. . . my kaleidoscope quilt based on the block known as Grandma’s Surprise is coming together. Here are the first six blocks:
I’m making this quilt in a class at the Pine Needle Quilt Shop taught by Joyce Gieszler, author of Then and Now Quilts, a new book from Kansas City Star Quilts. This quilt is one of the designs in Joyce’s book.
It’s fascinating to see how varied the fabric choices are among my fellow students, ranging from completely scrappy to batiks, 1930s reproduction fabrics, and prints from the Cotton and Steel collection. The block design lends itself beautifully to all of these. A couple other students besides me are using a limited color palette, and one student is using a gradated fabric to great effect. It was fun seeing the first blocks emerge at our class last Saturday.
I was unable to attend Part 2 of Joyce’s class this morning because of another commitment but I was determined to squeeze in some sewing time today. Happily, I managed to finish another block late this afternoon. It goes in the middle of the bottom row:
Isn’t it interesting that the circular shape emerging in the center is formed by spiky triangles?
Que preciosidad de trabajo. Nos ha encantado. Quedara espectacular.
Un beso
Muchas gracias!
Oh my gosh! You have posted so much since the last time I checked my blogs… This quilt is so intimidating to me and I’m so super impressed on your skill at tackling it. Not that I’m surprised in the least – you are an excellent quilter! I love all the variations that you posted about earlier as well. Yours is going to be stunning. I always love your bright, clear photos on the blog – wish I had as good a camera or lighting as you!
Wow! That is such an awesome quilt! I wanted to ask if the book you referenced has the pattern or just pictures of the design? I would love a pattern so I could try my hand at this lovely block and quilt. Thanks!
Jennifer, Joyce Gieszler’s book does contain the pattern. The quilt pictured in the book is the one Joyce made using Civil War reproduction fabrics. Her Cotton + Steel version and three-color version look completely different!!