Monday, May 11, 2009

Amazing Scraps


'Just old scraps' turned out pretty nice (except for my fuzzy photo). This 9-block Kaleidoscope was assembled quickly from my stash, as a class sample for a Workshop I'm presenting in September. I will emphasize light to dark value gradations. I planned to STOP at various steps along the way for demonstration purposes, but once started, I couldn't stop. Do I need another Kaleidoscope quilt? NOT! But it's turning out very pretty, and I will decide on an additional borders soon.

If you want to make a fast quilt, with your stash/leftover WOF, this is the one. I used a Marilyn Doheney Kaleidoscope 45 DEGREE RULER ruler. One WOF strata of strips @ 9 1/2 inches makes one huge 17 inch block. One of my other Kaleidoscope quilts is made of 12 (not 9) 17-inch blocks and is very generous in size. The 9-block project shows the graphic effect very nicely. There are several other good 45 degree rulers available -- be sure you understand which ruler is 45 degrees -- i.e., 8 of the wedges make a unit.

Where the wedges meet up with the next wedge, the seams of the strata do NOT meet with the next one. Voila - easy! I suppose one could match them, if one used the same size strip each time, but the beauty of this VERSION is NO MATCHING.

You really can use a variety of fabrics - every time I make this block it looks good! Most of these are florals, with a lot of white or blue, or green in them and the melon color as an accent - very feminine.

22 comments:

  1. I love every project you do! I am off to get that ruler next time I am off.

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  2. My brain is tired tonight. Question: what is WOF?

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  3. now just how did you know that was the next project planned for all those strips I have been cutting in the tidy up process.
    wow I hope mine looks half as good as yours.
    Twice this week I have thought of you....
    The radio....
    You gotta know when to hold um, know when to fold um.... hugs

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  4. great quilt, Elaine! The subtle color shifts are very interesting. Perhaps there's a kaleidoscope in my future?

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  5. You did a great job on that one. I love your statement that you didn't need another K-quilt. That's what happens when you teach. I have a whole shelf of class samples. I didn't need another either but I always had one in progress to show them the steps. You may want to do another strata to demonstrate with and use the blocks on the back.

    Another thing about the Doheny ruler, it is the tallest one on the market. The Eleanor one is too short for most stratas.

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  6. Another beautiful quilt from your hands! Thank you for the inspiration!

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  7. I never tire of seeing your quilts.

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  8. It is a beautiful quilt. I would love to try out this technique of making a strata, but I am holding off until I finish my regular K quilt.

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  9. This is a great example of value gradations.
    Lynn

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  10. Oh, this is really nice, Elaine. I've made a few using a ruler by Marti Mitchell. It will do up to 16" blocks with the marked lines, but actually 18" and down to 6" blocks. Fun and fast!

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  11. Amazing! So effective AND it doesn't look as if it's boring to construct.

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  12. Oh I love it!!! It turned out so nice. :)
    dwn

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  13. That sounds like a good ruler to get. The quilt is very pretty.

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  14. WOW! I think it is looking great! Great to have you back!

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  15. Wow!! I loved it before, and I love this one too!

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  16. mmmm. Love it! And just so happy to have you back in the groove, Elaine!

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  17. I can't imagine that quilt being fast Elaine - it looks really hard! Great colors. Blessings, marlene

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  18. Fuzzy or not I want to make one of these beauties. Love the colors. I bought a wedge ruler years ago...bet I could use it as you used yours!
    XOXOXO Subee

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  19. Just checked...I have her Circle Wedge ruler...23" long! I am such a gaget girl junkie. Have never used it!
    Subee

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  20. Gorgeous! I had such fun making my first K-block quilt a couple months ago, I know I'll make another one...I wonder how strips sets would work with the GO cutter?? May just have to check it out.

    Hope you are feeling better soon...sorry to hear you took such a bad spill.

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  21. Stunning! Just stunning. I love it.

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