This project was a complete SUCCESS! At first I thought it was going to be a total failure and that I’d have to call my friend and her sewing machine for help. I plan on getting a sewing machine sometime next year. Why the delay? Well…..to save my husband’s sanity. We currently live in a three bedroom house and we’re moving into a four bedroom place late next year. That way all my craft things will be put away semi nicely and I can sew, paint, and use power tools to my hearts content. Until I get that space, I’ll use no sew hem tape.
I bought a few rolls of the stuff on Amazon even after reading mixed reviews. I was honestly wondering what I was getting myself into. People were complaining that it didn’t work and I was about to be one of them until I realized I was a big fat DODO. I was seriously cursing at my fabric and the tape wondering why it didn’t stick like it should and why it gave of a toxic burning smell. That was until I realized I was trying to use the plastic wrap material as the hem tape. WOP. WOP. WOP. In my defense, it was the same width as the real no sew stuff and it was wrapped around the roll for 5 yards.
Once I got past my big head shake moment, this project didn’t take long. I washed & dried the fabric to make sure they were pre-shrunk, just in case. I’ve made no sew curtains when I was a sophomore in college, but for those of you who don’t know how to make these, follow Sherry’s tutorial from Young House Love {here}. Also make sure to follow the directions on the tape packaging.
I really can’t tell you how simple this was. Guess what? Machine washable (throws hands in air & proceeds to dance).
My always current obsession is shades of blue and green. I’m like Picasso in his blue period. O.B.S.E.S.S.E.D. Well, maybe not obsessed, but diggin it. Especially shades of turquoise. Which is why I’m in love with my new curtains, especially the pop of color it adds to our rooms. We rent and refuse to deal with painting/repainting every time we move to a different duty station, which happens to be every couple years.
My daughter loves the bright turquoise and bold geometric pattern. She was hanging out while I was putting the new curtain rod up, but daddy played with her while I finished up. When she walked backed into her room she stopped, put her hands behind her back and stared at the curtains. Then tried to squeeze her big dome between the nightstand and crib to get to it. Love at first sight.
This is for those of you who are wondering about the fabric patterns.
I LOVE your curtains! Like you, I am in love with blue/turquoise. We also rent and I am looking for ways to bring color into our boring beige house. Please come share at my link party:
http://herecomesthesun-kelly.blogspot.com/2012/01/fabulous-friday-8.html
I'm your newest follower.
I like the super heavy weight hem tape. I find that it works much better than the regular weight and holds up better in the wash. Also avoiding putting items in the dryer helps also. Thanks for visiting!
Hi – those are great. And it seems so easy. I probably would have done the same things as you (and would have been trying to iron on the wrong stuff). I've used this product before for quick hems and such. As I remember, it loosened after several washings – but that was some time ago.
I may give it a try – I am great with paint and textures etc…but a little lost with a sewing machine.
Thanks for posting!
Linda
PS – see my post that I did (linking to several parties as well) making a faux cobblestone dog house
http://studioofdecorativearts.blogspot.com/2012/01/faux-cobblestone-dog-house.html
Really cute!! Thanks so much for sharing this treasure at Feathered Nest Friday!! Hope to see you again this week!
@sweet and lovely crafts
Hahaha! Hi Lila! I ordered my fabric from Fabric.com. They always have really great deals.
@sweet and lovely crafts
Of course I mean, Lila not Lial!
I love these! I'm just about to make some for my living room. Where did you order your fabric from? Thanks, Lial
Thanks for linking up to the Head to Head Showdown! ~Jen @ http://www.icantstopcrafting.blogspot.com
@Vanessa
Thanks Vanessa! Linking up now
Love your fabric choice! I would love for you to link this project up at Do Something Crafty Friday: http://vanessascraftynest.blogspot.com/2011/11/do-something-crafty-15.html
Thanks for the love ladies! Paying a visit to each one of you right now
I really need some curtains for my front room! Great idea! You should come and enter my Vanilla Bean Paste giveaway! http://eatcakefordinner.blogspot.com/2011/11/vanilla-bean-paste-giveaway.html
visiting from tt&j! I love both of the prints of your curtains.. very pretty and modern.
I would love for you to share this at my Friday link party.. oh and enter my TinyPrints giveaway too
I used a no sew hem for my curtains from Ikea (it even came with the curtains!). Worked like a dream. LOVE the colors and patterns. Thanks for the tip about fabric.com. Stopping by from TT&J's party.
@Tisha
I know! I entered the giveaway (fingers crossed) and super excited that most of the fabrics are from Premier Prints. Love them!
@Kathryn
I really can't deny myself turquoise or teal either. Even when it comes to my clothes
I love the fabrics, especially the Premier prints. I'm visiting from Between u & Me, and think it's cool that her pillow giveaway this week features that fabric in other colorways. So beautiful!
Super cute! I love aqua and teal… could have my whole house in that color! Visiting from French Country Cottage.
Kathryn @ http://www.uglyducklingtransformations.wordpress.com
@Karima
Thanks Karima! I just got done checking out your blog. You're a crafty lady!
@Kate
Thanks Kate! I love linking up at Crazy Cute Thursdays. So many creative people out there.
@Jen
Thanks Jen! I think the bold pattern & color really help the nursery feel a little more grown up and a little less "baby girl". Stopping by your blog now!
Wow – They look fab! I use this stuff for hems on trouser pants. Your newest follower, Karima http://www.karimascrafts.com
These turned out lovely! Love your fabric choice, too! Thanks for linking up at Between U & Me so we could all see!
XO, Kate
I am LOVING the amazing fabrics you chose, so perfect to jazz up the nursery! Jen @ http://www.icantstopcrafting.blogspot.com
@Jenn @ Peas and Crayons
I'm glad you're excited! I've been thinking about making some roman shades next. Btw, I love your blog Jenn! I'm a big fan of veggies also
ahhh awesome! I'm glad you shared your fabric source b/c like halfway though you post I was planning on emailing and asking! whoo! now i dont have to harass your inbox =) hehe thanks girly! I'm in curtain mode in my house and this is perfecto to kick things off with!
xoxo
@Katie
Thanks! I love them too
I love them!! I love both the pattern and the color you chose for your daughter's room!! Love that little lamp too!
These are great curtains!
http://www.mun-emakingblogs.blogspot.com