Now, fast forward until December because it was that long before I got back to this project.  Bear orders and family time took precedence.  With the last order shipped and a great book on tape started, what else can I sew?  I listen to a lot of books on tape or CD but ONLY when I am using the sewing machine.  Ah, yes, dig out that armful of fabric and measure it again.  Measure the window opening and framing, maybe twice to make sure.  Figure out how much I will need for the hems and how long the loops will need to be. One more time before cutting the fabric, although I seem to have it in excess.

I used the rotary cutter to cut the strips for the loops, which reminded me I need to get a new blade for it soon.  Used some Heat ‘n’ Bond to help stiffen them just a bit in addition to the tri-fold and stitch.  Got to the end of my book and to Christmas.  Many hours were spent enjoying family, not worrying about the curtains!

Finished the fabric construction between Christmas and New Years, and scheduled with myself to attack the rod replacement Monday of the New Year. Sunday was removal of the Christmas tree, and random decorations. Yes you are now up to the present, seeing it all in color again!  Monday; move a trunk, move the TV, remove the old curtains.  Not so bad but how is that rod held up there?  Did I nail it when I installed it decades ago?  Oh thank heavens, no, there are screws.  By the way, BOTH of my cordless drills have dead batteries, grumble.  Plug the Craftsman in, it should charge up while I am still removing things, fighting with cobwebs etc.  A medium flat bladed screwdriver with a good grip, a step stool and a solid chair bring me luck with the brackets and soon the old is out the door.  Windows and TV have not been hit in the process.  Dust again, with rag and shop vac.

Definitely time to ponder again, because this new rod is solid.  It slides through the brackets, and I do not have ten feet of open space past either end.  End brackets first, then slide the middle bracket on the rod and position/fasten it once the ends are both back in their brackets.  There is enough movement available to put the curtain on afterward, and place the finial caps firmly in place.