Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Kaleidoscope Table Topper Tutorial and Giveaway Extravaganza

Is it just me or do you feel like you've got a virtual pair of pom poms in your hands and you're ready to clap them together as you cheer, "Ready! Let's go!"?
Just me...oh well.
I however am so psyched to walk you through making this:
I had wanted to talk about the inspiration for this design because it came from an amazing book called Quilts of Illusion which I bought years ago at the Renwick Gallery in Washington D.C., but there are 19 images to this tutorial, so I'll save that for another post.
Let's start with the ingredients, shall we.
You'll need:
Fat eighths of 4 solids and 5 prints (in sample that's all the solids except the Amber)
Fat quarters of 1 solid(Amber Kona) and 1 print (for binding)
3/4 yard of solid cotton for backing fabric
Cotton batting measuring about 30" x 30"
Coordinating machine sewing and quilting thread
Coordinating hand sewing thread
Hand sewing needle
Rotary cutter
Self healing mat
Iron
Pins
Quilter's clear, acrylic ruler
8 1/2" x 11" paper
Pencil
Paper scissors
Ruler
Quilt basting materials

and these:
 These are your templates for cutting the triangles needed to make the patchwork. One is store bought and the other you will make. The purchased template is the Simpli-EZ 45 degree triangle by Darlene Zimmerman. I bought mine at Joann's. It can be found online here and probably a bunch of other places if you google it. 
To make the right triangle, measure 4 1/4 '' from one corner of your paper.

Mark this point with your pencil. Then measure a span 4 1/4" from that same corner that runs along the perpendicular edge. Mark that point. using a ruler, draw a line that connects the two marked points. Bonus points if you remember that that's called the hypotenuse of our right triangle. Using paper scissors, cut out paper triangle template.
Now that we have our templates, we can cut out fabric for the top. The top consists of 4 similar blocks, so I'm going to detail the process of making one block. To make the table topper you'll need to repeat this procedure 4 times and then sew the blocks together.
Each block includes 4 large print triangles and 4 large solid triangles. These triangles are cut using the purchased template. 
For those using the Marmalade bundle: In an attempt to limit fabric waste, all the top fabrics except for the Kona Amber Solid are in fat eighths amounts. That means that the solid that's most oft repeated is the Amber. Plan out your blocks to accommodate the fabric amounts. If you choose to follow my fabric choices and placement, you should have enough fabric.

Cutting and Assembling the Block:
Note: All seam allowances are 1/4".
From 4 different solids and four different prints, cut 8 large triangles using purchased template.
Lay cut triangles on a flat surface so that prints alternate with solids.
We are going to assemble the triangles to create 2, half-circle-like units.
Pin a solid and print triangle right sides together. Sew along one common long edge.
Press seam to one side.
Repeat the previous 2 steps with a second pair of triangles.
Pin pairs, right sides together, so that print edge of one pair will be stitched to solid edge of second pair. Sew together. Press seam to one side.
Repeat the previous steps to craft a second half-circle unit.
Pin half-circle units, right sides together, along common straight edge, matching center seam. Sew together. Press seam open.
Using homemade template and solids corresponding to colors present in block, cut 4 right triangles.
Working with one solid right triangle at a time, fold triangle along long edge and finger crease midpoint. Open triangle to reveal creased midpoint. Fold matching solid large triangle along base and finger crease midpoint. Open to reveal midpoint crease.
With right sides together, pin right triangle to corresponding large triangle edge, matching creases.
Sew together. Press seam to one side.
Repeat the previous 3 steps to attach remaining right triangles to block.
Make 3 more blocks, varying your print and sold choices as desired. Sew the blocks together, first into pairs, then sew the pairs together, along one long edge to make a foursome.
Layer backing, wrong side facing up, batting, and top, right side facing up, on a flat surface. Baste layers together using your preferred method.
Machine or hand quilt layers. Trim edges of quilt so that layers are flush.
I use a single fold binding, so cut the binding fabric into 1 1/2" strips and then sew them together using diagonal seams. Machine sew binding to quilt, mitering corners as you reach them. Turn binding to back side and hand stitch in place, turning under 1/4" seam allowance as you work.

There you have it. Pretty quick and easy and fabulous looking with the fabrics from Marmalade. This won't come as a shocker considering the title of my post, but sweet Tammy at Marmalade is giving away a Kaleidoscope Table Topper bundle to one of you lovely folks. All you have to do is answer the question, "What would you do for a Klondike Bar?" or just leave a comment.
Enjoy!

141 comments:

mcregan said...

I would love to win this--I love the design, colors and I already have the template! It would be a fun project for these dreary early spring days! Thanks for the giveaway!

mcregan said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dawn S. said...

What would I do for a Klondike Bar? hhhhmmm, where ice cream is involved, there really are no limits! LOL
That table topper is stunning!Thank you for the tute.It will go on my bucket list of projects to make.

Jen of ReannaLily Designs said...

I love your tutorial! Hum, and what would I do for a Klondike Bar? Bake brownies so that when I get the bar, I can make a big huge brownie-bottom-ice-cream dessert. Then I think I'd have to buy a gym membership! hahaha.

momma said...

LOL - I had to google what a Klondike bar was, it's a choc-ice for any other Brits or expats like me reading this. On a hot day I'd have to fight him indoors for it, he's a fiend when it comes to ice-cream. I hear Magnums have made it to these shores now - wait 'til you try those - now, those I would definitely fight for!

Unknown said...

Klondike Bar... Well I don't think I've ever had a Klondike bar so don't really know what I'm missing... What I'd do for one? I'd leave a comment on this post!

Jerri said...

A cartwheel? Okay that would probably result in a trip in an ambulance. Thanks for the tutorial!

Kristal Dawn Evens said...

I've been working with these shapes lately and loving them. I also love those fun fabrics! Klondike bars just make me wish for summer!

Andrea said...

for a Klondike bar - I'd do many things!! including all house chores!!

Four dogs and one quilter said...

What would I do for a Klondike bar? Totally change where I do my weekly shopping. Only Walmart has the dark chocolate bars in my town, so that is where I go now. Out of the way-crowded-don't need anything else -but they have the Klondike bars I want-shopping trip.

Andrea R said...

Ooo I have the wedge and I also have a right angle ruler, just a small one.

I'd make one of these and set a klondike bar right on top, then post it to my blog. ;)

Pattij said...

Another project to start! Love your work! I think I would ditch my other projects and start this one for a Klondike Bar! (And some summer weather to eat it in!
Evin5 at aol dot com

Sewhappy said...

Um what's a klondike bar?
My guess is it is nice
Thanks for the tutorial, I am now sitting here thinking oh what colours should I choose. Do you have this problem too or is it just easy peasy?

pklaw said...

Oh, Malka, now you know I am going to have that in my head all day "What would you doo oo oo for a Klondike Bar!?" Once I get that craving I would do almost anything but usually I send my husband to the store to get me one because they are too dangerous for me to keep in the house! Love your table topper and the chance to win - actually I think I would rather win fabric than have a Klondike!

Phyllis said...

I really love this table topper. Thanks for the tutorial. I am on Weight Watchers so for a klondike bar I would just save some points to have one. They do have 100 calories bars. Yummy!

monika@mysweetprairie.ca said...

lovely!
will you laugh? I don't do dairy, so I won't do a klondike bar. but I'll do those fabrics! haha Count me in!
~Monika

Jenny Rodriguez said...

LOVE THIS!
I think I may try this with a holiday spin..
Thank you for sharing your creative genius!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the tutorial. I love the bright colors and the design. Will have to try that out, soon!

Marty Mason said...

Love this project - well, kiss my grits...I'd do just about anything for a klondike bar!

tropicslady said...

What

tropicslady said...

What would I do for a Klondike bar? Well I would just have to walk to my freezer! ha ha

Thanks for the tutorial.....

Molly said...

Klondike bars are my FAVORITE! I could more easily list the things I would NOT do for a bar. Thanks for the tutorial and giveaway. You rock!

angela said...

I would sing you a song for a Klondike bar!

peggy w said...

I love ice cream and I love your tutorial. thanks for the tutorial and thanks to marmalade fabrics for the giveaway. You are both so kind. Hope you get a klondike bar.

Janny said...

I don't know what a Klondike bar is, but I do love the pattern and the fabrics. Thanks for the giveaway.

Erin M. said...

At this point, all I'd have to do for a Klondike bar is go into my freezer and eat one. But it's only 10:30 am and that would be too luxurious. I love the colors you used and would love to make one for my new orange walls. Thanks for the giveaway.

connie said...

MMMM.... haven't had one of those in years. Now that you mention it they were very wonderful. I would go promise to go for a walk after I enjoyed one.... maybe
Thanks for this great opportunity.

Great tutorial!!!

tutto a posto said...

What would I do for a Klondike Bar? I would be motivated to sew this project and give away the finished table topper as an incentive to raise money for shelter animals in Philadelphia. The point being that is would get me to sew--after a long time away--for a good cause. I don't need the extra calories of the ice cream.

razberiswrl said...

Have you ever had the heath bar and reese's klondike bars? Nom nom nom nommmmm .... ;)

Thanks for the great tutorial and a chance to win!!

Unknown said...

I'd make a giant pillow using your tutorial! I think I'll have to make one of these, regardless of whether I win or not. love it.

Ann MT said...

What a fantastic tutorial! Thank you for posting it.

What would I do for a Klondike bar? Cartwheels!

christy said...

i would say "thank you very much"! Love the oreo klondike bars! just bought some bogo at publix!

Debbie said...

Well, I had to look up what a Klondike Bar is, and believe it or not, it's not something I would eat. So, I'd rather say that I'd love to win the Kaleidoscope Table Topper bundle! Thanks for counting me in, Malka.

Vivika said...

I'd tackle my 9 year old for a Klondike bar at this point! Love the cool design, Malka!

Unknown said...

I might not do much for a klondike bar (although they are yummy) but I would quite a lot for a bundle of fabrics :) this is a wonderful table topper that would SO go with my dishes

Susan said...

For a Klondike Bar?? I'd do just about anything!!! Who doesn't love ice cream & chocolate?!!?

Love love love the table topper. Can't wait to get the template & fabric and start sewing!!! Thanks so much!!!

Ali said...

I'd do more to win the kit than I would for a Klondike bar! I gave up refined sugar, so no ice cream for me unless I make it. :(

Lynn said...

Great tutorial! If I had a klondike bar, I would go outside and enjoy it! We are having one of our first beautiful spring days and it seems almost possible to watch the plants grow....of course, I'd be busy enjoying the ice cream.

Gill said...

Eeek! I'm from the UK so I have no idea what a Klondike bar is!! Would I eat it???
Thanks for a great tutorial!

robin said...

Awesome table topper! Love the circular quilting, too - that must have been difficult - it looks so uniform.

Amy said...

this is very nice! thank you for sharing, and a chance to win.

Dan R said...

I'd say please and thank you for a Klondike bar!

mek said...

For a Klondike bar, I would make a special trip to the store at 10pm!

Jacey said...

I love this new project of yours! I haven't had a Klondike bar in ages, so I would absolutely love one, especially since it will be summer very shortly here in Houston.

Thank you for the chance to win a great set of fabrics, and thank you for the tutorial!

laura said...

This is such a fantastic tutorial! Thanks!

Poppyprint said...

Uhm, what's a Klondike bar? If it's food, and it's yummy, then I'd say pretty please.

Oh, I see by other comments that ice cream is involved. I might push my own daughter out of the way if necessary.

Thank you for the great tutorial!!

Marcia W. said...

Thank you for the lovely giveaway from Marmelade. What would I do for a Klondike Bar? Well, I can't sing and I can't dance but I can do most anything else for a Klondike Bar!

Amber said...

hmmm...a Klondike bar? Fold my laundry :-) It takes a lot for me to do that...Love the table topper - it's gorgeous!

~Michelle~ said...

I would...clean the toilets...for a Klondike bar!

Christopher Lum said...

hmmm, possibly make a kaleidoscope table topper for the person giving me the klondike bar? (assuming said person is not a quilter themself)

sko_G knits said...

hmmm, possibly make a kaleidoscope table topper for the person giving me the klondike bar? (assuming said person is not a quilter themself)

GerryART said...

I'd give up my daily allotment of Lindt's Chocolate Truffles for a Klondike Bar! Mind you that's only a single day's allotment ! ! ! 8>0

My KTT kit fabric is pressed, rulers assembled - - and I still have a couple of 'running around' tasks to accomplish before I can continue when I return this afternoon .

Hugs,
Gerry

I right here with you all.

Ladybug said...

Sorry to say I wouldn't be willing to do much since I can't eat ice-cream as a result of food allergies. By the way the quilting of your project is perfect for it and really enhances the design.

craftytammie said...

now i will have that jingle stuck in my head all day!! hmm, right now ice cream sounds pretty good... gorgeous block, can't wait to try it!

artlovely said...

Love the pattern. For a Klondike bar, I'd throw a little bottle on my potter's wheel -- to match the quilt ...

MoeWest said...

Mmmm, I haven't had a Klondike bar for a long time. Now I'll have to go get one. Thanks for the tutorial and the giveaway.

Leanne said...

I hope to try this really soon, it is great. I always love ice cream, am pretty open to what is needed to get it. Thanks for the tutorial and the give away.

AmandaHall said...

I love this!!! It is absolutely beautiful and I will making it weather I win the giveaway or not!

Sharon said...

Love this table topper, would love to make it. Also love Tammy @ Marmalade, she is the best and always lends a personal touch to each order!

Anonymous said...

Love the fabric!

Pattie Crum said...

Whatever it takes, of course. Very good tut.

Kate S. said...

Very cute table topper design! Thanks for the chance to win the fabric bundle :)

Angel said...

I would climb a tree for a klondike bar. =) Thanks for the giveaway!

Anonymous said...

I would give up my lactose intolerance for a Klondike bar! Or, momentarily ignore it... :) Thanks for the tutorial, and the giveaway! Can't wait to try this out!

Nancy said...

Love this pattern - and love the giveaway! Thanks!

Unknown said...

I love this pattern. I think it would look swell with a few side by side to make it longer.

Jenna Z said...

The concentric circle quilting is gorgeous!! Did you do this in a conventional machine or long arm?

SoSarahSews said...

Sit through a baseball game?!

Pondering said...

Well I might do a cheer?!

Victoria said...

I am down 23 pounds on WW so right now I would wrestle a bear for a Klondike!

Michellekeenlyne said...

Actually cut the grass. A nice cold Klondike bar would be refreshing and well deserved after that. Thanks for the giveaway!

GerryART said...

Progress! I've had time this afternoon to cut out half my large triangles. They're on my design wall awaiting the others.
I love this kit you and Tammy at Marmalade Fabrics have put together.
What fun ! ! !

WandaFish said...

I'd stitch up a storm for a klondike bar!
Great tute and the table topper is wonderful! Thanks for the opportunity to win this fab prize - fingers crossed and hoping!

Heather A said...

Thanks for the great tutorial. For a klondike bar I would attempt piecing bias cut bits of fabric! EEEEK!!

Ammieloris said...

Thanks for sharing all of these awesome tricks, esp. clipping off the tall corners of the triangles. Sweet stuff to tuck away into my mind.

Kelly said...

Thanks for the tutorial! I have absolutely no idea what a Klondike bar is! So I can't tell you what I'd do for one!! Thanks for the giveaway :)

Fran said...

Love the illusion ! Those are my very favorite
quilt patterns....a Klondike bar ? Hmmmmmm...
I'd have to go to a heavy duty Hot Yoga class !
seriously.....

Serena said...

I would do almost anything for a Klondike bar, but seriously for real I would go to zumba for a month!

whimsymoon said...

...for a klondike bar? I would clean my bathroom!!!
Thanks so much for the tutorial!

Phoebe said...

I'd say "yes please" and "thank you".

cpurl17 said...

For a Klondike Bar? I'd stop sewing long enough to scarf it down!

Catskill Quilter said...

Great, easy to understand tutorial -- and wonderful fabrics too! Thanks for the opportunity to enter!

Amanda said...

Hrm... for a Klondike bar? ...probably just ask for it, and live if you didn't give me one. I'm not a big fan of them, to be honest. Silly me!

But those fabrics, on the other hand... I might punch my brother in the face for those. And thanks for the tutorial; that looks so neat!

Rocio said...

Thanks a lot for the tutorial. You make it looks not so complicated. I will give it a try when I have some time, maybe a vacation project :)

Helen said...

Gorgeous fabrics and design, now how to find the template in the uk!

patty a. said...

What would I do for a Klondike Bar? I would do the dishes - oh, do they ever need done! Thanks for the giveaway!

sugarcreekstuff said...

Beautiful! Those fabrics arent bad either.

Deb said...

I love this block! Thanks so much for doing this tutorial. And what would I do for a Klondike Bar? Hmm...Stand on my head!

Jenny said...

i would do cartwheels around the backyard for a klondike bar! ha...reminds me of the time my husband dared me to mow the yard in my housecoat...i did, and he had to give me a back rub every night for a month!

aj said...

OK, is it wrong that I don't know what a Klondike bar is?! In my defence I'm a brit living in Canada...and I shall make it my mission to find out....if its half as yummy as these fabrics then I'm in for a treat!
thejasperpatch googlemail com

robin said...

I'd hold my breath til I passed out for a klondike bar! or for a bundle of those farbics...

holly | bijou lovely said...

Love this!! I especially love the prints you chose, they are some of my favorites at the moment! I would LOVE a Klondike bar...I might have to drive to the store to get some sort of ice cream now!

brzeski said...

What WOULDN'T I do for a Klondike Bar?? That's a much shorter list.
I love how the Kaleidoscope turned out! Who knew it was that easy?

Mary P said...

Super cute! What would I do for a klondike bar? Walk to the store and back, of course!

Jodi said...

I would make a quilt, of course!!!

SueB said...

What a great project. I am going to get to this next week. I would love to win a Klondike Bar.

Unknown said...

Leave a comment so I can win the giveaway!

susan in seattle said...

I don't generally eat desserty type things, but the Klondike does sound sorta good. I think I'll try one on my next trip to the market. Thanks for the tutorial! I think I'll make 4 of these and put em together in a larger piece!

Margaret said...

I would do a triple flip off the high dive for a Klondike Bar.

Jen V said...

LOVE this tutorial. I'm putting it on the list of things I want to make. When I saw this topper I immediately knew which two loved ones will also love it. As for the Klondike bar, I'll finish this topper (twice) and then celebrate with a Klondike!

Darcy said...

What a great tutorial and giveaway, I always love your color choices! Klondike bar - meh, but my husband would do a lot more than I would for any ice cream treat ;-)

Marci Girl said...

What wouldn't I do for a Klondike Bar should be the question! I would clean the tub (HATE that chore), change poopy diapers, and wake up super early!

Darn it...now I want chocolate....

Great giveaway!

NancyinSTL said...

For a Klondike Bar, I would make and giveaway a Kaleidoscope block.

Kate from Kinda Crunchy Kate blog said...

The table topper is beautiful!

Ariane said...

I love this table topper!! I've never had a Klondike Bar. But i hear its a cool treat. Love those!!! I would have to hide it in my house, otherwise it would be gone before I get a chance to have it!!!

Deb said...

I love this quilt! I've tried and failed before to make a kaliedoscope, but think that I've got another try in me soon!

G said...

Love this pattern!!!

colorquilter said...

What would I do for a Klondike Bar?
Cut out my daily popcorn!

Lily said...

I never had a Klondike bar. But thinking about ice-cream and chocolate I would really like one now.

Diane said...

Eat the Klondike bar. I would love to win the fabric bundle. I would love to make a kalidoscope quilt. Thanks for the giveaway.

Valerie said...

Wait for them to go on sale, and then stock the freezer! We love Klondike bars (in every variety...) but it's so hard to justify our grocer's price. {grin}

Lovely topper --- I've been waiting eagerly for this tutorial. Thank you for sharing!

Greta said...

Put it in the freezer and save it until it feels like ice cream weather, preferably to be eaten after a long day digging in my sunny garden.
Great tutorial, BTW. Thanks!

twelfthzodiac said...

Great tutorial! :)
I don't believe I've ever had a Klindike bar...it's probably best that way!

Megan said...

wow it'd be so much fun to win this!! thanks for the clear and easy to follow tutorial!

Unknown said...

The table topper is fabulous!! What would I do for a klondike bar... Hmm I would walk for a mile!

Paula said...

I love ice cream but I've never had a Klondike Bar. I might give up dessert for a week to try one ...

Cindy J. said...

I would drive to the grocery store and fork over some dollars for a klondike bar. Love this design.

Sheetal said...

eeps! I recently moved to the US so, I had to go check what a Klondike Bar was :). But now that I know, I think its what we call a Choco-Bar in India!!! Oh my, now I'm craving one...need to eat a Klondike Bar soon!!!!

Margaret said...

How lovely! Thank you for being so generous with your time. As an aside, I just read your comment about a book review, and I'm so sorry that someone was deliberately cruel. I fear that such a low level is not endemic to the internet. It permeates politics and media as well. I hope you realize that there are many of us who delight in your vibrant colours and "wonky" lines. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

Browndirtcottage said...

This little piece of yours is w-a-y
too FAB...makes me want to have a whole big quilt thingy!! I am so enjoying your new book!

As for the Klondike bar...well, I might be tempted to finally vacuum....

VeronicaMade said...

Ooh, this is a great giveaway! I would love to win it. I might clean my bathroom for a Klondike bar.

Ann said...

Thanks for the wonderful tutorial. Great pattern. Finally Klondike weather here so I guess I would clean my garage and then enjoy. Really that may be what I make my kids do today with Klondike bars as the incentive.

Paula Ganyard said...

I just love kaleidoscope patterns and you make this look so easy. Thanks for sharing.

As for the Klondike Bar, well...not as much as I would do for mint chocolate chip ice cream, but I would at least say thank you. :)

Jen said...

Not really a fan of klondike bars, but I would love to make the table topper!

Little Island Quilting said...

I don't know because I don't know what a Klondike bar is!!!

Karin Husty Art said...

I would quilt and quilt and quilt all night long for a klondike bar! oh and wow...what a gorgeous project! Thanks for your generousity...always!

elizabethdee said...

Your patterns are beautiful, and this new one is no exception. What would I do for a Klondike bar? Better question: what would I do for this bundle? You make it irresistible.

Paula B. said...

I would love to learn to quilt, and i think this might be a good beginner project.?
Now, for a Klondike bar? I'd go to work and be HAPPY all day!!

Patricia said...

What would I do for a Klondike Bar? I would eat my beets. I love your work---just purchased the Interweave video---already have the shapes so I am ready to go. Thanks so much---have your latest book and have lots of projects I hope to make from it.

Karen said...

Everything OLD is new again... love the modern take on this traditional, no, vintage, retro, er, modern Kaleidoscope pattern! I have a quilt my grandmother made with this in the early 20's! Marti Michell has some great rotary rulers that make this block up pronto in 6" to 16" block sizes. www.frommarti.com....Love the fabrics! Can't wait for your AAQG workshop coming up in May... I'm signed up.... This is also great done in "strips"....

Diane Bohn said...

Haha. That question makes me think of the old guy in the recliner skiing down the alps. That could be fun! I love this pattern and your colors! :) Thanks for the giveaway, and the great instructions!

Tegan/ResacaDay said...

I love this table topper (and am already scheming about making a quilt-sized version)! Thanks for the tutorial! Klondikes have an element of hometown pride for me, as I used to eat them when they were made by Isaly's in Pittsburgh...so I guess I would reminisce for one.

Jen said...

I want it! because then I will be motivated to have my mom teach me how to quilt!

Unknown said...

I'd clean out my closets for a klondike bar. (this is no small feat!)

Shirley said...

I hope I'm not too late because I would be so happy to win this!

Doris said...

oTo eliminate cutting and sewing so many solid pieces, why not cut solid piece wedge and triangle as one piece?

belleann01 said...

I will dance at your next wedding for a Klondike Bar. I Would love this bundle. Thanks for offering it as a give-a-way.
Ann

Linda Fleming said...

I love this pattern and the fabrics show it off so well!

Carol said...

Stunning fabrics and design! Just LOVE it!Thanks for the tutorial! Much appreciated!Can't wait to make it!

Meghan O'Connor said...

I'd quilt for a Klondike bar! and I know someone who would just adore that color combo for his birthday.

GerryART said...

My Kaleidoscope Topper was completed Spring 2011 and it's very much love both as a tabletopper AND Wallhanging

Thanks once again for your generosity

Hugs
Gerry