Porch Update

So last July I posted in one of my other blogs about wanting to do a project for my back porch. Find the post here.  My goals were that it would be very wallet-friendly and add some privacy as well as some personality to a somewhat large and empty space. 

As you might already know, fabric is expensive!  But especially outdoor fabric! And I had many feet of windows I needed to cover.  So in order to keep my costs low on the curtains, I went with already made shower curtains that I chose specifically so that it wouldn't look like...a shower curtain.  So my curtains are made from a neutral goldish-tan, plain fabric that I hemmed to the proper length for my window openings.  I found them for under $9 each at Big Lots (they are the Better Homes and Gardens brand.  Not too bad!)  The nice part is, they already had buttonholes at the top for me to add rings. I found spring-loaded curtain holders and curtain rings (I went with plain silver) at Big Lots as well, for less than $5 each.

I found some REALLY cheap fabric that coordinated and made some large curtain ties that hold two curtains together for maximum light.  From the leftover fabric, I made a table cloth and a coordinating pillow for my chaise lounge.

All for under $100.  Pretty good!

The "after" photos: 

New top...for me!

I made this top for myself (from Simplicity #2892) and I really love it!  The fabric is from the Amy Butler Daisy Chain collection.  The second picture shows the "bib" detail...lots of gathering and a small ruffle at the neckline.  Hard to see it in the photo, though.

New Dress

It's been awhile, but my Princess finally got a new dress!  It's a different take on a pillowcase dress. 
I angled the sides a bit, and then added a small ruffle near the bottom hem.  The dress ties at one shoulder with a bow made from matching fabric.  She loves it!