My Problem & How I Solved It 1

One of the most challenging parts of military moving is window coverings. And when I say that, I mean the fact that ‘chances are’ the window sizes of the previous house will not match up with the window sizes of the new house. Consequently, mil wives tend to hoard curtains and drapes, just in case.

This particular ‘problem’ recounts the most recent issue with living room windows in our Belgian home.

This living room has one LARGE end window and two LARGE sets of patio doors at opposite ends of the room AND 10 foot ceilings. Using two sets of 95” drapes purchased many years ago in Greenwood, I had the patio doors covered. The trick was that third window. Exhaustive scouring of the Sears catalog rendered nothing. 95” drapes are only available in the designer section. Not for a three year stint!

One thing that I noticed while searching was that the Belgian stores carried all kinds a panels in all kinds of colours, in all kinds of styles (rod pocket, tab top and grommet) and really, really long (280cm).There was potential for creating my own solution. After purchasing some panels in the right colours and drapery tape, I set out to put all those skills that Mrs. Purves taught me to good use.

Rather than remove the metal grommets, I opted to leaving them on the bottom. It would help to weight the drapes.

The first step would be to attach the iron-on drapery tape to the 'bottom' of the panels and then fold it under. Next step was pinning in the pleats, based upon the size and number of the Sears drapes. And then stitching them in place, with a good pressing.

The last step was to iron in the centre pleat and tack it in place. With a thorough pressing they were ready for hanging.

Unable to find a matching fabric, I opted to use 2 colours of panels that matched the original striped drapes, a burgundy and a khaki. And if the need ever arise, I can remove the pinch pleats, hem and have two sets of panels.

The final product. A suitable substitute, I think.

My Problem & How I Solved It 2

A few months ago, a friend and fellow blogger described a project that she created to solve a problem that she had with the clutter and disorganization of her jewellery. At the time, I thought it was an ingenious idea but was much larger than I would ever need. I don't have a lot of jewellery but really could use something to organize my shepherd hook earrings.

It wasn't until I stumbled upon this small standing picture frame at Makro (Belgian Costco) that I was inspired to create a smaller version.

Tools of the project included some window screen (I asked for "0.5 metre" and got 1.5), a cutting mat, some flat wooden dowelling, a ruler and your husbands Ginsu knife (don't ridicule him when he tele-shops at 3am, it might come in handy some day).

I removed the glass from the frame and cut a piece of screening to match the size.

Now, using the Ginsu, I cut the flat dowelling to size, giving me a piece for each side. These things work really well as saws!

I place the screening in the opening, laid a bead of sticky craft glue along the inside edge of the frame and then imbedded the dowels in the glue.

Now I reassembled the frame, sans glass, and waited for everything to dry.

The final project, with earrings in place. And still lots of room to add more!

Thanks, Donna - Queen Without A Country - for the inspiration.