Buy or make curtains?

pennypinchingmum

I have decided to update my living and dining rooms by getting some new curtains. 1 set will need to be 90" x 90" and one set will need to be 54"x90".

I am stuck at whethrer to buy or make them. I would quite like thickish damask curtains for both and have checked oout prices and would cost about £55 to make the 90" x 90". Is this a good price? I have no idea. Through a quick search on google the prices seem to vary dramatically.

Do i make or buy them?

peb

Hiya

Can't help on making them ( I can sew on a button or do a hem but that is all!) but pricewise £55 for both pairs seems ok.

I had to get two lots of 90x90 and ended up buying seperate curtains and linings to get the thickness I wanted (big old fashioned bay window) and the lnings cost more than the curtain. You will find (markets reduced shops etc) oddments but if you want something specific and two pairs of the same it can take a long time.

good luck however you decide.

oystercatcher

Look around and see what is available in ready made and if it would be suitable and cost effective.
Roseby's are closing down and are having a sale (well last time I looked ) but there was nothing I liked at all.

If you can't find what you want at a decent price then you'll know it's time to look for material and thread. Decent material can cost a small fortune though and often the shops throw in 'free make up' (nothing is ever free though!)

Oystercatcher

maman

oystercatcher wrote: »

Roseby's are closing down and are having a sale (well last time I looked )

Aren't Roseby's always closing down/having a sale???

Seriously though, I used to make all my own curtains but that was when I had a sort of 'country house' look with lots of pelmets and patterned fabrics. Then, it was probably worth the money. Now that I've gone for plainer colour schemes I find that I'm happy with Ikea or similar and as they're such good value I don't feel so guilty if I fancy a change.

Rikki

maman wrote: »

Aren't Roseby's always closing down/having a sale???

.

This time they've gone bust.

THIRZAH

Try Dunelm for curtains, if you have one near you. I got the curtains for my patio doors from there and they've been fine.

I used to make my curtains but hated doing it-I'd have the material spread out on the floor trying to make sure both curtains were the same length, the cat would always try to sit on the material and I'd end up with back ache.

oystercatcher

I seem to have windows that are odd sizes and always have to alter readymade curtains anyway which is almost as much hassle as making them .

Back in the good old days, pre-children when I had energy, I loved making curtains and cushions but now I don't seem to have the time or energy.
I'll certainly have more time in a couple of years when they have all abandoned me (sob!) but I'm still not convinced of the energy returning!

Oystercatcher

beemuzed

Having been searching recently for curtains (admittedly looking on the John Lewis website, so not exactly cheap) I'd say your price is good. I've already decided I'm making mine tho'!

pennypinchingmum

to give you all an idea, this is the link to the material i'm thinking of buying,
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BLACK-Flock-GOLD-Upholstery-DAMASK-Curtain-Blind-Fabric_W0QQitemZ320277607023QQihZ011QQcategoryZ90745QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262
i know it's opulent but i just fell in love with this material. The £55 is for 1 set of 90x90 so it is extravagant. The sewing part i'm fine on because i make mine and my familys clothes so curtains are no probs. Now you've seen the material do you think it's worth it?

lizzyb1812

I must use different measurements when I'm doing curtains to you because I cant't work out how you get to £55 for the 90x90. Are you sure the fabric is the weight you want - have you had/can you get a sample? And have you allowed for the extra you need so the pattern matches?

Glad you're having a go though - I've always thought that curtains are just about maths and straight sewing - get the prep right and the sewing is a doddle.

Lizzyb

sophistica

How good are you at making curtains. I love making them but I have concluded that they only look good if they are lined and prefereably interlined. I think the fabric is great and the price is good. The fabric IS fashionable. I think it will only look good at double the width and full length. You will also need an old fashioned header for it e.g. ruched on a poll or with a pelmet. It won't work with tabs. I hope this helps you.