Time for new curtains

Have you ever noticed, sometimes redecorating is sparked from the addition of something new. In this case, when I added my grandma's framed recipe to my kitchen, I was inspired to make some other inexpensive changes. I figured, the best place to start would be with my kitchen valance.

I've had this valance since my first house. It's cute but I wanted to update my kitchen from cute...

to classic. When I saw this fabric at Joann Fabrics, it was love at first sight. I bought a yard for $6 and 2 1/4 inch grosgrain ribbon, to add as trim, for $1.50.

I knew I wanted to double the fabric so you could design not only in the kitchen but also from the back of the window. When I held it up to the window, though, the material was so thin, you could see the design from the back showing through the front. In order to make the curtain denser, I decided to line it with muslin. I realize, I probably sound quite knowledgeable at this point {don't let that fool you}. Though I knew it needed a lining, I just couldn't figure out how to add it.

My first attempt, I carefully layered the fabric so the right side of my materials were together and then I placed the muslin in between the material. Fortunately, I only sewed one side together when I realized how wrong I was. {Done like this, I ended up with one side being the design of the fabric and the other side being muslin, leaving the second piece of fabric stuck in the middle for no one to see at all.}

Thank goodness for seam rippers!

My second attempt went much better. With the muslin now on the outside, on top of the two pieces of material {facing right sides together}, sewing recommenced and I was able to complete my new curtain.

I had incentive to finish my curtain quickly, since it was one of those rare occasions I had fresh flowers.

Even from the back, I adore my new curtains.

I guess the moral is, if at first you don't succeed, try try again. I am definitely not an expert at sewing but I'm having fun learning.