6.05.2012

Dresden Lampshade Tutorial

How to Make a Lampshade using a Dresden Ruler.





I mentioned in my last post about the Salt Lake City Modern Quilt Guild's Dresden Quilting Challenge.  I was asked by the SLMQG to come up with something unique using the Dresden Ruler as a part of the Blog Hop and to kick of the Dresden Challenge.  I have come up with a tutorial on how to make a lampshade (to match the cute quilt you hopefully are going to make using the Dresden Ruler for the Challenge!)


1.  Start by cutting 26 pieces of fabric leaving at least 1/4"-1/2" extra fabric on each side of the Dresden Ruler.  13 pieces will be used for the outside of the lampshade and 13 for the inside.  (This is a great way to use up extra scrap fabric.)


2.  Lay out the fabrics in the order that you'd like them to be in.


3.  Cut 13 pieces of Pellon Peltex 72F Double-Sided Fusible Ultra Firm Stabilizer.  I bought a yard of this at Joann Fabrics and this was more than enough.  Cut these pieces 1/4" - 1/2" larger than the Ruler just as you cut the scrap fabric pieces.


4.  Lay your first 'outside' fabric piece face down on your ironing board, right-side down.  (I apologize in advance for the condition of my ironing board cover.  I thought twice about even mentioning it, because I didn't want to draw extra added attention to it, but I just couldn't go without a quick apology!)


5.  Set a piece of Pellon Peltex on top of the "outside piece."


6.  Lay the first "inside" piece on top of the Pellon Peltex right-side up.


7.  Follow the instructions that came with the Peltex on how to attach it to the fabric.  Here I am using a damp press cloth (AKA...a SHAM WOW!) :)


8.  After I used the damp press cloth on both sides for 10 seconds, I then removed the cloth and pressed both sides directly with the iron.



9.  After you have attached all fabric pieces to the Peltex, it is time to trim up each piece using the Dresden Ruler.  Set the Ruler in the middle of the fabric sandwich making sure the back piece is centered with the Ruler as well and trim around the Ruler using a rotary cutter.


10.  After trimming, you should have 13 beauties, just like this.


12.  Now it's time to sew!  Place the first two pieces together side-by-side and zig-zag stitch them together.  I started at what will be the bottom of the lampshade and sewed toward the top. (Large end of the Dresden to the thin end).
Connect 6 of the sandwich pieces together and then in a separate group connect the other 7.  
Having 2 separate groups will make this more manageable for the Step 14.


13.  Set your Stitch Length to 0mm & your Stitch Width to 4.5mm.


Step 14.  Sew over the zig-zag stitch using your new length/width adjustments.  Go slowly and you may also need to pull the fabric through a bit more than normal.  If you want this seam line to look really solid, you can go over it a 2nd time.  Just an FYI, this uses a TON of thread!


Step 15.  Keep in mind, your bobbin thread will show so choose your colors appropriately.


Step 16.  Connect the first group of 6 to the second group of 7 in the same fashion as above.


Step 17.  Using the same Stitch as in Step 14, stitch around the bottom of the lampshade.


Step 18.  If you'd like, choose a fun little ribbon, pom pom, or rick rack to add to the bottom of the lampshade.


Step 19.  Connect the ribbon to the bottom. 


Step 20.  Now for the fun part.  Head on over to your local Goodwill Store and look for a lampshade that has a 4" center.  I took my lampshade with me to find one that had the same size center.  I got this one for $1.50, on sale, baby!!!  

Remove the fabric from the extra lampshade leaving just the metal frame.  This metal part probably has a name, but I have no clue what it is.  (I went to the hardware store & a lamp store to buy this part and neither sold it.)


Step 21.  Set the metal frame into the middle of the lampshade with the metal circle resting on the outside of top of the lampshade.


Step 22.  Cut a piece of fabric 2 1/2" x 20" on the bias (diagonal from the bottom of one selvage side to the top of the other).  Fold in half lengthwise and press, creating binding for the top of the lampshade.
Pin this binding into the middle of the top of the lampshade with the folded part of the binding hanging down in the middle and the open end of the binding pinned onto the top of the lampshade.  



Step 23.  Stitch around the entire top starting on the inside about 1/4" down, coming through to the outside 1/4" down, and then up and over the metal frame.  Repeat this all the way around the entire lampshade.  This is what is actually holding the lampshade to the metal frame.



Step 24.  Pull the binding from the inside over the metal frame to the outside.  Blind stitch the edge of the binding to the outside of the lampshade.


Step 25.  Find a cute base for your lampshade and there ya have it!


If you'd like a chance to win one of these SUPER Cool Dresden Rulers, leave a comment for me on something fun you plan to do this summer (kids activity ideas are definitely needed here!!!).  I will be selecting the winner by Random Generator on Friday at 9pm EST.

Now, hope on over to Leigh's blog at Leedle Deedle Quilts for another idea of what to make with your Dresden Ruler and another chance to win a free Ruler.

The Blog Hop Continues.....

June 6

June 7

June 8

June 9

June 10

June 11

June 12

June 13

June 14

June 15
Salt Lake MQG: Wrap-up www.slmqg.com/

Thanks so much to the incredible Sponsors for making this Challenge so special!

                   EZDresden_Logos



xoxo
~Val~

62 comments:

  1. what a clever idea! so cute!
    Summer plans? Painting with ice cubes is on the adjenda for tomorrow I think (couple drops of food coloring in water, freeze, "paint" by sliding around on paper), or making some sidewalk paint...I love pinterest!

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  2. My DH and I are going on a luxury steam train tour of Scotland. We've done this trip before and i am really looking forward to going again.

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  3. adorable lampshade...for the summer we plan on going to Lancaster,Pa to Sight and Sound.

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  4. What a fun idea! Can't help you with kid ideas.

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  5. This is so cute! We are planning to go camping with my whole family over the summer.

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  6. Well done!! That IS a very unique project using the Dresden Plate Ruler!!! Just delightful.

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  7. Oh, sorry, summer plans?? I'm at my summer residence in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and plan to do a lot of hiking and kayaking (when the weather warms up a bit!!).

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  8. I'm afraid I don't have too many kid friendly activities planned except that my husband really wants to go to Six Flags. Otherwise we will be working on our new house and the yard and I think going to a beer festival.

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  9. I don't have many kid friendly activities going on except maybe visiting our grandkids and having fun with them at their pool...love the lampshade...

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  10. I don't have a single lampshade setting light in my house and this is so cute. When the grands come in the summer, they love 'treasure hunt' around the farm - looking for little items to put in their handmade treasure boxes that I keep here for them. Then we can look at the summer's treasures in the winter months and make memory stories.

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  11. My most fun plan for the summer is to go to NYC to see daughter, SIL, and grandson. They are expecting boy#2 in Oct and we are very anxious to see them all.

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  12. Wow, what a creative idea! I've just returned from a vacation to several National Parks, so that is my main summer fun besides sewing. My kid is grown but when he was young we used to enjoy making shrink art. I think they still sell the special plastic at craft stores. We would trace pictures from coloring books with a Sharpie marker and color with colored pencils then put in the oven. If you punch a hole before baking you can make ornaments or package ties or whatever!

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  13. Wow, Val! Great tutorial for the lampshade - perfect for a bedroom ensemble. I have one of these rulers already, so I opt out of the drawing, but wanted to compliment your adorable project today!

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  14. Love the lampshade! What a great idea! As for this summer....I'm planning to quilt as much as possible and read a few books just for fun....that's about as much fun as I can handle.

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  15. Great lampshade! Thank you! I'd love to try it!
    My children are all at uni/working so I don't need to find activities for them!! When they were younger their favourite spot was the sandpit with all their toy vehicles!!

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  16. Your lampshade is adorable! I am making a quilt for my son this summer.

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  17. What a fabulous tutorial! I'm pinning it so I don't lose it...
    My kids just got out of school this week. If it ever stops raining I'm making a water board with tubes and bottles for them to play with. Kind of ironic that I need it to stop raining so they can play with water...

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  18. Love the lampshade, great idea. A friend has a condo in fla so I am making her a throw using Lucys crab shack, now I might just have to make a lampshade for the guest room. Thanks for the idea. Also, she and her children pick one project each summer to help the elderly, whether its yard work, grocery shopping or just spending time with them. She said the kids learn so much and cant wait each year for summer and to meet their new friend. I admire them so much for taking time out of their summer to help someone who really needs it!!

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  19. I love your lampshade !! Such a clever idea.

    Granddaughters coming for few days in August. Want to try sun printing and white crayon/candle resist dying with them. May be too ambitious (ages 5 and 2year old who thinks she is 5) but think it will be fun. After son and DIL pick them up will probably sleep for week. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  20. So dang cute!! You did such a great job with your project Val!

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  21. I have a lampshade that needs to be covered and that is how I am going to do it. Thanks for the inspiration. This summer we are renting a cabin in the woods and taking my daughter and my two grandkids and spending a week with them. It will be so much fun. Thanks for a chance to win a super ruler.

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  22. SHAM WOW! loves.

    Also, obsessive googling reveals that it's called a "fitter".

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  23. Your project is one of the more amazingly creative ones I've seen in a while!
    Our fun activity will be attending a music a music festival. Our son is working there this year.

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  24. This is a very unique idea! We are hoping that this summer will be one with less kid and baby sitting. What began as part of one afternoon a week is now 4 days a week. Help, we need OUR summer vacation. I want to make a baby quilt this summer. alternate email mlwright29(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  25. My seven year old daughter has developed a love of yo-yos, so she is creating them and I will be stitching them together. Thanks for the wonderful tutorial and the chance of winning!

    mheldmyer(at)bellsouth(dot)net

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  26. We're heading off for a family reunion in July - Sorry, not much fun for the little ones...... Thanks for the great tutorial.

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  27. Jig Saw Puzzles. In the air conditioned house!
    Love your lampshade!

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  28. Taking my grandson to the zoo for his very first visit!

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  29. Lots of reading while camping, along with swimming, fishing and smore's on the campfire. Thanks for the chance at your giveaway.

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  30. What a cute idea! This summer I really want to make something from all of the selvages that I have collected. Maybe some little zip bags. Linda in Alabama

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  31. Oh I wish I had some fabulous ideas for summer fun with kids but mine are all grown and out of the house now and two of the grandchildren are babies. I do know when they are older we'll be taking them to a small local area zoo as often as possible. It's a small one family run and they have all kinds of babies during the summer when they're open which the kids can get up close with. Right now they have a baby porcupine that's just adorable.

    As far as what we're doing, it will for sure be a weekend away at some point to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary.

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  32. Super cute lampshade! My summer fun involves lots of road trips, so lots of car games like the license plate game (49 states is the best I've ever had), car bingo, and I Spy. Let the kiddos make their own music mix!

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  33. Well I'm getting a tent, so I plan to do some camping with the nieces. Even if we camp out in the backyard it should be fun with marshmallows and hot dogs!

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  34. Great tutorial! Thanks for sharing! I plan to go to the outdoor theatre this summer.

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  35. Mine is 2 1/2...all I need is the climbers at the park and the beach ( Lake Ontario). We,all probably go to a local farm market that has a petting zoo as well.

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  36. well, I definitely plan to make a lamp shade now! my kids are grown but when they were little, picnics at a lake where we could swim was always a favorite activity.

    thanks for the chance to win.

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  37. taking my granddaughter (8 yrs) to Disneyland... Ought a keep her happy for a couple of days

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  38. My kids are doing soccer, surf camp, Vacation Bible School (free). They also like going to museums, summer concerts, science center and doing the library reading program.

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  39. quilt and travel, travel and quilt...thanks for the cute lampshade!

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  40. This is so very, very cool. Thanks for the tutorial. I think I'm going to put my toddler in swimming lessons this summer. I'm not sure who is more excited for it though. :)

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  41. Very cool idea !Thanks.
    Walking in the woods this summer with grandson.

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  42. This is just too clever. I love this idea! Thnx for sharing......hhmmmm, now I have to go buy a lamp with a lampshade so I can try this.....

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  43. How clever!! I love your lampshade. That is something I've wanted to make but was waiting for a great tutorial. hehe. Thanks for all your pictures as well, great job! This summer I'm going to get to be with my grandson alot more than usual (19 mos.) so I'm going to be looking for activities as well. hehe.

    Thank you for a super giveaway and a chance to win.

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

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  44. Great lampshade. I'm going on a mission trip with my daughter is summer.

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  45. Not many plans this summer. We are moving, so packing is in order.

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  46. I'll be picking cherries, going to the beach, and celebrating the 4th of July Independence Day tossing horseshoes with my family. Thalnks for the opportunity to win the Dresden ruler. I don't have one and am thinking I need one to start my Dresden plate project.

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  47. You are so clever. I love the lampshade. The only fun plans I have are visiting my friend for a "quilt retreat" at her house. She lives an hour and a half away and we get together for fabric/quilt related things.

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  48. So cute and fun. I used to be afraid of making lampshades, fear of fabric catching on fire but that doesn't seem to happen. I wish I had good ideas for summer. My grandchildren are taking swimming lessons right now. That takes most of the morning. In July we have a great family reunion where we camp and the kids play all day in the dirt, catch horny toads and build huts. THey entertain themselves to an amazing degree and have a marvelous time. Thanks.

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  49. i'm impresssed! a quilted lampshade, and it's so cute! i'm going to have some company coming next month ... we'll take a bay tour and a hike out to the glacier!

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  50. No plans, just a lot of relaxing. The park (or different ones) is the place to go-for picnics, nature walks, frisbee, swings. The park is always fun.

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  51. My summer plans are making lots of quilts, working on the house, and working on the landscaping. To me this is fun esp. when I see the results of my hard work. The lampshade is very cool!

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  52. My kid is now 24 yrs old, so my summer plans don't include him, but they do include my BFF. She and I will head on up to Lake Tahoe in July for 5 glorious days of quilting and playing catch-up on each others' lives. Can't wait...Are we there yet?

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  53. That is a darling idea. I hope to do lots of sewing with the granddaughters this summer.

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  54. My 4 yr old son and I are working on different shapes with fabric. The squares are being sewn together to make a table covering that becomes an indoor tent/reading cave. He is handing the squares to me, so he is choosing the sequence and order of the squares. We have had our share of rainy days, so we needed something inside to use when the storms pickup :)He's at the ready, with his flashlight, and can't wait til it's finished :)

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  55. great lamp shade :) sorry no kid projects come to mind at the moment..

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  56. What an awesome idea! And I didn't even link to you in my post. I was SO stressed to get it out there, I totally spaced it. But I will edit it to add it :) Nice job!

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  57. That is ADORABLE!!!! Great idea!

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  58. Thank you so much for the tutorial! I will definitely make one like this for my studio :) Fun activities? We're just going to spend some time at the ocean and plan to ride a bike with our little one for the first time. Hope he'll not be afraid as usual :)

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  62. The Dresden Lampshade tutorial is an illuminating masterpiece. How Name Change Your meticulous instructions and innovative design approach transform an ordinary object into a captivating work of art.

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