I thought I would never be able to decide on what to put up at my sewing room windows, BUT FINALLY I have!
Here’s what happened…
I thought I wanted the same buffalo check in my kitchen (or as close as possible to it) at my windows in my sewing room, but after finding something similar and ordering one panel off Ebay, I realized it was going to be impossible to find an exact match unless I found the Hobby Lobby, Merchant 41 curtains I had used in my kitchen. Since Hobby Lobby discontinued their curtains, I pretty well had to nix that idea.
Since most of my looking had to be done online, it seemed like I was never going to find that buffalo check, so I switched my searching to “stripes” (actually the exact morning Shara left her comments about finding a pretty taupe and cream stripe and going with something like that!) I looked at all kinds of stripes and even considered pillow ticking, but it was all too stiff and I wanted something soft and fluid looking.
I looked at Home Goods when they finally opened…nope. Then I looked at TJMaxx when they opened…nope. Ross’s…nope.
Lowe’s…nope. Big Lots…nope! Bed Bath & Beyond…yep! I wasn’t quite sure at first, but I decided to buy 2 panels and take them home and see what I thought.
In the meantime, I went to Joann fabrics and found 2 pieces I thought “might” work. One was a black and gray plaid homespun piece and the other was a gray and white and taupe.
I found some tiny clip rings that would easily fit over my tension rod on the built in bookshelf. I’m wanting to hide some of the plastic containers but still have easy access to them. Before I left the store I only had the black and white plaid in hand… and had put back the white with taupe and gray stripes. It was too stiff as well.
Here are a few pictures of the black and white plaid fabric…it was hard to take pictures in my room and show exactly what it looked like…the lighting was all wrong at that time of day.
Then to make matters even harder, right when I was trying to decide, I received a message from a lady on Ebay, offering me a discount on a piece of fabric I had asked her about. It was a smaller checked linen like fabric and was very nice, but it would have been $36 to buy it. I hated to turn it down but the striped panel from Bed Bath & Beyond was only $15 and I had a gift card, so it didn’t cost me anything.
After draping it over the rod on the bookshelf, and the curtain rod over my window, I liked the look and FINALLY decided in it.
I attached the clips to the top of it and liked the slightly loose weave, and how it scrunces up nicely when pulled to one side. The clips slide wonderfully too.
I didn’t have a table in my room, but I put my machine up on one of the dressers and just stood up and sewed!
I was able to get it finished and hung, but the valances I plan to make for my windows are still waiting to be finished. I am pretty sure I can get 5 strips cut at 10″ wide so that will give me a nice fullness to the valance. The fabric is very crisp and clean looking. It goes wonderfully with my new Agreeable Gray paint and I’m so glad to have this behind me… well, almost behind me! :o)
That’s what I’m planning on working on today… and hopefully finishing this project.
I’ll see you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh, yes, Jeanne–that stripe is Perfect!! The right colors, the right look/feel, coordinating without being matchy-matchy. Well done!
We had Sunday School and church today, first time since the beginning of March! It was wonderful to see everyone today–I think only three of our “regulars” were gone, and a retired pastor and his wife who now live about an hour north of us visited, also!!
After church we took our pastor and his wife (pre-arranged) as well as a friend of ours, Tom, out for lunch at Famous Dave’s. We joke a bit as I’ve know Tom longer than I’ve known my husbanc! We were in the young adult group at my dad’s church in the late 1960s/early 1970s! Anyway, we had a lovely day. I did end up staying home from evening service (Ron went), though, as my back was so achy. I did use the elevator instead of the stairs each time I had to go up/down, which helped save the back a bit.
My x-rays and CT scan last week showed–again–no broken bones, just a “really bad” bone bruise. I see my doc tomorrow, and am hoping I can start some PT and maybe strengthen those muscles, which might help the bone bruise heal, too.
Thanks Charlotte,
I’m glad the curtains at BB&B worked. I was getting tired of looking!!!
Our church is back in session too…with lots of precautions in place. We are still watching from home while my hubby recuperates..
Our restaurants are still only doing pick up or eating outside under tents and canopies. Maybe soon, they will open up… I’ve done LOTS of cooking at home!!!
I hope your back gets better quickly…bones that hurt are the worst…
Thanks Charlotte,
Blessings, Jeanne
Whew, Jeanne! I think we are all breathing a sigh of relief that your curtain dilemma is over! You did the right thing, and it looks so good! I’m sure after all is said and done, you are ready to move onto the next “thing”! It never ends, does it?
I had to laugh at your setup you had with your sewing machine! What a clever way to sew, but I don’t think anyone is going to be duplicating something like that! It got the job done, and that is the important thing.
Any word on the flooring? Maybe by the time it comes in, George will be raring and ready to go!
Hi Linda,
Whew is right!! I was sick of searching for curtains…snd was ready to just put up some plain Jane ones and be done with it.
But these really look nice in here now!!
I could have set things up on the dining room table, but I knew it was only a hem that needed to be stitched up and wouldn’t take too long.
We have called 3 times about the flooring and they told us they would call when it came in. I don’t want to cancel because they have been so good to us in the past. It’s not their fault, but I sure wish it would get here soon.
Thanks Linda
Blessings, Jeanne
So glad that something came your way that you liked. It’s such a relief, isn’t it? And now, you can continue on with something as you wait for that yet absent flooring. It’s going to be a marvelous sewing room!
Blessings.
Hi Becky,
It was wonderful to find something sort of made up and not too much work to do. The valances will probably take longer to make to be sure they are even and straight on both sides of the cut edge.
I sure hope it turns out marvelous!!! It will be worth the wait if it does!!
Thanks Becky,
Blessings, Jeanne
Yay, fabric that works. I’m so glad you chose this one for the end panel. It does the job but isn’t distracting to the eye. The valance blends so nicely too. Good job with the new standing to sew method. I’m sure it will be quickly adopted by sewers everywhere. 🙂
Bummed around here. Came out yesterday to check on my unknown squash seed that popped and found the top nipped off. Just the small stalk left. I had snail bait out and bird netting. Have no idea who/what was the culprit. Then in the afternoon checked again, and it was entirely gone. What? In broad daylight? So the mystery deepens. The cucumbers have sprouted. Hopefully, they will still be there today.
Has the place where you ordered the flooring checked with the maker to find out when it is to arrive? If not, they certainly should. As they say, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. 🙂
Joy, you have my utmost sympathy for your garden dilemma. Around here it’s moles. For a couple years I had a beautiful English country garden in in my side yard. Then one year the moles found it and it was gone before I knew it. I have a strip of garden along my front walk that was full of plants with pretty pink flowers (can’t remember it’s name right now). We’re going to need to take it up and rethink how we do it because the moles destroyed nearly all of them and now the grass and weeds are infringing. We need to put something down to keep the moles from coming up under it. My neighbor has container gardens all over her yard, including a clawfoot bathtub that looks adorable. Hubby says no to that. To much to mow around – although I do the mowing and I’m okay with it.
Lol Barbara, moles were at least one thing that the first settlers here decided not to introduce! It is bad enough with possums and rabbits!
Hi Joy,
I couldn’t renew my license before now because, here in Ohio, we can’t renew more than 30 days before our birthdays. My birthday was May 23 and the BMV was closed from I believe March 9 or thereabouts until May 26. I live in a smaller town so I will be able to find a chance without a crowd sometime prior to August 26 ( our governor’s three month’s grace period due to COVID)). We actually always have six months typically There are no appointments, but you can get in line online. Not that that really helps because people still have the option to walk in and be served first. It’s on my end of town, so not difficult to stop by. We don’t have to take a written exam beyond the initial one at 16 (or whenever you first get your learner’s permit), and until you get your first permanent license is the only time you must drive with an instructor. We just take a vision test and answer proof of insurance questions, then off for a new photo, In the past, I typically renewed a couple of weeks before. The rules must be very different where you live, CA, right?
Yeah, I’m in CA. Here when you hit 70, you have to take the written test again and vision every renewal. The test seemed a lot trickier than any of the samples given and way different than when I took it when I was 16. 🙂 But, I’m good for five years now, and probably won’t have to take the written again. So glad you have a grace period for yours. It does feel good though to be done with it though. 🙂
Hi Joy,
I’m glad everyone seems to like what I picked…I hung it up and squinted my eyes and it just seemed to blend in with the colors in the room, but didn’t jump out at me…
I hope you get to the bottom of your squash stealer… mean ole critter!!!
It was 30 days ago today that we ordered the flooring. Before, it took 10 days to come in…
I’ll wait a little longer before I call again…I know they would call if it came and I’m sure their hands are tied…
Thanks Joy
Blessings, Jeanne
I just read an article about flooring and so many decorating people are having trouble getting their orders. Everyone appears to be out of flooring so I wouldn’t expect it any time soon that is unless you can choose something another dealer has in stock.
Hi Joy
We have a box of planks left over from Rebecca’s room, so I can’t pick something else…I checked a few places down in GA and they were much higher than what we got it from Karpet Korner. It’s already paid for so we’ll wait… but my hubby said we might call on Thursday to check what’s going on…
Thanks Joy,
Blessings, Jeanne
The stripes really look nice.
My son got tested for COVID-19 yesterday. He had a fever and chills. He also has a compromised immune system. I’m trying to keep my anxiety in check. He thinks he might hear today or tomorrow about the result.
In the meantime my brother who has so much to deal with already, had to put the family dog to sleep. He has been so strong and had to take care of so many things when our mom got sick. He says he fine but I’m still concerned.
I guess my personal little black rain cloud is back.
I’ll be praying for your son, your brother and you Julia. So much to deal with. My hubby we think had the virus back in early April. By the time he felt the need for a doctor and they found the viral pneumonia, they said he was getting over it himself. They tested him twice and it was negative both times, but that’s probably because the viral load was minimal and didn’t show up. We’re all going to get the antibody tests at some point.
Dear Julia, I’ll be praying for your son, brother, and you. Losing a beloved pet is so hard. I still think often about my three sweet dogs, in heaven waiting for twenty -seven, nearly 17, and 10 years now.
I love this poem:
I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
“It’s me, I haven’t left you, I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here.
I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.
I want to re-assure you, that I’m not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said ” it’s me.”
You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.
It’s possible for me, to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, “I never went away.”
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew…
In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.
The day is over… I smile and watch you yawning
and say “good-night, God bless, I’ll see you in the morning.”
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I’ll rush across to greet you and we’ll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out…then come home to be with me.
Author ~ unknown
Sorry for the weird spacing, but I just cut and pasted it from the site I first found it on and that’s the way it’s printed. I don’t have the time to space it right.
Beautiful poem. Our Cocker is nearing her 11th birthday (Sept.) and is having vision issues and I’m not sure some hearing, although she has always had selective hearing. She hears what she wants to. It makes me so sad that she is growing older so quickly. She sleeps a lot these days but doesn’t show any signs of mobility problems. We just watch out that she doesn’t run into things that will hurt her.
Thanks, Barbara. My childhood Yorkie lived to be 17 1/2 and she was sickly off and on from a young age. My one rescue kitty whom I got when she was at least 10 is deaf. I found her in a parking lot. She doesn’t mind even if she’s touch when sleeping by me or the other kitties. I try to remember to gently blow on her to wake her up, but sometimes forget. It doesn’t seem to matter.
What a sweet poem to share, Laura….
You are so thoughtful…
Blessings, Jeanne
Hi Julia,
I will keep your son and your brother in my prayers… you too, as I feel the stress you are under.
I hope that little rain cloud moves off to the east quickly.
Blessings, Jeanne
I’ll be keeping you and your family in prayer, too, Julia. I do hope and pray it’s not covid-19 for your son; I hope you’ll keep us posted. Sometimes it seems like all the hard stuff hits us at once!!
Laura, thanks for sharing the lovely poem. What a nice sentiment!! Our last dog, Molly, died in 1990, a long time ago! I think of her often,and still miss her.
So glad to see your current curtain/fabric dilemma is solved! I’ve never had a dilemma like that for curtains but I have had it for paint and wallpaper when you can see more than one room at a time. In some cases I don’t think I thought it through enough. Hubby doesn’t worry about such things. If he likes a wallpaper or paint color he’ll put it wherever he’s able. I think your final decision will work out nicely.
I celebrated World Dolly Day by renewing my Doll Magazine subscription. My dolly girls thought I should celebrate it by making them each a new outfit. They have no understanding of time constraints. I guess when you stand around all day chatting with friends the days do seem long. And I told them in no uncertain terms that I was not staying up all night to sew. That used to be my MO the night before Easter when I had five kids to sew for and worked full time.
I had the week to myself last week so I really got a lot of things taken care of that had gone begging for quite awhile. I finally got all the Goodwill bags and boxes dropped off and cleaned and rearranged a couple bookshelves so I could find books I’ve been looking for. I also found several kids books to send on to the grandkids. It was a very satisfying week. I have the grandkids today and, believe it or not, that’s a good time for me to sew. They take over my computers and I go sew. Skyy’s birthday is next month and I got a new Lego catalog last week so he is doing his birthday wish list at the moment. Those things are really amazing these days.
How blessed Charlotte is to be able to return to church as before. My church planned to return to in-person services yesterday but decided at the last minute to postpone it to whenever. My hubby and I go every week because we are choir volunteers for the online services, but we can still only have ten total in the church. The virus numbers appear to be going up and it’s scaring the churches. I have something that shows how the numbers are being calculated and they are really going down but the news media is not telling it like it is. In some cases numbers from the antibody tests are being added to the current infections thus increasing the numbers although many of the count have had the virus and recovered. Also the virus potency is very low and they are not telling this. Plus they are testing everyone for the virus when entering the hospital when they are going in for other things and then counting the numbers as people going in because of the Coronavirus. Usually patients are in for things that were put on hold the past couple months. All this is keeping the public in a panic, and causing the churches to delay opening. One Baptist church in the area is not reopening until next year. That won’t work well for liturgical churches like mine. Communion is part of our weekly service and hasn’t been now since mid-March.
Your sewing method is similar to one my friend uses when quilting. Her machine is on top of a countertop in her sewing room. She says it’s easier to sew and iron and less stress on her back.
Hi Barbara,
I’m not very good at making up my mind on some things….curtsins, paint color, pictures, etc. I like to have someone else’s opinion before I decide!! :o)
It seemed like for years, we used to do the same thing…stay up most of the night sewing for Easter! I don’t know why we waited till the last minute like that. But we did..
I hot my attic cleaned out tok and all the stuff was taken to Goodwill. I know that same happy feeling you had to see it all gone..
Well, my hubby is out of therapy…gotta go…
Blessings, Jeanne
Barbara, I agree with you on the media!! They seem to feed on panic!
If it comes to that, did you know that churches can get prepackaged communion elements? Our church used them. The little cup (like a coffee creamer thing) has a seal, and on top of that seal is a small wafer, which has a cellophane seal over IT. Our church only serves juice, not real wine, so I don’t know if they are available with wine instead of juice. I searched tonight, and Concordia carries the prepackaged elements, if your pastor doesn’t already know. Hope things get sorted out so your chrurch can start meeting again soon, too! It was wonderful to see everyone in church Sun.! Almost everyone was there, but because it’s a small congregation, we were able to sit at appropriate distances from each other.
The material you chose is very nice looking. Light and airy, yet matches well with the paint color. Excellent choice Jeanne. You did it again!! Your sewing room is going to be so pretty when done.
If that flooring can only get in !! Perhaps the timing will work by the time George feels better to help with laying it down.
Hi Paula,
These curtaons do feel light and airy…they are growing on me and I think they’ll be just fine.
I don’t think my hubby will be helping with the laying of the floor, but he said he’d be my cutter for the pieces that have to cut against the wall. He’s much stronger at doing that than me, so we each know our job for when the flooring arrives.
Thanks Paula,
Blessings, Jeanne
Your sewing room is looking great, Jeanne. the fabric you chose is calming and fairly neutral. Your room will be a wonderful place to create in when the flooring is down… hopefully soom.
Thank you Lsurs,
I can’t wait until it is all finished. I’m trying to be patient, but it’s hard. Maybe this will be the week…
I’m glad you like the fabric for the curtains…
Blessings, Jeanne
Nice choice on the curtains! Perfect color and fabric!
Whew… that’s finished… now if the floor comes in you will be done!
I’m working on my bedroom…. luckily I just need white curtains😉The paint is another thing. Found the bedspread I liked first so matching the paint to it. Lowe’s has a sample you can buy to try the color. I’m so glad I did it because the color I thought was perfect is Waaaayyy too dark. Trying another color This afternoon.
Hi Kathie,
One of these days my bedroom is going to get a new paint job…I hope yours turns out dreamy!!!
My hubby and I were just discussing the floor….please come this week….
Blessings ,Jeanne