Boston1954

I see them at shows and online, and they are gorgeous! BUT...are they as complicated as they look? Could I do this?

DebraK

How long have you been making quilts? If it's not your first quilt, I think anyone can do it with good instructions.

Tartan

There are several patterns called Kaleidoscope. Which one are you thinking of doing?

cmrenno

I made one many years ago from a book by Bethany Reynolds (Magic Stack n Whack Quilts.) The pattern is called "January Thaw." Its nice pattern because it uses a regular ruler (12-1/2 square.) I recommend the book to understand the process and to help pick out the fabric.
It is very exciting to see the blocks evolve. You will be so surprised at what you get. If you like to read and follow directions you shouldn't have any problems. I have made a lap sized and a miniature and I have been contemplating making another.
I'll tell you a secret. When I made the first one I didn't have the recommended amount of fabric but I was anxious to try the quilt. I cut VERY carefully and the quilt came out fine. In fact I entered the quilt in a local fair and won Best of Show!
So I highly recommend making a Kaleidoscope Quilt! Let me know if you have any questions!!!
Colleen

snipforfun

Here is a Ricky Tims kaleidoscope I made. I used lots of crystals

DebraK

beautiful. So did you find it difficult to do?

Treasureit

I did the One Block Wonder and it wasn't too hard. The worst part was getting the fabric stacked PERFECTLY so all the cuts are the same.

The good thing is you make it in strips, so no trying to get through the center with a bunch of seams coming together.

nonnie60

There are several books out that are helpful. Try and find a class for your 1st one. They are not hard, but you do need to be exact with cutting. I'm sure you can do it. Please post your pics. I've done several also. You may want to start with a 4 patch posie or the Fan quilt. Good luck.

dunster

Exactly what I was thinking. Many patterns called kaleidoscope... I think OBW is fairly easy, and Ricky Tims' Kool Kaleidoscope pattern is also easy and fun to do. Most of the S&W are also easy, as long as there aren't more than 6-8 layers. However, I did one type of kaleidoscope soon after I started quilting. It was not easy for me at that time, because of the all the small bits that I had to add on to the corners. I think I could manage it more easily now, but not then. Here it is before quilting on the design wall.

dunster

The quilting on your quilt is spectacular! And the colors - oh my! Really great.