Kaleidescope Viewer tool
 

Some years ago I saw something unusual at a flea market. It was a type of kaleidescope that you put a slid a piece of multicolored fabric through a slot on the side. When you looked into the kaleidescope it made the fabric appear as a geometric pattern that could be altered by moving the fabric through the slot.
The seller told me it was used by people to create geometric quilt patterns.

I'd love to find one of those kaleidescopes,. Can anyone offer any thoughts on the subject?

Thanking you

Wow that would be a great tool, I'll be watching to see if it can be found.

That is very interesting! I would love to have one of those!

Check LQS. Most shops carry this mirror.

I think I got one at Joann's a while ago - try with coupon.

All you need are two mirrors, taped together with duct tape.
Then stand them on end, like a book, standing up.
Open them to 90° and you can get a preview of how a 4PP would be.
Close it a little tighter til you six pies ... and you get an idea of OBW.
Close a little tighter for 8 pies ... and a preview of SAW.
Move it around on the fabric, so you can see the different looks you'll get.

I found "locker mirrors", framed up in plastic for all of a dollar each at the $ $tore.
I keep them in my truck, ready, just in case I find some fabric I think I might use for this.

good to know. thanks for asking!!

There is one I bought a few years back that was a mirror that opened like a book and you stood up on fabric to get idea of what that area would look like as a kaleidescope - you could move it around to get different views. If that is what you are talking about you can pick them up at most Joann and Hancock stores.

What a great idea to use dollar store mirrors! Thanks for the tip. I use a cheap front door peep hole from the hardware store to see what quiltops look like. I just love using things meant for other purposes for quilting.

With the plastic around them it was minimal interference to the view, and gave a whole lot more protection than the "official" LQS kaleido mirrors. To say the least about $$$ $aved!