Friday, March 4, 2011

Inspiration–Windows

Windows can also be an inspiration source for quilters.
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My in-laws lived in an old two story farm house before they built this ranch style home in the mid 1970s.  The old house had this lovely window set above a larger picture window in their dining room.  They saved it to use in the new house and installed it in a wall in their office.  You could see into the office from the hallway through this window.  When we remodeled, the office (very small at about 5 feet x 7 feet) became a closet for my fabric and other storage so we removed the window.  Our kitchen designer came up with the idea of installing it over our sink and I just love it there.  The window design is etched into the glass and I love looking at it and wonder how old it is.  John says he knows it is over 100 years old.  Isn’t the center design wonderful with the man on horseback riding towards the cabin.  I think the border designs could again be quilting designs or applique. 
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Think of the beautiful stained glass windows in the churches and cathedrals as design inspiration.  I took this rose window photo at the Episcopalian Cathedral in Spokane, Washington in 2007 when we were on a trip.  The design in the glass is not clear but the design of the window framework is worth noting.  Wouldn’t that make a lovely quilting motif or an applique?
DSC00729This photo was taken of the sidelight next to my front door.  I can see it in a pieced design with a little tweaking.  This window really is vertical in the wall but fits the blog post so much better when it is placed horizontally.

Look at the windows where you live and in the buildings of your community and snap some photos.  You never know when you might need this design inspiration. 

How do the photos look...too big?  Am experimenting with size and want to know how they come up on other computers.

Lynn

4 comments:

Stitches said...

Hi Lynne, I love your windows, my grandmother had an etched window in her fromt door, of a Sailing Ship. Wish I had a picture of it or better yet, I wish I had it! I will have to keep a look out for some neat windows too. My daughter has a couple in her house that would make a good photo, I will have to see if I can get pictures. Stitches

Geta Grama said...

The first design would look great in shadow trapunto, too!
Thanks for sharing!

Paula, the quilter said...

The photos look fine. I love old leaded windows and stained glass. In fact I have 3 stained glass windows in my house.

Chris said...

The photos look great - you can see the detail. I love the history of the window you now have over your sink. What a treasure.

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