THE HOMEMADE THERMAL SHADE

(Page 4 of 4)

November/December 1983
The Mother Earth News editors 
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THE OUTCOME

RELATED CONTENT

It's difficult to predict the exact number of dollars and cents that you could save by making thermal window shades. However, we can tell you that a properly constructed quilt will halt those icy blasts of wind that whiz through cracks and chill your back as you're toasting your toes in front of the woodstove.

Finally, aside from increasing the comfort index — and energy efficiency — of your abode, our homemade draft stoppers are downright inexpensive to make. Do you recall that our most costly model required only $11.45 to construct? Well, we called a shop that specializes in thermal window coverings and asked for a quote on the price of a shade for our trial window. After a couple of minutes of excruciating figuring, and hemming and hawing, the voice on the other end of the line announced that the shop could get the job done for $93 a window — without the decorator fabric.

Well, thanks, but no thanks. We'll do the job ourselves, and we'll make our shades as decorative as we want to!


EDITOR'S NOTE: William K. Langdon's book, Movable Insulation, offers many idea for weatherproofing homes and greenhouses, well as construction guidelines and sources of commercial items. Published by Rodale (1980), you might be able to find it online or at your local library.

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  • George Lampke 1/20/2009 9:49:15 PM

    Thank you! I used the Refectix with muslin on the inside. I added a 5" wooden pullley for tension which uses less pressure when pulling down on the cord. I was also able to eleminate the metal pipe (which helps feed the shade into the tracks) by cutting a 45 degree taper at the bottom of the top trim piece. Works nicely AND my wife likes it too!
    George

  • Lynn 12/2/2008 7:10:56 PM

    I've just made a few of these and have found using felt backed vinyl table cloths works well. You can get really large ones at Walmart for $5. I use the felt side as the right side out, and the vinyl as the vapor lining, reducing the bulk.

  • Janice 10/12/2008 10:08:03 AM

    I found some beautiful quilted bedspreads at yard sales for five dollars each. They already have a beautiful pattern. I saved money and time.

  • dmccarthy0907@hotmail.com 7/11/2008 11:17:46 PM

    where did you purchase the pre quilted fabric

  • MRB 1/21/2008 9:34:28 AM

    I happened upon this article and was pleased to see that there are
    others out there doing their part to lower energy costs/use. I've
    made similar window quilts and, because I like to open them during
    warm sunny days, have an alternative. I sewed loops of cording (2
    on the edge for small windows and 3 spaced evenly for large
    windows) across the bottom. I then affixed the plastic 3M type
    sticky-back hooks at the top of the window. On sunny days I can
    open the quilt halfway and let the sun warm my house. I hope this
    is helpful!

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