designer. And much of her business focuses on custom window treatments.
You guys, she's good. She's even made custom draperies for country music legend Barbara Mandrell! So when Mom offered to make curtains for me if I bought the fabric, of course I said yes.
Here is a BEFORE shot. The temporary paper shades kept falling down, and I eventually taped them to the windows. FANCY.
Last Tuesday I brought her 24 yards of of a beautiful beige linen lookalike fabric and 23 yards of white Combo lining. I asked her for simple panels with two-finger pleats. I wanted something very neutral and classic for our living room, and I didn't want them to be full or flouncy. By Saturday, Mom had worked her magic and created these beautiful panels, made to measure. They fit the windows perfectly, and they just hit the floor.
Yay! Not only do I love the curtains themselves, I love the crystal ball finials at the end of the rods, too.
I'm used to crooked grommet-top curtains from Target, and I'm blown away by the difference in quality. If you ever have a chance to spend a bit more on curtains, it's worth it. And if you don't know someone who can do it, there are a lot of good seamstresses on Etsy. Many of them will even let you mail your fabric to them if you want something unique or unusual. Of course, I'm biased. I think my Mom is the best! Here's a closer look at her handiwork. Thank you so much, Mom!
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