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Step It Up a Stitch: Mexican Sundial Centerpiece Create an appliquéed centerpiece in vivid south-of-the-border hues. From "Uncommon Threads" episode DUCT-138

Lize Burr creates the pattern for a Mexican sundial centerpiece.

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Mexican Sundial Centerpiece Pattern

Mexican Sundial Centerpiece Pattern

Materials:

poster board or light cardboard
compass
protractor
ruler
pencil
colored pencil

1. Draw two 6" diameter circles using a compass (or trace a plate with a 6" diameter). Mark the center point of each circle. Draw a 10" diameter circle around both 6" circles (be sure to use the same center point). Cut out both 10" circles.

2. To make the ring pattern, cut out one of the inner circles. You may cut through the outer circle and then tape it once you've removed the inner circle.

3. To make the inner circle pattern, mark the rim of the 6" circle 12 times at 30-degree intervals (figure A), using the protractor to measure (you will use this pattern to mark the inner circle on the mat to guide you in laying out the triangles).

4. Place the inner circle pattern on top of the other inner circle (in the uncut 10" circle). Mark the bottom inner circle with the 12 triangle points (figure B) to indicate the bases of the triangles.

5. Measure and mark the midpoint of one of the 12 triangle bases, using a protractor. It will be at the 15-degree point when the protractor is placed at 0 degrees. Use a colored pencil to mark the midpoint. Repeat this measure and mark the midpoint on the triangle base on the opposite side of the inner circle (figure C).

6. Draw a line connecting the newly marked midpoints and extend the line to the edge of the outer circle. Mark this point using the colored pencil. This is the point of the triangle pattern.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

7. Mark the triangle by drawing a line from each of the base corners (on the inner circle) to the point on the outer circle (figure D).

8. Cut out the triangle carefully. Using a craft knife on the curved base line will result in a better shape (figure E). This pattern will be used 12 times, so it needs to be accurate and well made.

Figure D

Figure E

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