As I worked on fixing up the office a couple weeks ago painting the walls
and putting up the wainscot panels…
and putting up the wainscot panels…
I kept looking over at those old corner windows that were bare and unloved.
Though I had the shutters that are actually old cupboard doors already attached to the framing
they needed something soft
and pretty
and sweet to complete the look.
I ran through several options in my mind-
sheer voile, pink seersucker fabric or maybe even some breezy cotton.
But none of them seemed just right.
As I worked away and plotted the final look of the room in my mind-
something so simple and easy popped into my head.
Ruffled Drop cloth panels.
I love working with drop cloths
They are simple, natural and so easy to use.
I have a few in my stockpile of my favorite brand of drop cloths sitting in my armoire
(I get them at Lowes!)
(Who knew I would ever have a ‘favorite brand’ of drop cloth?!? lol!)
😉
This specific sized one was picked up while shopping and it was the exact size
I wanted width wise – so it would be super simple to work with.
Most of my drapes are extra long.
I just don’t like them at window sill height or even baseboard height.
I want the puddles on the floors and I like to hang them higher than usual as well-
After cutting the dropcloth at the correct length-
I hemmed the bottom and then created a little rod pocket at the top.
It would be just as easy to just used clips if you wanted to.
I then decided on how long I wanted the ruffle at the top to be and as I thought…
I thought 2 ruffles would be twice as nice
🙂
So I cut 2 sections of the fabric at about 10″ long and double the width of the drape panel.
Starting at the very top of the panel,
I sewed the first ‘ruffle’ by pinning it and tucking it and sewing it as I went along.
My ruffles are not actually technically ‘ruffles’-
I don’t have a ruffling tool for my sewing machine- they are merely gathered and sewn as I go.
I kind of like them that way- a little different.
The next 10″ section of drop cloth I placed just beneath where the first ruffle dropped
to and gathered and sewed it into place.
I cleaned up the edges,
put them on the rod
and Voila!!
Super easy and super inexpensive to make.
A girl has to have some ruffly goodness in her little office space too!
Jojo says
The double ruffle completes the look. So lovely.
CalleLillyCafe says
okay I am IN LOVE!!!! I have been waiting to see/think of/anything to inspire me to come up w/new drapes for living room! Thank you for sharing!
Unknown says
What an amazing job you did! Love it!!
Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says
Courtney, I love these! Ruffled, simple and the perfect touch to your office windows!
Linda@Coastal Charm says
Courtney,
I'm really loving this ruffle look…maybe I should copy these for my cottage.
Blessings,
Linda
Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique says
What did we ever do before we had drop cloth fabric? I adore your ruffled curtains Courtney and they do add so much to your new look office space. Gorgeous!!
Marsha says
The drapes are just perfect for your office. I know you are going to really enjoy the new look. Your comment about wanting to have the drapes in puddles on the floor reminds me of the first time I saw that style of drapes. It was in Natchez, Mississippi and I was touring a beautiful antebellum home. The person giving the tour pointed out the drapes and said that having enough fabric so that you could let it puddle onto the floor showed your wealth–
Bonnie says
Your drapes are so pretty and I love using dropcloths too! I made three pillows and loved working with the fabric.
Bonnie
http://www.bbonnieblue.blogspot.com
Larain says
I have read on many blogs about drop cloths, living in Australia what are they? And are they cheap? I have read where they have been used for bags, loose covers and now curtains. More information please?
Unknown says
They are used by painters to cover the furniture,floor,hedges,etc when working.They are cheaper than linen,and ,look very similar.
Tiffany says
Saw this on interest, loved the look. Might copy with my own twist of course. Thanks for sharing.
Theresa @ Shoestring Elegance says
Now you know how much I L O V E your ruffles, Courtney these are beautiful, as usual! Working on some ruffles today, too but not curtains, I wish!!! Have a great night..Thanks for sharing all your beautiful work!
~Theresa
Wild Oak Designs says
These are so great! Where do you buy the dropcloths?? Super great idea…Love it!
Donna says
Love the curtains. Where do you get the dropcloths and what kind are the good ones?
Judy at GoldCountryCottage says
Hi Courtney: Love your drapes. Went to get paint the other day and checked out the drop cloths, but have to figure out where to use some, but I'm determined to. I haven't had any trouble with blogger yet!! Hope I can leave this for you. Your office is so dreamy, I couldn't even want to work there, just sit and dream..Happy Weekend..Judy
Unknown says
everything you do is just sooo pretty ~ your a huge inspiration, thanks for sharing all your talents!
Victorian1885 says
Very pretty! I love coming here to visit.. always brings a smile to my face..
Rooms by Ann says
Very Pretty, Nice post. Thanks for sharing.
Shabby chic Sandy says
Your drop cloth drapes look great!
1 says
Oh how I miss having drop cloths in France.
Beautiful addition to your office!
"Cottage By The Sea" says
I've seen drop cloths used for shades but never drapes. I LOVE them and I can't wait to get home (I'm living in Ireland for the month of May) to sew some for my studio. I have been agonising over what to do to finish up my windows with some girly flare. Thanks for the awesome tutorial. So easy, I even think I can do it!
Marina says
Hello Courtney, I've just become a follower of your blog via Judy at GoldCountryCottage. I think your blog is just beautiful, what an amazing home you have, I could admire those photos all day…will look forward to reading more!! Have a lovely day, Marina x
Heirloom treasures says
Love,your work space and the drapes look great with their ruffles. I couldn't leave a comment last time either. xx
Gillian says
@Larain, you should be able to get dropcloths at any good paint store, hardware store or Bunnings. They're used to put on the floor or cover furnishings when you're painting. They are usually canvas and will require a stronger needle to sew. I Googled about a bit and found these, which are cotton rather than canvas (BTW watch out for those which are rubber backed).
http://www.paintaccess.com.au/products/oldfields-pro-series-painters-drop-cloth
Fabulous idea that will work very well for my study/work area. I hadn't considered drop cloths before as I thought them equally as expensive but research says no 🙂
A Shabby Moment in Time says
Courtney,
Perfectly beautiful and inspirational!! I also did something mildly similar. I have an open doorway at my booth space at the WCS. To cover it, my mother (since I don't sew)made a long curtain out of a drop cloth I purchased at Lowes, then sewed a large piece of lace across the top to mimic a valance. It came out very well. Anyway, thanks for sharing the beauty of your home with us.
Blessings & hugs,
Karen
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
They look beautiful, Courtney! I admired them in your last office post. I do my ruffles the same way! : ) I always think a professional would shudder at the things I do, but I think the results are just fine.
The Painted Home says
love the double ruffle!
d e n i s e
Linda at French Hollow says
Your office is so sweet – I'd be tempted to work overtime!
Thank you for the inspiration.
Amy Chalmers says
Your office looks fantastic Courtney!! I love how you put things together. I have the same Lowes chandy in my bathroom~the panels are perfection!
Eileen says
Those drapes turned out so sweet. i love the double ruffles. I love the texture of dropcloth too. it is so soft once you wash it , isn't it? it makes the best thro pillows, unlike burlap which looks great but is terrible on the head!!
I'm curious to which is your favorite brand. Lowes or Home Depot?
Eileen @ Cottage Beach House
Princess Kate says
Everything you do is so beautiful. Can I borrow your talent for a weekend?? Thanks for sharing.
eleven-o-one says
Love the ruffles and your pretty photos.
Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ says
Hi Courtney,
Your ruffled drapes are gorgeous! Do tell US your favorite brand of dropcloths 🙂
Dee
The Vintage Farmhouse says
Perfect! Simple yet elegant at the same time!
Cristina Garay says
The ruffled drapes couldn't be more perfect for your office! Love them!
Debbiedoos says
Those are gorgeous Courtney…love the ruffle too. Sorry you had troubles so much this week with blogger. I will relink my post from last week onto this week.
Pura Vida says
Perfect treatment, I love this idea
kathee says
Great idea! I love the completed look!! Thanks for sharing!!
xokathee
Michle says
I love the curtains. I too would like to know your favorite place to buy drop cloths and what is the size to buy.
Anne says
Courtney,
I don't know what is going on with blogger.I have not had issues yet.But I keep hearing about them.Sorry it has been such an issue.That is really frustrating.It takes some time to type up a post only to have it deleted.
LOVE these curtains.I wish I could sew.I may have to try a non-sewing version of this.Your office is beautiful.
Anne
Unknown says
So pretty!!!
I wish I could sew….somebody PLEASE teach me to sew!
XO,
Anne
Ricki Treleaven says
THe double ruffles are so cute! LOVE them. Sorry you are having trouble with Blogger. I have heard that they are blocking blogs if bloggers don't give them their cell phone numbers. Have you heard about that?
AntiqueChase says
Stunning!! I haven't found the "perfect" drop cloth I like so I wonder what your favorite brand is and where you purchase them?
Linda (Nina's Nest) says
I have 2 rooms with drop cloth panels (1 ruffle at top), but I never thought of double ruffles. What a great look! Linda
michele says
blogger has been a beyotch and made me reconsider this online stuff this week!
love the panels and how they add femininity without being over the top.
michele
Erin~Just*Grand says
I love these! I love your design- the double ruffles are perfect. Thanks for sharing this!
reFresh reStyle says
Courtney, I think you can make anything look great! I love the double ruffle, they look amazing!
Debbie
Unknown says
That is absolutely beautiful! And it makes it look like the double window was planned and supposed to be that way – not awkward at all. And I really like how your version of ruffling makes those look. That is the great thing about ruffling – there really is no right or wrong way! It's however it works for you. I may just use an idea like this for some new panels I want for my dining room. I have favorite drop cloths too – fun huh how so many people have found such creative ways to use something so simple 🙂 If blogger gets too annoying don't forget I would be glad to help you with wordpress. it is great:) I'd be delighted to help someone where I could.
Divine Theatre says
Courtney,
Are you seriously not going to tell us your favorite dropcloth brand? LOL!
I wish I had your energy and insight! Your mind must always be turning and turning!
xo
Andie
Sissie's Shabby Cottage says
Ooh, how pretty! The double ruffle makes the drop cloth fabric look wonderful.
hugs
Sissie
Fishtail Cottage says
love those! any chance you'll be selling any? i need four panels for my guest suite! xoox, tracie
Unknown says
The double ruffles, and your room, are so pretty! I love working with drop cloths too. I have made several ruffled pillows out of drop cloths and our master bedroom curtains are drop cloths.
reikigirl says
New follower here and on Pinterest. Admire your sense of french style.
Jennifer says
I love them! You did a gorgeous job on them and you're right…they are perfect for that window!
Heaven's Walk says
You office is just amazing, Courtney! I don't know where you get your ideas….but I love the way your mind works, girlie! lol! If I had a teeny ounce of your creativity and talent…..!!!! I adore you!!!
xoxo laurie
Serendipity Refined says
Love the double ruffle! I, too, would like to know the brand and/or where you purchase them! Thanks!
Lori says
These are fabulous and so easy…at least with your instructions. So tell me, what is your favorite drop cloth. I'm not sure what weight or brand to use for my roman shades that I plan to make. Thanks for any advice, Lori
Lana says
Love the curtains. The ruffles are perfect for your office.
Nann says
Courtney I love your curtains but I am really having a dilema. I went to my local home improvement store and looked at every one of their drop clothes. I was thinking about all the things you have done with them. I took several out of packages. Nothing seemed quite like yours. So…I really need to know the brand you love so much and use, the store, and sizes. I'm leaving my email. I sure would appreciate your help here. THANKYOU so much.
Nann
[email protected]
Alison @ The Polohouse says
Love your double ruffle panels, Courtney!
They are so pretty and simply divine.
🙂
xox
A
Something Nice and Pretty says
Just beautiful! Drop cloths are so versatile, they are my next window curtains when I decide to change them! Have you ever tried Windows Live Writer, I use it all the time:)
lynn says
its all so gorgeous, courtney! i have always used live writer for my posts–not a problem so far:)
Sandi~A Cottage Muse says
Courtney this room is just stunning!
Love the window treatment you ended up with…absolutely perfect!
Rachel says
Please, what is the brand and where do you get it? Please? Pretty please?
Cindy says
The curtains are fabulous… I've seen them all over Pinterest, i think i'm not the only one who loves them! Good tip about finding the best dropcloths at Lowes too!
Cindy
Unknown says
Such a great idea here. I love these curtains. They're perfect for your space.
lisaroy says
Love the double ruffles! So pretty 🙂
Unknown says
Lovely, Courtney! Always such ruffly beauty over here. Thanks for dropping off your pretty laundry at air your laundry friday! xo
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
It is amazing how you can take something like a drop cloth and turn it into sheer elegance..so very beautiful….fantastic idea!
Anonymous says
Beautiful! Have be so undecided about what to do in my sun room…..you figured it out for me! Thanks and hugs.
Anonymous says
I love these curtains and I love your style! Please tell me the name of your favorite dropcloth – and I would pay handsomely for two panels just like yours! <3 <3 <3
Sheri
[email protected]
Anonymous says
I loved your idea with the dropcloth and off to Lowes I went. I am going to make these curtains for my kitchen and stencil the edges!!!!!! what an inexpensive way material and a great look…..Thank you for sharing your ideas and saving us so much money…..
Just want you to know I used another idea of yours for a bulletin board for over my computer.( the one with using an old frame ) I used a striped material that pulled all the colors I have in my room. Looks great ! Thanks a million for your ideas and savings !!!!!!!
Truck Stop Rambler says
I flipped through hundreds of photos and idea books to try and find the perfect solution to the most impossible window situation. My dining room is narrow, about nine feet wide by 12 feet long, open on one end to the hallway/kitchen pass-thru, and two very large stacked windows leading to a 13' ceiling on the other end. And then I happened upon your drop cloth idea and I was sold! It took three 4 x 15 drop cloths and one day of cutting and sewing and now my dining room looks fabulous. Thank you so much.
Jens C. Kruse says
Thank you!
Emily says
How many drop cloths did you use in total? What length, and how long did it take you. I want to redo my bedroom first since it's the place I go to relax. I will be making my bedding myself, out of grain sack fabric. I think the look with ruffles will soften our bedroom without making it appear too feminine. (Hubby lives here too LOL)
Judy Heatherly says
Your office is beautiful! I love to use dropcloths also..and planning to use in an old house i have been working on. just not sure what size to purchase to get most yardage for different size windows.