How to Make Your Own Funky Curtains (the easy way!)
 
 
It all started when I saw a picture in a magazine of a cute kitchen done by a graphic designer.  I was immediately infatuated by the use of red and cream checkered linoleum tiles, and set out to find some of my own.  This began my 1940's theme kitchen.  Once the tiles were located, (for a reasonable $1.10 a tile, made by Flextile), I proceeded to paint the cupboards in a cream melamine paint.  After researching 40's kitchens at retroactive.com I decided to compliment the look with funky vintage fabric drapes.  My dreams of completing this task on a budget faded somewhat when I quickly noticed some of the prices on cool vintage fabrics.  Then it struck me...I am an illustrator, why don't I design my own fabric?  After doing some quick kitchen icons on on the computer I purchased some Iron-on Transfer paper online (compusmart), & proceeded to iron my designs onto muslin.  The effect was amazing!  A few hems later and voila...retro 40's drapes!  Here is the pattern, (I do not pretend to be an expert seamstress but I am ever so proud of these drapes!) 

You will need: 
muslin (pre washed preferable) 
thread 
sewing machine 
iron-on transfer paper (available anywhere you find computer printer supplies) 
scissors 
measuring tape 
imagery (your own designs or copyright free stuff)
 
 
Step 1.   
Measure the size of the curtain you need.  Mine were half curtains.  Add about a 1/2 inch for seam allowance. 
Step 2. 
Cut two extra pieces of the same width, approx. 5 inches deep to make the part you put the rod through. 
Step 3. 
Following the directions for the iron-on transfer paper print off & iron on your own designs to the "right side" (the side you'll see), of the drapes. 
Step 4. 
Sew a double hem on all four sides of the drapes, & the extra pieces. 
Step 5. 
Sew the extra piece onto the top of the drapes, on the "wrong side" (the side you won't see).  Slide curtain onto the rod.  
Step 6. 
Bunch them up a bit.  (After a while they will become less stiff.)