I wanted new curtains for my breakfast nook, but after searching everywhere I couldn’t find ready-made panels I loved at a price I could afford. My solution? Enlist my mom’s help.
She visited with her sewing machine a couple of weeks later, and we headed to JoAnn’s to hunt for fabric. After a long search we were about to leave empty-handed, then a last-minute loop through the back of the store revealed a hidden bargain bin. There, at the end of a bolt, we found a lovely fabric—nearly perfect for the space.
The bolt had almost enough yardage—within inches. If the curtain rod had not already been mounted I could have raised or lowered it to fit, but the rod was staying put. Rather than rehang the rod, we improvised. From my fabric stash we pulled a length of burlap to add as a bottom border. The burlap trim not only gave the panels a finished look, it also hides scuffs and dirt near the floor and can be swapped out easily if it gets too worn.
These panels cost just $30 for the fabric and they hang beautifully. The color is a touch deeper blue in person than in the photos. I love the subtle pattern—it adds interest without overwhelming the room. The fabric has a nice weight so the curtains drape well and feel tailored.
Photographing them was a little tricky because my table sits in front of the window and the sunlight comes through the door, but the panels soften the light and pull the nook together. The burlap border adds a casual, natural touch that suits the space and makes the curtains practical for everyday use.
Big thanks to my mom for sewing these for me—she’s made many of my curtains over the years and I’m lucky to have her skill and patience. I also enjoy switching curtains by season; I recently put up another set in the dining room that I’ll share during my autumn series in October. I always have plenty to say about fall, and new textiles are one of my favorite ways to refresh a room for the season.
UPDATE: I later made embellished curtains for the family room that I love even more.
Have you seen my DIY pages? Check out tips for making inexpensive curtain rods and other simple sewing projects to customize your window treatments.