Back in April, I spotted the curtains of my dreams at Crate & Barrel. I was with Jen and I told her that I was buying them for the dining room. Until I checked the price. $149 for each panel. And I needed four.
Ouch.
I backed away from the curtains.
But I really did love them. So, I did some searching and found the same Dwell Studio Bella Citrine fabric online by the yard. It was actually out-of-stock for months. Then, it was back in stock and I jumped. It was $15.98/yard when I purchased it. And I had a coupon, so I saved about 25 percent. I ended up getting 13 yards of fabric for $155.80. (And it’s free shipping at fabric.com and free return shipping if you don’t like it, which is a plus.)
And okay, this is way more than I’ve ever spent on fabric or curtains. But, when you consider that my lusted-after drapes in the same fabric from Crate & Barrel are $149 for each panel in the long length, it’s not a terrible deal at all.
Our curtain rods are around 104 inches from the ground, so I cut each panel to 9 feet and then hemmed it up (3 yards of fabric). The width ended up being around 52 inches for each panel after hemming. I moved all the furniture to the side of the dining room so I could spread out the fabric on the floor and cut it.
After lots of ironing and hemming, it was time to make the pocket. I used ribbon tabs for the top, which is a really simple way to get a more polished look. If you are interested, check out the tutorials by Meredith at Welcome to Heardmont and Chic Little House.
I waited to hem the bottoms until I had them up because our old house floors are totally uneven and I wanted the curtain to lay just above the floor. I didn’t really want them dragging on the floor because I like to steam mop under them. Anyway, since they aren’t the same length to the floor, it means that they aren’t all exactly the same length. But they are all above the floor. I just pinned them where I wanted them, ironed and hemmed.
And, I am so lazy that I ironed and hemmed the panels while they were still hanging on the curtain rods.
I’m sure this lazy way could have gone horribly wrong, but it didn’t.
Do you like the fabric as much as I do? I just love it. And it has such wonderful texture – almost nubby like linen. Perfect for drapes.
The two panels took a little longer than anticipated, so I am working on finishing the other two this to put them up and clean up the room this weekend.
But I just couldn’t wait to share my progress so far. This room is really starting to come together.
What do you think? Is my penny-pincher version a contender?
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Colleen says
Kindred spirits! Ah, it’s so nice to read about other girls coveting those lovely drapes from Crate & Barrel going the less expensive route! They are gorgeous!! And who doesn’t love custom drapes? Looking forward to reading about your more recent adventures!
becky v says
LOVE it! Great job! And, by the way, I think hemming curtains while they are hanging is the official way to do it…it’s what I always do anyway! 🙂
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christine says
ohmygravy, this is fantastic! my hubby and i drooled over those curtains too but never thought to look for the fabric online! thanks for sharing!! 🙂
embraced by grace says
How did you get a coupon? Do share!
Kim @ NewlyWoodwards says
Embraced by Grace – I’m on the mailing list for fabric.com. I also do a quick google search for coupon codes before I check out. That’s where I found the 25 percent off.
Sara says
Your curtains look fantastic and they are so inspiring!!! I’m currently gathering inspiration to make my own curtains as well and I am definitely saving your blog as a must read – I’ve stopped by from Centsational Girl! Keep up the great work!
Sugarr2518 says
I just found your blog today and I just love reading about all of the reno things you have done! These curtains are amazing! If only I knew how to sew or even had a sewing machine. They look great in your room:)
Kimberly says
I tried to make my own tall curtains and it went horribly wrong because I couldn’t wrangle so much fabric at once. Ironing and hemming while they’re hanging is GENIUS. Also, I went and checked out the other Dwell Studio offerings and the jade blossom is perfect for my living room. Thanks for the inspiration!
Amanda @ Little House on the Corner says
YES! They are looking GREAT! You really got it right with that fabric you chose.
And don’t worry, we’ve all done things the lazy way sometimes. 😉
Anne says
The curtains look FABULOUS! I LOVE that fabric. Great job lady! 🙂
Becky says
Those are gorgeous! Great job! And I am all about shortcuts so your hemming process has me very impressed. You are a girl after my own heart 🙂
Judy says
Love the fabric and I love your “shortcuts”. Saw you over at Centsational Girl and had to stop by.
kayc says
Hey Kim,I enjoy your blog so much. I The curtains are lovely;you almost make me want to take up sewing again. Almost.The curtains are lovely,and pressing the hem while on the rod is an idea worth sharing.But the ironing board cover is a work of art! Where did you get it?
Midwest Mrs says
LOVE these! The yellow is beautiful and the subtle pattern looks great. I wouldn’t blame you for leaving those bad boys up there, drapes are LOTS of fabric to deal with!
Sara @ Russet Street Reno says
I love that you ironed and sewed them while still hanging, seriously, we are like th esame person! Except that I don’t know how to sew. And I don’t like the crappy Bears. HAHA, sorry I couldn’t resist! Youre curtains are perfect, you should be incredibly proud.
Jordan and Jandee says
The curtains turned out beautiful. Love them!
Mrs. Adventure says
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them. Seriously as in I’m totally jealous and may have to learn to sew so I can copy you :o)
Carrie @ Hazardous Design says
They look like you spent a million bucks 🙂
Chelsea @ {twotwentyone} says
They look awesome! I love that print! I’m pretty sure Martha Stewart irons and hems her curtains while they’re hanging.
Ashley@ DesignBuildLove.co says
those curtains look absolutely amazing! Persistence paid off for sure- great deal!!!!!!!! 🙂 Super curtain jealousy happening right now!
Kim @ NewlyWoodwards says
Alyssa – the blinds are from JCPenney. They are the stock bamboo roman shades in walnut. I like them, but they don’t really block anything. So be warned that privacy isn’t their strong suit.
Shannon – I keep the blinds down most of the time, except weekends. Mostly out of laziness. And the yard sale next door.
Erin – I don’t actually “like” to steam mop. But if I must clean, I don’t want the curtain panels in the way.
Love you all. Thanks for the kind comments. You make a girl feel loved.
Mrs. 5C says
ohmygosh, Kim!! They look FABULOUS!!! They’re so pretty next to your fiestaware!
Leigh says
haha- I love the photo of the sewing machine on the ironing board. Totally something I would do, in fact I’d probably skip the sewing and use hem tape. I’m thinking of using this fabric for our guest room.
Erin @ Domestic Adventure says
In my opinion, they look better than the original! I love the fabric. And did I read the following words in this post: “I like to steam mop”??? That reminds me. I need to steam mop. Desperately.
alyssa says
Love them!!! & awesomeness points for hemming & ironing while on the rod. total aha moment 😉
ps – I tried looking back but couldn’t find any info – where did you get the matchstick blinds from? Love them! Need them for my kitchen 🙂
the cape on the corner says
the room is looking fresh and fab, with those curtains and the colorful stuffs in your corner cabinet. i am thisclose to attempting something like this, though i am going to start off with a (hopefully) much cheaper fabric. this looks amazing! and i love your ironing/sewing method. girl after my own heart!
*claire* says
gorgeous!!! i love how bright they are, and definitely a steal! i’m sure they will last forever – better to get something of quality than settle for cheap.
also – GENIUS idea of hemming while they are hanging. would have saved me lots of time wrestling long panels!
Shannon says
You are so great at everything, I’m getting a bit tired of it. Crafting perrrfect curtains that look just as awesome as their overpriced counterparts. Love em. The color looks awesome with the wall color and with your fiestaware.
Now do you keep your blinds down all the time or just b/c you were taking pics? Or just to sheild yourself from your yardsale neighbors? (Kidding, I know it’s on the other side. I just will never let that image die)
Ally says
Totally gorgeous. Love em!
Robin says
They look amamzing! You did a great job. They add such a pretty pop of color to the room.
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
Go, Kim, go! Those are fantastic!!! Love the color and pattern. 🙂
Cindy @The Flipping Couple says
Totally loving the curtains!! You make me want to put curtains in our house. We currently have those nasty-crap white blinds that are older than I am. Dang, we’re classy.
lyndsay @ Mr. and Mrs. says
OMG! Kim, these look absolutely amazing and I am lusting after this fabric!! Question– how did you know the name of the fabric when you saw it on C&B? Did you just browse hundreds of types until you recognized it?
I really need to purchase a sewing machine and see if i can learn to be crafty like this!
and PS— your room is looking absolutely incredible.
Kim @ NewlyWoodwards says
Thanks, all! I love them, too.
Leigh – they hang really well and drape nicely. I think it’s because the fabric is just really lovely and has a great texture. I was originally planning to line them, but didn’t have enough on-hand. Once I got them up, I don’t think they need it. (With cotton lighter fabrics, I usually line them to make them more substantial.)
Megan – the tablecloth was from Crate & Barrel two or three years ago. I got it on clearance after the holidays.
Megan says
May I ask where the leaf tablecloth on the right in your photos is from? I’m searching for the perfect autumn linens and can’t find anything I like…
Mrs. Chic says
Looks great so far!! I love those panels the colors are very pretty!! The back tabs make them look so polished! 🙂
Shanade says
Beautiful! And ironing and hemming while they are hanging is pure genius!
Jessica @ This Blessed Life says
i swear you are superwoman! awesome job!
Leigh @ Kesler Expressler says
Beautiful! Do you find that they hang well even unlined? That’s my biggest worry with making my own curtains, that they will drape all funny and *look* like I made them.
Emily says
You’re becoming a curtain and lining curtain pro! I love the fabric, and they look great. Can’t wait to see the whole room!
Jordan@the2seasons says
Love these. I am going to check out the fabric site because I am in need of new curtains but I haven’t found a fabric that I love.
Emily says
Love it!!! Same exact look and 1/4th the price! Score!! 🙂
DecorandtheDog says
I’m in love!!!
I like your technique of sewing while hanging. I made my office curtains. One of them is about 2 feet too short. Luckily that one is hidden behind the couch. My secret is out! They need replaced anyways. I don’t think I’ll sew curtains again.
Suzanne says
I love them and I love YOU for not even taking them down to do the hemming. You’re kind of my hero.
Emily says
LOVE!! I think they look just as good, if not better, than the original. I love the ribbon tab look. Can’t wait to see your dining room all dressed up- I’m loving all the bright colors with the gray!!
Laurel @ Ducks in a Row says
They look fantastic! So worth the wait. I love how they pop against the walls!
Allison says
Those are amazing! I made some yellow curtains a few months ago and hemmed the bottom after hanging them so they would just skim the baseboards. You are so clever to bring the sewing machine to the curtains, though. My curtains hang downstairs and my sewing machine is upstairs. It was an exhausting day….
Lynne says
I love making my own drapes. Seriously though, it’s the only way to find what you really love. You did a great job. I hate pinning so the iron is my friend and I absolutely am loving the way you ironed and sewed while they were up. Genius!
Michael - Innkeeper says
oh kim! these are just the best! seriously love!
and after making curtains i don’t know if will ever buy real curtains again. custom style, perfect length.
and i’m dying that you ironed and hemmed them while on the rod. dying. and i wouldn’t call it lazy. i’d call it smart. working with a project so large can be a pain in the neck and you handled it like a pro!
Alli (and Tommy too!) says
Love them! “Affordable” is sometimes a relative term when you’re comparing items like this. Worth every penny, Kim 🙂
Martha says
Hi there! I’ve just found your blog and I’ve been reading the whole thing!
I LOVE the curtains!!! LOVE THEM! They look incredible with the wall color.
I just love what you’re doing with your house!
cheryl @ nefotlak. says
absolutely love them!
i would also probably go the lazy iron and sew route. the only way to go me thinks!!!!
great bargain.
cheryl xox.