Friday, November 21, 2014

One Block Wonder - Saturday Snapshots

I've been making quilts for quite a few years, and every time I create one, I learn something new. This quilt is called a "One Block Wonder." The secret is to stack six layers of fabric on top of each other, line the patterns up perfectly, and then cut the shapes (triangles) through all the layers. When the six triangles are joined, you have a kaleidoscope effect. It's easier than it sounds. In making this quilt I learned that a fabric with a bigger pattern and with a greater variety of colors would have resulted in a more dramatic look. But I think it turned out nice anyhow. 
(Click on photos to enlarge.)


Two groups of three triangles pinned
together to form a pinwheel,

plus a stack waiting for assembly.

Tentative layout

Kaleidoscopes/pinwheels after quilt top assembly

The finished quilt measures 52 x 64 inches,
a good size for snuggling under while reading a book.
Quilters who are curious about this technique can find detailed instructions in a book by Maxine Rosenthal: One Block Wonders

Saturday Snapshots is hosted by West Metro Mommy Reads.
To enjoy a variety of beautiful pictures from around the world, 
click HERE or on the box below. 

West Metro Mommy Reads

27 comments:

  1. I really don't know how you quilters do it. Your quilt looks great.

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    1. Thank you! I've always enjoyed sewing and crafting.

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  2. That quilt looks so beautiful - I wish I had the patience (and time) to create one too.

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  3. I'm with Louise, I don't have the patience for sewing quilts, but your quilt is very eye-catching. Lovely Christmasy colours too :-)

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    1. I love the combination of red, green, and gold. I gave this quilt to a friend, and I hope she'll enjoy it from autumn through winter.

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  4. I am always amazed by quilting and quilters. Beautiful, Sandy! Have a great weekend!

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  5. Amazing! I am definitely impressed, as I am a total klutz when it comes to sewing of any kind. Thanks for sharing...and here's MY SATURDAY SNAPSHOT POST

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    1. We all have different talents. I gather from your books, blog posts, and comments that you have excellent "people" skills. That's a wonderful gift!

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  6. What an awesome effect. Piecing these things together often looks easy but it never ends up being quite as easy as you think. Maybe I will try something like this someday for one of my quilts.

    Sean at His and Her Hobbies

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    1. The quilt wasn't hard to make, but it did require attention to detail. This one definitely is not perfect!

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  7. I love the look of kaleidoscope quilts! They are almost magical. My post features quilts too! You can check it out here

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    1. I enjoyed your quilt post and I'm looking forward to more.

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  8. Exquisite! I'm not a quilter, but your photos here show the intricacy of the craft. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. It was fun to put each pinwheel together and then figure out where to place them for the quilt top. I'll make another one of these eventually.

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  9. Beautiful! I can barely sew a button on - lol Very impressive.

    Sue
    Book By Book

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  10. I love to quilt and yet I haven't done any of it in many years. Beautiful work!

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    1. I go through stages where I just don't want to quilt. Then I see a design that inspires me, and I'm back to it.

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  11. What an interesting quilt. Such a lot of very precise sewing.

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    1. Believe it or not, the pinwheels are rather forgiving. Not all my points matched perfectly, but the pattern is so busy, that doesn't show (I hope!)

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  12. I do all kinds of embroidery, and crochet, but I've never managed to get to grips with quilting - it takes so much patience and precision. My Snapshot is at http://chriscross53.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/mushroomy-things.html

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    1. I enjoy embroidery and crochet too, but quilting has become my main interest. With the pattern and fabric I've shown here, mistakes aren't as obvious as when solids are used, so precision isn't such a big deal.

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  13. This quilt is amazing Sandy!! What an effect!

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  14. That's a real labor of love! I've made a few quilts over the years, though my real fabric art love is cross-stitch. I also do all my sewing by hand, which makes quilt-making take a lot longer.

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    1. I used to do a lot of counted cross-stitch and still do occasionally, but quilting is now my hobby of choice. I do almost all of my quilting by machine and admire those who quilt and sew by hand. Those creations are real treasures.

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  15. Even with a machine these require tremendous amount of patience and skill.
    Hats off to you for this!

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