Button-Up Window Shade

If only my windows weren't all already covered, I would whip up this fabulous window treatment in a heartbeat. From our gal Martha, a height adjustable and beginning-sewer-friendly shade. Here's the how to:

This simple shade is quickly and easily sewn and can be raised to two heights to let in varying amounts of light. All you need is French ticking, raw linen, twill tape, and buttons.

Measure inside of window frame, and use dimensions to cut one piece of ticking and one of linen. Place right sides together; pin along sides. Cut three 4-inch lengths of twill tape for loops. Fold ticking and linen outward 1/2 inch along the bottom, and press. Position loops on ticking fold, one at center and at each corner; machine-stitch back and forth to reinforce. Leaving a 1/2-inch seam allowance, sew up the shade's two sides. Turn right side out. Draw out loops; sew bottom shut. To finish top opening: Fold linen and ticking inward 1/2 inch; press, and sew closed 1/4 inch from edge.

For curtain-rod channel, make a second seam across top, 1 1/2 inches from the first. Open channel's side seams with a seam ripper. Place two rows of buttons -- three at the top and three halfway down the shade -- so they align with loops, and hand-sew them on.

Since Martha's instructions always manage to throw me for a loop, French ticking is a fancy word for striped fabric. Who's to say you can't use patterned fabric here though? Whatever suits your style would be fine. Raw linen also can be substituted. Get out your sewing machines, ladies, and turn this rainy weekend into something pretty!