Dressing My Kitchen Window: Part 2

Two weeks ago, I mused about wanting to spruce up my kitchen window by making a roman shade. I enjoy taking on small projects that require few supplies and tools, and add a personal touch without breaking the bank. With my colleague Cameron MacNeil’s easy instructions, I was able to tackle a great DIY.

I picked up almost all the materials I needed from Designer Fabrics, a local Toronto fabric and supply store. I definitely found it useful to first go over the instructions and map out a rough plan in order to visualize the various measurements. For my window that measures 43″ high by 45″ wide, I needed:

2 yards of drapery fabric and dim-out liner
1-1/2 yards of 3/4″ Velcro
20 yards of lift cord
5 screw eyes
30 lift rings
45″ x 1″x 1″ piece of wood
3/4″ dowel (to weigh the shade down)

I cut the liner 1-1/2″ shorter in width than the drapery fabric, but still sewed the edges flush. Once pressed, this ensured that that liner wouldn’t be visible from the edge.

Using the mounting board as a guide, I mapped out the lift ring grid, which I then sewed on by hand, making sure to go through both the liner and the fabric.