Do any of you use or make Window Quilts?

**~Sherry~** · 10-17-2002, 09:27 AM

The new Countryside magazine has an article telling how to make Window Quilts. This really interested me... I've never heard of them. They are very pretty and they provide insulation at the same time.

For those of you who don't receive the magazine at home, here's the link to the article on their website. You can also get a free issue from them.

http://www.countrysidemag.com/current.htm#article1

**blueknitter** · 10-17-2002, 09:31 AM

I'll be making a couple for windows that we need to have replaced when we have more money. Between that and the foamcore we'll use to further insulate them, I hope that helps our heating this year.

**MJsLady** · 10-17-2002, 10:03 AM

I have been wondering about thse.
Thanks sherry!
Um do you happen to be a mind reader as well as mom to Tyler???

**~Sherry~** · 10-17-2002, 10:05 AM

Hmm.. not sure I'd want to read some of the minds in this village.

LOL

But anyways... these look like a good thing. You can quilt them with a single batting layer or double it, depending on the room you have for rolling them up.
They can be left up all year and used to keep out the heat and sun in summer months.

**captclearance** · 10-17-2002, 10:18 AM

I would be so afraid of sun fading, it would break my heart to see quilts ruined by the sun......

**~Sherry~** · 10-17-2002, 10:32 AM

I think thats why they are made with simple designs... just squares and such. And they talk about making them from scraps and old clothing. They don't make them fancy... but you could.

**QuilterMom** · 10-17-2002, 12:52 PM

Lori - That would break my heart to see them all faded out too.

CJ - where are you? I would love to hear your comments on this.

**dolphin** · 10-18-2002, 02:40 AM

Thank you Sherry. I have been searching for instructions on how to make these for months!

**homesteadmamma** · 10-18-2002, 10:08 AM

I'm here, I'm here.

For the most part, these types of quilts are made with used fabric and so if they fade, it doesn't really matter. Also then they have a more antiquish look.

Also a quilt won't fade if you have them on the wall out of direct sunlight.

As to the ones on the windows, you would only keep those there during the winter months. Those ones are specifically used to keep the cold air and drafts out. One thing I MUST mention here is that when you hang these quilts up on the windows, you need to make sure they don't touch plastic if you have plastic on the windows. They will freeze to the plastic if you have any humidity in your house. (Ask me how I know this!)

They do work though for those who can't afford the price of new windows.

My goal is to have quilts hanging on a number of my walls (once I get a couple made for me) and I will hang them so that they aren't in direct sunlight.

One other thing I have to say quilt - QUILTS ARE MADE TO BE USED!!! Never hide quilts away in cupboards because who gets to enjoy them then. When your gone from this earth, those quilts will probably (in most cases anyways), just go to auctions or often to someone who could care less about having a quilt. I've seen this over and over again. I've seen some beautiful quilts in antique stores (can't afford the price or they'd be in my home) that languish away. So if you make a quilt, whether its from old or new material, showcase it!! If that means hanging it on the wall or window - GO FOR IT!!

The patterns that are in the magazine are simple patterns anyone can do. For window quilts, you can use any type of batting (often just old blankets for batting) and any type of backing. There main purpose is to stop the cold air from coming in.

**MJsLady** · 10-18-2002, 10:32 AM

When I begin to make my first quilts (after I have a sewing machine, so hopefully in January) I want to use those flannel blankets they sell so cheap. I think around $8 at walmart.
They are so warm but man oh man are they itchy!

**mustang80** · 10-18-2002, 10:41 AM

Thanks, Sherry for the pic. I had heard of these, but couldn't picture in my head what they would look like

Now I have a picture in my head

**rhiana** · 10-18-2002, 01:22 PM

In regards to fading. It looks like the patterned side is hung towards the inside of the room so I assume the back could be made of something solid colored. Maybe Ivory or white so it wouldn't matter if it faded. I don't think the patterned part of the quilt would fade too much if at all.

**LiveSimply** · 10-18-2002, 02:41 PM

Thank you for the site. How about making them all white with colorful or white stitching? Since it can be dreary looking out the windows some days during the winter months, how about making them look like a Spring time picture? Seems like I've seen a pattern where you can make tulips using squares, triangles, and rectangles for stems. Birdhouses could be added above the tulips. A wreath, Christmas tree, candy canes, snowman, or heart could be made for the holidays. The fabric at Walmart can be bought on sale to bring the cost down.