Isn’t it fun when frugal, functional, and beautiful all align?
Before
Our laundry closet used to have a bi-fold door on it. It was dated looking and dangerously easy to pull out of it’s track. When the door was open, I couldn’t get to my cupboards. And it was a pain to open and close every time I wanted to switch my laundry. We talked about custom making some glassed French doors to fit the opening, but it was going to be expensive and time consuming.
During
Finding inspiration in Home and Harmony’s sink curtain I bought a 6 foot by 9 foot painting drop cloth at Home Depot for $10. Later at Lowe’s, I grabbed a set of 14–1/2 inch diameter ring clips for $5, a 1/2 inch diamter metal conduit pipe for $1.32, and 2 screw in hooks for $1.18 each.
Although I can sew, I decided not too. I just folded over the top of the tarp until the curtain was the length I wanted. Then cheered DH on while he screwed in the hooks, and snapped it all together. The screws are super deep–3 inches into the studs, and the conduit is really strong. I think the kids could do chin ups on the bar and not pull it down. The best part is how easy it slides!
I’d like to put some lace trim on the flap. It’s just pinned on right now. I have perfect gorgeous, dripping, Valencia lace in my scrap bag, but it’s too short a piece.
I could copy the look affordably with Irish Crochet. But I would have to design my own pattern and then stitch it myself and I’m wondering if it’s worth it? I also have this piece of lace in my scrap bag, that is long enough.
I was really hoping for some serious dripping lace, but this is already made and ready to go. What do you think? Custom Irish crochet? Or already made but not as awesome?
It only matters when the light is on behind the curtain. The ready made lace isn’t heavy enough to combat the back lighting.
But how often will I keep the room backlit when I’m not in there?
I love how the curtain color harmonizes with my new light fixture.
If you were to use the ready made lace, would you trim off the web background or leave it on for character?
Probably silly, but wouldn’t it be less work just to trim and hem the dropcloth? If you love the lace though, go with what you LOVE, since you’ll see it a lot!
Caroline. Thanks for the idea. It would definitely be less work not to hand make the lace. But I do love the way the curtain looks folded over. I’d miss that if I hemmed it. Hmm, maybe I’ll leave what I have pinned on. I’ll have to finish knitting my mom’s shawl before I start a new project, lol. I’ll have to start taking it places with me again.
I really like the folded over look. I also thing it would look better with the heavier lace. However, I understand the time factor! If it were me, I’d leave the lighter lace on for now and keep on the lookout for something thicker and more visible. Who knows what you’ll find in your travels? My grandmother had things like this around. Maybe you’ll find something at yard sales or thrift stores that you can use. Great work, as always Angela!
I personally would put a large band of coordinating fabric on it! I think a 6 inch wide band of fabric ironed on or sewn onto that edge would be more striking than the lace (which is hard to see). 🙂