Curtains for Country Cottages

For country cottage use, curtains may be made of unbleached cotton with a two and one-half inch ruffle down the inside and at the bottom, and hung on rods at the top and bottom sash. This makes four at each window. When the panes are of small squares, the effect is charming. They are used in place of shades. Rather narrow over-curtains of plain colored material hung in straight folds add color.

Plants put on the window ledge with these ruffled curtains and overhangings give just the right cottage touch reminiscent of Kent and Surrey. The same idea can be applied to camps and bungalows. Shade fixtures rust and get out of order during the severe winter weather. Also they become frayed, and dampness takes out the stiffness. Therefore the little cotton washable curtains with or without ruffles are most serviceable. For overhangings in a camp, if one wants a bit of color, Turkey red stripes are effective and durable. Washable materials are best for the country house as each season the hangings may be carefully laundered and put away in large boxes, ready for the next season's use. Almost all cotton curtains shrink. Before laundering rip the hems and after washing rehem them.