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.