I signed up to take a class on Kaleidoscope quilts with the local quilt guild that I will be joining. They say I need a fabric with 6 repeats. I was hoping to use something from my stash; fabrics I have purchased at a guild yard sale and Wal-mart for a dollar a yard. I was hoping you guys could tell me if one of these fabrics might work or if not, then why they don't or what I should look for. I have included the yardage in case this helps. Thank you.

The 4 yard piece with roses, or the last two with the purple and red backgrounds, I think would work the best. You will get enough repeats, and I think they will be pretty. The smaller pieces won't have enough repeats and the first piece doesn't look like it has enough repeats either, but it is hard to tell.

You wanted to know why some of these won't work...the one with the lines running across probably wouldn't work because those lines would be hard to line up so they aren't going in all directions.

I would use the 4 yards of roses, or the purple one, second to last.

I think there are lots that will work, but, if you want to really have some fun blocks get an multi-colored, multi-floral that has lots of colors and some scroll work in it. Or I have seen some large multi-colored paisleys that really looked good finished into a kaleidoscope.

look at the selvedge edge of each of your fabrics, and look for a particular design. Then follow along the edge until you find that exact design again. The distance between is the length of your repeat. Count the number of repeats. I don't think the striped one will make a good OBW. I have a feeling you are going to have to bite the bullet and buy more fabric. Do you have the book? Have you read it? It gives very clear directions. Good luck.

I am thinking the 4 yards of rose or the bottom two . The top one is too big of a spread for the repeat pattern and the strips would be difficult to match .

a way to audition fabric is if you have two mirrors put the edges together and see how the fabric looks in the mirrors. Does that make sense ?

here is an example of what they look like

http://www.mybluebamboo.com/cgi-bin/...cking5=froogle

Personally, I would try the bee hives (last photo). Your pattern repeats should fall at least 8 inches apart and ones solid background color should not be to large. I feel the first rose fabric will be too busy and not enough contrast. The second rose fabric should work provided there is a definite repeat in same direction of flower. I have see fabric where printing is slightly changed as focus(rose) goes across the fabric. Good luck with yours and do read upon the Internet or find the book before you start if no one is helping you.

http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/albu...ser/dizzydonna

Paste this into your browser and you can see the one I am presently working upon.

Thanks for the help everyone. I put the One Block Wonder Encore book on hold at my library so hopefully this will help!

Good luck. With the 4 yards, plenty of fabric, but with such a busy design, it may not be what you hope for. I love the first one with the cows, but not for this, or your cows will be whirling out to never be seen again

Good luck. With the 4 yards, plenty of fabric, but with such a busy design, it may not be what you hope for. I love the first one with the cows, but not for this, or your cows will be whirling out to never be seen again

Beautiful fabrics!

Sounds as if these ladies really know what they are talking about with this design. Do post photos as you are working so we all can learn. I have never had the nerve to jump into this design, but would love to know more.

Looks like you're getting the book and I'm sure that will help you. Choosing fabric for these IS about the length of repeat, but also about the colour range, type and size of print etc. All this is very well explained with photos showing what will and will not work and why, in the book. If you HAD to go with what you showed, I'd say the pink roses of which you have 4 yards. It's hard to see the repeat from the photo though and I think it would be a fairly subtle effect with only the pinks and the green and the odd dot of yellow from the centres.

I'd have to agree with Gai though - I think you want to follow the guidelines in the book and buy some fabric specifically for this project - it would be a shame if you were disppointed with the outcome after having invested in the course. Good luck! Looking forward to seeing pics. :-D

PS I found this link online to someone's supply list for a class http://www.meissnersewing.com/Downlo...nderFolsom.pdf

There are some notes there about fabric selection that may help you but note that the first item on the list is the book by Maxine Rosenthal. I've made lots of these and though I don't need to follow the book for cutting instructions anymore (mostly! :lol: ) I do refer to it a lot for design advice, border inspiration etc so I think it really IS a good investment. :D No, I'm not on commission! :lol: :wink:

I was just thinking the same. What a wonderful, helpful forum this is. Proud to be part of it.

This link may help you in how to decide and cut:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-35685-1.htm
CuteBuns-a member here-did a whole think on kaleidoscope type quilts.
Hugs
April

Magnolia, I followed the tute with cutebuns and recommend it. It was a great help. I am sure she will also answer any questions that you have. I have included two links. One is the link with my original fabric and the second if you scroll down a little you will see the completed top. I used a fabric that most probably wouldn't have b/c it is so much alike but I like the way it turned out. For some reason in quilting I lean to the dainty!

original fabric

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-35100-10.htm

complete top

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-36954-45.htm

Kyia

Because of OBW's I have changed the way I buy fabric. I used to buy 2-3-whatever number of yards. Now, if I like a fabric, I'm counting the repeats and making sure I get at least 6. I have a GORGEOUS floral fabric that would make a great OBW, but in 4 yards, I only have 4 repeats. Darn it!!

You could do 4 repeats and cut squares, then cut each stack of squares on the diagonal, so each stack gives you 4 identical QSTs to make a kaleido square. Is that clear? Then you could use the square as a focus square in another block! Just an idea! I've just something similar and used the squares in the 4 corners of a D9P. Not done yet though so not showing! ;) :D

Yeah, I know what you are talking about, but I think I'll go ahead and use the fabric in another woven-ribbons quilt, with just one color of edging this time. It's the luscious floral that I showed you with the mauve and green and blue. It will look great that way. But if I ever find more of it, I'm buying 6 yards for an OBW!

:roll: :P

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Ooooh, I have GOT to get a job this week! I just found the fabric on ebay, and they have a different color run with the mauve and yellow. Yummy!!!

Thank you everyone. I love this board, everyone is so helpful. It looks like I do need to buy a different fabric. Hopefully my library will get that book transferred soon from the other branch. My class is next week. They did give me some general guidelines on the supply list, but I usually do better when I can see picture examples. Again, thank you so much everyone. I will post pics of my fabric and topic when it is finished.
Kyia that is a beautiful top and although it has a lot in it, it doesn't look too busy, I really like it!

That rose one would be awesome. Go with that one.