Book Review: Kool Kaleidoscope Quilts by Ricky Tims

Have you drooled over those stunning Ricky Tims kaleidoscope quilts but felt too intimidated to make one? Don't be! When Tims says "simple strip-piecing technique for stunning results," he really means it. This technique is very simple. The book has very thorough instructions with lots of pictures. Tims also includes plenty of examples of quilts made by his students that will give you inspiration. Tims also has a very helpful video tutorial of the whole process for this technique. I found this video very helpful. You can see it at the end of this post.

I bought Ricky Tims' book Kool Kaleidoscope Quilts a couple of years ago and this is my first attempt at his technique. It was a practice run, so I made no plan as far as fabrics go. I used scraps I had laying around that needed a place to land. In spite of an absence of planning, I think this kaleidoscope turned out quite pretty. This table topper measures 24" x 24."

I'm now going to take the plunge and make a bigger kaleidoscope quilt. I recently ordered fabric to make a quilt for our living room wall. Our feature wall is a deep red/orange, so I picked out rich autumn colours (my favourite). I'm sure it will look gorgeous. As soon as the fabric arrives, I'll be posting my progress.

Here is a helpful video by Ricky Tims on how to cut your strips and construct your very own Kool Kaleidoscope quilt.

Disclaimer: This is an honest, independent review of this book. I don't know Ricky Tims from Adam, and I'm not promoting his book for profit.

Oh Canada Flag Banner

You can hang this beautiful paper pieced Canadian flag banner with pride. I'm Canadian born and raised and I truly love this country. I also think we have a very cool modern flag design; a simple maple leaf.

On July 1st, 2017, Canada turns 150 years young. I decided to make a Canadian flag banner to hang in the front window this year instead of using the one everyone gets in the morning paper.

The maple leaf in the center of the flag is a perfect design for foundation piecing. After some tweaking here and there, I finally got everything right. This block is 25 cm x 25 cm (10" x 10"). It can be reduced or enlarged to incorporate into pretty much anything: a throw pillow, a tote bag, or anything you want to cover with Canada's national symbol.

Another reason to love Canada . . . check out our Prime Minister.😛

Quilted doggy desk mat for my fluffy butt

My little Pomeranian Sophie is my shadow. She's with me everywhere I go around the house, but I've been spending a lot more time at my computer lately. Initially, she wanted to sit on my lap while I worked (she's a lap dog, after all), but I wouldn't get anything done that way. So, I plunked her on the desk. Now she sleeps there while I'm working, so I decided to make her a small quilted mat for the desktop.

Awhile back, I picked up some cute fabric from with foxes on it. The fabric line is Good Natured by Riley Blake. My husband always says Sophie reminds him of a fox, so I made her a quilted "desk mat" with it. This mat would be great for your feline friend as well. I noticed the new mat was a bit slippy at first, so I put a piece of anti-slip mesh under it and that worked great.

I think the little foxes in the birch trees are adorable.

Sophie fast asleep on her new blankie.

Wooden scissors intarsia project

My husband is an intarsia artist, and I asked him if he could make some wooden scissors for my studio wall. I made the design and he did all the hard work putting them together. This is what we made together. Aren't they cool? They're hanging over my sewing machine table and I love them.

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Wooden Scissors Wall Art

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I love the real looking screw in the middle.

Krazy Kites Quilt Block

This fun kites quilt block is a great stash buster for all those pretty scraps you've been hanging on to. For good contrast, I used multiple creams and beige scraps for the background, which makes the colours really pop. I like the block without embellishing, but if you like to embroider, you can add tails.

Krazy Kites Quilt Block by Monica Curry

This block makes a great summer themed pillow. I think it would also be stunning as a baby blanket or a wall quilt with embroidered tales.