Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Marimekko Inspired Curtain Panels


This is a post almost four years in the making. Four exchange students have lived at my parents’ home and we have had the opportunity to visit their homes in Europe.



In 2008, we celebrated Midsummer in Malmo, Sweden. I was enamored with all of the fabulous prints that adorned their windows. 




Ann-Margreth was so sweet and took me to the Marimekko store where she purchased much of her fabric. I was in love. All of the graphic fabrics were amazing. I purchased two meters of this “Putkinotko” print, which was originally manufactured in 1957.

Usually I am pretty adept with mental math; however, on this occasion I miscalculated the conversion rate in my head. I was quite surprised when I arrived home and realized that I spent almost $100 on about two yards of fabric.

Since this is the most expensive fabric I have ever purchased, I set it aside until I could hire somebody to make my curtains. I do not intend to botch my costly souvenir with my basic sewing skills. 



I have yet to find a seamstress to make my curtains, so the Marimekko fabric remains in storage. I found this fabric in the red tag section at Joanns. It was originally $12.99 a yard marked down to $3.50/yard. At this price I had no anxiety about ruining the fabric. (You may recognize the print from my infinity scarf)



Rather than sew crooked seams with my machine, I used this no sew hemming tape I had leftover from various Ikea curtains. I ironed and ironed until the new office curtain panels were complete.



This is what our office looked like before we moved in.



This is the same corner of the room complete with new Marimekko inspired curtain panels. I need to stop procrastinating and quit taking my photos at night.



We replaced the flowery butterfly light fixture and refreshed the room with new paint and carpet. 



I love these little glass candleholders from CB2. I filled them with white beans and dried flowers from our garden. The office is a work in progress, but it has come a long way from the lilac nursery. 




17 comments:

  1. Hi Lynette! Visiting from Delightful Order Thursday Link Party! I linked up an easy and inexpensive French Gray Trimmed Kitchen Towel Tutorial. Love your curtains! Very graphic. They really pop!

    I am your newest follower. Please drop by my blog sometime and say hello! I love visitors and comments on my posts.

    Have a wonderful day!

    Heather @settingforfour.blogspot.com

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  2. Hi,
    I really like your curtains, and I too love Merimekko fabric! I was in a store in Vancouver, Canada last year and was floored by the prices!! Needless to say I did not buy any. IKEA has fabric that is similar in style to Merimekko, and loads cheaper!!
    Thanks for posting.
    Cindy

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  3. Amazing Look! That fabric is stunning! I love it! I am a new follower- found you over at One Artsy Mama Shine on Friday Party! So super happy I did. Would love to see you my way! Have a wonderful weekend! -Jen

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  4. Lynette, your curtains look fabulous! I love the bold design; it really makes a STATEMENT. Did you know that Crate and Barrel sells Marimekko curtains, duvet covers, sheets, towels, etc.? I absolutely love the style.

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  5. Wow, great job! That fabric is fabulous! Thanks for sharing at Shine on Fridays!

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  6. Love the curtains! These are great!
    -Melissa
    PS- I've started a Blog Hop- would love for you to stop by and join in.

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  7. Lynette, The fabric and curtains are wonderful! Have a great week.
    Hugs, Sherry

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  8. Super cute! Dont you just love finding things on clearance?! Its like my kryptonite!

    You've made me a follower!

    -Samm
    LittleHouseintheBigD.blogspot.com

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  9. Love the fabric. Definitely Marimekko inspired. Found you via diy home sweet home.

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  10. Beautiful job! I am popping over from Made by You Monday! :)

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  11. I love the curtains. I would also love for you to stop by and link up at my linky party via: ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com
    Mrs. Delightful
    Ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com

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  12. I love Marimekko but I also love your price! Featured these as part of my Open House wrap up and features!

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  13. Darling! I love the story! Thanks for sharing at Overflowing with Creativity! I can't wait to see what you link up at my party tomorrow! I LOVE following you...you're so inspiring! Just a little reminder, my giveaway for 1000 free FULL color business cards ends at midnight!! Stop by and enter to wiN!

    XO, Aimee

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  14. Your Marimekko fabric is great, and these knockoff curtains are amazing. Your office space is transforming beautifully! I'd love it if you'd share this at my Show & Tell party, going on now @ the Delectable Home.

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  15. Wow, love the curtains! We just can't get enough of Marimekko designs either!

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