Nesting

I swear I’m not turning this blog into a “crafting” blog, but I’m nesting here, people. And it’s so rare that I get into decorating that it simply must be documented. This too shall pass, I promise.

I haven’t mentioned it here because I’ve been afraid to jinx it, but the doctor has let me up. Tentatively. I’m still medicated. But I’m allowed to be up as I feel I can handle it. Which means there has been a whole lotta cleaning going on in this house. (My Roomba and Scooba didn’t know what hit them. The Slave-driver Is Back!)

I told you that I’ve been inspired lately by The Nester and her window mistreatments. Consequently, while I’ve been sitting in my bed for nine weeks, every window in the house has been under my mental scrutiny. This weekend I finally was able to “get my hands dirty.” Since I had no idea what I was doing, I figured I’d start in the master bath, where no one is really likely to spend much time but Andrew and me. I took my fabric and rolled out about twice as much as I would need length-wise to cover the window. Then I ripped my yardage off (Seriously, I used my teeth. Take that, Martha!) and spread it out on the floor. I folded it in half length-wise and then folded down about five inches at the top.

Spread and Fold

Because I didn’t want the rough edges on the end, I used packing tape to turn them under and keep all the folds in place. Yea, you heard me. Packing tape. Don’t judge me. I was short on time. My protective hubby was likely to catch me up at any moment and start fussing. I had to work fast. (I can go back and pin it later, I’m sure.)

Packing Tape

Next, I tacked up either end as high above the window as I could reach. Yes, I did this by myself. I was on a very sturdy bath tub, I promise.

Starting To Hang

As soon as I started hammering in the upholstery tacks, I was busted. I consented to let Andrew finish the tacking.

My Hero Steps In

Isn’t he the coolest? And so well-balanced, too. After Andrew tacked the center, he repeated the process on either side. I did a little fluffing and scrunching and voila! Window mistreatments!

Don't Look Too Close

Please, don’t look too close. There’s stuff about it that is definitely less than perfect. But it’s an improvement. The whole idea behind “mistreating windows” is that you do no sewing, it’s quick, and it’s not perfect, but it’s still pleasing to the casual observer. Plus, this fabric is totally reusable when I decide I’m tired of it in the bathroom.

My only problem with this little arrangement is that the water closet is directly in view of these curtains. Which means that on each of my 25 trips to the bathroom every day, I get to sit there and ponder the imbalance, the mis-poofing, and where it needs tucking. Maybe I’m not cut out for mistreating after all…

Aw, who am I kidding? We all know I’m too lazy and just not that crafty. This little bit of imperfection is likely to stay just like it is until we move, or until I nest again. Whichever comes first…

For more tips, check out Works for Me Wednesday over at Shannon’s.

Kendra

10.12.2008

I’m impressed! Looks pretty good to me -I tend to be critical of my own work too, but am always impressed when I see someone else’s effort.

Glad to hear you are somewhat mobile again!

Michelle W

Kudos on the windows and how wonderful that you’re up and about!!!

Sandy

Oh, the Nester would be so proud!!!

Looks great!

Just remember to keep the nesting and the resting in balance. K?

Naturally Caffeinated Family

You are so not going to go back and pin those, ha! Great job, and great idea! I was just starting my apron tonight…I was pinning (with a patterned fabric) and saying this is so not good for a perfectionist! Don’t go standing on any more bathtubs missy!

thefarmerfiles

Too funny…my eyes bugged out over packing tape where you first typed it…and then I read “Yeah you heard me. Packing tape.” HA HA HA. And then I said, hmm…really? Maybe I should try that!!! I must chase my 18m old now…gotta run….glad to hear you are up…does that mean the kids get to stay?

Christine

10.13.2008

It looks beautiful; I love this no-sew solution! Blessings!

Mary C

Too cute! I am impressed.

Michelle

Love it! You gotta do what you gotta do! Even if it means using packing tape on window treatments. LOL!

rachel

love the fabric LL!

Aubrey

Looks lovely! And I have no doubts that it won’t change. Because your awesome like that.

Jack's Mommy

10.14.2008

LOL! excellent!! i love alternative solutions to a pricey problem..

Three weeks before i gave birth to my son, i had the most demanding urge to finish his bedroom curtains. I rummaged in our hall closet, found a cute striped double sheet that matched his nursery colors, ripped it in half, threaded the rod through the sheet “hem”, and hung them up…worked just fine.. :0)

Dusty

That is really neat! I may have to try that!

Grammy

What a great Ideal. I love the color to. I do thing like this to with mini blinds I just put 2 screws in them and go strait up in the window frame. I never use the hardware that comes with them.
Have a great day.

Melinda

10.15.2008

This is so cool! I need some window treatments in a bad way, lol. I am totally going to try this! Thanks!

Dana

Genius! I still have so many bare windows, and this is something I feel like even I could do!

Sherry

Wow, it looks great! I’m all for no sew!

Michelle@Life with Three

Wow! That is so clever. I have a lot of windows in my house that need window treatments, but I’m way too cheap to have them done professionally. This looks great and I think I can do it inexpensively, as well. Thanks for sharing!

Tonya

That turned out so pretty. Love the pattern of the material. TFS a great tip.

Jerri

Very nice! I love the idea.

Chel

I have to admit I have tacked curtains to my walls when I could not afford rods but mine did not look so hot. Great job! I need to re-do a lot of windows myself, funny you should bring that up! I really really want roman shades for my bedroom so it will be darker for hubby and more energy effecient….someday….soon I Hope.
Chel