Tuesday, March 1, 2016

March Kaleidoscope of Butterflies

My latest kaleidoscope quilt is pinned, ready to be quilted.

Brightly colored fabrics and tulip-like extensions make a lively kaleidoscope quilt
Kaleidoscope with Tulips

Last month, Linda of Koka quilts and I chatted about the effect of fabric choices on the kaleidsoscope. She used a soft tan plaid in all her corners. Don't you just want to snuggle up in hers? Maureen at Mystic Quilter is making another lovely variation with four strip sets in each wedge.

Mine is much louder. To get in the mood, I chose three different focus fabrics. In addition to the Zandra Rhodes fabric, I used these two: a diamond print and a psychedelic wave pattern. {Sorry I forgot to take photos when I had yardage instead of remnants. Some day I may learn.} The wave is called Cool School by Maria Kalinowski. {That's all I can read on the selvedge.}

Two of three focus fabrics
used in this kaleidoscope

These happy, colorful fabrics come from different lines because I do NOT want them to match exactly. Using multiple foci widens the "acceptable color range." Once the focus fabrics are spread across the floor, I toss any possibilities on top. The new fabrics don't need to match all of them. In fact, all they need to do is work with one and "not make me sick." {And I have a strong stomach.} Some look fantastic while others are just okay. I do think about the value range and pull fabrics across that spectrum.

I haven't seen a single live butterfly this month. Have you? QS sent me a photo she took last summer.

Monarch Butterfly by QS

Lisa Boni translated her own monarch with stump work and added it to a small, ornamental pincushion. As always, her work is gorgeous.

There's still another day to join the February Ad Hoc Improv Quilters linkup.

Enjoy the day, Ann

InLinkz linkup removed because it was hacked.