Earlier this March, I shared the Whimsy Wheel baby quilt, which was actually my second go at this pattern I developed for Curves Class.

This is my first version - the Scrappy Color Wheel quilt, which was inspired in part by all the many color wheel and scrappy wheel quilts I've seen over the years. My goal in developing my own version was to make a pattern that sews up with streamlined curved piecing, not applique, and is made from templates that can print easily on standard paper.
I started with a circle of color. Even though I knew I'd make the wedges from scraps, I used my yardage to pin down the shade I had in mind for each wedge.

Then, as the Scrap Attack Quilt Along got well under way, I let the scrap-quilting bug work its way out in this pile of rainbow wedges. At this point I had yet to develop the final templates for the Wheel quilt. I was mostly winging it! Brandon did the drafting for me on all the Curves Class projects, whenever a computer-generated template was needed. The Wheel Quilt went through about 5 or 6 versions before we had produced template pieces that both pleased me and fit on 8.5" x 11" paper. He wanted you to know that, LOL! Yes, he was a saint.
Once the templates were complete, transforming this stack of scrappy goodness into a finished quilt top was almost shockingly easy.
Which is why I had to make another one.
If you can sew a drunkard's path block, the sewing on this quilt is going to be easy as pie. It's a good project, in my opinion, for a beginner to intermediate quilter that's interested in working with curves. There are only 8 curves total to sew in this Single Wheel version, so even if they are a challenge, you can muscle through those few. And the finished result is so fun and maybe even a little bit impressive?
I'm releasing the Wheel Quilt pattern for sale today at my pattern shop. The pattern includes detailed instructions for two quilt versions - the Single Wheel (shown) which finishes at 40" square and the 4-Wheel version, which is a 2 x 2 setting of the single wheel (so 4 wheels total) finishing at 80" square. Instructions include fabric requirements for making the quilt from yardage, rather than scraps. My Wheel Quilt pattern is a 23 page pdf file that is delivered via email. It will walk you through the entire process from start to finishing, including basting/quilting/binding, with over 30 helpful photos. Phew! I've done all the work for you, so just grab your scraps or a favorite fat quarter set and ENJOY!
If you have any questions, please let me know. And, as always, thank-you truly for supporting my work!


Ooh, I'm in love. I think I'll have to pick this one up! I've never even done a drunkard's path (I'm pretty new to quilting) but I really want to try it!
ReplyDeleteHooray! I've been wanting to do a color wheel just like this but couldn't find a pattern I liked! I'll definately pick this up on payday! Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteWow that is gorgeous! =D
ReplyDeleteThank goodness - I've been watching and hoping you'd release the pattern - just bought it. I'm on my second colorbrick quilt so clearly I love your work!
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks!
DeleteThis is really stunning. I love the way you pieced the spokes of the wheel.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I can't wait to make mine, my FQ's arrived this week.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great pattern! I especially like the way you varied the background - fits with the whole scrappy theme.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Sometimes I don't like that I did the background that way, but othertimes I do. =) I hadn't thought that it does fit with the scrappy feel. Thanks for pointing that out!
DeleteOh Rachel you always awe me....again with this creative adventure"
ReplyDeletehow cool is that! I hoped for a pattern for this wheel, too. I'll try this when I'll have the time for it (or the urge *lol*). Thank you in advance.
ReplyDeleteVery cool! I'm putting this one on the to make list!
ReplyDeleteit looks beautiful and I love what you did with the background - the black 1/4 is striking and gives the quilt a totally new look.
ReplyDeleteLol, poor overworked Brandon, you perfectionist you! ;o) Looks fab though, well worth the effort
ReplyDeleteVery artistic / beautiful! I like the background. The quilt somehow makes me think of passage of time - maybe it's like a sundial and maybe because there is a night quarter in the background. At any rate it is a wonderful piece of art.
ReplyDeleteCool on the drafting too, I use AutoCAD at work and totally love the ability to draw up quilt designs with it. Have a great day. ~Cat
I'm sure AutoCAD would be a big step up! We just have Photoshop, which is a great program, but not best for this kind of work.
DeleteSounds like you and your husband put quite a bit of energy into the pattern! I'm going to keep it in mind as I have done only but of curves and I prefer piecing to applique. I bet I will learn a lot!
ReplyDeleteI loved the Modern Whimsy version, but the scrappy version is near and dear to my heart! I love it. And Brandon's comment is so cute! It's nice that he was able to help you with your templates!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jacey, both versions are wonderful but that Scrappy version -- WOW!! I wish Kevin could do the computer work for, but he is even more clueless than I am when it comes to anything techy. I'm waiting for my genius 9 yr old to be old enough to do it for me! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is gorgeous and I like the scrappy one best, too. I'm buying this Pattern and just pinned this as one of my quilting goals. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYay!!! Love it! Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI love this quilt, Rachel (and I DO plan to make it...eventually)!
ReplyDeleteThese are SOOOO beautiful! Love the backgrounds you chose for each!
ReplyDeleteI love it! Just bought the pattern. Can't wait to use it....thanks!
ReplyDeleteI say, fun AND impressive. I also like how you are working scrappy--controlled scrappy--which is inspiring me to keep going on my scrappy projects (in between the grading, of course!). Lovely pattern--lovely quilt.
ReplyDeleteI also read your "getaway" post, and I love the picture by the barn. It's nice to be sewing if there's no pressure--just the rhythm of the machine, the seaming together. How fun that you had a getaway with your husband and a sewing retreat, all in one!
Elizabeth E.
opquilt.com
awesome rachel, looks like a fun one!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea using up your scraps like that! I'm really impressed! And LOVE the hot pink background on your second quilt, it just sings to me! Great job!
ReplyDeletegreat pattern! both quilts are beautiful - can't decide which I like better! someday i hope to tackle a few curves... :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome quilt. Love all the colors.
ReplyDelete