Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Countdown to Christmas Day #9

Monday's winners of the Primitive Quilts magazines are Grandma M and Ronnie. Hope you enjoy perusing all the wonderful projects.

Today's prize is a fat 1/8 bundle of Perennials fabrics. It blends especially well with the new Sandhill Plums with the rich plum/purples, greens and golds and classic KT reds and blues. While taking pictures of the prizes, I decided to share my design space with you. Here's the Perennials bundle sitting on the loveseat in the corner of my studio where I relax, read quilting books and magazines, and edit patterns. We used to have a twin bed in here for the grankids, but this little sofa bed from IKEA takes up so much less space and is comfy, too.


Here's a look at where I work, designing quilts and gazing out the window - writing this blog, too. Note that I had to cover the window with an old quilt on stretcher bars to keep the glare down. How ironic that I wanted a big window to be able to see out, but the sunshine glares on my computer screen so much, I have to cover it up! I'm checking into having the window tinted or glazed to cut the glare and prevent sun fading, too. Any suggestions?

103 comments:

  1. Oh it's so cool there. I wouldn't have expected less. No suggestions for the big window. I like the quilt hanging there and if it's cloudy, just take it down.

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  2. I think the quilt hanging in the window looks fine! Great studio space. Thanks for the chance at winning the fat 1/8 bundle, it look's wonderful and would work great for applique. Hope you have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

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  3. Lovely little corner... someday I will have a place like that in my sewing area. Right now I have a full sized bed in there. The only one that uses it is my one little Sheltie Cheyenne, she is always sleeping up there while I am working. No suggestions about the glare... my sewing room faces south so I have lots of sun in there also! Everything looks so nice. Would love to have these fabrics to put in next year BOM that I am going to do! Merry Christmas!
    Onalee
    Stow, Ohio

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  4. Thanks for a peek into your studio. I like the look of the ~relaxing corner~ a lot.....wish it was part of my house! Thanks for yet another chance to win some great fabrics.

    Not sure how it would work due to the size of your windows, but we applied a window film to our picture window (can be purchased at local hardware store like Home Depot). It helped with the heat and glare of the sun in the summer but it did make the room a bit darker. It is also supposed to help with heat loss in the winter. It applies with Windex and a squeegee and removes easily. Hope you find something that works for you.

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  5. Love all of the KT fabrics, have several quilts made with them, I have really been enjoying reading your blog. Your studio looks like a GREAT space to design in and I hope you continue to put out wonderful fabrics for years to come.
    Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
    As always thanks for the chance to win.

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  6. I get a lot of sun in my front windows. I have wooden shades on my windows, that way I can pull down to cut out the sun and leave up when I want light. I have seen quilted shades, that is something I would like to try, would be a nice look too.

    Debbie

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  7. What a wonderful design studio! I like the quilt in the window, too. Thank you for all the wonderful giveaways you have had this year! Merry Christmas!

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  8. Love the fabric and love your workspace. We have windows, floor to ceiling, in our great room and the glare, not to mention heat in summer was too much. We got shades that you can see through from our side but not from outside. Cut the heat way down and then on a cold wet day we raise them to help warm the room. Very pleased with them. PattiO

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  9. I love your studio! The quilts are great. I love the colors you use in your designs.

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  10. Love seeing all the pictures. You are a very talented person. I am always excited when new fabrics and patterns come out of yours. Happy Holidays

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  11. The little sofa is really cute and the quilt is so pretty. Love the colors. Thanks for the opportunity to win and Happy Holidays.
    Mary

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  12. How about a blind that you can pull down when the sun is strong but put up when it's not so bright so you still get to look out. Linda

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  13. What a pretty space! I can see why you'd want to be able to have the view through your window, but with the light shining through it, the quilt reminds me of stained glass-- lovely. :)

    Thank you for another chance to win!

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  14. We also have a big open window in our living room. The only times I wish it had a curtain is when it is so hot and dry in the summer and we have to watch the crops wither and dry up. I often think of just putting a sheet over it, but that sure would not work in your room.
    Are you enjoying the snow this morning?
    Nadine Griffin, Abilene KS

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  15. What a lovely place to "Have" to work! Thanks for your generous give-aways! janet

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  16. What a lovely place to be! I don't really have any good suggestions for you--maybe move the computer? Have a lovely day!

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  17. What a wonderfully inspirational and cozy space to work in. I believe there are blinds with tiny holes in them that block the sun but one is able to see out. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  18. Your workspace is beautiful! I love the colors; it feels so homey yet vibrant. Thanks for all the giveaway goodies this holiday season, and good luck on the anti-glare project!

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  19. Love seeing pictures of your studio. It's fun to see the places and spaces that inspire quilters. After just making a move from Minnesota to Missouri my creative space is still feeling less than creative. I guess it takes time.

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  20. What a great place to create!! And don't you just love IKEA!!! We just bought a chair that looks similar in design from there. It's like going through the Disneyworld of retail :-) Thanks for the amazing giveaway. Love the Perennial colors.

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  21. I know that in Arizona, they have a film that you can put on your windows to cut down on glare, but still see out very clearly. Maybe a Google search would help you locate some. What a great working environment, though!

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  22. Beautiful creative space - thanks for sharing pictures.
    We put a film on our windows - a plastic that clings to the window and is easily removed, bought it at Home Depot and it came in all types depending on what you needed. Good luck.

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  23. After looking at your studio space, I need to get into my room and do a major cleanup. The putting-away gets thrown by the wayside during the Christmas sewing rush.

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  24. Love your working space, and the quilts. Good luck with those windows but the space is so light and airy.

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  25. I had the same problem when I had my sewing machine situated in a window. I turned my sewing table 90 degrees clockwise so the window was on my left side as I sewed and this solved the problem. The lighting was great and I could still gaze out the window.

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  26. I wouldn't want to cover up that view with anything that couldn't be adjusted, so I would think about a kind of light roll up shade that wouldn't be intrusive when not in use. What a beautiful studio you have. Your creativity must be right at home.

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  27. Wow, wish I had that kind of space to sew in, it's beautiful. Thanks for the chance.

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  28. Great space...enjoy the sunshine just do some rearranging if possible.

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  29. I love having that "natural light" shining in a room, but I hate how it fades anything that sits in its path. I loathe putting my cross stitch/quilting up on a wall that comes in contact with the goodness of the sun.

    Wish I had an answer for you!

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  30. Love your space. What's the view out that beautiful window?

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  31. Love your room! I had the same issue with with my window. I did what Jo did....turned my computer desk so the window is on my left side. No more problem. And I can see out better too :) Sure would love to win the fabric!!!!!

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  32. I don't know anything about having windows tinted - just wish I had more windows! How about remote control shades?

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  33. Love the rustic look in your room! I have light wood blinds in my sewing space. That way I have options on how much light I let in. Tilted open they still don't let the sun hit anything directly, there is no glare, yet I get a good amount of light and can still see out. I also have the option of opening them completely. When I am not in the room, I tilt them to make it dark to protect my fabrics. Believe it or not Costco gave me the best price on them.
    Conny from Red Deer, Alberta

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  34. Have you thought of wide slat wood blinds that you can pull up when you want lots of light, adjust the angle of the blinds according to sunlight, the wood would give the room a nice blend, and they will probably be on sale soon at Home Depot! Would love to win the fat 1/8 bundle of Perennials fabrics. Thanks! Lana D

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  35. That small loveseat looks very nice and I can imagine much nicer than a bed. It looks so cozy in there. Isn't light so frustrating at times? I had the same problem with my very small window in wanting to have it open to see outside but the sun glare was terrible. I can't imagine with such large, wonderful windows as you have how much more glare you would get. There is one suggestion that would allow the full view out of that gorgeous window and still keep the glare down on your computer.
    These easily fit over the monitor to block light glare. It may possibly help
    http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=722737&CatId=577
    They sell other sizes as well.

    Otherwise you might look into solar shades which still allow the light to come in but block the ultraviolet rays and reduce the glare as well depending on the type you buy. Or the next obvious would be the film you can put on the windows that allows you to see out but block the sun. I personally would have the film installed if it were me because it can be a real pain to keep bubbles out of the product while putting it onto the window and it can also start peeling and look really bad around the edges too. But, that's me since I'd rather pay a bit more to have something done the right way the first time instead of me trying to save the money and messing it up and then needing to redo the job a 2nd time and having to spend more money in the long run that I would have if I'd just paid someone to do it.

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  36. Beautiful room. I too had the same problem. I went to Lowes and purchased window film. Installed it myself with alittle help from my husband. Easily done.
    Carol L

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  37. I love your studio. There are so many blinds available now and many are cordless. They can be pushed up easily so there is just a little bundle at the top of the window...or the bottom.
    Theresa W
    foleywestrup(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  38. What a wonderful room you have. I think the quilt as a shade is wonderful.

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  39. Your studio is wonderful. My birthday is tomorrow! I would love to win:-)

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  40. I feel the quilt hanging in the window looks alright!! Nice studio you own!
    Thx for the chance to win!

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  41. Love your studio. Would love to win the fabric.


    hl3smith@yahoo.com

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  42. I am envious of the office space! How fun and inspiring!

    Maureen B. Colorado

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  43. Great office/dream space! I'd love to win the fabric bundle!
    Susan
    fourseasonsfarm@windstream.net

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  44. I bet you do get a lot of glare! But I have to admit to loving that old quilt you're using to cover the window. Lovely. :-)
    - sunshdws at yahoo dot com

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  45. I would recommend putting up levelors.......you can tilt them to minimize glare and sun damage, but still see out...and when you want that perfect unobstructed view....just pull them up out of sight. You see I will take good care of your fabric if I win it.

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  46. Thanks for the chance to win! You sure are surrounded by lots of inspiration!

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  47. I don't have a problem with glare but do with heat loss. I hang a quilt over the window every winter and it's amazing how much warmer my room is!

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  48. I love your creative work area and the large window is great. Maybe try installing a blind that you can still leave open when you wish to. I love all your creations!

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  49. I think it looks like a window treatment like that - I like it! Great giveaway!

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  50. pretty studio. I think glaze might work? or a rollup bamboo blind? thanks for the nice giveaway :)

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  51. Pretty work area! I would definitely tint the window in order to see out; although the quilt looks lovely as is. Happy quilting.

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  52. What a wonderful work space. Not sure about the windows but it would be a shame to have your quilts fade in the sun. I put curtains up to block the sun and open them once the light is not so direct.

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  53. That is a great work space you have there, and I like that strip quilt you have on the little sofa bed. I would really be happy to be announced the winner of that fat 1/8th bundle.

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  54. Nice studio. Would love the chance to win. Thanks.

    Darlis

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  55. Your space is lovely, isn't it a treat to have a dedicated space? When I'm sewing, my "view" is a concrete wall, putting a quilt up with a tension rod is a good idea!

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  56. I like blinds because I can angle the blinds to cut out the direct sun but still have light enter. The quilt top looks great hanging there, but I sure would have to see it fade -- such a lovely quilt. I hope you are surviving the snowstorm in Kansas.

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  57. Yes to the solar film - it will cut lots of glare. I have 95% sun screens on my studio window and it is not near as wonderful and large as yours. We must protect our fabric.
    LOVE Kansas Troubles fabrics. Working on a mini KT quilt now :)

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  58. What a fun workspace! Love your wall hanging, by the way...so pretty!

    Hugs,
    Pam

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  59. Your work space definitely is great. Hope I win. Merry Christmas!

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  60. Oh I love the sun shining in. The heat warms you up and the sun just brightens you to your soul. Our winters tend to be dreary so I would only use a temporary fix like a shade or something. Only work on your computer on dull dreary days or evening. haha

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  61. THANKS FOR A PEEK AT YOUR WORK SPACE!
    THANKS FOR SHARING!
    MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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  62. Believe it or not, lace curtains help. They diffuse the light enough that you can see your screen yet still allow you to see outside. Beautiful studio!

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  63. I'd recommend Premium Sheerweave Solar Shades by Phifer. Still hoping to win one of the bundles!

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  64. I would suggest that you install wooden blinds. You can control the light that comes in by adjusting the blinds. Wide open or raise them up for dark dismal days or just let a hint of sun come in on those bright days.

    Our family room is two walls of windows which is great except when we use the computers. So the blinds come down or are adjusted as necessary. :-)

    Usually you adjust the blinds so that the light is directed down. We actually adjust ours so the light is directed up towards the ceiling. This removes a lot of the glare and you don't have bands on light on your work service.

    Cynthia

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  65. My workspace is in the guest bedroom which has patio doors that open to the south. Bright light! They have those ugly vertical blinds on them.....but you know what? They work! I can direct the bright light away from my machine. I never liked them, but it's working, so guess I have to keep them!

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  66. You've got a lovely room to work in. Have you tried a blind that you can roll down or a venetian blind with the pieces of wood that you can turn as you need them? Maybe that could help with the glare?
    Thanks for another great giveaway.
    Celine_Combet at yahoo.co.uk

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  67. Love your work space and how cozy it is decorated. The solar film works really well so
    you can still enjoy the outdoors!

    Grandma in waiting. (at the hospital waiting for number six)

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  68. Love the pictures of your studio! No clue what you can do to cut down on glare. How about sun glasses! Ha ha. Have a Merry Christmas!

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  69. A dedicated sewing room is nice. I close the closet door on my walk in closet where I sew.

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  70. Thanks for sharing photos of the place where you create!! Our local quilt shop had the windows tinted. It made a big difference in the glare. Hope that you are your family are having a fabulous holiday season!

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  71. I love your sewing room. What a cozy place to spend time in. Have you considered a light sheer curtain. It can be closed on those sunny days, still allowing some light in, but not as bright...and on the cloudy days, push them aside and enjoy the view. I quilt in my basement, with almost no natural light....Enjoy your room.

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  72. I would love to win the fabric !! I keep hoping :) How about making some roman shades out of your fabulous fabric for your window? then you could have the best of both worlds...up for the sunshine and down to look at the fabric :)

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  73. thanks for sharing pictures of sewing room. Would blinds work? I tend to like them better than curtains and then they pull up out of the way when you don't have to worry about glare.

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  74. I love Silhouette shades. They are really beautiful and allow in lots of light or can be raised completely.

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  75. I love your design space! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  76. Your design space looks very inviting! Thanks for the chance to win.

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  77. I like the 2in. blinds they are really nice.
    I think I have a little 2 drawer chest like the one you have your computer on, mine was an embroidery floss container. Love the fabrics you are offering for the drawing.

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  78. What a wonderful place to create! I would go with some kind of blinds too. Congratulations to yesterday's winners. Keeping my fingers crossed for tomorrow! LOL Have a good evening!

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  79. Thank you for the opportunity to enter this wonderful giveaway. I like your design space and comfy sofa. Our prior home had wonderful wood walls like yours, and we didn't want to put holes in the woodwork. So, we used tension rods with light weight curtains that were within the window. The rods could easily be repositioned, or removed, as the sun moved through a day and the seasons. In our current home, the sunlight produces glare at different times. We have four sets of sheer panels that we can position when need to reduce the glare, and a linen swag that can hang loose, or tight, to control how much light comes through the top of the window. That said, I like the quilt that you are using. Please enter me into the drawing.

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  80. Blinds that roll from the bottom might block the glare yet leave a little view.

    bjeanand@gmail.com

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  81. Love that large window in your design studio. Like the idea mentioned above about a blind that rolls from the bottom up. A bundle of Perennials fabric would help brighten up my sewing room on a cold MN day.

    Linda W. - St. Michael, MN

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  82. Thanks for the chance to win some great fabrics. I like linen curtains as they let a little light through. Although, the shade idea from the bottom sounds like a nice idea, too.

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  83. Nice space. I love your walls. Don't know how to solve your glare problem. I like your big windows and would have a hard time covering them up--I like to be able to look outside. What a dilemma! Hope you find a solution. Thanks for the chance to win in another giveaway.

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  84. Gorgeous work space. I have no ideas for the glare from your window; the quilt looks wonderful but does defeat the reason for a large window. Good luck with that. Thanks for the chance at some lovely fabrics.

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  85. Don't know anything about window glazing, so I can't help you there. Love the little bed from Ikea. Wish there was one close by here so I could go! The nearest is Chicago, and that is too far! The Seven Sisters quilt is GORGEOUS!

    Thanks for the chance to win!
    Sandy A

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  86. That quilt in the window reminds me of stained glass! Now wouldn't that be wonderful??!!

    Love your cozy design space!

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  87. Well, your quilt is very beautiful to look at but wouldn't want it to fade in the sun. I would put up blinds so that when you want an unobstructed view you can open them to your liking. If the sun is shining directly in, then you can adjust them to allow as much or as little light as you want to let in. Love your space -- so inspirational. Thanks for sharing!

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  88. Your quilting space is wonderful. I love your little sofa - just perfect! Thank you for the giveaway!

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  89. What a cozy and lovely space. Have you considered using a honeycombed type shade. It lets diffused light in, glare out and they can be raised on a cloudy day

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  90. Loved seeing your wonderful work space. Do you think installation of an awning on the outside of the window might help with the glare without obstructing your inspirational view? Just a thought. Hope you find a suitable solution.

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  91. I am so envious of your lovely workspace. Maybe glazing would solve the glare problem for you. Sandy.

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  92. Great work space! I use the honeycomb 'top down...bottom up' shades which can be raised and/or lowered depending on where the sun is shining through the windows into your room. They work great for me.

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  93. What a nice work space! I LOVE the huge window, too. Wish I had a nifty idea to help with the glare that wouldn't also cut off your view. I'm thinking "honeycomb" blinds, but then you wouldn't be able to see outside. What about those really thin & "practically see-through" curtains? I don't know what they're made from... really light & thin material, like organza or chiffon, almost? I'm thinking you still wouldn't be able to see out through them, though.

    Ok, now I'm not recommending the style, but this is what I'm thinking:

    http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6E.aspx?GrpTyp=ENS&ItemID=1696bca&DeptID=70751&CatID=70821&SO=0&SelDim=5%7e&x5view=1&NOffset=2&Ne=5+961+971+1031+586+902+1008+8+18+949&N=4294953318+4294967159&Nao=0&PSO=0&bcCat=3&CmCatId=EXTERNAL%7c70821&CmCatId=external%7C70821

    Good luck!! And thank you for the fabulous giveaway! :)

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  94. I am in the process of making a whole cloth quilt to cover my window. I am making it with a tab top and stitching in vertical fold lines for ease of sliding it out of the way. ~ Lynda

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  95. Love your sewing/design space. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  96. I like seeing the quilt in the window! I wish there was some way to keep quilts from fading. I have an old quilt on a rocking chair on my front porch. It has faded and makes me so sad. It was an old one from a yard sale but still...

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  97. I love your studio space! I so wish I had somewhere to spread everything out when I am in a creative mood! I move from the cutting mat on the dining room table back to the bedroom where the sewing machine and ironing board reside! I guess I get more exercise that way, Ha!

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  98. Great photos, I am stealing the quilt on stretcher bars. Your room is very nice.
    demoncori@aol.com

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  99. I have a lot of trouble with the Kansas sun too! My computer sits in a south corner made up of 3 windows so I have to keep the blinds down much of the day. My craft room is on the north side but also has three windows. I have quite a bit of colored card stock as well as fabric so I taped some watercolor paintings I had made over the stacks of paper to prevent fading and keep the fabric in totes.

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  100. I guess the answer for your glare problem might depend on how much money you are prepared to throw at it. I have seen lovely big windows similiar to yours adorned with cedar shutters that can be adjusted with a bar and serve as protection and assist with temperature control as well. Also, fold down Roman blinds are another alternative and like your self I have hung over my sewing room window one large piece of fabric hemmed, and I use it to pin my blocks to as a design wall..at least for now! I hope you find a suitable solution as the glare is annoyingly difficult when you want to work. Is it possible to reorganise your room so the screen isn't affected so much?

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  101. There are great hunter Douglas shades that lesson direct light but can still see out. I recommend bottom up shades. I just had one installed in a big window and am very happy.

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  102. Thanks for the opportunity to win such nice fabric!

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  103. Love charm packs. You get to see the entire collection of that particular fabric line. Then I usually buy yardage of the pieces I really like. Your 2 new patterns are soooo cute. Your creativity in using up all the extra pieces are so clever. Thanks for a chance to win.

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