Remember this block?
It’s the test block I made back in January using the mini Quick Curve Ruler — known as the QCR Mini — and Mini Rings pattern designed by those Sew Kind of Wonderful sisters. I’ve been wanting to make a Mini Rings quilt since the ruler and pattern were introduced last fall. I’m using the fabrics you see above in another quilt so that one block was as far as I got.
Time to try another one. For my second test block, I did something different. Instead of making the rings from four fabrics in a strip set, as the pattern instructs, I used one large print, a wonderful black and white and yellow floral I found last summer at a quilt shop in Central Oregon. Having bought the fabric for its possibilities in a kaleidoscope quilt, I was reluctant to cut a chunk out of it just to test my theory that it might look good in something else.
So I didn’t cut into it. Not at first. I placed the fabric on my printer screen and took a color photo of it:
Then I cut the paper into rings, just as if it were fabric, using the QCR Mini:
I liked what I saw so I went ahead and cut enough fabric to make one block. Here it is:
I liked the block . . . but not quite enough to make an entire quilt out of it.
I tried again, this time using a fabric from the Doodle collection designed by Alice Kennedy for Timeless Treasures:
I liked this block. A lot. Enough to make an entire quilt out of it?
Why, yes!
I like it!
I did the same thing with Shar’s Heartland Double Wedding Ring Rulers: Used a single piece of fabric for each side of the ring. And to use the smaller ruler will make it a nice wall hanging size. Who wants to make a gigantic quilt every time? I’m making a large Metro Rings quilt right now for a wedding gift!
Hi Arden. Great minds think alike! 😉
I love the idea of copying your fabric to use as a test!!!
It’s always scary to me when I cut that first piece.
Black and green — what a terrific combination. The yellow and black is very nice but maybe too much for a whole quilt but VERY cha cha for either a table runner, wall hanging, panel for a Billie bag or just a single square to use under a small centerpiece or candle! Such imagination this quilting talent of yours conjures up in your less talented twin.
Hmmmm. A panel for a Billie Bag. Splendid idea, Nubs! And how about a kaleidoscope block on the other panel??
Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about!!
I love how methodical you are. You need to rub off on me. I’d probably cut a whole quilt out and then decide I didn’t like it enough to do an entire quilt. Ha!
What a smart approach! Oh the benefits of technology when used creatively! And yes, I think you made the right choice to keep going with this one – it’s going to be stunning!