Thursday 15 January 2009

Did you guess what it was?

Ok. No more teasing. I shall reveal what I've made with all those treasured pieces of French lace and crochet doilies. Although I must tell you, I did enjoy your comments, you did make me giggle!


Just to explain first, this months friends challenge was set by Lesley. The challenge is to make a curtain tie back, using anything we liked, fabric, felt, wool, yarns, beads, tassel's, wire, melted plastic etc etc.
I sat and pondered. I didn't really need or want any tie backs. Maybe I could make some for my bedroom curtains. Then inspiration hit me. When we moved into this house, well over a year ago, I bough some very cheap (£4) cream curtains. I didn't have any old ones that would fit the new windows, so these would tide us over until I had the time and money to do the job properly. I had to shorten them quite a lot and decided to make a pelmet with the fabric I had cut off. So I stitched together the lengths of fabric, but that was as far as I got, the barely started pelmet was consigned to the loft.

This is what my bedroom window has looked like for over a year. Yes you can plainly see a pelmet rail, kindly put up by my lovely Dad, waiting forlornly to be dressed. It has looked very unfinished until now.

Here's my sketch book page with my idea for a lacy tie back, which as I'm sure by now you have surmised, has turned into a lacy pelmet.

What do you think? I'm a little miffed that the light shines through and shows the seam up the middle of the pelmet, but it was either that or have two seams either side. Apart from that though I'm thrilled with the outcome.

All the vintage French lace and most of the crochet doilies came from a box purchased at our local auction, for £8.

I've decided that although I didn't want tie backs, they really would finish off the window. So I best get cracking.

Thank you Lesley for setting this challenge. I started off not wanting to do it and now have a unique window dressing and one of my many unfinished projects finally completed into the bargain!

14 comments:

Shabby Chick said...

That's so lovely Fi, I think it looks brilliant. I would never have thought of that but it just looks amazing. Probably only you will notice the seam, we have a horizontal seam in one of our (two and right next to eachother!) living room roman blinds that shows when it's down and it's light enough outside to shine through and that bugs the hell out of me but I'm not sure anyone else notices.

Mel xxx

roseroomnz.com said...

I am so impressed, you are so clever! Rachaelxo

Pink Feather Paradise said...

Beautiful, the photo in your other post made it look much bigger, very crafty of you!
It is stunning, simple and very chic!

X Alex

A Thrifty Mrs said...

Gosh I had no idea. It looks terrific. Very clever!

Joanne said...

Oh my gosh that is one beautiful palmet, what a unique design.
You must be very proud of yourself.
joanne xx

Mrs J said...

Well Fi, you got me on that one! My mind was boggling thinking you must have the largest windows in Yorkshire to require tie-backs that big, lol! Your pelmet looks absolutely stunning, a perfect finish to plain curtains and once you get the matching tie-backs finished it will all look gorgeous. And look at you, show off, getting your challenge finsihed half way through the month! Although I suppose technically speaking you haven't actually made the tie-backs so I'll just keep my mouth shut and get busy making mine!
Sarah x

Maggi said...

What a brilliant response to Leslie's challenge

Unknown said...

That is so beautiful, looks fantastic!
Can't wait to see the tie backs.
Rosie

Lesley's Creations said...

Hi Fi'. How gorgeous is that pelmet! Pleased you had inspiration from the challenge and your sooooo early with the deadline. I've not even started mine yet! You put me to shame! xx

Poppy said...

Wow gorgeous!!!
I would not have a clue where to start with something like that, you are so clever!
Love Lou xxx

Mary Welsh Hubbard said...

That is beautiful!

sewlines said...

I was so off with my guess. It is so beautiful and graceful. Lovely!!!!

Lucy Bloom said...

I love that - what a great idea!

dottie angel said...

lovely...you have truly 'doilified' your pelmet in a beautiful way...no 'doily abuse' to be seen. just perfect :)

Tif x