Tuesday, January 18, 2011

RIPPLEFOLD CURTAINS

Not quite sure how to do this but this is a repost for the 
Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop 04.10.11
HERE
The links at the bottom of the post are no longer active!
THE PRO'S AT
JOANN'S AND HANCOCK'S
HADN'T SEEN THIS SYSTEM!!
I have been redoing my bedroom for over a year (actually it's been two years, my daughter reads this and keeps me honest).
Remember I told you I was slow. Well, make that VERY slow.
I will show you a couple of before shots of the bedroom, mainly to see the curtain material. You gotta promise not to laugh. OK now, you promised!

Yes, I am totally embarrassed by the color, the border and the verticals. Can we say 1986?
Just look at the curtains PLEASE!! I was once soooo proud of that border. Hand cut no less.
Of course the room is not completed. I have many excuses but I can show you what's finished.
I saw window treatments used on David Bromstead's, "Color Splash"that I really liked. After searching the internet for a while I found the rod, components and instructions. They are made by Kirsh and called the Ripplefold System. You can read about it HERE
There were some knockoffs but I decided to stay with the original. 
You can buy a utilitarian or decorative rod. I opted for a decorative rod that is smooth wood, white and had the appearance of a  2 inch full round rod. Because I was using side panels I did not need the finials, but they have some that are gorgeous.










2" WOOD FASCIA #95676 with RIPPLEFOLD GLIDES
I began by taking the old curtains apart. Using the chart provided in the instructions I decided on the fullness and the width to be covered with my one piece panel.  The chart also gives you the number of swivel sliders you will need. All this must be decided before you order the rod as the swivel sliders are pre installed.  
I did learn from the supplier that this was usually a design house project. Didn't bother me, I was too determined and stubborn to worry. 
I didn't start the curtain until the rod was delivered and installed. I will use any excuse to delay but this one was valid.
The rod was pricy but I shopped around and found it for half the price of most sites. The window is nine feet wide and the rod is in one piece. When the rod arrived that sucker was BIG and heavy. The wood is a half round and looks like this with the swivel sliders.
You can see the new room color and absence of the border here.

I do think I will go back and add 8" projection brackets for the side panels.
The ceiling color is a creamy beige

The tape on your panel just snaps on. The provided bracket covers are painted to match your wall.
After a little, "You, hold up your end, get me that other
screwdriver, I told you that wouldn't work" Bob and I got the rod installed. You gotta remember we're old, grumpy and have to sit and rest a spell in order to do anything.

You must purchase the special snap tape that operates on the sliders but it is NOT expensive. Since the fabric for the sheers was recycled from the old window treatments (I made those also) it was FREE.
From this point on it was easy. I am on to the sewing phase.
The sewing part was a no brainer.

Yes, that is a lace tablecloth you see. I brought the machines down from the bonus room
 so I didn't have to go up and down the stairs so often.
I am working with one flat panel fabricated to my measurements. I had about one half yard extra but I had measured and knew that before I got this far. I said I am slow and stubborn, not dumb.
After sewing a nice double hem and stitching on the tape, Voila, ready to hang. They were sooooo easy to hang. No trying to get the folds just right, no tying with fabric strips. Looks the same outside as inside. Draws/glides like magic.




the stationary side panels are a silk blend.
I made the side panels also. They are lined, interlined
and stationary.
Don't you just love that uniform and smooth ripple?

They draw to the right and our deck is beyond.
This works well for people, like me, with allergies. Unsnap, launder and rehang. 
I am working on a bedskirt from the stripe. A damask that coordinates with the strip will be used for the bedspread but I will be sending that out for fabrication.
I will be sharing each project and hope to be finished by spring(of some year)
Now, a peek at some areas of the room. Still have not accessorized. The bed wall is the next project after the bedskirt.
I've had the chest 35 years. The lounge is funny story that I will post about later. The fabric is not original.
The shell lamp is 20 years old. The rug was recently on sale at Pier One.
This is where you saw the "Twelve Days" Christmas tree. The mirrored lamp was purchased in St. Louis and was made by Uttermost. I think that is a weird name but they make beautiful lamps, mirrors and accessories.

Just a peek of the bedskirt.

I will posting the progress of this room. Don't expect me to produce like Kim@Savvy Southern Style. That girl can pump it out. Go Kim!

SO! What do you think?
I will be linking to these gracious hostesses:








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46 comments:

Martha said...

Quite a transformation -- I'm changing window treatments as well -- but mine are a lot simplier than yours!!! They are beautiful and I love the fabric for your side panels and bedskirt -- it's very pretty and I also love the new color of your bedroom!

Miss Char said...

Ginger, what a great change in your room. Your colors are beautiful and the uniformity of those sheers is just amazing. I know what you mean by working on a project and then having to go sit down for a few minutes, you made me laugh girl!

NanaDiana said...

Wow Ginger- That looks great. I have seen these treatments before but never really looked to see how they were done. You did a great job. The side draperies are really lovely...gorgeous, in fact.

I can't wait to see the rest of your "project" done. Hugs- Diana

Tammy@Beatrice Banks said...

Oh my goodness! Those window treatments are absolutely gorgeous! I love the sheers and the side panels. I had no idea about the sliders. I'm saving this to my file. Wish I still lived in Savannah b/c I'd be hiring you to make me some! Your room has undergone a wonderful transformation. Can't wait to see the rest.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Love your changes and it is going to be stunning when you finish.

Sue said...

Ginger, this is one heckuva transformation! Love the wall color and the side panel fabric. Does the fabric really stay like that all the time, even after pulling the panel open and closed? It looks so uniform! I am familiar with the Uttermost line- we buy from the company at market when we go to High Point. I have some very nice pieces from them. Thanks for stopping by today. :-) Sue

K&B by the Sea said...

Your bedroom is looking great! Love the wall colour, and YAY for painting your ceiling! The ripple curtains look really good, and the panels are beautiful. Wish I could sew and make fab curtains! Also love the fabric on your chaise.

OK, I apparently love pretty much everything in your bedroom! Looking forward to seeing more :-)

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Girl, I am so impressed... you make curtains, too??? WOW! You really did a great job, and I love the curtain fabric and the way you repurposed your sheers. And we all had those borders in the 80's so don't feel alone! ;-) I still have some wallpaper in our house, and I actually still love it. But I adore the colors you chose and your highboy! Great piece, that.

I wish I knew how to do all that fancy stuff with a machine and could figure out how to pin and all (I never took home ec... no, not one hour!), but I can only sew with a needle and not that straight. You don't want to see Mrs. Magpie's sewing projects, Ginger.

XO,

Sheila :-)

The Quintessential Magpie said...

P.S. Still chuckling about you and Old Bob having to wait a few before continuing... why does this sound vaguely familiar??? Yes, I believe I can identify! LOL1

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Ginger, you are too funny. I love your new room color and those stationary panels are gorgeous. That is the coolest rod creating those perfect ripples. Can't wait to see the finished room. Thanks for joining the party!

Lindy said...

Oh, wow! You may not be fast but you are definitely good! This room is gorgeous and it's not even finished??? Awesome!

Unknown said...

Ginger, this is beautiful! You are one talented lady. The color of your room is wonderful and I would really like to know the brand & #.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

You made a huge difference removing the border and getting a pretty color on the walls! And those striped drapes are gorgeous! It's nice to have the lace inside, too! The room is lovely! You will really enjoy this room now! Love your lounge chair...so unique! ♥

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Oh My Goodness! These are gorgeous! I've never heard of this kind of window treatment. It looks amazing! Love the side panels you made also! your room is looking so peaceful and so pretty. I can't wait to see the whole room. laurie

Sue said...

You are doing a great job on your drapes! Who cares how long it takes? I think since we all started posting our projects we think they should be finished in a week!!! Keep going -- it will be fun to see the finished project.

Have a great day.
Sue

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

OK, I didn't laugh at your before. I am so impressed with that window treatment and the fabric. I love your wall color too. Great job. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day. These things take time, just have fun with it.

Anonymous said...

Hi Ginger! Oh, my, your bedroom looks so beautiful! Maybe you were slow but man you're good. I love the wall color and your window coverings are gorgeous! You have beautiful furniture pieces too! Love it.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Debbiedoos said...

You are something else...wow mega talented to those window treatments. I love the rod too. Your room is looking great.

Amy Chalmers said...

I make drapes for a living, and I am going to tell you that you did a marvelous job on this project. I had a custom fabricated ripplefold system ordered for an office and the company totally screwed it up..the rod was measured wrong, and they put the wrong number of sliders in the track...so kudos to your skills on this! It looks fabulous!

Connie said...

Your room is shaping up so beautifully that it will inspire you to keep going I'm sure. The draperies, the wall color and most of all the thirty-five year old high boy. How it speaks of elegance! Don't ever let it go.

Chrissy said...

Ginger, you just make my day and put a smile on my face. Your room is looking absolutely gorgeous. Your are so talented in sewing, I would never attempt it. Those panels looks perfectly pleated, so that's how they do that? I can't wait to see the finished results.

Donnie said...

I love your curtain treatment. Really classy. Your photos were just great.

Honey at 2805 said...

Nice job on the curtains. Can't waid for the story about the chaise.

Farah Muzaffar said...

I dont know how I miss this post... you are a master ginger, love the curtains...you did a megnificant job, they look so perfect like a professional... And I love the lamp in your first photo I think on your dresser.. very beautiful like a vintage... Waiting for the next post and step more clost to the room finished stage...
http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
Love
Farah

Anonymous said...

The curtains are gorgeous, as is the rug and the wall color and I just love that lounge!

Nancy said...

Looks great - I haven't seen that system either. Beats the heck out of the pinch pleats we used to make! :) Nancy

the cape on the corner said...

i love your new window treatments, and how you have two smaller rods on each side of the window. great idea that i never remember to do! after all this blog reading, i am really finding myself liking things that weren't my taste before. this is a good thing, and i like that large chest of drawers. it's the legs, now i am a sucker for things shaped like that!

Vanessa said...

WOW!!!! Ginger that is beyond amazing! I can't get over that a curtain rod will do that. I've never even heard of those but I'm hooked! Your fabric choices are just beautiful and I love the paint color too. Your crown molding is stunning and truly the entire room is looking so elegant. You did a great job and I can't wait to see the rest! Thanks so much for sharing this at Inspiration Friday!
Vanessa

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

So beautiful Ginger! Your window treatments look amazing - I love the paint color, too!

Anonymous said...

My Savannah Granny, you sew sweet!..sew appreciate you my friend, sew glad we have become sew close.
Love you and SOB, too.

Jo
LazyonLoblolly

❦Bayside Gal❦ said...

How pretty! We live by the bay (in RI) and I am always threatening to paint the walls in my living room that color. Someday I actually will! I just love lace curtains. I will have to look into that system. I wonder if it would work on single windows (without the stationary panels) though.

Thearica said...

I love your window treatments! You and I have similar decorating taste! and you have one thing that I have been wishing for a long time... a chaise for the bedroom! and yours is gorgeous!! Looking forward to the story!

Devonay said...

Wow!! You are so talented! I love the colors and you have amazing sewing abilities!

Gloria said...

Oh my, love that paint color!! And your drapes are gorgeous. Are they like an iridescent moire? They look gorgeous! Great job.
Best,
Gloria

Gloria said...

Oh, I forgot to say: love that lounge chair and the beautiful rug too!
gv

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Good Morning Ginger Sweetie...
What a gorgeous share. Oh my how I love what you have done with the bedroom. It is stunning. I love the ease of the snaps on and off for washing. With my asthma, this is dream. I will be ordering from Kirsch one of these rods, and can you tell me where you ordered the tape or purchased it? Snap with an ease. How wonderful is that?

I can't wait to hear the story about your chaise in your room. It is so delightful. What a wonderful place for reading. Love the shell lamp as well.

That rug just screams "GORGEOUS". I really love the colors, and my bedroom is brown and blues. It would be gorgeous.

Thanks for the beautiful share. I so enjoyed my visit.

Many hugs sweetie and much love, Sherry

Traci said...

I had never seen this type of curtain rod but love the idea...it looks great and uniform ripples are very much my liking!! I love the way you tell your stories and can't wait to see the final room - love everything you have done so far. And that wall color is perfect!

David Wright said...

Ginger,
I am so happy the drapery rod we provided worked out so well. Your pictures are great and so are the detailed instructions. Keep up the good work.

David
Continental Window Fashions

♥ Miss Tea said...

What a gorgeous transformation! love the fabrics and you're so good in sewing, i dont even know how! the lounge is elegant too! i'm your newest follower :)

I hopped from TypeAdecorating bloggers Party :)

Susan at http://tea-diary.blogspot.com

Jan said...

Wow! They look gorgeous! Thanks for showing all of the photos of the rod & tape. That just might be a solution for my living room window. (have had fabric for more that two years!)

New follower. :)

SJ @ Homemaker On A Dime said...

Hey, Ginger! Great job on the curtain tutorial! Such a beautiful transformation. Thank you for sharing this at the Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop :)

Alison @ The Polohouse said...

Ginger! You are a genius!
I did not scroll down far enough and ended up googling the Kirsh website so I missed this entire post!
I could never have taken on a project like this. What a gorgeous room. Your side panels are lovely, your chair and your highboy. Love it all. Your room is so stylish and updated. I love a traditional room, as you know and the color combination is the same as mine!
Love it all! Thanks for sharing your very advanced project! You are like Kim...Go Ginger Go!
xoxox
Alison

Unknown said...

Just lovely... and you say you are not a professional! I am and I've never done ripplefold yet (shhhhh - I'm never afraid to try for the first time). I wouldn't bother switching the brackets for a larger projection unless they are rubbing against the draperies when you open the sheers up. I like to keep my projections as close to the wall as possible :)

Take care, come back and visit my blog sometime :)

Michelle
www.newengland-style.com

Anonymous said...

It's very exiting to find your savannahgranny.blogspot.com site. You definitely can write and teach and inspire. Keep writing - I'll keep reading.

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Unknown said...

Thank you for the article....it was quite useful for me to wrap up things quickly and effectively!
Curtain Tapes

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