Kaleidoscopic Pinwheels – Supplies list

Maggie Ball  www.dragonflyquilts.com

Basic sewing supplies (including thread, pins, scissors and seam ripper)

Sewing machine in good working order and extension cord

Iron and small ironing board (unless provided by workshop host)

Rotary cutter, mat and ruler

Square ruler – 8” or larger (Omnigrid 15” recommended)

Marking pencil – Berol silver, chalk, or lead

Plastic template sheet – with ¼” grid or plain

8 paper dinner plates – 10” or larger in diameter

Fabric:

Patterned fabric for kaleidoscopic pinwheels. Choose fabric with a bold sharp design and a variety of colors (batiks not recommended). Examine the size of the pattern and the frequency with which it is repeated. 8 identical 8” squares are required, (pattern repeats across the width of the fabric as well as down the length may be used). For most fabrics, 1½ yards is plenty including a little extra for borders or binding. For a quilt with 16 blocks, allow for 2 x 8 pattern repeats (two different sections of the fabric may be used – only each batch of 8 needs to be identical).

Background fabric, minimum of 1¼ yards for 8 blocks (more for use in borders, bindings, or for additional blocks). Choose fabric that will make your pinwheels stand out.  Monochromatic prints work well, or solid colors.  Busy patterns will detract from the pinwheels.

Your finished block size will be approximately 10½”. Since the pinwheels “float” on the background fabric, the blocks may be trimmed, and any inaccuracies in piecing squared off. This is a very forgiving technique and you will all succeed!

Any questions?  Call Maggie Ball – (206) 780-1437 or e-mail: maggie.quilter@gmail.com.

The contents of this website are copyrighted (2009).  No material may be reproduced without the permission of Maggie Ball.