Exactly The Same, Only Different

     I fancy myself a rule follower.  If there are rules in place, I like to think of myself as someone that will follow them - for the most part.  Who am I kidding?  Let's say that I think I follow all of the big important rules.  The truth is, I just like to know what the rules are in any given situation.  I like to know the meaning behind those rules and why they were created.  Then I can make an informed decision as to when to break them.  Especialy when it comes to quilting.

    My latest Jaftex challenge included this assortment of Kaleidographics fabric by Susan Lind for Blank Quilting and a pattern from Villa Rosa Designs.

    If you have been quilting for any length of time you are probably familiar with Villa Rosa patterns.  They are full color, postcard size patterns, with the quilt image on one side and everything you need to know to make the project on the other.  They are often given away in goodie bags or at shop hops.  Pat, who owns Villa Rosa has hundreds of them to choose from.  Fun designs that use pre-cuts, fat quarters and yardage.  Most quilt shops have an assortment of Villa Rosa Designs available on their checkout counter or very near their pattern selection. 

    As you can imagine, with only a postcard size space to provide the materials list and complete instructions, the information is limited to only the facts.  I call these "Joe Friday" instructions.  You have to be of a certain age to understand that reference.  While the instructions may be brief, rest assured that all of the Villa Rosa patterns tell you everything you need to know to complete the quilt top.

    I chose to use the Diamond Daze pattern for the Kaliedographics fabrics.  The pattern is written for 8 fat quarters - check.  1 1/4 yard of background fabric - I chose to use a solid white.  You also need 3/4 yard of fabric for the border on the left and right side of the quilt - that was going to be a problem.  Jaftex is very generous with their fabrics for the Brand Ambassadors.  Instead of fat quarters I had full one yard cuts.  Setting one print aside for the border didn't didn't seem to compliment the fun designs in the center of the quilt.  I decided to make that decision when the center section was assembled.  I always have solid black on hand, so that could be an option?

    The quilt top went together very quickly!  The large quarter square triangles were easy to piece.  Arranging them in vertical rows with spacer strips was also fast and fun.  I chose to use the same two fabrics in each block so that spacing the prints was easier. I had 4 color combinations in the large blocks and 8 options of spacer strips to place between them.  Super easy!

    Then it was time to deal with that border. I decided that instead of following the rules of the pattern, it was better to do what was right for the quilt.  With plenty of extra fabric on hand, I pieced the border using the same fabrics in the quilt top.  Having more fabric than you need always makes it easier to solve your problems!  I pieced a border strip by cutting the pieces the width that was indicated on the pattern.  I cut the length of those pieces to match the quarter square triangle blocks and the spacer strip.  The pattern calls for border on only two sides of the quilt.  Don't try this at home - unless you buy half yards instead of fat quarters!

    The backing fabric came right out of my stash.  It feels good to use something that has been waiting on my shelf for the opportunity to shine.  This quilt "feels" like a quilt a boy would appreciate.  I chose to quilt it on my longarm using a flame design.  It looks great!  A bit of black binding and this Kaleidographics version of the Diamond Daze pattern is in the books!  Click HERE to see the Kaleidographics fabrics and the free patterns from Blank Quilting.