Recycling an Old Skirt

Here's how to turn a plain window treatment (figure A) into a stylish conversation piece.

Materials:

old broomstick skirt
scissors
fabric rose if desired

Steps:

1. Go around the skirt until you come to the drawstring. Cut right down the center at that point (figure B). The fabric folds onto itself, so don't worry about it being perfectly even.

2. Flip it over. Cut down the back side, and before you move it, pull the drawstring out and knot it. You should have two halves connected with the drawstring (figure C). Set aside.

3. Gather the curtain in the middle, then wrap the skirt around it and tie it from behind. Pull it tight (figure D).

4. Pull the plain curtain out from under the skirt and pull it down (figure E).

5. Slip a fabric rose into the top of the gathering for a decorative touch (figure F).

How about a decoration for a plain ottoman (figure G)?

Materials:

old footstool or premade circle from a lumberyard
foam circle from the stool top
upholstery style fabric of choice (Steach used crushed velvet.)
scissors
staple gun
1-1/4 " nails
hammer
fabric glue

Steps:

1. Place stool top in center of fabric that you have cut to fit around the circle (figure H).

2. Stretch the fabric over end to end and secure with staple gun (figure I).

3. Make sure the fabric is taut (figure J).

4. Hammer a nail into the center of the cushion.

5. Glue a button into the center (figure K).

6. Flip over and screw in the stool legs (figure L).

7. Cut the skirt in the same manner as in the first project.

8. Wrap the skirt around the stool and secure it by tying the drawstring to make it fit. Add a dab of glue here and there to make sure it is secure.

9. Add decorative ribbon or trim and secure with fabric glue.