{Tutorial} | Bedroom Re-Do: Skylight Curtain

I feel a little silly writing this up as a tutorial because I don't know that it will be useful for anyone. BUT, I've convinced myself that there is someone out there with the same problem I have: An awesome skylight in their attic-turned-bedroom that is great for light, but also lets too much sun in during the day which makes it like an oven. Ok, so I know the light coming in through the window isn't the only thing making it warm up there, but it definitely doesn't help. Anyone?! No? Well, I'm sure this could be applied to any ordinary window as well.

Now you can buy expensive skylight curtains/blinds, but there was no way I was spending $100+ for the custom blinds that fit my skylight. It took me a while, but I finally found the perfect fabric. I'm going to ramble on about the exceptional day I was having when I found it for a second. First I went to buy a couch, then when I had picked out the one I wanted they informed me that I could pick out a free kitchen table set! FREE! So I was pretty excited about that, then I went to the fabric store. Found the perfect fabric and it was supposed to be about $7/yd. Well when I checked out, it was $3/yd! Then I won some CUTE crocheted slippers from Seven Alive! It was totally my day! Anyway, back to the curtain...

All I needed was some fabric, expandable curtain rods (the kind with the little springy things), and some thread. Easy.









To start, I measured my window. Mine was 24x45.5". I cut a piece of fabric that was 26x47.5 to add for the seams and curtain rod sleeves. Starting with the long sides, I folded over about an inch of fabric and pinned it to make a pretty edge (I'm still completely new to sewing, so forgive my "technical" terms). Once it was all pinned, I sewed right up the side. Easy peasy!

Then, I went to work on the ends where the curtain rod would go. Again, I folded over about an inch of the fabric, but this time being sure my curtain rod would fit.When you sew this time, make sure you sew close to the end of your folded over piece so that the rod fits.
 

Then, once all is sewn, slip in the curtain rods and hang it in your window! I can take it down if I want the extra light in there or in the winter when I want it to be warmer. If you want, you can sew additional fabric on the back to make it so that light doesn't come through at all. It's up to you!

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