An attempt at my sewing skills.

I wanted to make a valance to go over our family room window. I seen this idea on Sam's blog and it is exactly what I was looking for so I attempted to make my own.  I haven't sewn anything since before we moved, I knew the sewing machine was in my closet so I pulled it out and found the pedal and cord. I got it all set up on the table and sat down to sew only to find that I was missing the bobbin, the bobbin case, the needle and the presser foot (not sure if that is what its called or not it has been a few years since I was in Home Ec Class). Anyway, I have NO way of sewing now and I CANNOT find the box that I have all that stuff in!  My mother in law said I could use her sewing machine so I did.  I am not used to her machine and it was taking too long for me so I took the easy way out!  The only thing on this valance that is actually sewn is the rope that hangs the valance.  The rest of it I used this awesome iron on hem stuff (LOVE IT). I used it to fold the edges to make a hem line and then on the bottom I bought this rope looking stuff and ironed it on. The valance has a few imperfections but all in all it turned out pretty good for my first attempt.  I think I will try and do something similar in my bedroom. The most expensive part of this project was the knobs that the rope is hanging on. I got them at Rodworks in Lehi.

I took a close up of the fabric so you could see the design.  I am not sure what kind of material it is but it gives it a leather look. 

I always have good intentions and sometimes it doesn't come out exactly the way it does in my head, maybe that is because I always look for the easy short cut way out.  I have never been very good at sewing but give me a glue gun or now iron on hem stitch and I am good to go!  I have made many of Halloween costumes with just the use of a glue gun. :-)