This may be the 4th Kaleidoscope pattern I've made. They are EASY - at least this version. Here are my strings, strips, YES SCRAPS cut in various widths from 1 inch to 2 1/2 inch. I used width of fabric, but also pieced some to get the length. My palette of blues, greens turquoises, purples, etc. with a chartreuse and a melon as zingers. I'm aiming for an IN YOUR FACE impact - definitely NOT soft and gentle, by making the blocks large, using strong colors and intentionally not-matching seams. I'm placing my colors from light to dark and when you turn the ruler, you get dark to light. This is from stash - no new fabric. Wedges are cut at 9 1/2 inches and I'm using a 45 degree ruler by Marilyn Dohaney, but there are a number of 45 degree rulers available. (Be sure you understand 45 degrees = 8 wedges, vs. 60 degrees = 6 wedges.) (Ok, elementary, but guess what Nebraskan has made THAT mistake!)
Here is the strata, or (is it stratum)? Not terribly impressive yet but ...
Absolutely acceptable! Could use more ZING ...
Let's try another version with this strip set (ahah, you noticed I avoided the strata/stratum unknown!).
Not bad at all!
These blocks can be mixed with each other, they can be all scrappy, you can clean up a LOT of stash this way. By pressing all the seam allowances to either the dark (my choice) or all to the lights, and then offsetting each one opposite to it's neighbor, you will not have problems with seams. I will probably press the seams all in one direction. The corner units will probably be some version of Quarter Square Triangles.
The only thing you should be careful about is that the pieces on the top and the pieces on the bottom of the strip set should be wide, so you don't end up with a teensy bit in the seam allowance. My strata uhhh strip set was about 10 inches wide and I trimmed it to nine and one/half inches. This makes an 18 inch block. So I presume I will only need 12 blocks. I was able to cut 9 wedges from each strip set, so I'll need 11 strip sets, using the leftovers for the 12th block. You could use a defined palette for a more coordinated look, but leave it to me, I want MORE COLOR, MORE IMPACT!
I hope you might try this one!
Ok, I'm a little slow...I need details on how you're making this...its not clicking in my head and its BEAUTIFUL!!! ~Jessica
ReplyDeleteVery, very cool. I really like your color choices.
ReplyDeleteoh I do like that and I do have scraps. Are you trying keep me busy too lol.
ReplyDeleteHow inspiring! I'm sure that I've seen this at some point before, but now is when it's getting my attention. Very simple and SO complex-looking.
ReplyDeleteOf course, I read over at Wanda's that Mercury's in retrograde and new projects may not be as successful as we might hope... maybe this will be a July project!
Love your colors! I have made two quilts using this method. I think it's time for another. [adding it to my mental list...oh, that list is getting to be awfully long...]
ReplyDeleteI simply LOVE!!! this idea. And I want to do one. I really, really do. But should I clean up the chaos of my studio first or just add to it? Sigh, another conundrum.
ReplyDeleteI've made this pattern years ago with purple, yellow & black. It was a stunner! You remember my stack of ugly maroon & burgandy fabrics? I think they are gonna become kaleidescopes. I even have one of those ruler gadgets!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great idea.
This looks like fun! I will try it. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteElaine,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Once I finish (start) cleaning up my space, get a few more UFOs done, this goes on my list!
Hi Elaine,
ReplyDeleteI love the block. I've made several string quilts but none like that. All those points coming together in the center....not sure my point would come out like yours! I'll have to give it a try though because I really like the look. Blessings, marlene
That first one is pretty zingy!!
ReplyDeleteIt's that stripe! adds just the right zing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tutorial! I think I may have to try this one, eventually. I love that first block - lime green and that b&w stripe! Very in-your-face! Way to go!
ReplyDeleteOoh i love them! I've seen completed quilts but had no idea the process could be so simple. Thanks for an excellent tutorial!
ReplyDeleteyou are so cleer with that....it is going very high on my list, that is a look I adore.
ReplyDeleteAnd speaking of things i adore, the quilt that looks like stain glass and the window that inspires it, fabulous, tracey
I'd love to have you join me and other quilters on my new quilt blog list! Please give me a link back if you join up. Kindly, Niki
ReplyDeletehttp://justusquilters.blogspot.com/
WOW! Great blocks. I want to start one right now, but I have so many other projects on my table. But I am a person of low willpower, so I might throw caution to the wind and do it anyway. Thanks for the jump start.
ReplyDeleteOh, what temptation to start another quilt! I love the first group of colors--but of course, my eyes love the motion of the stripe.
ReplyDeleteGotta try one of these SOON.
Love your kaleidoscope blocks - oh, dang it, now I have to add a a new project to my wish list!
ReplyDeleteWow, with 3D glasses on that block might look like it was coming right at you! It has so much texture and life. Great job.
ReplyDeleteAmazing! I can't imagine ever being skilled enouhg to do this, but anything's possible, right? :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog. It's nice to meet you!
That block is amazing. Thank you for sharing, it is going on my list of want to's. I'm not sure which I like best, and an 18" block would be nice.
ReplyDeleteSo cool! What fun! So it looks to me like the outer edge pieces on the strip set need not only to be big, but to have high contrast with each other, right?
ReplyDeleteI have a kaleidoscope quilt on my to do list but surprising I hadn't thought of doing strings....you've just given me food for thought.
ReplyDelete