I want to make one of these, I've been thinking about it for a while. I love the symbolism of them and the beauty. I have the RaNae Merrill book and will get to her method one day - she uses self-drawn twisted cabin type blocks to construct the mandala.

BUT right now I want to make one using some applique on a wholecloth background then lots of FMQ and probably some beads, etc. I've been googling free mandala designs to get to grips with how they work but will draft my own as I think this is a little bit the point of them - the creation of the design is a form of meditation...

Annnn-yyyyy-waaa-yyyy :lol: I thought of drafting my design onto a square of steam a seam directly then cutting up to use as templates but instead of butting the applique pieces up against each other, leaving spaces between them, getting bigger and bigger as they radiate out from the centre. Then these spaces can be filled with FMQ for the swirly bits! And did I say beads? I love beads! :-D

I'll take pics as I go and keep you all informed of my progress (if anyone is interested! :lol: ) and perhaps if it works, do a tute at some stage.

Here are some links to free colouring sites of mandalas in case you're not familiar with them http://www.coloringcastle.com/mandal...ing_index.html
http://www.free-mandala.com/en/start.html


Thoughts anyone? :-D

Doing a mandala sounds like a great project-they are so BEAUTIFUL! And you have all sorts of room for creativity.
I've got a mandala book on my Amazon wishlist, but haven't bought it yet.

I'll be watching to see how your project progresses! Spacing the pieces is an interesting concept for sure.

Wendy

P.S. WOW, some of those coloring pages would make great quilting designs as well as piecing designs!

Your ideas are very creative k3n. I am very interested to see where this takes you. So will this be a wall hanging or a prayer quilt? I will be waiting in anticipation to see the final quilt

When I look at some of the more complex ones, they break down into more geometric shapes and swirls, scrolls etc. My idea was that the 'bones' of the piece, ie the simpler shapes would be applique and the FMQ would be the swirly parts. I like the idea of the applique being denser in the centre and the FMQ phasing in until at the outer edges, it's ONLY FMQ. The steam a seam is 18" wide so I'll do a square that size then cut my background a WOF and square (ie around 40") so that will leave lots of space for FMQ. Can't wait to make a start but I have to take the kids swimming first! LOL

It's funny you should say that... I have a commission in the pipeline (not yet confirmed) to make a new altar cloth for our church and was thinking of a mandala as the centre piece, using the colours of the liturgical calendar. So this is in a sense a trial run for that. :-D Although mandalas are associated with Buddhism, Hinduism etc, they do have Christian roots as well... :-D

I did one miniature mandala quilt - it was from one of those coloring pages that I traced and embroidered and quilted around it. I'll see if I can find it

There are some stunning mandala quilts if you google "mandala quilts" images, would love to see what you come up with.
Where do you find the time to quilt as much as you do?? :lol: :lol: I wish I could find the time to make half the ideas swimming around in my head :mrgreen:

It's funny you should say that... I have a commission in the pipeline (not yet confirmed) to make a new altar cloth for our church and was thinking of a mandala as the centre piece, using the colours of the liturgical calendar. So this is in a sense a trial run for that. :-D Although mandalas are associated with Buddhism, Hinduism etc, they do have Christian roots as well... :-D[/quote]

I used to teach Sunday School and had a colouring mandala book that I used for the children. It was an activity that got them focused and quiet, and then they were ready to learn. Your altar cloth is going to be lovely too.

I have the google images page up now! They're mind blowing, aren't they. Regarding the time I spend - you should see the state of my house! :shock: :lol:

Mandalas are a form of kaleidoscope and I'm really into those - the OBW etc... so this seems like a natural progression for me. :-D

LOL Mine is actually clean and tidy at the moment, I have my Mother in law staying :mrgreen: :mrgreen: So no sewing :thumbdown: :thumbdown:

I think that it would be absolutely gorgeous. It's not something I would do though, since I don't have that much patience. LOL

Oh this is fascinating....I need to go and do a search. Thank you for sharing and have a great time creating!

My first thought: 'beads', definitely beads would add to its beauty! :-D

I love the looks of these quilts, so much color and energy. I can't wait to see yours :D:D:D

Goodness! I love these! I need to do some research on this!

Nancy, if you google Mandala in google images, you'll get a ton of them! The free colouring pages on the websites posted above are good inspiration as well. :-D

I've been doing that. The possibilities are endless.

Wow! Those look very difficult, but I know you will do a great job on these. You do beautiful work and I love all of your quilts!!

Did you make your avatar?

I attended a mandala class many years ago, but instead of using this type of design we used symbols and motiffs that represented things, people and emotions in our lives.

It was a very therapeutic endeavour designed to give an insight into our thinking and a peacefulness of mind.

I will follow your design process with interest.

Interesting. Did you have a final product?

Yes I did at the time Nancy. It was an art class so we worked with acrylics on cardboard but I have to confess it was about 10 years ago and I'm not sure where it is now.

I used birds, feathers, blues/mauves - flowing lines representing movement - light and airy. (I feel very peaceful when watching the lovely lines of my birds flying.)

Some used more dramatic colour cominations representing their inner turmoil, others suns/moons and night skies or mystical things.

It was rather revealing and in some cases somewhat confronting and certainly gave food for thought. I could see it used as ongoing therapy to work through emotional issues.

I think just the design process and the repetition of the design has a calming effect.

Sorry k, didn't mean to blabber on so much in the middle of your thread but I find mandalas very interesting and will be keen to see your final colour and quilting choices.

Wow

You blabber away, I like it! What you say is utterly true - I think that I'll be able to be more free and true to myself when it comes to the FMQ part - the applique part is really just the bones of the piece because you are somewhat restricted in the shapes you can use by the construction process. When it comes to the FMQ, there will be NO limits - and I shall bear in mind what you say about using forms and shapes that are meaningful to me. :-D

Can't wait to see.

If I were to commission a Manadala quilt from someone I would pick you. Your Thirteenth Fandango is Mandala-like, and you have a broad background with kaleidoscope effects. So I have every confidence that you'll do a fantastic job. The addition of applique, beads and FMQ sound like a wonderful way to add the details/finishing touches.

Can't wait to see where you go with it. I know you'll do a good job!