drapes and blankets

greenboy · #1 10/21/09, 08:10 PM

years ago In one of the Homesteading magazine, I saw an article about how to make drapes with heavy blankets for winter. I did save the article for a while but now i can't find it. Do you guys have an Idea how should I get the article, the article was good and have a lot of pictures I want to start doing those drapes for my house now and I can't find them... HELPPPPP. thanks... GB

used2bcool13 · #2 10/21/09, 08:42 PM

I think this article in Countryside shows quilts in the windows for both decoration and warmth. Hopefully this helps, I love this magazine.

http://www.countrysidemag.com/issues..._Robishaw.html

Alice In TX/MO · #3 10/21/09, 08:47 PM

I've been pondering doing this. Will the sunlight deteriorate the fabric on the side that faces the window?

JIL · #4 10/21/09, 09:13 PM

yeap it does do that, the sun is hard on fabric.

used2bcool13 · #5 10/21/09, 09:13 PM

Hi Alice,

It is probably risky, if the batting was thick enough you may be okay, but I am sure there is a risk. I have always used plastic on the windows but if I did do this I think I would use a plain blanket behind the quilt.

Danaus29 · #6 10/21/09, 09:33 PM

I am trying something different. I got one of those cheap throw blankets at Big Lots and sewed a pocket on one side and put it up behind my curtains. Mainly used for room darkening but we'll see how well it works when it gets cold.

SolarGary · #7 10/21/09, 10:11 PM

Hi,
There are some schemes in this section:
http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects...ndowTreatments

They are down a little ways:
"Insulating window quilt...
"Thermal Cover-Ups...
"$15 Rollup shade...
"Ray's Insulating Roman Shades...

Not all use blankets, bur similar concepts.

Gary

used2bcool13 · #8 10/22/09, 12:40 AM

As always Gary, your stuff is great, keep up the good work.
Thanks.

byexample · #9 10/22/09, 09:34 AM

Heavy curtains make a huge different in heat retention... I'm sure that in the old days curtains were more for function than appearance. Back then folks even had curtains to help insulate their front doors. In the winter, we use a curtain over our trailer's door... makes a noticable difference.

I wouldn't use a good quilt for curtains though. We've had really good luck with fleece-lining curtains. You can quickly tack fleece onto existing curtains or you can make custom curtains that are fleece-backed. The fleece seems to hold up well to the sun -- but it does show some signs of sun-bleaching after a few years.

Depending on the time of year and how much you buy... fleece is pretty affordable.

ronbre · #10 10/22/09, 06:52 PM

you can buy clip on rings now..and if your rods are strong enough to hold the blankets..just clip them on with the rings..and you won't ruin the blankets themselves..if the blankets are too large..you probably can cut them and hem them ..or use pinking shears to cut them if they are not ravely type of blankets..and you wouldn't have to hem them..you can also use iron on hemming tape.

just fold over and iron, or use fabric glue.

paintlady · #11 10/22/09, 07:22 PM

If you are going to make your own curtains you can buy a thermal backing fabric that will not only help to keep the heat in but it doesn't deteriorate from the sun. You attach it to the backside of your fabric and can sew or serge it together with your curtain fabric.

Michgranny · #12 10/22/09, 08:07 PM

I live in Michigan and have tried both. Plastic saves the most because of the solar heat. Blankets are good on the north side.

NCLee · #13 10/23/09, 06:48 AM

Attach a plain sheet to the window side of the quilt to help with the sun damage. Sun will damage the sheet instead. Plus, while sheets from the outside of the house will look good, if there are bright bold colors in your blankets and quilts.

Another way to add more draft resistance is to make a sandwich. Quilt or blanket on the front, sheet on the back, and a piece of 6 mil plastic cut to fit between them. Several ways to attach them together at the top, depending on your method of hanging them. Even large safety pins, inserted from the sheet side will help, if you don't want to baste them together with an upholstery needle and unwaxed dental floss.

Lee

greenboy · #14 11/08/09, 05:49 AM

Sorry took me so long to thanks you, but something went wrong with this web site. This is the article thanks. yes I love the magazine, I have to drop it because economic problems let's see if I can subscribe again, hey thanks a million and God Bless, have a Holy Thanksgiving...

Quote:

Originally Posted by used2bcool13

I think this article in Countryside shows quilts in the windows for both decoration and warmth. Hopefully this helps, I love this magazine.

http://www.countrysidemag.com/issues..._Robishaw.html