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These are the times to
require the management of time above all else. With this in mind a method
for hanging lined drapes was created.
The first thing to do is to
put up rods to hang the drapes over. We used conduit, the pipe
electricians use to run wire through. A large screw in hook will support
each end of the pipe. Paint these the color you choose. K-Mart where
Martha Stewart has her drapery hardware has an interesting tubular piece
of plastic in colors. This is slit all the way down the tube and simply
spreads open with one's fingers. You may easily slip it over the conduit
in order to give the pipe a different color. It is very inexpensive too.
Measure and write down the
length of all the windows and determine how much fabric you need for that.
Now double the amount of fabric you need to buy. A heavy fabric is
appropriate for winter, lighter for summer. Since these are so quick and
easy to make, you will be able to change the drapes with the season.
You will want to look for a
wider fabric, more than a forth-five inch width. Simply take a piece of
the fabric, drape it over the rod, pull it down to where you wish it to
hang. By doing this you are doubling the drape so you have a "lined" back
on it of its own fabric. After you have cut it to the proper length take
it off, turn it so you are sewing right sides together. After you have
sewn the seam joining the "tube" turn it so the right sides are out. On
the outer edges, instead of sewing them together, turn them in for about
six inches. This keeps you from having to put a hem on the edges of the
length. Now slip this over the rod after you have taken it down.
You may want to pin these
edges of the length together in two or three places. Do this by pinning
the insides together not coming all the way through to the outside of the
fabric.
Since my drapes are to be
on the north, I used a double tube, so actually I have four pieces of
fabric on the window.
During the day when I need
light in the room, I simply reach for a long broom handle I have concealed
behind the curtains. With this I push the drapes to one side for light. At
night they are easy to pull back over the window.
The success of the project
will depend on how clever you are about selecting fabric, as to color,
weight, and pattern. Too when you select the fabric if you will hold it up
to allow the fabric to hang and drape you will be more able to make a
choice.
If one is looking for a
drape of designer places, this is probably, not the one for you. But, if
you just wish to cover the windows quickly, beautifully, and
conservatively this is an answer.
Your drapes will be similar to this except the
fabric will go over the rod at the top.
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