Sweet, sweet, victory. That’s how I feel about this quilt.
This was the first time I’ve made quilt blocks with linen. I starched the crap out of it. Not sure if it was necessary, but I did anyway.
It’s also the first time I’ve done rows of straight line quilting. These are spaced at 1″ and it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.
Breepickles suggested quilting concentric circles, which would have been awesome, but I’m not comfortable doing that yet. Feel I should play with that style before attempting an entire quilt.
Quilting:
Aurifil’s Medium Turquoise (#5006) cotton in 50 wt matched the backing perfectly. Then I used my absolute favorite color, Platinum (#2912) for the front. The Platinum blends into the Kaufman yarn-dyed linen and doesn’t take away from the bright quilting cottons.
I figured as long as I used the same weight of thread for the top and bobbin, it was okay to use 2 different colors.
Crinkles make me happy.
It does annoy me when when the fabric in some straight line quilting twists and turns between the rows. Luckily I got away without that happening and I didn’t switch directions between rows. Nope! I’m a rebel.
My machine (Janome Memory Craft 6600p) has a really nice built in walking foot so all the layers stayed put. To be honest, I think not switching directions between rows helped prevent that twisty-turny that bothers me so.
Rows of straight line quilting doesn’t freak me out now that I’ve done it. Next time I’d like to try skinnier rows or random spacing.
Pattern:
I was super late to the Kaleidoscope party at Don’t Call Me Betsy’s. I didn’t use the templates but I did use her fabric requirements as well as strip sizes.
I cut 6.5″ strips of fabric and used the 30 degree mark on my ruler to cut the triangles. Elizabeth has a template if you are not comfortable doing that. I also used my ruler for the corner triangles, but she provides a template for that too!
Layout:
Alternate blocks of 8 prints and blocks with 4 prints & 4 solids. All corners are solid.
If you make one, definitely play and look at pictures first. Some people make all their blocks using alternating solid/print with some of the corners a print. Then lay them out all the same, while others rotate every other block. There really are tons of options!
I used more of the Kaufman linen for the hand stitched binding. Linen has such a nice texture and it just makes me feel all fancy.
The backing is Free Spirit’s voile in Mist from Cucire. I heart, heart, heart it. Soooo soft. After loving it on the back of a baby quilt, I decided to spoil myself.
And, of course, I added a label. I used to embroider them, but this works well too. You can order labels and save 5% using code 627handworks at Ikaprint! *wink wink*
It measures 72″ x 60″ which is great for the sofa and I’m keeping it for myself (shocker). Let’s see if any of my family members can pry it from my hands. Doubt it.
Oh… I spray basted it. I’ve never pinned. Is my quilty membership revoked now?
Friday, August 16th, 2013, 12:17 am | 
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August 16, 2013 at 1:05 am
Gah! I am halfway through quilting a quilt like you have done and mine has gone all wonky!!! I starched the top, spray AND pin basted, used my walking foot and it has still gone wonky! I have quilt and quilting envy hehe! 😉
August 16, 2013 at 1:18 am
I love it! Love the linen, love the straight line quilting (I haven’t done straight lines as close as yours are, but I also don’t switch directions and find it works out better). And I love the turquoise backing! I just finished two quilts with turquoise backing too, one in voile (a print) and I loooove how it feels and one in a solid turquoise (but not voile). Great colour in your quilt!
August 16, 2013 at 1:33 am
This is gorgeous Julie! I spray baste too! It turned out awesome!
August 16, 2013 at 2:07 am
Definitely not 😉 I don’t know if I’m quite a “quilter” yet, but I have yet to pin baste and I don’t mind it at all. What a beautiful mix of colors in this quilt too.
August 16, 2013 at 2:47 am
I love this!! I’ve wanted to do a kaleidoscope for a long time, and now you’ve lit a fire under me… Like I haven’t got enough to do!
August 16, 2013 at 3:15 am
Bravo, Julie! Okay, that’s it, I’m using your coupon code to get me some labels! Woo!
August 16, 2013 at 5:47 am
Congratulations absolutely beautiful quilt. I love linen and what a combination with voile I can see why you want to keep it!!!
August 16, 2013 at 6:33 am
Beautiful colors! Just for the record I don’t think switching directions between rows is helpful.
August 16, 2013 at 6:39 am
You spray basted only? No pinning? Wow. THAT is impressive. I’m too scared to try it. Beautiful results! And the linen is lovely.
August 16, 2013 at 6:40 am
Just beautiful!! Gorgeous colours!
August 16, 2013 at 7:26 am
This turned out lovely! I’m a huge fan of straight line quilting and I never switch direction either
August 16, 2013 at 8:06 am
If you get kicked out for spray basting, I’ll be right on your heels
The quilt looks great, and thanks for the info about the labels. I was curious enough that I was going to ask how you got them. Enjoy keeping a quilt for yourself!
August 16, 2013 at 8:08 am
This quilt is stunning! I really like the straight line quilting! I always send my quilts out to be quilted. …This is an interesting and really works with the quilt design.
August 16, 2013 at 9:22 am
i’m working on a kaleidoscope quilt now. yours turned out beautiful!
August 16, 2013 at 9:27 am
Just stunning!!
August 16, 2013 at 10:10 am
Wow, you did a fantastic job! Where did you get the tag for the quilt made, I would love to get some!
August 16, 2013 at 10:46 am
Ikaprint! http://www.etsy.com/shop/ikaprint
They are located in France but turn-around time is really fast. Code 627handworks for 5% off your order. Mine tags are navy with silver and I love them. They are silky feeling and I’ve washed them a lot without any changes.
August 17, 2013 at 10:05 pm
Thank you, I just ordered some!
August 16, 2013 at 10:57 am
It turned out beautiful! I just love that linen mixed with the bright colors. That size is so perfect–not too big for quilting, perfect for snuggles, small children, travel, etc!
August 16, 2013 at 12:41 pm
This is so pretty! The grey really allows the colors to POP! Nice finish!
August 16, 2013 at 1:22 pm
Totally beautiful!
August 16, 2013 at 5:03 pm
Crinkles make me happy too! Love this quilt and linen IS fancy. Very nice work!
August 16, 2013 at 8:07 pm
It came out beautifully!! I love straight line quilting.
August 16, 2013 at 10:33 pm
Love this quilt! Gorgeous!!! Beautiful quilting, too!
What does your tag say below your name?
August 16, 2013 at 10:44 pm
One more question about the tag:
What size is the one on this quilt?
It is the perfect size!
August 16, 2013 at 10:44 pm
Gorgeous Julie!
August 16, 2013 at 10:55 pm
Julie, this turned out beautiful, love all the colors! Don’t blame you for not wanting to give it up to family. LOL thanks for sharing it.
August 16, 2013 at 11:16 pm
This quilt is really gorgeous, Julie! I love the brights against the gray!
August 17, 2013 at 3:10 am
Simply divine! Sew, sew fine! Love it! And the quilting is my favourite part…. The top of a long list. Congrats, Julie!
August 17, 2013 at 7:42 pm
Julie! This is awesome. I love the colors, the linen and the turquoise back are perfect. I have got to do one of these. Just love the scrappiness.
August 17, 2013 at 10:35 pm
This is beautiful! Wow! Just wow!
August 17, 2013 at 11:49 pm
I just love this julie – especially the bright pops of blue! The quilting looks fabulous.
xo jan
August 20, 2013 at 7:36 am
Ugh, the fabric envy is killing me! It sure is pretty, though.
August 20, 2013 at 9:30 pm
It’s beautiful! And I don’t pin, either – shh! It can be our little secret. : )
October 14, 2016 at 7:02 pm
This may be a post from a few years ago, but I’ve just come across it and I want to say that this quilt is stunning! I’m going to have a look for the original templates and quilt along party. Been meaning to do a kaleidoscope quilt for ages now.
October 14, 2016 at 7:03 pm
Yep, I’m a spray baster too. There’s a few of us in the quilty naughty corner!
February 12, 2018 at 2:29 pm
You are funny!
I would love to make this quilt. How difficult an undertaking is it?
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