Sunday, March 20, 2011

COUNTRY CURTAINS

Happy Spring!! Whatever will I complain about now? These are some of my tulips from last April. Right now I only have small shoots that seemed to pop out of the ground this past week. Today is rain and thunderstorms, but that's okay, we had the most beautiful, warm, sunny week. It's hard to imagine that we might get another frost or snow, but anything is possible in the Midwest.

My house has had it's spring cleaning, well it's as good as it's going to get, and so I have been spending a little time in each room, looking for ways to change things up a bit. Sometimes we live with things for so long, we cease to see them. And this goes for the curtains in my dining area and kitchen.
Years ago when I was going through my 'lace' phase, I made this valance out of a vintage tablecloth I found at an antique store. This is a hard window to dress as it's a bay window, three separate windows.
I picked out this ticking stripe from Country Curtains. The stripes will be vertical...I don't know why I took the picture this way. It's a light brown on a natural linen.
I am going to do cafe curtains with a valance. It won't look too much like this because of the 3 windows, but I will show you when it's done. Plus, this is in green.
This is the scalloped valance I am using for the kitchen window that is over the sink. I really love the style. This will be in the brown stripe, too.
So it looks like I just did a whole post on 2 windows...I told you it is raining cats and dogs out. We had such beautiful weather all week, the temperatures reaching in the 60's. One day Emily, Abby and I went to a big park surrounded by wetlands, with hiking trails. We went for a LONG walk and it felt so good to get a mini workout. Now that the weather is warmer, I need to get out more and walk, lose some of this winter weight. What do you do to get in shape once winter is over? Do you take advantage of the weather?

We have had a quiet weekend. The Husband and I went out to dinner in a little Italian neighborhood and it was very nice. Very cute restaurant. We didn't go to the lake yesterday as The Husband brought home paperwork yet again. Next week for sure. Shelia from Notesongs is having a Show Us Your Cabinet party and I need to take pictures of my non~cabinets at the lake...I have open shelving. Can I cheat, Shelia?

I hope all of you are having a fun weekend and that you are missing this rain. Did you get outside for a little fun? I will be back later in the week...maybe with those new curtains! :-)

81 comments:

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Our sunny weekend turned in to an overcast cool Sunday. So work on the pergola did not happen....but this coming week is suppose to be warm again.

I love your fabric choice for your curtains!
Hugs,
Penny

oldgreymare said...

My favorite curtains of all time were from that catalog! Alas they did not fit in this home, so they reside happily at a friend's home.
I think the change will be lovely, and offer a great new view..pun intended. lol

xx
z

Anonymous said...

Happy Spring Jane.

We are at the lake for a week. Some of the kids are here for the weekend. We had rain every day, but the sun is out today. Some have fished with no luck, but half the fun of fishing is just casting and reeling in!ha At least for the g'kids!

I like your new curtain idea. I am going to have to do something about the lace curtain in our bathroom. I've sort of let it go for the past year after the new house was built next door. I feel a tad "exposed" with the lace on the window, so I'm looking for something different. Of course, the maple tree, outside the window, is leafing out so I could wait till Fall...LOL!

Unknown said...

We awoke to a hard freeze, after 73 tempting degrees. Ugh! Now possible snow by weekend ... I am so ready to dig in the dirt.

Love your tulips ... the curtains are going t be beautiful. Love the fabrics.
Happy Spring ~
TTFN ~
Hugs,
Marydon

Pondside said...

Very cold here and no tulips or even daffodils yet. I looked at one of my posts from this time last year and was stunned at how much further ahead we were.
You'll love those curtains - great idea!

Vicki said...

I love that lace valance you made years ago. I think the new styles you have picked will be great.

Lynn said...

Cute curtains Jane! My workouts will come from yard work and getting the gardens in order! I should start walking again, it really does make me feel good when I get into the routine-Happy Sunday:@)

Gypsy Heart said...

We've had lots of suns but temps in the 80's already ~ too soon! The wind has been exasperating too ~ lots of allergy stuff. I had a migraine for 2 days/nights and just started to feel human last evening. Glad you're enjoying your weather ~ I know it must feel wonderful after such a long haul.

I like the fabric you chose ~ will be anxious to see the finished product. Enjoy your Sunday!

xoxo
Pat

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Jane, your curtains are going to look fabulous. The ticking I showed is very similar to that. Mine is a linen and it is something already made. We were in the 80's yesterday and only 60 and cloudy and windy today. Usually the first day of spring is cold here. Our weather is like a roller coaster ride here in the southeast.

Terra said...

I love the lace curtains and your tulips too.

Allyson Pecilunas said...

Your curtains are going to look so pretty! I cannot wait to see the finished project. Have a great sunday~!

Unknown said...

Love the colors you've chosen and your flowers are lovely. Loretta

Amy Chalmers said...

I think you can never go wrong with a neutral ticking stripe! I can't wait to see them hanging up Jane. No rain yet, but it is coming tomorrow.

Debbiedoos said...

Love your tulips and your lace curtains. I love that you made them yourself...nice job Jane.

Brenda Pruitt said...

I keep thinking I want open cabinets. Love the idea. Your curtains are going to be beautiful!
Brenda

Mary Ann Pickett said...

I love a ticking stripe. Fresh and timeless. We have a lot of college basketball on TV at our house. So, I am just relaxing in blog land. Beautiful tulips!

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

Hi Jane, hope your rain is gone soon. We have warm days and cool days here in the south....kind of a weather battle going on. It's fun to change curtains....an easy change for a little effort. I've changed up some pillows and that helps, too. Have a great week! Linda

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

'Country Curtains' is a great catalogue.

Even with another horrid cold, we walked Sat. and Sun./today. In the sunshine. But snow is forecast on Mon. Oh I will be so glad when we can get out for a daily walk!

♥ Happy Vernal Equinox ♥

And gentle hugs...

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

Love your tulips and love the ticking. Hate your weather turned bad. We are still in the 80's right now (keeping fingers crossed). I bought tulip bulbs but just set them out so probably won't see them bloom this year. Hope they are as pretty as yours. Stay warm!

Renee {Shabby, Chic and Charming} said...

I hear you about the winter weight! I am so looking forward to nice weather and the chance to get out and DO something!

Love the fabric, can't wait to see them up!

Kathleen said...

I think I would have to walk to Chicago and back to get rid of this winter tonage!
I love Country Curtains, they have lovely things. Good to get ideas from them, then make them! Have you overcome your fear of that sewing machine, Jane? :)
Have a good week! I am afraid to put my boots away, it might bring back the snow!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Window treatments are always a nice change up, Jane, when switching seasons. You have reminded me that I need to get my linen ones up from the basement that I got at Target last year. I used them in my dining room and liked the lighter feel. Can't wait for my tulips to come up. We've been having some nice weather, too, the past few days and I hope it sticks around.

La said...

Hi Jane!

I went shopping yesterday and it was glorious.

It has been sunny all day, but now it appears to be clouding up. We are supposed to get the rain this evening. We normally get your weather a day later.

Have a fantastic week. I look forward to seeing your new curtains.

HAPPY SPRING! La

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Love the ticking stripe. How pretty they will look in the window. The scalloped valance is stunning also. Gorgeous flowers. I am so ready for some. Hugs, Marty

Anonymous said...

I love the scalloped valance. Soft and pretty.

cheers,
Lisa x

Ticking and Toile said...

I of course am loving the ticking on the fabric you picked!! Love it!

Waiting for spring here....sheesh come on!

xo,
Shellagh

Theresa said...

I love the fabric you picked out, can't wait to see how it looks! I also have a bay window with THREE windows, they are hard to dress!

Have a blessed evening, HUGS!

Marigene said...

It is a sunny 80° in east/central Kansas right now...but windy! We had the rains yesterday, all day.

Great fabric choice...I do like that lace valance, though.

Have a great upcoming week, Jane.

Natasha in Oz said...

I love hearing about your weekends Jane. You always seem to enjoy life and I just love your positivity.

We had a rainy weekend too but today the sun is shining and there is a tiny little chill in the air-Fall is finally here!

Hope you have a wonderful week-enjoy the beautiful Spring-time weather!

Best wishes always,
Natasha.

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

Haven't the peeks at spring been wonderful this week. I love spring cleaning. It sounds like you have been having fun . . . and new curtains will be great.

Fondly,
Glenda

NanaDiana said...

Jane-Those curtains will look lovely. I did almost the identical thing when I had a bay of three windows. I bought the Heritage lace and used inset rods to dress the windows. It does look very "country" when I look back at it.

You are a few weeks ahead of us weather wise. You tulips are beautiful (even if they are from last year). We are still cold and had snow today! UGH! xxoo Diana

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane! Oh, I love the fabric and I love cafe curtains too! Your bay window will look wonderful. I love tulips but I can't plant them in our ground - they rot! :) Shoot!
Thank you so much for mentioning my party and yes, ma'am you can show your open cabinets! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
The weather is wonderful here on the coast and I'm enjoying it very much. Driving around with the windows rolled down drinking in the fresh air!

Can't wait to see your new curtains. I love the fabric color and style.

Have a wonderful week.

hugs
Sissie

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Love the lace valance. I do not have a window in my kitchen and boy do I miss one. Can't wait to see your curtains!

Sonny G said...

Oh oh I love the curtain samples Jane. I've always been a lil bit country and feelin the need to get back to that style too.. your tulips are amazing~!

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

We had a great day here, south of you Jane. It was beautiful! I love to see the tulips coming up. The roses are greening up, too!

Unknown said...

Hi Jane,
I just wanted to stop by and say hi! It has been awhile. I love your new fabric. Your tulips were so pretty last year! They will be again this year. :)

Stay warm! We actually got a little bit of a break from the heat... It was just getting to hot to soon!

Have a great week!
~Liz

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Hi dear Jane
Raining cats and dogs here also...

Love the ticking... I'm sure that will look fabulous in your home..

Have a great week.. ciao xxxx Julie

Anonymous said...

Cute cute cute! I love the curtains you picked out! I'm looking for some for our kitchen. I'll have to check out "Country Curtains" again.

Sounds like you had a nice relaxing weekend! Spring is almost ready to sprung. We see green shoots popping up but the grass is still really brown:( Not much longer.

Have a nice night!
XO,
Michelle

Denise said...

We haven't had rain but we had no sunshine today either! I'm sad Spring Break is already over.. back to 6am wake ups now. roll on Summer!

Sue said...

I have shopped Country Curtains before and like their products! I'm sure you will love your new stripes. :-) xo Sue

{oc cottage} said...

Loving the stripe-iness!!!!

m ^..^

Blooming Rose Musings said...

Your curtains are going to be lovely. I love the idea of ticking in bay windows.
Here in Southern California we have been in the 60'-70's until yesterday and the temps dropped to the 50's. Today, the first day of spring, we are having heavy rain and snow all around us. They say it will move out tomorrow and head east but we have another storm coming in later in the week. I just keep telling myself that it will be good for the May flowers!!!

Sarah said...

Love the fabric choice for the curtains. They will look terrific. Hopefully your tulips will be waving in the sunny breeze soon. ~ Sarah

Hanlie Joubert said...

happy spring to you! i love the ticking stripe for your curtains, think it will be just beautiful.
have a wonderful week!

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Hi Jane and Happy 1st full day of Spring! Beautiful weekend here in Ohio but cool. Woke up this morning to a thunderstorm but appropriate for the first day of spring! We went to a wedding Sat night and lunch with friends and dinner with family last night. Great day! I love those pink fringed tulips! Gorgeous!~Hugs, Patti

The Charm of Home said...

Love the print for the curtains. It is a perfect classic. Very pretty tulip shots.
Sherry

Paula ~ castleandcottagesigns said...

Hi Jane! Looks like you're keeping busy with the rains~ even if it's spring cleaning:)
Thunderstorms here this morn but it has been warm and springy~ no complaints:)
hugs,
paula

xinex said...

Your tulips are gorgeous, Janie. Oh how I love colorful flowers in the garden! Can't wait to see your dressed up windows...Christine

Maggie said...

Tulips are so bright and cheery aren't they and so many colours to choose from.
With Spring finally here working outdoors in the potager may help me shift some winter weight, who knows?
I like the fabric you've chosen for the curtains very much, look forward to seeing them up soon!

April said...

Hi Jane...can't wait to see the curtains you're making! Your fabric is so pretty! We had GORGEOUS weather here over the weekend...wasn't to be missed! Hey...stop by if you get the chance...I'm having a Shabby Apple Giveaway! :)

Tammy@Beatrice Banks said...

Curtains look charming! I wish my house was spring clean but I'm just now starting it. Lot of yard work to do too. Better get off blogging! Happy Spring!

savvycityfarmer said...

thanks darling ... it will be good to see you.
I have a funny feeling you'll be first in line.

I love CC!

Sarah @ Modern Country Style said...

I like the look of the material a lot. Linen always looks fab, I think.

I bet it'll look GREAT!!

Sarahx

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Dear Jane, you asked if I was keeping my background, which was up when you were at my blog.

Nope. :-)

I've changed the background and the header picture!

I love to change both.

I *have* to change both, I guess.

I'm *driven* to do so. ,-)

Well, I have so much fun, doing so.

:-))))))))))))))))

Nancy's Notes said...

Stunning tulips Blondie! I love your fabric, great choice and I'll be back to see them up!

Hugs,
Nancy

Melanie said...

Hi Jane,

I know what you mean about changing things around; I do that a lot, too! Variety is the spice of life, right? ;-) Love the material for the curtains that you have picked out.

Feels so good to walk outside after such a long, cold winter, doesn't it?

Privet and Holly said...

I am so hearing you.
I'm itching to make
some changes....We
have lived in the same
house for ten years,
after having moved almost
every three, so it is
most definitely time
to shake things up a
bit : ) Love your
curtain fabric!!
xx Suzanne

Sharing with Sherri said...

I love the lace valance you made from a tablecloth...in fact it sounds like something I might do:)
I also like the ticking as well and understand going through those urges to change things! I'm sure they will look very fresh for Spring!

Hugs, Sherri:)

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

We have been very lucky with our wether...sunny and it's been mid 70's-low 80's. Your curtains are going to look great!

Blessings,
Linda

Mary said...

Hope your tulips are as pretty as the last year show - that rain will at least be good for them!

Happy days decorating Jane - love the fabric.

My Grama's Soul said...

Good morning Jane....Isn't it fun to feather our nest? I presume you are sewing your new curtains....they should be lovely when finished. Glad spring is finally on its way in your area...it has been a long...cold winter.

Hugs,

Jo

Unknown said...

You sure are making a lot of changes. Fun for you! Keep us posted.

Ann-Marie ~ Brambly said...

I love the ticking stripe you chose. Every time the Country Curtains catalog arrives, the ticking stripes catch my eye. Take care.

Ann-Marie

Anonymous said...

Saturday was pretty....Sunday...not so much. But the yard sales started and that was a good thing. :) I hadn't used Country Curtains since our first house and just remembered them the other day from some one else's blog. I always loved their curtains and don't know why I forgot about them. I am ordering a shower curtain from them. Happy Tuesday! xo

shabbyfufu said...

Hi Jane,

Oh yes....I remember that catalog and love that fabric with the ticking stripes. Hope that you warm up there girl! xo, Janet

Laurel@ChippingwithCharm said...

I know exactly what you mean about not "seeing" certain things anymore. I have quite a few things like that at my house. My hope is to re-do a bit this Spring too :) Laurel

Tricia said...

Cute fabric, that will be a nice change. I know what you mean about not seeing things anymore. I feel like that about a lot of things around my house.

Those tulips look so pretty, they just about scream spring :)

~Tricia

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Jane...

Ohhh...I love the brown and white ticking fabric! It will make beautiful curtains for your dining room and kitchen! Can't wait to see them finished and up! I don't know what it is about ticking...but I just love the look and feel of it! Maybe it's the memories of the old navy and white ticking/feather pillows at my grandma and grandpa's...that hold such sweet memories for me! You know, I don't believe that I have even one single thing in ticking at my house. Although I have been eyeing those pretty red and cream ticking napkins at PB for some time now...maybe I'll get them...or at least look for some fabric to sew them myself!

Well my dear friend, it sounds like you have been having fabulous spring weather! We have had the same here but I am trying to remember that winter really isn't over yet in colorado. Have a wonderful week, Janie!

Warmest spring wishes,
Chari

Shellbelle said...

I love lace on the windows, it just lets the sun shine in! But I do love your new stripe look, I know what you mean about having something for so long that it just becomes lost. I love walking in the front door and seeing something new, even if it's just that I moved things around a bit.

We can't grow tulips here in Florida, doesn't get cold enough in the winter for the bulbs to rejuvenate or whatever it is they do, but I love them. Jane had several vases full at the art show and they were gorgeous, but I'd love to see them popping up out of the ground in the Spring.

I can't believe it's close to 30° warmer here than there. I'm amazed when I hear on the news that other parts of the country are still getting snow! Soon though, it will be too hot and humid to enjoy, so I'm making the most of it right now!

I love those seeds in your last post! My last name is Renee and I've never heard of that company, but I'm going to look them up for sure now.

You have a lovely week also, I can't wait to see your new curtains.

Oh, and I also remember your open shelving from last year, so I can't wait to see them again! I just adore that look and yours inspired me to put bookcases in my kitchen at that place in Georgia I had for a while. I'm definitely going to do that again when I move.

Hugs

Sue said...

Are you ready for winter again? We are in the 70's right now, but they are saying the storms are going to hit and we will be in the 40's for the rest of the week...ick. I've really enjoyed having the sunshine and the patio door open the past few days. Plus, I can get the paint smells out of the house easily! I knew it was too soon to get very comfortable!!

I have to find something new for over our sink. The one I had won't match the countertop. I haven't looked at Country Curtains for years...not since everything was cream and ruffled! I'll take a look.

Honey at 2805 said...

I like your choice of fabric for the windows. A friend used that company and hers turned out beautifully!

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

Your curtains are going to look great! Hope your rain is gone soon so you can get back to some good weather!

koralee said...

Spring has hit my little corner of the world today...I love the sun!

hugs and love my friend.

Stacey said...

Gorgeous curtains and i'm a big fan of cafe curtains, so i can't wait to see how yours turn out:-)

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Jane, isn't Country Curtains just THE best! Love that catalog. Your selection looks like it will be so pretty, but I do love that lace you used from a tablecloth. laurie

Unknown said...

I love new curtains, it really makes you want to rearrange everything. I love cafe curtains and valances. We had snow yesterday, but today is was just overcast. Stay tuned...more snow to begin tomorrow night. Oh well, it is New England after all.

Your curtains are going to look lovely.
Karen

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Oh Jane Sweetie...
The tulips and your fabric choices and selections of drapes are so pretty. I can't wait to see them finished and hung. How pretty that is going to look. A breath of fresh air. I think we are all looking for that.

Sorry to hear it was cold and rainy there, but it sounds as though company was fun. It is always fun to cook for friends and chat. Love that most of all.

Rained here softly yesterday, so the tiff lawn and the gardens got a free watering. I love that. We so needed the rain. I have been spring cleaning the gardens, and they are keeping me so busy. I figure 1 more weekend or 2 at the most, and I should be set to go. Then just upkeep. I love working in the garden.

Have a glorious Wednesday Jane sweetie. Many hugs and much love, Sherry

Cass @ That Old House said...

I love ticking! Good choice, Jane.

Dion thanks you for the Happy Birthday wishes! He had a lovely day, with treats and very good naps.

All the best -- Cass

Susie Q said...

It's pouring and thundering here!
Spring was here but Winter is making another appearence tonight!
I have always loved Country Curtains catalogs...we got to see the shop when we were travelinga few years back. Lovely things! I know your windows will be perfect!
Love,
Sue

hilary@oldhousetruelove said...

i love the cafes... so cozy.