Class requirements for Jenny Bowker's 2-day class -

Playing with kaleidoscopes

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© Jenny Bowker 2007
www.jennybowker.com

This class teaches ways that a slightly different Kaleidoscope Block can produce elaborate and beautiful patterns. You will learn foundation piecing by machine for this block as it is easy and accurate. I use a slightly different system for the piecing which does not waste quite as much fabric as some methods and allows accurate placing of strips, checks and prints. This is not a 'quick quilt' class and the emphasis is on learning design skills, planning, and using simple techniques to produce a sense of drama or movement.

NB Notes are provided but there will be a small 'paperwork fee' to buy the design and foundation sheets for this class as there are a lot. The amount will depend on current cost of photocopies. It is usually about $5.

Requirement list

• Rotary Cutter, Cutting mat, patchwork ruler about 12 1/2 inch long (it doesn't need to be square)
• Sewing machine in good condition
• A quarter inch foot is useful but not essential
• Pins, quick unpick, usual sewing tools
• Fabric scissors, a small pair can be useful as well if you have them
• Paper scissors
• HB or B pencil and something to sharpen it with
• Coloured pencils or Textas - a good selection
• A fine black marker
• Whiteout or correction fluid and eraser if using coloured pencils
• One A4 sheet of unlined paper (computer or photocopy is fine)
• Thread - in a colour to blend with your fabrics - good quality cotton is best
• Extension lead and power board
• Iron (if this is not supplied by the organiser)
• Portable design wall - pale flannelette or a plastic tablecloth with a fluffy backing is fine
• Peephole viewer is useful to look through to reduce the design - or binoculars or camera
• Small notebook and pen

Fabric

A broad selection of values in at least two colour ways. You could use scraps but you will need pieces at least 5 ½" long and a bit wider. You will need a good range of lights, darks and mediums. Your quilt does not have to be bright in the way that mine are - softer effects can be beautiful, as can graphic grey, black and white. You could even choose a palette of homespuns. Choose your favourite fabrics and find a range to go with them. Stripes, checks and prints can be useful.
Bring a LOT of different fabrics. A kaleidoscope quilt made with fifty fabrics will usually look better than one made with three. I know this is vague - but ring me if you have specific questions.

If you have any questions you can contact me:
Jenny Bowker
Email: jenny.bowker@gmail.com