Valance With A Ribbon

I know, I know... my titles are lame, but I do it for you, you know.  That way if you ever want to refer back to a project you can type in what it was called in my search box to the right and it will most likely be the first project that pops up.  Try it!

I usually like to have my post up first thing in the morning on Monday, but well... my kids are out of school now, and well... I slept in!!  It felt great!  It was only until 7:30, but I am back into routine tomorrow (5:30-gym).

Okay, on with it...

I sewed these valance curtains awhile ago, but never finished stitching up the sides.  So that's what I finished up, and I thought I would explain the process along the way.

First, I bought this pretty fabric from the store (on sale of course), it was $15, and it coordinates with my girls bedspreads.  I took a long piece of fabric, that went the length of the curtain rod over their window.  Leaving an inch extra on each side to hem.

Recognize the fabric?  This is the fabric that I had leftovers from to make these ribbon covered chairs (click here if you missed them).

I actually matched my thread to the fabric (sometimes, I am too lazy, and like to use what I have on hand, but for this, I made an exception).

Here is where I attached another piece onto the valance, because I wanted my stripes vertical, so I needed to add more fabric.

I folded over the bottom twice, and hemmed it, to make it clean cut.  This is the bottom of the valance, so it has a small hem.

The top of the valance I made to go right over the curtain rod, ends and all, so it was a lot thicker.

Here is the side view, I can stick the whole rod in with the ends on because I don't want to have to detach the ends when I have to take off the valance (whenever that would be...)

To make the side look like a puff, rather than fall flat I hand stitched just a few stitches, starting from the front, because I wanted the bottom of the puff to flip under, not out.

I stitched about 7 stitches, that were one inch apart so it would be a loose bunch.

If my fingertips looked orange in the photo above it's because (no I do not have nasty nails) I was peeling carrots to take on our picnic this morning.

I pulled the stitches together and tied a knot when I had them bunched the way I wanted them.

Finally I bought this pink ribbon from the dollar store, and wrapped it around the front and back of the valance, and tied it at the bottom.

There you have it.  Cute bunches, and a cute ribbon tie.  Heehee, finally I got the ends done.

I am thinking of hanging some sheer white curtains behind these, and tying them with a bow as well.  Just to give it a more finished look.

What do you think?  Do you like this style too?  

I think they are perfect in my daughter's room.



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