Kool Kaleidoscope -- Ask Questions Here

[susan s.]

are there fabrics too busy to use? must they all be one color or tone on tone patter?

[Helen W.]

Susan, It would seem since you only see a narrow short strip of each fabric in each template, it would need to read somewhat the same so you
get the repetition of a mirror image repeating around the center. If you used big flowers of various color in a fabric, each little
strip might look totally different and you would not get the kaleidoscope look. Can you post a picture of what your busy fabric looks like? HelenW

[Dottie_J_Mclovin]

Just trying to clarify for myself but maybe others have this same question. I had to go back and watch again but it looks like we are making 4, 5 or 6 pairs of strata between 7 and 9 inches x WOF and only the strata pairs need to match each other. One pair can be different from the next pair and so on. Am I correct?

[Ricky T.]

I will be teaching using 5 Pairs - the 4 or 6 was "IF" someone wanted to diverge from my instructions and go bigger - or smaller. And my recommendation is to stick with the plan first - then go rogue later.

[Ricky T.]

The version I am teaching - make 5 PAIR of strata. More or less are only for those who want to alter my version.

[Ricky T.]

Think of each PAIR as as set of identical twins. Each pair of twins look alike - but each set of twins look different. However, two sets of twins might have red hair (the common fabric) but that would be the only thing that they have in common. You can repeat fabric, and should in places, but you don't have to repeat ALL fabrics across the sets of strata. - yes - between 7-9". It is possible later that you MIGHT need to add one more strip - this can't be known until we draft the pattern.

[Dottie_J_Mclovin]

Perfect answer!

[Cindy C.]

One of the fabrics, actually my "dark" fabric is only 39" long. I want to use it in all strata. Will that be a problem or does it need to be the entire 41-42 " ?
Also, one of my fabrics is a large print. A problem or not? Ricky did say that it doesn't need to be "fussy cut".

[Ricky T.]

[QUOTE=ceecee7;n886190]One of the fabrics, actually my "dark" fabric is only 39" long. I want to use it in all strata. Will that be a problem or does it need to be the entire 41-42 " ?
Also, one of my fabrics is a large print. A problem or not? Ricky did say that it doesn't need to be "fussy cut".[/QUOTE]

That particular strata will just be shorter and you will work with it accordingly. Keep going, these little situations will be discussed when it is the appropriate time.

[Bobbie S.]

Question about focus fabrics. Should a focus fabric be included in each strata?

[Helen W.]

Bobbie, It is totally up to you. I have not heard any say they have done that, but it might be interesting. You could vary the width
in every strip if you did do that. HelenW

[Trudy F.]

I watch the first class on the strata. If I use one color in a strata and want to use it in another strata does it have to be the same width as the first? I don't remember you saying anything about that in the show. Of course I am 76 and may not always pay attention...LOL.


Thank you for your answer in advance,


Trudy

[Helen W.]

Trudy, They don't have to be the same width. Will be more interesting if they are not the same width. HelenW

[Judy S.]

I’m selecting fabrics for the strata and have a number of Kaffe florals that I am considering using. I’m wondering if the size of the florals and number of colors within each print make the overall result too blended and less like the patterns created in a kaleidoscope?

[Helen W.]

Judy, Those beautiful big Kaffe florals are gorgeous, but will the strips give you 6 identical color spots when you cut out the template shapes. If you have one big orange flower, and the strip has magenta as the next flower, when you will not get the kaleidoscope effect of identical templates. It won't give a identical "twin" as Ricky says. My opinion is it is not the best choice for this project. HelenW

[Karen L.]

I don't think it will work. See above comments.

[Paola B.]

I am puzzled. I listened to the first lesson twice and if I recall correctly, it was said that Kaffe fabric or even Tula Pink would work in a strata. Now I am seeing that it would not. Could someone please clarify this regarding fabric choice. Must the fabric have small designs and not large designs to it? Why?

[Marion1]

A comment made about using fat quarters.I was wondering if you were to make 4 pairs of strata instead of 2 pairs.Can you get the same results as you intend.

[Helen W.]

Marion1, Since you position the templates on an angle, that would mean the beginning and end of each strip set would have a lot of waste, and it might not be big enough to get 6 identical templates of each template.In my opinion, probably not a good idea. I cut my strips
yesterday and I am using a couple fat quarters in each strata. I cut 4 pair of the fat quarters and plan to sew the ends together on two, so it will be the same length as the others. It will just mean a few extra seams in the kaleidoscope, but there are a million seams anyway. No
one will probably notice. HelenW

[Ricky T.]

[QUOTE=quiltbobbin;n886235]Question about focus fabrics. Should a focus fabric be included in each strata?[/QUOTE]

I wouldn't - maybe in 3 perhaps - but even so, don't be surprised if it fades away and something else pops

[Ricky T.]

[QUOTE=trudysewist;n886238]I watch the first class on the strata. If I use one color in a strata and want to use it in another strata does it have to be the same width as the first? I don't remember you saying anything about that in the show. Of course I am 76 and may not always pay attention...LOL.


Thank you for your answer in advance,


Trudy[/QUOTE]

Barbara is correct - if you wish to repeat a fabric, it will be more interesting if it appears again in a different width. But if you wanted them to be the same - ok.

[Ricky T.]

[QUOTE=jdstamm177;n886240]I’m selecting fabrics for the strata and have a number of Kaffe florals that I am considering using. I’m wondering if the size of the florals and number of colors within each print make the overall result too blended and less like the patterns created in a kaleidoscope?[/QUOTE]

I don't think there is any 'wrong' here with fabric choices. Just use what you want. You cannot plan it. Like I said in the lesson, everyone will put theirs under a microscope and judge their own too critically. I wish that was not our nature. Do what you want - let it be happy - let if just unfold with your choices.

[Judy S.]

Thank you!

[Ricky T.]

[QUOTE=Marion1;n886241]A comment made about using fat quarters.I was wondering if you were to make 4 pairs of strata instead of 2 pairs.Can you get the same results as you intend.[/QUOTE]

Truth is - you can try - it's just a lot of extra work, opening up for unforeseen errors, and more fabric waste.

[SueGee]

Where in the strata would be ideal for the focus fabric?