I am so pleased to return with my finished kaleidoscope block that has grown up into a quilted pillow! A few weeks ago, I posted about the new Kaleidoscope Collection 2* from Electric Quilt. I have been able to finish my block and turn into a new pillow for our living room!
The Block
Here is the block all ready to be pieced. As I look at it, the last pieces on each section, in orange and blue, could have had a little more value change. Its a little too subtle of a change for the size of the pieces, but I continued on.
This is how the back looked of the pieces. You can see I used two kinds of paper, freezer paper and newsprint. I love using freezer paper, but sometimes I prefer using the newsprint. This was one of those times. For me, it comes off fast and worked well for the frame of mind I was in – when I began with the freezer paper I accidentally sewed through it and thought I just wasn’t up to focusing on doing it the right way, so the newsprint won.
There was a little trimming involved! My favorite tool is the Add a Quarter Ruler* for paper piecing. It works like a charm and helps make trimming the seams a quick process. You may notice I have some rubber grips on mine…it helps with the slippage if you are doing other trimming with the ruler.
The block came together nicely.
I added a border, to make it all work.
Just for fun, I made a quilt with this block in Electric Quilt!
The Pillow
Here’s where the pillow will live in our living room. The pillow insert needs to be replaced, but this will do for now! I quilted it on my Bernina 570, just outlining the octagon in the border, going around the outside points, and going around the center octagons. It was the perfect way to quilt this.
The pillow visited the enclosed porch; I love it on the wicker chair. I may have to make another for the living room, as it really is so perfect here. Thanks to Electric Quilt for reaching out and offering me the chance to work on this great project!
Coming Up on the Blog
Baby Girl Alphabet Panel
Design a Boat block for a neighbor
SAHRR 2025 – Quilted top (3/24)
Baby quilts (2 to make)
Linking Up
Monday Musings
Wednesday Wait Loss
Kathleen, I love this ! I imagine it on a tote bag as well as an elongated bench type pillow for the coottage deck. What do you think? Maybe you will be making more of this pattern?
Lynn
That is one gorgeous pillow! Love the design. I used the add-a-quarter ruler one time several years ago and loved it! Why have I not paper-pieced since then?
Oh wow – that is an amazing pillow!! your colors are so rich and vibrant!!
Stunning pillow, Kathleen!!! Great colors and I like the grey fabric you set it all off with around the edges. Looks so good on your sofa and wicker furniture, both!
That is a gorgeous pillow! What fun!
It turned out great! I also love that add a quarter ruler for paper-piecing. Does the newsprint go through your printer without getting creased? Also, I think the colours are just perfect; I like the subtlety.
the pillow and the quilt will be great – such nice bright colors
Big applaus for sewing with this method. Feeezer paper is a good tool in the sewing room.
The pillow will make you smile. Have to check the benefit of a quarte ruler in my tool box.
Thank you for showing the variety of different ways of sewing.
Magnificent work, Kathleen!
Beautifully pieced and a delightful accent pillow; enjoy!
Beautiful pillow, Kathleen! :)
This turned out great, Kathleen! I love the bright colors!
Such a beautiful pillow. It looks so good in both places, I think you are destined to make another. Thanks for sharing on my weekly show and tell, Wednesday Wait Loss.