Friday 14 March 2014

The Curtain story

I made a cushion for my Minerva post and then when I photographed it, it glared out at me how much I have wanted to change these curtains for at least the last year.


I made them about 10 years ago with Laura Ashley fabric from a closing down sale. I loved the classic style of them in our high ceiling room but I am tiring of them now. I have not had any spare money to frivolously change them but it is always in the back of my mind.


Then two weeks ago I passed a barn shop called Stanway Fabrics on the way to work. I had never been in there but I knew it was full of top quality fabric which was all way out of my price range. I thought next week, I must call in there just for some inspiration.

The next Friday, there was a sign outside saying "75% off everything must go" It closed at 4pm, it was 3.45 so I pulled in.

I chose a fabric which was reduced from £36.99 a metre to £7.50!!!! I thought I needed 10 metres. I begged them to keep it for me until Saturday.I needed to measure the windows.


I drove home. Measured my windows. Rang them back. 

They cut it. I ordered lining and tape... In the space of 30 minutes I had made a complete impulse purchase without any family negotiation. Whoops!


The next day I drove out again and picked up the whole lot for £112.00. (That was actually my car fund money to sort out my dodgy handbrake but I will just have to leave it in gear for a bit longer!)


So two days and a paint job later I thought I should really try and sell the other curtains on ebay, we should not waste resources should we? I put them in for a cheeky buy it now price and sold them within the hour. BUM! I now have no curtains...


This is how we are living at the moment. I will be back with a ta dah! in a few weeks time. 100% silk curtains in a freshly painted room, sometimes impulse buys are the best. But I seriously need time to get this sorted out so I will take a little decorating blog-break if you don't mind. Speak soon. Thanks everso.

Jo xxxx



16 comments:

  1. I *love* Stanway Fabrics so please don't tell me they're closing down?! I think you've got a real bargain there and it's beautiful fabric. I shan't tell you how much I paid for the fabric, interlining, lining etc etc for our lounge curtains!! And 4 years later I still haven't finished them. 'Nough said I think!!

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  2. A fab 'go with the flow' post. Sometimes you just need to strike while the iron is hot and grab a bargain. Well done on selling the previous curtains too. Looking forward to the ta dah.

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  3. What a great buy!! I look forward to seeing the finished curtains, I am sure they will be beautiful. xx

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  4. Well done Jo - right place, right time - and I bet they will look fantastic; all the very best with them and the general decorating! Love, Joy xo

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  5. I hope your curtains shape up nicely, please the whole family, and that you are able to get the hand brake sorted out as well! Happy decorating days :) xx

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  6. It was meant to be. Sometimes life points out the way.
    Beautiful fabric, looking forward to seeing them in situ.
    S xxx

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  7. Beautiful fabric, I look forward to seeing the finished result. Sarah xo

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  8. I love the fabric, the curtains are going to be fabulous.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  9. Well that is an incredible bargain! You've saved yourself hundreds of pounds there. The fabric is lovely, you were right to snap it up. x

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  10. can't wait to see them Jo! fabulous fabric you've chosen!

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  11. Your curtains are going to be gorgeous, Jo! I really love the fabric. Your turtle tape measure is just like mine! Mine is just brown and green, yours is so pretty. They can be overseas buddies! :)

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  12. Lovely fabric! I shall look forward to your ta-day post
    Tracey xx

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  13. What a bargain! I just love the Laura Ashley fabric, but your new fabric is really gorgeous too. It's nice to refresh the decor every once in a while :))

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  14. I wanted to let you know that I just found your blog via plainjane66 today. I love your blog. Those curtains will look gorgeous in your newly painted room. That was an amazing bargain! Hope to see a picture of them hanging up soon! Have a wonderful day!

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  15. The new fabric looks lovely and well done on selling the old curtains - I'm going to pop back to see the finished result, I'm sure they'll be perfect.

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  16. I love the fabric you've chosen and such a bargain too. Your new curtains are going to look amazing! x

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