Kaleidoscope Pillow

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Batik Kaleidoscope Pillow

Once I finished my paper pieced block yesterday I decided to relax and spend some time looking at things on the internet and I read about the September 2015 Free-motion Challenge that Darlene at QuiltShopGal had posted. September’s challenge showcases the Kaleidoscope Kreator 3 (this is no longer available) and I remembered when I had read about it the first time.

Star wall hanging

In 2012 I took part in the December Free-Motion Quilting Challenge and made a wall hanging with a design from the same software. You can see that post Feathered Rainbow Star. Gosh, that was 3 years ago….where does time go!

Batik Kaleidoscope printed fabric

Well…..I went to Kaleidoscope Collections and watched several videos and before I knew it…..I bought the software….then I bought two additional template packs. I downloaded them and started playing.

Batik Kaleidoscope Pillow

One of the templates was the feathers and I decided to use that with some Island Batik fabrics that I had. The collection is called Meadow and I also used it to make my Blue Sapphire quilt. It was very easy to make the design and then print it with my inkjet printer. Luckily I just happened to have a package of printable fabric sheets.

Batik Kaleidoscope Pillow top

My piece measured 8 inches x 8 inches so I added 6-inch borders to it.

Batik Kaleidoscope Pillow back of quilting

I did some free-motion quilting tracing around the feathers.

I used a scrap of batting on the back and a piece of muslin. I actually forgot I did this until looking at this photo. I really didn’t need the muslin as once I finished quilting the center I added another layer of batting to cover the whole pillow top and then a layer of muslin. I like to cover the batting on the inside of my pillows.

Batik Kaleidoscope Pillow

I followed the pattern in the batik for the quilting on the borders. The pillow is about 15 inches and has a zipper in the back. I might have to make another pillow using the same yellow fabric that I used in my quilt. It will be fun experimenting.

I had to pull out my Blue Sapphire quilt so I could get a photo on the deck. This pattern is available in my shop.

Batik Kaleidoscope Pillow
Batik Kaleidoscope Pillow


Here is a closeup of the printed fabric, it looks good doesn’t it! I have a feeling I’m going to be buying a lot more ink for my printer.

I have a couple of other posts that you might like if you enjoyed this one!

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Connie with her dogs

About Connie

Hi, I’m Connie Kresin Campbell, the quilter, writer, and photographer behind Freemotion By the River. I enjoy inspiring others with my quilt tutorials and patterns. You’ll also see my sweet adopted dogs from time to time.

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24 Comments

  1. I enjoyed browsing through your site. I am full time care giver for husband of 60 years and just don’t have time for quilting anymore but I have thoroughly enjoyed your site! Thanks for sharing your gifts!

  2. Beautiful pillow Connie. You did a great job designing that with your new software. Very cool.

  3. Createology says:

    Lovely Pillow and Quilt. I have zero idea of anything you did however you did a marvelous job on that feathered pillow! Simply Stunning…

  4. Debbie at The Quilt Journal says:

    Love it!!! I will have to check out that software, that is really cool!

  5. Farm Quilter says:

    Simply gorgeous!!!

  6. I remember that pattern. That pillow turned out so pretty. I love the colors too.

  7. Norma Schlager says:

    I was amazed to read that the design was printed. I would have sworn it was appliqué, reverse or otherwise
    Are you saying that it was a pattern that you download? I wasn't quite sure about that. Anyway it is stunning!

  8. The Inside Stori says:

    WOW!!! I'm in awe!

  9. Wow, what a gorgeous pillow! I thought it was applique – what a neat technique, and it looks fabulous!

  10. It is so beautiful! You do such amazing work.

  11. Oh that's so clever, initially I thought you'd done reverse appliqué but this is so pretty and much more doable!!

  12. Your finished products are gorgeous. I sure wish she had one for Mac! What printer fabric did you use?

  13. QuiltShopGal says:

    Oh my gosh, your pillow is gorgeous. I love, love, love it. The feather motif Kaleidoscope is gorgeous, but what a perfect compliment to your quilt. Those fabrics are yummy.
    Great job. Total #CreativeGoodness too!

    QuiltShopGal
    http://www.quiltshopgal.com

  14. Wow Connie – this is a gorgeous pillow! I had no idea the feathers were printed and I thought you did painstaking and perfect applique. Your quilting is simply wonderful! And the pillow is a perfect companion for Blue Sapphire!

  15. How clever! And the result is so pretty and looks like applique.

  16. wow this is gorgeous. what a neat idea

  17. The pillow is beautiful and it looks absolutely stunning with that gorgeous quilt. Isn't it funny how our fingers tend to just 'slip' and the next thing we know, we've ordered something pretty and/or fun off the internet?

  18. Vicki in MN says:

    Your pillow is beautiful!!

  19. Quilting Babcia says:

    What a walk down memory lane! I love your pillow, and remember very well doing that star feather kaleidoscope project back in 2012, mine eventually turned into a little wall hanging for the sewing room. What fun to revisit these old projects and the 2012 FMQ challenge where so many new blogger friendships were made.