I love simple curtains and I have to admit, even after all these years, I still have a crush on them. And here's the good part: I made them out of vintage sheets. It's true.
I LOVE good cotton sheets (vintage) that have that sturdy, yet soft feel. And whenever I find them at estate sales, I buy them because they're good for so many projects. For my home and style, the twin sized sheets are the perfect length for my windows. And exactly right for my sliding glass doors too. I use them in my kitchen, living room, and master bedroom.
To make, I just sew ribbon tabs to the top of the sheets, and hang. Whenever they need to be cleaned, I can just throw them in the washer, and they're as good as new. And since they're white, the best way to perk them up if they're a bit yellow-ish when I purchase them, is to give them a quick soak in Rit Color Remover. It turns them perfectly crispy white.
And honestly, it doesn't have to be limited to sheets. I've found darling blankets that I've turned into curtains for the boys rooms too. And colorful, patterned sheets are great as well. But best of all, they're so easy and inexpensive too.
I love those curtains! I love you guys! I'm going to use this idea for my front porch which is all white wicker and casual like this. I am a big fan of the feel of vintage cotton sheets, too. It's so nice to love things that most people don't look once at, much less twice, at auctions and garage sales. I'm afraid you farm chicks are turning people on to my kind of thing, though! And then the prices will only rise...;-)
Posted by: LisaZ | June 17, 2009 at 07:15 AM
so cute! what a great idea. i like the idea of sewing ribbon tabs-what a fun way to "spice" it up, if you want to add colorful or funky ribbon tabs! i will have to be on the lookout for those when i am g-saling this summer.
Posted by: ness | June 17, 2009 at 07:58 AM
thanks for the cool idea. I think I'll hit up some estate sales/ yard sales this weekend.
blessings,
aimee
Posted by: aimee | June 17, 2009 at 09:09 AM
I am also a big fan of vintage sheets to USE and to make things out of...like aprons, etc.
I love this idea for curtains!
XOXO
Joni
Posted by: Joni | June 17, 2009 at 10:12 AM
What a great idea I am going on a hunt for some sheets. I had not heard of the Rit color remover, I want to to try that. The ribbon idea is great too. Thanks.
Posted by: Florence Muma | June 17, 2009 at 10:47 AM
Good for you! They are great! ~Mindy
Posted by: Mindy | June 17, 2009 at 04:17 PM
I love vintage sheets and pillowcases!! the Rit color remover is a great tip - didn't know about that!!!
Posted by: Pat | June 17, 2009 at 04:51 PM
I love the color of the walls in the photos. Would you be willing to pass along that info as well, too? Thanks!
Posted by: Leslie Jenkins | June 17, 2009 at 05:13 PM
Cool! That is my kind of curtain...cheap & easy!!!!! Thx!!
m ^..^
Posted by: M (Tales From an OC Cottage) | June 17, 2009 at 05:49 PM
Nothing better than crisp white anything!!!...love your curtains...you gals amazine me with your little tips...the Rit remover is so so cleaver! Thanks once again!
Posted by: koralee | June 17, 2009 at 06:13 PM
My sentiments EXACTLY when it comes to old sheets. I love them.
Posted by: TinkerVerve | June 17, 2009 at 08:47 PM
Thank you! We are closing on a new house (in Ocean Shores) on June 30th and I have been thinking about curtains! Now I know exactly what to look for over the summer!
Posted by: Ricki | June 17, 2009 at 09:53 PM
What a coinsidence. I did the exact same thing in my boy's rooms. The have a one big window so instead od sewing loads of panels of fabric together, I used the sheet. Cut the length to suit and used the stuff I cut out to make tabs....
I love the way they came out...
Sonia
Posted by: Sonia | June 18, 2009 at 04:24 PM
Thanks for posting photos and all the tips!! I've been out of town, just now getting to write with a BIG THANK YOU!!!
LOVE TO BOTH OF YOU!!
Tina~ Cherry Hill Cottage...
Posted by: Tina | June 19, 2009 at 09:33 AM
Love the curtains - so fresh. Makes me want to come and "plop" right down in that big white comfy chair. They really are pretty and the blue color on the walls is gorgeous too. Thanks for sharing the "how-to" tips. Many blessings, Cathy
Posted by: cathy | June 27, 2009 at 08:56 PM
Love this idea, I think I shall apply it to Windy Ridge!
Posted by: Jen from Windy Ridge | June 30, 2009 at 05:13 PM
I love these! My middle daughter is buying her first home... closing on July 15th. Her budget for decorating will be... frugal... I've forwarded this post to her... and I hope we'll find some wonderful vintage sheets to hang on her windows! Wonderful!
Posted by: Dixie | June 30, 2009 at 07:40 PM
What a great idea. I have a long window next to my front door and I've been trying to figure out what would look good there. After I read your post, I remembered that I had my grandmother's old crochet edged piano topper and it would fit great. I cleaned it up, attached some clip on hooks because I didn't want to cut it, and it looks beautiful. Thank you so much. I love your blog and your book. My girls and I have been enjoying cooking up some of your recipes.
Blessings,
Marcia
Posted by: Marcia | July 02, 2009 at 04:29 PM
great idea!... not only am I admiring your curtains but your wall color as well here. I've browsed your blog trying to figure out if you've mentioned the color somewhere with no luck ... would you share the color and brand?
Posted by: stephanie watson | June 21, 2010 at 11:22 AM