Monday, December 6, 2010

Decking the Halls at the Shabby Old House...in stages

 Last week I spent most of my time up and down a ladder, in and out of boxes, but mostly on the floor and if you know anything about old houses, the floors are cold!   I have to do things in stages at the old house.  Right now we are in transition between a house in Florida and the old girl but with each trip up I try to plan to accomplish at least one thing and praying as we travel there that I have not forgotten to bring all that I need.   This week I was on a mission to get some curtains made.
 I have and will most likely always have to do this in stages when it comes to these windows.  With 4 windows in the living room requiring 8 yards of fabric,  having it done and the expense was just out of the question.  So the first thing I did to cover the window was buy the lining.  This worked at  $6 a yard and a JoAnn's coupon.  So up the lining went and I must say just having them on the windows made a huge difference in the warmth of the room.   Then for their Veterans Day sale JoAnns had a wonderful sale at 50% off on their special already discounted fabric.   I drove all over Tampa to get the 32 yards that I would need to make the curtains.  I couldn't wait to get started on my project even if it did mean a cold cold fanny.  
I have done as much bending and stretching and step climbing as if I had gone to the gym.  Up the ladder and down came the linings and away I went stretching and bending myself all over the floor. I was on a mission and a sore back wasn't going to stop me.  
 Back up the ladder and onto the window they went.   My husband is a very, very, very, wonderful man for all the help he does around this old house.  I am blessed.  However, you can imagine how his eyes rolled back in his head as I told him we still were not finished with the curtains.   I am waiting for the trim now to go on sale and saving the money to get it.   Have you priced trim lately?   You just have to love the coupons and a great sale!
The savings plan starts once again, not only for the trim but for the 12 foot tree that I would like to grace the middle of the room next year.  The very best thing that could happen and believe me I am looking, is for someone to have a garage sale and have the tree and old curtains with the trim.  Wouldn't that just be awesome!  It could happen and believe me I will be looking.



I wish you all a Merry Christmas.  May all your projects be complete I hope you get all your holiday wishes at half price!  
 Please join all of the girls today for this wonderful Decking the Halls linky party hosted by Susan of Between Naps on the Porch.  

25 comments:

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Oh my goodness your home is
absolutely gorgeous!! I just
love love it!

xoxo
Lori

ROSE VINE COTTAGE said...

Hi Becky, your cottage looks beautiful!! Merry Christmas (;

Sweet Old Vintage said...

Just stunning.

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

Wow, your place is just beautiful!! Have a great week, T

" SHABBY JUNK" said...

Oh, I just love your house. Wow those curtains must take alot of time. Just Beautiful. You must be so proud. Love the old houses. Great porch! judy

DIYbyDesign said...

I linked over from between naps on a porch. It looks absolutely beautiful. Nice job. If you get a chance stop by my blog at www.diybydesign.blogspot.com. If you follow me, I'll follow you back. :)

Sevenbeads said...

I love your white fireplace. I'm impressed with those curtains!

Tallulah's Antique Closet said...

She is looking good! It can be a lot of fun work. Thank's for sharing.......TALLULAH'S

Sharon~heartsongs said...

Beautiful!

mariondee-designs said...

The front of your house just takes my breath away! I love all the architectural detail it has. Your curtains are looking beautiful and really accent the high ceilings you have! I love your lounge too. I have to tell you I was after a new xmas tree this year and was waiting for the specials to start as they usually go for half price a couple of weeks before xmas and I actually found one at a garage sale exactly like the one I had been wanting! It was still brand new in the box and I got it for $40 too. I hope you find one too! take care, Maryann

Tete said...

Awesome! I love the colors you have chosen and the sore back and cold butt where worth it! It came out so well!
Best wishes on locating a tree and the trim for the curtains!
Merry Christmas!
Tete

Sandy~Romantique Inspirations~ said...

HI Becky, YOur home is beautiful... I have always love those Victorian homes. I want you to know I have the same mantel in the garage that needs some stripping and repainted... it's going in the birds room. IF I could I would have mantels in every room... I love them so much.

I just found out the persons home that I posted is.... in fact she's going to be in the upcoming issue of Romantic Country Mag.

Sending Big Hugs*

Rose ~Victorian Rose ~ said...

Oh my goodness...I can hardly breathe....what a DARLING, DARLING home this is. SHABBY... NOT !!!
You seem to be gaining on it..hope you final dream comes true and you can make it a bed & breakfast.
Oh how I dream of owning a Victorian cottage like this...but love the one I am in too..even tho a lot more modern that yours...it is a wonderful little cottage to us.

Rose

our shabby cottage said...

It is looking simply stunning! I love the blue colour too. You did a great job with the curtains and I can sympathise with you about bending over on the floor! I made curtains recently and had a sore back for a week. Happy Christmas to you too, keep up the great work!

NanaDiana said...

Oh it is really coming along! I am loving it! The drapes will be fantastic with trim but I think they are not too shabby just like they are now! What a fun rehab project- a labor of love, I know! Hugs- Diana

Myrna said...

Gorgeous..just gorgeous! So elegant,but homey and warm at the same time..you're doing a great job!!
Blessings!
Myrna

Unknown said...

Your home is absolutely stunning! I adore it, beyond lovely! Love your blog, will definitely be coming back! XX!

Bonnie@Creative Decorating said...

I can so relate to the curtains! I needed 12 foot panels and had to make 4 of them. It is a job to find a place to lay them out! Trim is outrageous! I try to wait for clearance but then you don't have much to choose from at that. You did a great job and I just LOVE your house!

Carolyn said...

Hi Becky,
I always love seeing your beautiful home and all the amazing things you have done to it.
The curtains would be a lot of work but they look great.
The room looks so elegant-Christmas trees and all!
Hope you have a wonderful Christmas,

Carolyn

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

I'm so impressed that you made the curtains for those gorgeous windows. Beautiful home.Beautiful curtains!
Yvonne

René said...

Your home looks gorgeous! That fireplace screen really caught my eye.

-Rene

June said...

Hi Becky,
You know how much I love your house!...well I love how the windows are looking. I can just see this place with a huge tree, so I am sending all kinds of good vibes your way on the trim and tree.
You can bet if I ever make it to Florida again...we will be going garden center hopping.
hugs to you...

time worn interiors said...

Your house is one of the most charming houses I have ever seen! Love it!
Theresa
aka:tot

Lady Kara said...

Your house is to die for!!! I love your cornice boxes, fireplace, and couch! What style is your couch (period)? We have very similar tastes. I'll definitely be following. God bless!

In Christ,

Lady Kara

Wendy@Once upon a rose haven said...

Hello Becky, I LOVE your Victorian Cottage, it's marvelous!
Hugs & Blessings ~*~ Wendy ~*~