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Posted on: June 9, 2010

Curtain Call

Take a page from Martha Stewart's book - literally. Her latest home companion, an encyclopedia of sewing projects, includes smart ideas to help crafters refresh a bathroom in a hurry

By CTW Features

Image courtesy of 2010 by Wendell T. Weber

Rain Slicker Shower Curtain

Brighten a children's bathroom with a cheerful shower curtain made from two different colored lengths of waterproof fabric sewn back to back. The curtain above is made of canary yellow matte vinyl and laminated denim. To let in light, the curtain extends only three-quarters of the tub's length. A row of pockets on the bottom holds bath toys. Toggle clips fastened to two rows of grommets secure the curtain to the rod.

Materials

• basic sewing supplies

•4 1/3 yards (4m) 54-inch-wide (137cm)

yellow matte vinyl

•4 yards (3.6m) 54-inch-wide (137cm)

laminated denim

•drafting tape

•1-inch (2.5cm) grommet kit (with 16

grommets)

•8 toggle clips

How-to

1. Cut 1/3 yard (30.5cm) from one of the short ends of the slicker material (this will become the pocket). Tape the remaining 4-yard (3.6m) piece of matte vinyl and the laminated denim together, right sides facing. Sew them together on all sides with a 1/2-inch (13mm) seam, leaving a 12-inch (30.5cm) opening on one side. Turn the curtain right-side out. Use a point turner or closed pair of scissors to push the corners out. Fold the unfinished edges of the opening under 1/2 inch (13mm) and tape to secure.

2. Using a nonstick presser foot to help glide over the fabric and thread in a color that contrasts with the vinyl, sew a double row of topstitches along all four edges.

3. To create the pocket, trim 6 inches (15cm) off each end of the vinyl, then fold one long side over 1 inch (2.5cm); topstitch. Fold in the sides and the other long side of the pocket 1/2 inch (13mm), pin and topstitch. Trim short sides to desired width. Tape the pocket to the curtain and topstitch. (Sew double rows of topstitches along the sides and bottom edge of the pocket for decorative detail, if desired.) Mark three evenly spaced vertical lines along pocket. Sew along either side of each line to create four compartments.

4. Drape the panel over the shower rod so that the fabric hangs evenly on both sides. Mark the placement of the center line and mark the placement of grommets a few inches from that line, beginning and ending 1 inch (2.5cm) from the sides. You will mark 16 spots, 8 on each side of the center line. Lay the panel on a flat surface. Space the grommets evenly so that they line up when the panel is hung over the rod.

5. Following the grommet-kit instructions in the sidebar, make the 16 holes through the fabric; install grommets.

6. Snap the toggle clips through the grommets and hang.

Reprinted from "Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts" by Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. Copyright (c) 2010 by Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. Published by Potter Craft, a division of Random House, Inc.

Just 1 Thing

How to Install a Grommet

A grommet has two parts: the grommet (with a raised post in the center), and the washer. In addition to those pieces, a grommet kit (available at crafts and hardware stores) will include a hardwood backer to protect the work surface, a hole cutter, a punch and an anvil. You also will need a wooden or rubber mallet and a hammer.

To install a grommet, mark the position of the grommet with a small X on the wrong side of the fabric. With fabric right-side down on the hardwood backer, place the hole cutter over the mark, and hit with a mallet. Insert the grommet into the hole through the right side of fabric; set the grommet on the anvil. Place the washer over the grommet, on the wrong side of the fabric. Insert the punch into the hole in the grommet. Strike the punch with a hammer until the washer and grommet are secured.