Sewing 101

It’s been a long, long time since I’ve used a sewing machine, but after receiving estimates for window treatments, I thought I better see what I can do. I ordered a sewing machine and went to work – first starting with a pillowcase dress for my daughter. Yes, there is three inches of snow on the ground, but it was the simplest project I could find to test my skills.

I bought the fabric too small, so it came out more like a shirt than a dress, but it works. 

Next, I thought I would dive right in and try to make a roman shade. I purchased some inexpensive fabric from Joann’s and started with the laundry room shade that not many people will see (in case it didn’t turn out).

I used these step-by-step instructions. The total cost for the materials was $100 (and that includes extra wood, string, screws and a staple gun). The estimates were around $250-$300 for a custom roman shade without the fabric.

I have to say I’m pretty impressed for my first window shade. Now the only question is what to do next.