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.

19 comments:

LA Paylor said...

that's the way to approach the color choice, one next to one, and like that combo. Then let the magic happen with the final arrangement. I guess I missed how you elongate some stars by continuing the colors out the star point into the adjoining blocks. Like the red one above, the four adjacent blocks have the same red so the points are longer than other blocks. Anyway it's a party in a quilt. LeeAnna

Ann said...

Thanks, LeeAnna. It's a way I figured out to keep things from matching too much. And to keep from having only one wild fabric. That always looks sad to me.
What you call elongated stars, I call tulips. It's just a color choice of the finishing triangles.

Nifty Quilts said...

Your kaleidoscope quilt top is wonderful! I love your bold mix of color and pattern. It all mixes very well. Zingy!

Ann said...

Thanks. It is certainly fun to see the differences made by fabric.

Linda @ kokaquilts said...

Love your version, it's so colourful with heaps of movement! And thanx for featuring me, am certainly keen to give this another go, and try & be less restrained!

Ann said...

These are certainly fun, Linda. Your first kaleidoscope is so soft and cuddly. The quieter fabric makes me want to cuddle with it and read a good book. I look forward to your next version.

Barb said...

ooh that kaleidoscope is so great. I love the circular movement that you've created and the use of those oranges.

Ann said...

Thanks, Barb. The circular movement is simply value of the different sections. It's easiest to see in my oldest kaleidoscope, posted in January. These new ones have less emphasis on value so the circles come and go more. I like how they pop in and out, too.

Monica said...

I think these kaleidoscope quilts must be endless fun, Ann! It really keeps you looking as see one interesting thing after another. Great job! What is your quilting plan?

dq said...

Oh yeah! I am in love with your quilt! It is vibrant and has so much motion.

dq said...

I am going to make one! My sister-in law made a similar pattern for a family member and I have her name this year. I think I'll do your variation.

Ann said...

Thanks, Monica. I'm mulling over the quilting now. Perhaps different motifs in the different areas. But I don't think much will show in all this patterning.

Ann said...

That will be fun. I'll look forward to seeing yours.

Colleen said...

a kaleidoscope is on my list. Yours is just beautiful !

Nicky said...

Your Kaleidoscope radiates colour! It is a beauty! Thanks for linking up to #scraptastictuesday!

Ann said...

Thanks for writing, Colleen. They are a great pattern, very similar to spiderweb.

Ann said...

Thanks, Nicky. It's fun to pull all these fabrics out and play.

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

I love your Kaleidoscope quilt!! I love busy scrappy quilts!

Ann said...

Yes, I think busy, happy is my favorite type of scrap quilt, too. That's why I enjoy seeing yours, Wanda. Thanks for taking the time to write.