I’ve had a love affair going with applique curtains for a while now. Ready-made options were out of my price point so I created my own Anthropologie Inspired Applique Curtains.
Anthropologie Inspired Applique Curtains
I first saw them of course at Anthropologie. This is just one of the many styles they have had in past seasons. They cost what seemed like a million dollars for the curtains so I had to pass.
Then I saw the café curtains that Vicky from the Linen Garden made.
The Nester also gave her own no-sew version that was cute too.
I knew the guest room needed a bit of jazzing up so I decided I would try my hand at creating some applique curtains for this space.
I used the white Lenda curtains from Ikea. They are mid-weight cotton that I felt would work well and at just $34 for the pair it would be ok if they didn’t.
As they were too long and I didn’t want tab tops I just cut that portion off and hemmed them to fit the window. (But just you wait and see what I did with the scraps!)
Wonder Under
In terms of the applique I found a long tablecloth on clearance at HomeGoods in the color palette I was seeking. I made a quick cut out of the design I wanted and applied it to “Wonder Under” which you can find at most hobby and fabric stores. (Use a coupon!)
After I had ironed on the “wonder under” to the back side of the fabric I then took my sewing scissors and cut out the design a bit more closely and intricately.
Disclaimer: For all of the pieces that I needed this process took me approximately 3 hours. I did watch a movie while I did it.
Then I peeled the back of the paper off of the wonder under, positioned it on the curtain and ironed it on. Now you absolutely could stop here. I, however, wanted more of an applique look and also the ability to wash my drapes so I opted to sew on the applique.
I used a zig-zag setting and more patience than Job.
Do you know how Martha will describe a project of hers as EASY? So you start the said project and before you are even finished you want to toss out the project and possibly kill her?
I’m not gonna lie. The curtains took about four hours to sew on all the pieces. It wasn’t hard, but I wanted to give up 8 million times.
But man, are they so CUTE! The pictures don’t even do them justice!
I mean look at this pretty detail on the bottom of the hem.
They are so cute that Mr. Décor came home, asked me about my day and I said “I only did ONE thing” and pointed to the curtains.
He was like “You MADE these??? You are awesome! You are so clever and talented!”
I was all like “I’m glad you think so because I didn’t have any time to make dinner and you’re getting a cheese sandwich.”
Lucky for me he responded, “Wait! Can I close them?”
To which I replied, “Of course.”
Then he responded with “Did you plan on alternating the pattern on each side so it would look great even when they were closed?”
To which I gave him “The Look” which said, “Of course I did.”
So…. applique curtains. Skill level EASY.
Insanity Level: HIGH.
Now, where is that straight jacket?
Laura
I love them! I'd have balked at the sewing, myself. You never cease to amaze.
Wow, Laura, those look amazing! I hope Mr. Decor took you out for dinner as a treat! 😉
Oh my word, you are totally amazing. These look fabulous. What a creative idea. I love, love, love them.
They are gorgeous! What a beautiful project. xxx Maria
Wow! I am so impressed! They are so lovely and romantic and beautiful! And you Laura, inspire the heck out of me. 🙂
Those are lovely!!
I like yours way better than theirs!! You did a great job and your persistence certainly paid off!
Absolutely stunning Laura!!!!!
I am glad mr decor appreciates how amazing you are.
This is a plea directly to Mr Decor. Mr Decor, you know how awesome and talented and amazing and clever and smar (and pretty) your wife is. Trust her about that fireplace.:-)
Smart. And a true artist.
beautiful
WOw your curtains you made are just beautiful. Yes you are clever and creative too!! Enjoy!
Take care.
Julie xo
Way to go, Laura! You are very talented and obviously patient. '-)
They look terrific!
Those are lovely!! You made it look easy, too, even in spite of what you wrote! By the way, did I miss the posting on my apron? I didn't want you to think I changed my mind!
Love, love, love the curtains! I'm also doing a big awwww over how sweet Mr. Decor was.
Those are wonderful! I have the same Ikea white tabbed curtains. So inquiring minds want to know – WHAT DID YOU DO WITH THE TABS YOU CUT OFF? Or is that to be in an upcoming post?
Dear Laura, you amaze me my friend, and these fabulous and intricate curtains are just one of a hundred examples!!
Brava and also kudos to Eric for realizing what a talented woman you are!!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Your new curtains are so pretty! I love the sweet appliqued designs and they look lovely closed or open. How sweet of Mr D to notice and compliment you on your work and talents.
I know the frayed and shabby look is popular and it can look quite nice for some items, but if I ever hung them in my windows my mother and both my grandmothers, as well as a few aunties, would be rolling in their graves! lol I totally applaud you in taking the time to zigzag the edges of the pieces and give them a finished look. Plus they will now last longer and look better when cleaned. I still don't know where you find the time to accomplish all the things you do plus go to school. I went back to school when my kids were younger but I can't remember sewing curtains or doing too many extras around the house for the duration. You are amazing!!! Thank you for taking the time to share you beautiful home 🙂
Your curtains look absolutely gorgeous, definitely worth eating a cheese sandwich in the evening!
Those drapes turned out so adorably, Laura! Just an added bonus that Mr. decor appreciated them so much!
I've never seen this before. What a cool idea!!
What a SMART hubby!!! :^)
an uber talented awesome wife,
and a GREAT story!!!
Those are lovely, and I can only imagine the work involved. No wonder the pupster had to take a nap!!
Have a wonderful weekend, and
be blessed!
J
Very creative and I LOVE them!
Labor of love = a bounty of beauty!
You and these are AMAZING!! 🙂
Absolutely gorgeous! I bet that took a lot of patience and time but look at what you did! I'm in awe.
These are so fabulous Laura! I sew and I know how much time this would take!! I just love the result! I will feature today at HSH!
Sherry
Insanely beautiful. I'm with your husband on how much I like the alternating pattern on the sides.
Oh these are too cute, Laura!! 🙂 I love the floral fabric you chose, and the piece at the hem is beautiful! I've never seen or heard of applique curtains before, but I can see why you like them. I'll have to keep my eyes open for them now when I'm shopping, but it sounds like the price wouldn't be in our budget. You did a great job making your own, and I applaud your patience in sticking with it.
Hugs,
Denise at Forest Manor
Thanks for your inspiration. I've been searching for a creative idea to make curtains for my sewing room/guest room (3 windows) and I think this post is it. Now I just need to find the right fabrics to make it happen and I enjoy that search as much as the final product. Love this idea.
Lovely! (And I'm dying to know what u did w/ the curtain scraps!)