Turn table placemats into portlight curtains
Issue 58 : Jan/Feb 2008
The curtains that came with our “new” old boat had a kitchen-curtain look: two panels of faded cotton strung on a plastic cord screwed to the bulkhead above each porthole. When we had our saloon cushions reupholstered in ultra leather, we wanted to modernize the porthole coverings and, because I’m not a seamstress, I wanted a no-sew solution.
I found my no-sew, modern look by draping a heavy cotton placemat over the existing plastic cord. The placemat was exactly wide enough to cover the porthole. I let three-fourths of the placemat hang down in front of the porthole and one-fourth hang over the plastic cord in back. When privacy is not needed, I roll up the placemat — catching the part hanging in back as well — and tie this neat, tight roll to the plastic cord.
A Velcro ribbon could be used to secure the placemat to the plastic cord, but these ribbons would have to be stashed somewhere while the drape is down. The tie-up I designed can stay in place whether the drape is up or down.
I use a long piece of silky string (about 30 inches), folded in half, with a large wooden button or ceramic bead secured at the fold as a stopper. I tuck the string (still folded in half) behind the placemat so the two free ends hang down behind the rolled-up placemat. The shorter loop end, the one with the decorative stopper, hangs in front of the roll. Taking the two long ends from behind, I wrap them tightly around the stopper several times to secure the roll, then tuck away the ends.
My no-sew drapes always look neat and, even better, are unique. The decorative button is a pretty accent whether the drape is up or down. And should I decide to change the color or fabric with the season or my mood, the old drapes needn’t be pitched into the rag bag. They will just become placemats again.
Judee Stalmack , and her husband, Tom, retired from Detroit Edison in 1997. If they aren’t cruising the Atlantic coast aboard the Cheshire Cat, a Nonsuch 30, they’re exploring the interior of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico in their motorhome, Ratherby Sailing. Judee writes freelance articles for boat and RV magazines.
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