What you have to understand about my house, besides that it has fifty-four windows, is that most of the windows are three feet by six feet, and six of the rooms have four of these windows per room.
Let's just quickly do the math, altogether now… Wow, yes, lots of fabric, at X dollars per yard (insert high price for anything remotely like what I'd want to spend money on, like, um… linen??), oh my.
And here's the thing. Even though for the most part I agree with all the advice about covering your windows, putting your rods up high, puddling the fabric on the floor (well, I don't know about that one, seems spider-webby to me), etc. etc. — the fact is, I have fairly deeply recessed windows with gorgeous, imposing molding. I don't really want to cover them up, I don't need to make my ceilings look higher (in fact, I find the ceilings imposingly high and would like to cozy things up a bit), and the windows already end at my knees.
My windows already seem big, okay? Because they are.
The truth is that, in that never-satisfied way, I would be fine with a cottage-y kind of house, with window placement that gave even the slightest nod to the reality that you might have some furniture to figure out where to put. But I don't! So this is what I am working with. Pros — lovely molding, good proportions; cons — big big big = costly.
(By the way, I simply could not get a shot of all four windows in this room at once! So, two at a time it is.)
It was Rosie's suggestion that made me look at the DIY Roman Shades out there — the ones that use the mini-blinds' mechanism as a skeleton.
I found these two the most helpful: Little Green Notebook and 365 Days to Simplicity — the latter has good photos of the tricky part, which is cutting out the slats.
I won't, therefore, show you the whole process. If your windows are smallish and your fabric is light, you will do just fine with those and the project will, indeed, as promised, be quick and easy.
If, however, you are doing four big (did I mention that my windows are big?) windows and want to use heavier fabric, you might find these photos a bit helpful to show you how I tweaked things to be a bit sturdier and longer lasting (hopefully).
Rosie also suggested (and I had been thinking, anyway) to use painter's drop cloths as the fabric. I had seen them around on blogs used as drapes and slipcovers, and when you wash them, they do have an appealing texture and color — sort of an oatmeal linen, coarse and textural. The ones I got, from Home Depot (they give you a bit of a price break when you buy four or more), aren't 100% cotton, but they have a very nice feel to them.
And, they are a lot of fabric, cheap. I did this whole room's treatments for a total of $52. I do think they are a little gray and my room is a bit creamy, but it's okay. I can work on bringing some other gray things into the room (not too many, because you know, it would make me feel cold!). And the sofas are going soon, because they are just very old and worn out, so we'll see. If these shades don't end up making it in here, there are many other places I can put them!
Now onto the tutorial. As always, know that this is the kind of thing that you have to sort of DO, before you can completely get what's going on. Yes, you have to figure out the process to a certain extent, but you won't be able to, completely!
If it doesn't work, you will be out $3.99, max, for a blind, and $10 for the cloth. Which you can use for other things.
Consult those links, above, for the general idea, which is that you are going to eviscerate (that is, remove all the slats from) your mini-blinds. {Could you go ahead and just make this type of shade the old fashioned way, with wooden pieces and metal eyes? Yes. Maybe you should. I kept going back and forth, and in the end, decided that the mechanism in the blind was worth it to me. I still don't know if that's true!}
Anyway, the way I did it was to figure out which size of drop cloth would be best, yardage-wise, for my purposes. Don't overlook the possibility that you might be able to cut one larger size into smaller pieces that would fit, or use the “width” of the cloth as your “length,” etc.
But! Be aware that a 6′ x 9′ drop cloth isn't actually that size, it's a bit smaller. So, for instance, I couldn't just cut that size in half and get two 3′-wide lengths, alas. I have a lot of big scraps of drop cloths that I think I will make tote bags out of!
Wash and dry and iron your cloths.
Next, I removed every single slat from my 36″ x 65″ mini-blinds (the cheapo non-room-darkening ones). Again, consult those other blogs for the how-to. These instructions will seem incomplete unless you do!
Since I had to cut my drop cloths to fit, I had to sew up one long side and one short side. I know that the other tutorials are big on gluing rather than sewing, but honestly, it's easy to sew them up, and then they will look neat and tidy — remember, as you use the shades, lowering and raising them, you will end up with glue giving out. Might as well minimize this tragedy. I did use Tacky Glue for attaching the fabric to the mini-blinds.
I also sewed on the ball fringe at this point of preparing the fabric. Where did I get 4 yards of black ball fringe? Natasha, of course 🙂
I did all this one at a time, figuring things out as I went, but if you do it my way, you might as well hunker down with the Olympics or some such commercial-laden entertainment and glue up some horizontal slats — enough for the whole project.
Because I quickly realized that using one slat, as the other DIY-ers suggest, wasn't going to work for me. The fabric is too heavy. If you notice how they made it work, they have the cord going back through the little holes originally provided for that purpose in the intact mini-blind.
But the weight of the drop cloth was not only too much for the slat, it was going to rip that little hole!
Instead, I just happened to have this kind of tape for making Roman shades —
From about 25 years ago. Long story, involving me not having really come into good solid contact with my inner DIY-er, yet having big plans. No Pinterest, you know? Probably this bad experience is the reason why I just couldn't face real Roman shades now!
Regardless, I had the tape. So I decided to cut it up into the rings I needed for threading the cord.
Here's how I did that:
First, I glued the piece of twill (with one ring on it — here you just see the back) onto one of the slats.
Then I covered that with another slat. Honestly, you have approximately a gazillion slats to work with, so go to town.
See? It's like a twill sandwich, with the ring on the concave side — the convex side needs to be able to make contact with the back of the fabric. Note that the ring is where the original hole was.
Let them dry a good long time, like overnight.
There is a ring/twill tape thingy on both ends of each slat. |
How did I figure out how many I needed? Not very linearly. This project just kept making me feel like I was losing my grip (even leaving out the part where I thought wanted to do balloon shades, but ended up with something looking like a drop cloth projectile-vomited onto my window — due to the bigness of my windows and the previously undetected inkling that my inspiration photo really wasn't a real Roman shade, but rather a fixed faux shade involving no bulk).
You see, my windows are 9 inches longer than the mini-blind.
And I really also did want some sort of scalloping pouffing thing at the bottom, even if I couldn't have balloon curtains, because the Roman shade on its own is just too angular for me.
So even a little longer.
I found out the hard way that no, you just can't extend that cord (since, after all, you've pulled out the slats, so what the heck) to the length you want, because when you knot it, that knot is going to go up into the workings (you know, when you lift the shade) and make trouble.
So after much hair-pulling, I decided to space my slats 10″ apart, leaving 5″ at the end. I just didn't want to deal with dividing 65″ into something very fractional (because 5″ is too small of a fold for these windows). And it was fine.
I put the bottom rail at the bottom. Then I made the cloth the length of the actual window plus about 10″ more.
Unfortunately, I didn't take a picture of the process at the bottom. But what I did was, using sturdy thread, to sew up the extra length in large folds. First, a fold 6″ from the lower rail to the rail at the point where the cord attaches; then folds every four inches or so, stopping 2″ above the fringe so that it, the fringe, wouldn't disappear from view when the folds get folded.
So the bottom is a large, faux part of the shade (in that it's folded but doesn't unfold, it's sewn) that takes up that last 9″.
Don't fret about that part. If for some reason you have a window that is longer than your blind (very unlikely), just fudge the bottom with either another, faux fold or two, or fiddle with something drapey like I did — you probably can do a better job!
To show you how the rings work:
I glued each slat to the fabric at 10″ intervals.
Pro-tip: Decide how you are going to measure this (top of slat each time, or bottom of the one above to top of the one below, or what have you) and remember what you did!
The tutorials I linked to have you set up your bottom rail like it was in the mini-blind — that is, on its little skinny edge.
But there's no need to do that. Lay it flat and glue it like that.
No one mentioned, that I can see, what to do about the cord. I needed to make a little homemade grommet for it so that it could come out the front. Maybe if your shade is small the cord can just stay in back… I don't know.
Use sturdy upholstery thread. My thread is antique, literally! It's good though. Did you know that if you store your thread out of the light, it will last? Bad news for those pretty wooden thread displays…
Don't forget to get those little stopper beads through to the front. To thread the cord through the grommet at all, you have to detach it from the little pulls. Then re-attach, although I'd like to find some nice big beads, because these plastic things are anti-aesthetic, don't you think?
Now, when you put it up, a couple of points.
1. Don't forget to glue the tippity top of the fabric over the edge of that top rail so that the top looks seamless. The drop cloth's finished edges are imprecise, so just fold and glue that right up over the top. And then leave the ends free until you get it up there.
2. Then you can hot-glue everything together (and the other glue will give way a bit as you do this part).
3. You might need to do some remedial hot-gluing of the ends of the slats.
I really like the drop cloth. It's heavy and will keep the sun out, yet does let light filter through. I think in the winter it will help keep the heat in.
I tried to think of a way to do this that didn't involve glue at all (and maybe the traditional wooden slat idea would have enabled this) so that I could take them down to wash them. However, I think if I keep on the vacuuming, it will be okay.
{I think I've hit all the main points. I can answer questions in the comments, and will probably edit…}
So, what do you think? Crazy, huh?
Michele Q. says
Fabulous Leila! I love how they look.
ginger says
I think they turned out fantastic, I laughed about your DYI experience…..I always have a rough go about 1/2 way through any project and fight the urge to just trash the whole thing…..
lydiacubbedge says
So fantastic! I just really need to get a sewing machine-we're in need of curtains. May I ask, what is the paint color on the walls? It's lovely!
_Leila says
Lydia, the paint is Benjamin Moore Guilford Green and and the trim is BM Calming Cream.
Aleta says
Great as usual, Leila! I know where to go when I need to make these!
(haha twill sandwich 🙂
melaniebett says
Wow! They look fabulous.
Lisa G. says
Since I haven't ever tried this, I couldn't really follow what you were saying. Still, they look wonderful. And ball fringe makes everything taste better for sure! 😀 I love Roman shades.
Arlene says
I think you did an amazing job. Your windows moldings are beautiful and you are right about not covering them up.
Deirdre says
Very nice! I think they look great, and the soft edge with the ball fringe definitely makes all the difference.
Just please don't go crazy with the bringing-in-more-gray project… you make me nervous when you say things like that. Maybe it's a faulty memory, but I feel like every time I'm visiting you, any time between November and March, you're listlessly pointing to things in the house, saying, “it's just too gray…
_Leila says
Yes, Deirdre, gray is a no-no around here. But as Erin pointed out, there is that same color of the shades in the Celtic wall hanging… so things like that. To justify the drop cloths. With lots of buttery yellow 🙂
Diana says
I used drop cloths to cover my furniture–I have long -haired cats, and you can bleach the fabric and it lightens up a great deal–also the different grades of the cloths vary in color–
If you decide the gray is too much and move them–try bleaching the next ones out.
I love these shades–just enough curve at the bottom–Thanks for sharing. Di
Emily G says
54 windows! Gracious, I thought I had a lot with 28.
It looks like you put a lot of work into those. They're lovely.
Joyful says
You've done a great job. I think it takes lots of patience!
Patty says
We have the same issue with windows. Big, lots, imposing/beautiful oak molding that I don't want to cover. I don't mind the blinds too much, however, I would like to at least put some kind of valance up there to (something boxy and sort of fitted?) to cover the top part of the blind mechanism. Glue gun is genius! I was thinking that I might use sticky backed velco, but then when we leave this apt, there would be velgro or at least goo left up there. No so with hot glue gun! 🙂
_Rosie says
Ooh, they look great! Well done.
priestswife says
so.much.work.
but they look great! Did you do this right now??? Like right after two weddings????
_Leila says
priestswife — I really have so little to do now!! By comparison….
Pippajo says
Well, most of that sounded like Greek to me, but the shades do look lovely. Most of the windows in my house are the same size as yours (the ones in the original part, anyway) and we have struggled to find just the right treatments for them. I have discovered (through trial and error) that I don't like covering my windows or having a lot of fuss around them. But with such long, low windows something must be done for privacy's sake. So we opted for shutters covering the bottom halves only. They or the slats can be opened for sunlight but when they're closed, the light still comes in through the top halves of the windows.
Also, it sounds to me like you need a Fabric Row near you! Whenever we need fabric, we go right over to 4th St. (Fabric Row) in Philly. Amazing fabrics, real fabrics and at a fraction of the cost you'd pay at That Which-Must-Not-Be-Named. Trims and embellishments, too!
On a related note, I happened to acquire a huge roll of what can only be described as grey burlap. Mom and I are absolutely stumped as to what to do with it. Neither of us likes it but I couldn't refuse it and it seems like too much to simply throw away. Can we even sell it? Any ideas?
Jamie says
Sack Race bags?
Pippajo says
Never would have thought of that, either! I wonder if a church or school would want them for that purpose…
_Leila says
Pippajo, I do really love the look of shutters. If my room were a different proportion (rectangular rather than square, and larger to offset the high ceilings) I would do that… except that here, there is literally no privacy issue! It's all about decoration, light/heat blocking, and insulation!
I need to go to that Fabric Row place, STAT.
Gray burlap… hmmm… check on ebay — you could sell yardages of it. Right now, burlap is big in DIY and weddings, etc. Why, we used burlap ourselves! (Details to come.) But brown, not gray… look on Pinterest! Also, one of the DIY blinds on there used almost black burlap! It was cute, actually. You could go into the DIY blind business!
Pippajo says
Hmmm…ebay…wouldn't have thought of that. I am totally not a grey girl. I know it's a hot color right now but I just do not like it so I guess I never thought anyone else would. I'll look around a bit. If Mom wasn't so busy right now I'd set her to work making up panels we could sell on etsy!
_Leila says
There are some odd elements in this photo, but these curtains are fab, and if you have plenty, you could do ruffled trim! http://www.etsy.com/listing/90493754/burlap-curta…
bethinthecity says
I really like them.
Jamie says
Waaaaaaahhhhh…Waaaaaaaaahhhhhhh…I'm sobbing in case you are wondering! Could you just do mine for me…sniff….please….
These look fabulous. My neighbor just showed me hers. She used the same mini blind roman shade DIY website which you mentioned. Hers look great, too.
The drop cloth idea is a wonderful tip. I never would have thought of it and yet I have always liked the fabric. Seemed such a waste for dropcloths.
Did you have left over energy from the two weddings and then decided you would just whip these babies up?
You did wonderfully on all the projects, Auntie!
Karen says
Hi Leila! I love the roman shades! You did a fantastic job and they do look like you went out and paid a lot of money for them! Amazing! Love the ball fringe-adds a nice touch! Enjoy your week , Karen
Kara says
I wonder if you could dye the drop cloth fabric with tea. I use black tea to dye fabrics to a creme or beige color, particularly when my husband stains his khaki trousers. I find it pretty color fast, and it is easy to control the color because you just take it out of the tea bath when you're happy and rinse.
Kate says
You did a fine job! I would like to mention that the dropcloths at Lowe's are creamy/pale white-yellow, not oatmeal grey. (greige?) I used the ones from Home Depot first on my deck, to cover a little table. I then went back for more, at the other place. I figured they'd be the same thing…but nope! Lowe's are a very different, and to me, preferable color.
Regarding the other poster's ?? about what to do with grey burlap.. it takes paint very nicely, so stencil it and use it for deck/porch/patio cushions! Or even a porch rug. White, red, yellow, or teal depending on the shade of grey, would be lovely!
Amanda says
Those look fabulous, but oh dear they look like way too big a project for me with 2 littles running around to get into the glue and tiny pieces. I think I'll just focus on regular curtains for now, thankfully our new house has boring old windows that allow for furniture placement and don't make my husband insist I keep them uncovered 🙂 But your windows are beautiful, that molding is wonderful and the height is exactly what most other people are trying to fake. You just get the real deal!
And I was going to ask about the wall color too so thanks for sharing that 🙂
StephC says
Nice job, great results, but about 10 times the amount of work I have patience for!
I see that the topic of burlap has been raised…at about $1.99/yard, I've been thinking about burlap drapes ever since I saw them in a Ballard Designs catalog.
Aimee says
Using the mini-blind mechanism was a good call. I've made roman shades the old fashioned way and though I have quite a stash of notions I've inherited from various family members, I spent quite a bit on specific notions required for this project. This sounds like the frugal way to go. I'll definitely be trying this the next time around.
Kate says
I made roman shades over 10 years ago without the blind mechanism. This was before internet so I think I found the directions in a sewing book. I cut a piece of 1 x 1 the width of my window, screwed three eye screws into the bottom, threaded cording through each (the longest will be the one farthest away from the pull cord) and down through rings sewed onto the fabric at even intervals all the way to the bottom. It was pretty easy. The only time consuming part was sewing on all the rings.
justamouse/Briana says
Ohh man, I thought my house was bad with 25 windows. I can't even fathom twice that. That's a lot of curtains, that's what that is.
Mary says
OH MY GRACIOUS these look fabulous!! I have blinds on every window in my house and they are driving me crazy. I am desperate for some color and “warmth”. I may have to give these a try. I am trying to embrace my inner do-it-yourselfer but I must admit I am nervous. Time and resources are very limited these days but I have quite a fabric collection to choose from so you never know.
You inspiring me once more Auntie Leila!!
Rebekah says
You are just too clever. I'm sure glad that my windows are standard size!! I love using drop cloths, too! It's fun to outsmart “the man.”
elizabeth K says
Gorgeous – simply way over the top in ability for me though – wow! I get so nervous seeing blinds with cords though — with little ones around. Oh, how I would love a home with so many windows – I miss that…we have less than 20! 🙁
Jennifer says
They look fabulous! I've just spent the afternoon on line looking for curtains for my new home. The crazy $$$ has me filled with anxiety. We have huge palladian windows and windows that take up entire walls. The windows are way too wide for roman blinds. I think I may just hang some sheers for now and gradually redo each room as we have some $.
Danielle Bailey says
hfghgh
Danielle Bailey says
Whoa! Those windows are probably one of the biggest windows I have ever seen 🙂 It’s cool how you were able to use your skills and creativity in sewing these curtains. And by the way, you have made the right decision to use glass windows because it offers transparency that can be energy saving.
Carol says
Thanks for the information regarding the use of heavier fabric. I just made a couple of blinds using a single slat and I have a feeling it won't stay up. I haven't installed them yet, but wished I had seen this blog before starting mine. Another good piece of I formation was the use I'd non room darkening blinds. Could've saved myself a few bucks!
Solar Blinds says
I really need to get a sewing machine-we’re in need of curtains.
Emily says
I’m thinking of using dropcloth when I make these for my front 1/2 length bay windows (so, three separate shades to cover the three window sections). I really would like to avoid messing with the double thickness of slats and having to add loops to thread the cord through, etc. It seems to me that the mechanism of the blind would be strong enough to hold the weight of the drop cloth because you’ve countered it by removing the weight of all the extra slats, which it would normally be strong enough to pull. Am I thinking of this correctly? Are you still thinking it was necessary to have doubled up your slats? Your thoughts are appreciated!
Leila says
Emily, it’s now been quite a while. I would say that it’s all held up, but I don’t do a lot of raising/lowering of these blinds. If the winter is a cold one, I lower them at night, but for instance last winter I hardly did at all.
You need to double up on the slats because the SLATS can’t hold the weight of the drop cloth. The cord is plenty strong enough, but the slat is flimsy. Maybe if you got the room-darkening ones they’d be stronger. Or maybe you can find some much sturdier ones second-hand and use those.
My slats are fine but the mechanism is a bit sluggish. I am not sure why. I have to sort of help them along with one hand when raising or lowering.
I think I’m on the fence as to doing it this way again. I might do as Kate did, above, the traditional way with wood and eye screws.
However, if your windows aren’t very tall, I think this way works fine.
Emily says
Ah, the SLATS! Now I understand. Thank you for the follow up. I will have to give this some thought…I may just go with a lighter weight fabric to avoid the hassle. Thanks again!