DIY Curtains: How to Make Curtains Without a Sewing Machine

I know I surely cannot be the only one who longs to be a DIY queen, but lacks the sewing machine skills/is too lazy to just lug that 10 pound thing out of storage. For years I've been trying to figure out how to make things without using a sewing machine! Luckily I discovered HEM TAPE, a double stick tape that bods with heat! I'm hemming all of the things. Dresses, pants, Jonathan's shorts as a prank etc. 

Since we've moved into the new house AND we're on a bit of a budget we've been DIY-ing a lot around these parts. I decided to make little curtains for our kitchen, and apparently ain't nobody got time to sew a bunch of rectangles and shiiiii......So I decided to put my new best friend, hem tape, to good use! Read on to find out how to make curtains without using a sewing machine! 

1. Gather your materials.
You'll need fabric, scissors, a tension rod, an iron, hem tape and a tape measure. I suggest fabric that doesn't have much elasticity or stretch. It's a lot easier to get things all even with less slinky/stretchy material which can sometimes be hard to measure exactly. As far as hem tape goes, you can get it at any craft store. I got mine at Joanne's Fabrics, or you can order it online here. Tension rods you can order here OR grab at your local hardware store

2. Measure your windows and cut your fabric.
You're going to need to measure the inside of your window frame for these curtains because they are suspended by a tension rod which fits snugly inside the frame. After that, measure your fabric and double the width of the frame. If your window width is 30 inches, your fabric should be 60 inches wide. As far as length, I typically cut about 6 inches over the exact length of the window. My window length was 28 inches, so I cut the fabric 34 inches long. Once you have your panel all cut, fold it over length wise and cut it right down the center. Now you have two panels for one window!

3. Make hems for the sides of your panels. 
Place a strip of hem tape along the edge of the back of your panel length-wise.  Hem tape is like double stick tape, so once it's on your fabric, peel of the paper off to reveal the other sticky side. Now, fold over the edge of the fabric with the hem tape directly onto the rest of your panel so it sticks. Once it's folded over, press firmly along the folded fabric with a hot iron. Hold the iron 10-15 seconds on each section of hem tape to ensure a good stick. Repeat 3 more times on all the length-wise edges of your panels. (If you're nervous about ruining your fabric with a hot iron, you can place a towel between the iron and your fabric. My fabric was super thick and linen-y, so I didn't need to do this even with my iron on the highest setting. It's always a good idea to test on a scrap piece of fabric). 

4. Create a place for your tension rod. 
Once you have your edges hemmed you can begin creating the loop for your tension rod. The photo has me ironing the the loop for the tension rod without the side hem! This is a mistake I learned from in the midst of the project! Do your side seams first and place the hem tape over that side seam when creating the space for your tension rod! Again, put the hem tape along the edge of the fabric, except across the top of your panel this time. Instead of folding it directly over onto itself like you did for the side hems, fold the fabric 1 and 1/2 inches over so it sticks and iron slowly along the top of your hem taped fabric. Once you're done with this step you should have a space to put your tension rod....but don't do it yet! Repeat this step on your second panel.

5. Create a bottom seam. 
See a pattern developing?! To be precise, lay your tape measure length-wise along your hemmed panel. What ever the length of your window is, run your hem tape horizontally across the bottom of your panel directly at that measurement (you will have an excess of fabric, but it's okay... we'll deal with that next). So again, fold the fabric directly on itself and iron...just like your side hems, except this time you will have a bit of extra fabric beyond the seam you created. Repeat this step on your second panel.

6. Cut excess fabric.
Cut whatever fabric you have left from your bottom hems. You might say this step can be avoided by measuring properly, adding and subtracting, but I prefer to do as little math as possible so there you have it. If you're the measuring type, by all means go for it and skip this step! At this point if you want to thread a needle and hand stitch a few stitches to reinforce your seams, go for it. It can't hurt, and certainly doesn't require the know-how of a sewing machine. If not, that's fine too.

7. Build your treatment.
place your tension rod in your window frame to get the width right. The width of a tension rod can usually be adjusted by a small screw that comes with the rod or you can simply screw and unscrew the tension rod itself to adjust its width. To get it snug, put the rod in the frame a bit diagonally and sort of shove it into the frame until it is perpendicular. once you've got the width, remove the naked tension rod from the window and slide the 2 panels onto it. Easy as pie.

8. Place your treatment in your window frame, step back, gaze at your creation, and bask in the glory of your amazing home-making prowess. 



I said tension rod too much in this post.
TENSION ROD.

why do I suddenly want a hot dog?

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Homegirl Heroes: Emma

I bonded with Emma over cigarettes and the topic of vintage clothing on one of my first nights living in LA. I remember thinking how pretty she was when an Australian accent came spilling out of her mouth as she spoke. It took strength not to roll my eyes. Psssh. Gorgeous AND she has an accent.

She's more than easy on the eyes, though. Emma recently wrapped shooting her first short film, Grace, which she just so happened to write, direct and produce (I helped her out with photos and wardrobe as you may remember from this post). Homegirl's got a keen eye for antiques, and she is ballsy when it comes to rockin' her super rad thrift store finds.

Emma's fuckin' fierce, and I don't mean that in a "Top Model" type of way (although she could be a top model). I more mean it in a "screw with me or my friends and I'll slice you" type of way. Her no-nonsense attitude makes her playful side even more endearing though. She's genuine... and it shines through in her artistic endeavors.

I spent an afternoon closet-digging, shooting, and lounging with Em not too long ago, and decided she would be the perfect guinea pig for this new monthly segment on ol' blog.

Read Emma's interview below.

How did you end up in Los Angeles?

Whilst studying Production Design at film school in Sydney, I found out that upon graduating, I would be eligible for a 12 month student work/travel visa. I was on the plane to LA 3 months after graduation day. That was 2.5 years ago I haven't looked back since.

Of all creative outlets why did you choose film?

I think film chose me really, sounds wanky, but it's true. I was studying Interior Decoration at the time and the head of Design at AFTRS (The Australian Film Television and Radio School) came to lecture us. She spoke about Production Design for film and TV and how it incorporated interiors and furniture and decoration. It wasn't until after her talk that the lightbulb turned on and I realized that was what I was supposed to be doing.

What was the most intimidating part of making your short film, Grace?

Fearing that it would be shit. I feel like I knew I could do it, but I went through ups and downs of self doubt. Apparently that's normal and a sign of wanting to be great, but at the time it's hard to tell those thoughts to shut up. I also feared that I would find out that my film was actually crap and not festival worthy at all, and all this time I thought my idea was good. I guess those feelings faded away gradually throughout the whole filmmaking process. The more it came together.

You obviously have a passion for antique furniture. When did this love affair start? Do you have a early memory with any specific piece?

Good question, I actually have no idea when or how it came about. I don't remember either of my parents having a love affair with furniture or antiques. I do remember always re arranging my room. I loved moving it around to see what it looked like from different angles.    

Vintage furniture and vintage clothing....what do you look for when you're collecting?

Vintage furniture that I love is mainly Mid Century Modern and Victorian. They really go well together. I also love velveteen sofas and chairs. I have found that I have a love of vintage print too, rugs and throws. I love a good bargain. Most of my home is off craigslist or from a thrift store.

Vintage clothing never ceases to amaze me. I couple years ago I was obsessed with vests and leotards. I had over 14 of each at one point. I still have most of them in a box in my Mum's garage in Australia. They will make it over to LA one day. Whilst shopping for thrift vintage now I usually just buy what is practical for me. A little 80's/90's silk top I wear tucked into high waist skirt or pants on a night out, is usually easy to find. My favorite always being an oversized wool cardi, I almost have one in every color :)

With both vintage furniture and clothes I feel like they speak to me, like they need me to love and appreciate them.  I get sad when I see once beautiful pieces broken and damaged on the side of the road or alley. 

Choose a super power. 

If I could have a super power it would be to move things with my mind. I love it in movies when people have this power and they get into a fight with their enemy and they just throw them up against the wall with their mind. Badass. I could think of a few people I would've done that too ;)

What's inspiring you currently?

I think what's inspiring me at the moment is the thought of what the future has in store for me. I have only just began to scrape the surface of what I'm capable of and that's kind of an awesome feeling. 

www.emmalesliefilms.com

Praying for a Patio

It is precicely this time of year and the amidst the evening that makes me miss my old patio.

I love being warm. I love the gusts of warm wind that've been stirring

up lately. I miss being able to step onto a little outdoor space.

 I find porches in the summer to be much like steamy showers.

 A place you pontificate and a place of peace. 

I only have these huge windows, and I feel like a jackass stretching my head more 

than a foot out of them just so I can feel a summer breeze! 

Plus, I feel like a total creep just sitting looking out of my open window. With a porch you can

just sit there and own that shit, but it's different with a window. 

So I find myself smoking copious amounts of cigarettes 

just so I can be all like, "Yeah, there's a reason I'm sitting at my window 

starring at the street...nonya' biness....I've got things to attend to by my window, can't you see?!"

With all these thunder storms I've been envious of everyone's facebook posts like this:

"Just sippin on the sizurp on my patio in the storm"

Anyhoo, in lieu of my non-existant outdoor escape, I'm posting these.

Sometimes, you don't even need a patio. Just two chairs, ya heard?

Happy weekending.

All photos: Desiretoinpire

Serious Bed Time

The ONLY productive thing I did yesterday was make Guacamole. Otherwise, Jonathan and I dedicated the entire day to lounging around in bed, reading books and watching Netflicks. Usually when I spend more that 2 hours being useless, I start to guilt trip myself, but not yesterday. What a fabulous way to start the new year. 

Here are some lovely, cozy, comfy beds. 

 (This one's not as cozy, but that photo is BAD ASS)

all images from desiretoinspire.net