Copycat Window Treatments

Shirred Treatment

Materials and Tools:

carpet tube (carpet stores are usually glad to get rid of them)
hacksaw
two toilet floats
fabric
inexpensive pocket rod
elastic bands
batting (optional)

Steps:

1. With the hacksaw, cut the tube to fit the window. At each end, cut out a small notch to fit the pocket rod.

2. Sew a sleeve to fit the tube.

3. Run the pocket rod through the tube. It may be necessary to bend the ends of the rod to get them into the tube.

4. Place a toilet float in a piece of fabric big enough to cover it. If the float is too small cut batting to fit between the fabric and the float. Gather the fabric around the float, and fasten with an elastic band. Repeat with the other float

5. Hang the rod, slide the ends of the fabric covering the floats into the tube, and use a needle and thread to tack them into place.

Ruffled Valance

Materials and Tools:

carpet tube
4" dryer vent
fabric

Steps:

1. Sew a pocket out of a length of fabric.

2. Before sewing the ruffle at the top of the pocket, hold the pocket with the seam at the bottom, and push the front part of the fabric down about 1 1/2". Then measure the top ruffle length, and sew.

3. Gather the valance onto the dryer vent, then place the vent over the tube to hang over the window.

Note: To create the look of expensive wrought iron, purchase inexpensive curtain rods that only look like the real thing. Run a length of lace on the rod, and finish with iron-looking plastic finials.