Flaired Window Toppers

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Soften a window with a plate shelf above using flirty toppers.
Materials:

fabric of your choice (Galaxy Paprika, #7145824) - Jo-Ann, ETC.
buttons
ribbon
tape measure
fabric-marking pencil

Steps:

To determine fabric yardage:

1. Measure the widths of the windows you intend on covering. Figure each window separately. The width becomes 3/4 of the circumference of the inside circle cut to make the topper. Since the ends of the topper are flared, it's necessary to add 1/4 the distance.
2. Determine the desired length of the topper (the featured project was 11 inches). Once you know the inner circumference, you'll know the diameter of the inner circle through this formula: C= d(3.14) or circumference equals diameter times pi (3.14).
3. Add twice the topper length (plus hems and seam allowances) to the inner circle diameter to discover the diameter of the outside of the circle needed for the topper. This measurement will tell you how much fabric to purchase. The featured toppers are self-lined, so double the amount of fabric was used.

To sew:

1 Once the full donut-shaped circle is drawn on the fabric, measure around the inner circle and mark the topper width plus seam allowances.

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Figure A
2. Instead of creating perpendicular lines to the outer circle, the featured project angled out to create flairs at the ends. This is why you add the extra 1/4 distance to the inner circle — it gives you room toward the outer circle for the flair.
3. Cut out the topper and lining to match (figure A). With right sides together, pin and stitch the pieces together, leaving an opening wide enough to turn the topper right side out.
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Figure B
4. Before turning the topper, clip the curved edges every so often so the topper will iron out and lay flat (figure B). Clip and turn right side out. Iron flat and hand-stitch the opening closed.
5. Stitch buttons on where desired and use ribbon to tie the topper to a rod or cup hooks.

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