Changing Seasons Attic Window Quilt

Quilt Size: 38 inches wide x 38 inches long

Time to complete: Weekend project

Primary Technique: Pieced

Difficulty Level: Easy

Note: This pattern was designed using fabrics from the A Walk in the Fall collection from RJR Fabrics. Fabrics are coded in the materials list.

Do you actually know why the seasons change?
When we were young students, our science teachers explained to us why there is a change of seasons each year, but were we taught the correct reason? It’s a common misconception that the earth is closer to the sun during the summer and further away during the winter because the earth’s orbit is not a perfect circle around the sun. While it is true that the earth’s orbit is oblong and does not orbit the sun in a perfect circle, the seasons actually aren’t determined by Earth's distance from the sun. In fact, Earth’s perihelion, point closest to the sun, occurs in January during our winter season, and Earth’s aphelion, point furthest from the sun, occurs in July during our summer season. The true determining factor is Earth’s tilt about its axis and how much direct sunlight a particular region receives. In other words, the northern hemisphere is hot during the summer because it tilted toward the sun and receives direct sunlight. 

1. Draw a diagonal line on back of five 3" squares of fabric 2. With right sides together place a 3" square of fabric 2 on top of a 3" square of fabric 3. Sew 1/4" on each side of drawn diagonal line. Cut apart on drawn line. Press seams open and trim square down to 2-1/4". Make nine.

2. Sew a 2-1/4" X 6-3/8" piece of fabric 3 on left side of a block. Press.

3. Sew a 2-1/4" half square triangle to a 2-1/4" X 6-3/8" piece of fabric 2. Press.

4. Sew this piece to bottom of the square. Press. Make 9.

5. Lay out nine blocks. Sew a 1-1/2" X 8-1/8" sashing strip of fabric 4 between first three blocks of each row.

6. Sew a 1-1/2" strip of fabric 4 between each row. Press and trim. Sew a 1-1/2" strip of fabric 4 on top and bottom of quilt. Press and trim. Sew a 1-1/2" strip of fabric 4 to sides of quilt. Press and trim.

1. Sew a 1-1/4" strip of fabric 5 to top and bottom of quilt. Press and trim. Sew a strip of fabric 5 to side of quilt. Press and trim.

1. Sew a 5" strip of fabric 4 to top and bottom of quilt. Press and trim. Sew a strip to sides of quilt. Press and trim.

1. Layer, baste, and quilt: Bind with fabric 4.

This adorable little snowy winter quilt pattern is ideal for your winter home. Whether you live through winter weather or just want some snowy motifs, this attic window quilt pattern is too charming to pass by. This pattern does require a fabric panel of a snowman, so be sure to keep an eye out for a fabric you love next time you're at the craft store.