Thank you Rhonda received the template in fine shape. Now to select the correct prints............calla/Sue

Dear Rhonda:
Your work is beautiful on your Dresden Kaleidoscopes. It's also inspiring. Thank you for offering to send out your template. I would love to have one. Thank you.

Nita make sure you send me your postal address so I can send you the template! :thumbup:

I received the template and I am anxious to find the right fabric to use it on. Thanks so much for sharing your ideas and talents with us.
Pat

beautiful!:)

Well, I was wondering how to cut out 10 at a time doing the stack and whack method. This tutorial explained that. Thanks for clearing it up!

This is as you probably figured out NOT the stack and Whack method or the one block wonder method.

this does use a fussy cut approach but it really isn't hard at all! As long as you trace elements of the fabric onto the template you can easily find the next repeat and place the template so the blades are identical.

Thank you I received my template yesterday and am getting ready to cut out my first one.

Rhonda they are beautiful! I sent you a PM... cant wait to get the pattern. I have tried looking for a 10 blade pattern...but none to be found. I think the 16 and 20 blade patterns would be too much. I am patiently waiting for your pattern.
Thanks Jeanne

I will have it in the mail for you on Tues. I have to leave early tomarrow in the morning and wont' be home in time to mail it so it will go out on Tues for sure.

I have wanted to try a kaleidoscope and this would be the perfect way to get my feet wet. I pm'd you. I hope this board knows what a valuable member you are...and someday I hope you can do a tute on how do do those itty bitty projects with the tiny seams!

How itty bitty Sandy? LOL I use down to a 1" block. You can use any of my tutorials to make the itty bitty. It is all about the size of template you use. I use a 1 1/2"or a 1 1/4" usually. the piecing is no different from any other piecing. you make my shortcut blocks and then sew them into the design you chose to use.

Rhonda, received my template, have some beautiful butterfly fabric that I couldn't resist buying and no idea how to use it. I do now!! You are really an inspiration to us, and so very generous. And we all know how talented you are!!

that is a very unique technique very lovely

thank you Clem and Fred Singer.

I expect some pictures Clem!!! LOL

Those are so pretty. I would love to have the templates to make some for Christmas gifts


Thank you in advance.

I have a dumb question...when you say you use the buttonhole stitch on your machine...are you turning under the raw edges first, or are you stitching over the raw edges? I'm not into applique...so sorry for the dumb question...lol

I think I could handle it if I didn't have to turn under the edges.

I hate turning under the edge. so I sew over the raw edge. Just make sure you choose a stitch that will close off the raw edge so it won't ravel. I use a buttonhole stitch but make sure it sews close together and not an inch apart.

Thank you Ronda...perfect answer to my dumb question...sounds like something I could do...going to put it on the list...lol

great grandma23! Hope you enjoy makign them!

Your tutorial is so very clear. Thanks so much. I'm pm'ing you my address right now. Can't wait to get started!

Just love your Dresden plate pieces, question do you applique turn the ends, stitch them down or ??

You can do needle turn applique but I find you lose the rounded edge. I used to hand sew around the raw edge with a herringbone embroidery stitch. Now I use the buttonhole stitch on my machine to sew around the raw edge.

Sending you my address , nice tutorial--want to try this--thank you !

Loving it!

thank you so much! I truly appreciate it! Have a nice week, we are getting slammed with snow today already got 12".

Thanks again.

Vicky

This may be a stupid question but approx. how much fabric does it take to make one plate? I know the pattern repeat makes a difference but I'm used to doing S&W and that takes lots of yardage. I'm thinking of making candle mats and/or mug rugs. Thanks

I usually get a yard for making the DKs. I can get about 6 out of one yard usually. Yes it does make a difference if the repeats are wider or closer together.

I usually find 5 repeats in a quarter yard so I suppose for one DK you would need a half yard. You have to be careful because some repeats can be on the edge and get cut off. so count all 10 of the repeats before you buy the fabric.

I'm making hotpads right now with them. I have started buying an extra yard so I can use the same fabric for the backing. I like to show the fabric the DK came from.

Thanks, Rhonda. I've wanted to try one but had other projects I needed to get done. These would make great Christmas gifts.

Hi Rhonda, could you send me one of your templates?

I just emailed you. Thanks

Very pretty ... keeps the eye moving.
I just had a "light bulb moment". If you have access to a copier, lay your fabric on it and make several copies (b&w or color; doesn't make much difference). Then, using the template, trace around various placement options for the blades, cut them out (perhaps 5 of the 10)and arrange them so as to give you an idea of what your finished kscope would look like and go with the one you like. If you're one who is "fussy-cut challenged", this little technique could save some time and frustration (i.e. would like to know how it would look before I cut into the fabric) .

Disclaimer: I haven't tried this with this particular block / project, but I think I will. As I said, it was "light bulb momonent" as I was reading through this thread.

[QUOTE=MCH;7232065]Very pretty ... keeps the eye moving.
If you have access to a copier, lay your fabric on it and make several copies (b&w or color; doesn't make much difference). Then, using the template, trace around various placement options for the blades, cut them out (perhaps 5 of the 10)and arrange them so as to give you an idea of what your finished kscope would look like and go with the one you like. If you're one who is "fussy-cut challenged", this little technique could save some time and frustration (i.e. would like to know how it would look before I cut into the fabric) .


I use paper alot to preview things. I have done this for a lady who wasn't sure how to cut her fabric. I find 3 blades will give you a good idea of what that DK will look like.

I recommend making sure you have an element at the bottom 1" of the blade and in the middle and in the upper 1 1/2" of the template.

I look for blades or leaves or flowers in the bottom section. Something that sticks up and wont' blend into a blur when the blades are sewn together.
In the middle you can lay the edge of your template through the center of a large flower and it will be a great repeat. Remember what is on the right of your template will meet up with what is on the left side of your template.
I like to make sure the top of the template has something interesting but remember you will lose a seam allowance at the top. You will lose more than 1/4" if you needle turn the edge or make a hotpad out of it etc.

Also remember to consider colors in your fabric. If you have a color that stands out in your fabric try to put that in your blade. Make sure you are using a spot that is not too busy as it will all blend instead of stand out.

The biggest no no - don't use fabric that doesn't have enough variety in the pattern. I have done some that the pattern is too repetitive as in small sunflowers or something that lays in a row and is the same thing in each row. You are better off with something that has med to large flowers and or leaves etc.

It just takes some practice to learn what to look for. Paisleys are one of my favorites and med flower bouquets and leaves make great patterns

[QUOTE=MCH;7232065]Very pretty ... keeps the eye moving.
If you have access to a copier, lay your fabric on it and make several copies (b&w or color; doesn't make much difference). Then, using the template, trace around various placement options for the blades, cut them out (perhaps 5 of the 10)and arrange them so as to give you an idea of what your finished kscope would look like and go with the one you like. If you're one who is "fussy-cut challenged", this little technique could save some time and frustration (i.e. would like to know how it would look before I cut into the fabric) .


I use paper alot to preview things. I have done this for a lady who wasn't sure how to cut her fabric. I find 3 blades will give you a good idea of what that DK will look like. You can sew paper just as you do fabric. You can also iron it so you can do a trial run with the paper blades.

I recommend making sure you have an element at the bottom 1" of the blade and in the middle and in the upper 1 1/2" of the template.

I look for blades or leaves or flowers in the bottom section. Something that sticks up and wont' blend into a blur when the blades are sewn together.
In the middle you can lay the edge of your template through the center of a large flower and it will be a great repeat. Remember what is on the right of your template will meet up with what is on the left side of your template.
I like to make sure the top of the template has something interesting but remember you will lose a seam allowance at the top. You will lose more than 1/4" if you needle turn the edge or make a hotpad out of it etc.

Also remember to consider colors in your fabric. If you have a color that stands out in your fabric try to put that in your blade. Make sure you are using a spot that is not too busy as it will all blend instead of stand out.

The biggest no no - don't use fabric that doesn't have enough variety in the pattern. I have done some that the pattern is too repetitive as in small sunflowers or something that lays in a row and is the same thing in each row. You are better off with something that has med to large flowers and or leaves etc.

It just takes some practice to learn what to look for. Paisleys are one of my favorites and med flower bouquets and leaves make great patterns

If you want to send me a picture I can show you what I would cut out on that fabric. I've done that for people before.

Beautiful! Melanie

http://quiltersenjoycolor.blogspot.ca

Very pretty

Thank you. A friend was doing these, but using 18 blades. Like yours much better

Rhonda, you are so gracious to share your tutorials with us. Please send me the template to me at 1587 Watson Loop, Pikeville, TN 37367. Thank you so much. I'm not sure how to send a private message.

Click on my name. you will then see a list below my name. Click on private message. You should see a new window where you can type your message. Then click on submit message. I still need your whole name instead of a board name. thanks!! Rhonda