{name}, can you believe it's been three incredible years since the inception of our colorful journey together? I can hardly contain my excitement as I stand here, reflecting on the amazing milestones and growth we've achieved.

It all started with a wild idea—a crazy notion to infuse my own foundation paper piecing patterns with vibrant colors and offer this service to you, our wonderful customers. I believe that color has the magical ability to transform a mere pattern into a unique piece of art, bearing the delicate touch of a skilled sewer.

Watching QuiltInk grow over the past three years has been nothing short of thrilling—a journey akin to nurturing a baby, step by step. I often say QuiltInk is like my third baby, nestled right between my son and daughter and ahead of my fur baby!

For my fellow data enthusiasts, here's a glimpse behind the scenes: we now have nearly 4000 registered users, over 250 active patterns (and counting!), having hosted more than 450. The Wall showcases around 6700 mock-ups, but the real magic lies in the almost 16000 creations within the platform, including drafts and unpublished gems.

This community is not just growing; it's thriving, and you are an integral part of it. Thank you for being a member of this vibrant community. Rest assured, I am committed to continually enhancing QuiltInk, addressing the needs of users, designers, and fabric shops alike, making it the easiest and most enjoyable platform to bring your creative visions to life.

I'm realizing that this newsletter offers more of a magazine experience than a typical newsletter, with an abundance of information! Take your time to dive in and enjoy QuiltInk at its full potential.

• New patterns activated on QuiltInk
• News
• Coming Events
• Designer Spotlight
• Color Theory
• Tip of the Bi-week
• QuiltInk Challenge
• Something About Me

In the last 15 days, our vibrant community of designers has brought nine new patterns to life on QuiltInk. If you happened to miss any announcements on QuiltInk or social media, fear not – here's your chance to catch up and discover these fresh, inspiring designs!

Ever wondered about QuiltInk's exclusive community patterns? These unique designs are only accessible to a select group of users, requiring a special code for access. In our latest update, Toad and Sew activated two of these exclusive patterns. Look for the distinctive lock icon set against a purple circle. If you're intrigued by these designs, reach out to Taylor to explore the wonders of her Toad Circle and gain access to these exclusive patterns!

New Kits!

Since our last newsletter, we're excited to showcase three brand-new kits curated by Binded with Love Fabric Shop. Take a colorful journey with these stunning patterns, each ready to be brought to life with the exceptional fabrics available from Binded with Love Fabric Shop. When you're satisfied with your creation, you can conveniently purchase the fabrics directly from Sara.

• Interlaced Stars Quilt by Alexandra Bordallo
• Sunset Hike Quilt by In the Light Quilts
• Sky Cabin Quilt by Toad and Sew

If you're not yet familiar with Kits, explore our "Get Started" and "Color a Pattern" tutorials for a step-by-step guide on how to make the most of QuiltInk's exciting features. Let your imagination run wild as you dive into the world of quilting creativity!

Palettes sorted alphabetically!

We've made a significant improvement to enhance your experience. Until now, palettes were listed from newest to oldest, making it a bit challenging to find those you wanted. Well, guess what? Your requests have been heard!

Previously residing on my eternal To-do list, the task of sorting palettes alphabetically has finally seen the light of day, thanks to persistent nudges from some dedicated users. I've tirelessly pushed our tech wizard (yes, he's the man behind the magic) until he worked his technical wonders!

So now, when you explore the palettes in the coloring pages, at the top, you'll discover the palette for the current QuiltInk Challenge (don't miss the details on the new one below!), followed by all the Solid QuiltInk palettes in alphabetical order. If a new palette joins the family, simply scan the list to find it effortlessly.

Are you on the lookout for a new pattern, eager to join a Sew Along (SAL), or curious about the latest fabrics hitting the scene? 

Here are the upcoming events we are aware of for February 1-16. Keep in mind that there may be other releases or events that we are not aware of at the moment. We provide daily updates about them on our social media. If you haven't started following us there, you can do so here: @quilt_ink

In our quest to unravel the intricacies of color theory, we initiate our journey by delving into the significance of each hue, commencing with the vibrant and versatile red—the inaugural hue of the rainbow. Red, with its rich symbolism and emotive power, holds a special place in the palette of life.

FOCAL POINT

As a primary color alongside Yellow and Blue, red asserts its warmth and dominance, making it an attention-grabbing choice in quilting. Boasting many distinct shades, each with its unique name, red offers an expansive canvas for creative exploration in quilting. As the warmest tone, it stands in stark contrast to the coolest, Blue, enabling the creation of dynamic and striking combinations in quilt designs.

Technically, red's dominance positions it as an excellent focal point in quilts, effortlessly guiding the viewer's gaze and creating visual interest. This characteristic makes red a powerful tool for impactful designs, capable of drawing attention to specific elements within a quilt. When strategically employed, red becomes the nucleus of a quilt, enhancing its overall visual appeal.

MEANING

Beyond its visual impact, red is a color of dualities. Associated with fire, violence, and warfare, as well as love and passion, red's symbolism is rich and varied. From historical links to the Devil and Cupid to its physiological effects, such as raising blood pressure and respiration rates, red transcends mere visual perception.

Red, being the most contradictory of colors, elicits a spectrum of emotions—from danger, excitement, aggression, and dominance to passion. Its warmth is both comforting and intense, making it a unique choice for quilts sewn with love. Whether used as a striking focal point or seamlessly woven into a quilt's palette, red brings emotional depth to the fabric, stimulating both positive and negative feelings.

QUILTING APPLICATION

Pairing red with complementary colors or neutrals introduces contrast and balance, further enhancing the overall visual appeal of a quilt. For practical application, quilters can experiment with various shades of red, considering the emotional impact each hue brings to a design. Playing with patterns and textures adds depth and complexity to quilting projects. When incorporating red, it's crucial to consider the overall theme and purpose of the quilt, adjusting the intensity of red to effectively convey the desired emotions.

As we delve into the technical aspects of red, let it serve as a guide for your quilting journey. Experiment with shades, play with patterns, and consider the impact on your overall design. Stay tuned for more insights into the colorful world of quilting in our ongoing color theory exploration!

In our previous newsletter, we explored the versatility of QuiltInk – how it seamlessly transitions between computer and mobile, even allowing you to install it as an app. If you're new to the newsletter, catch up with the tutorial on "Install QuitlInk as an app".

Now, let's delve into the heart of QuiltInk's purpose - coloring! Today, I'll unveil ten surprising places within QuiltInk where you can unleash your creativity and color your favorite patterns.

1. Patterns Page: Begin your journey here. Explore a list of public patterns, use the search bar, and apply filters to find the perfect pattern for coloring.
2. Wall: Dive into the Wall, where users share mock-ups. Click on a mock-up, locate the palette icon at the top in the pop-up, and start coloring using the designer color layouts.
3. Own Profile: Easily color the original pattern by clicking the mock-up and selecting the palette icon on any of your published, drafts or favorites.
4. Designer Profile: Head to the public profile of your favorite designer. Below the Patterns tab, you'll find a list of their public patterns. Pick one and start coloring.
5. Fabric Shop Profile: Explore Fabric Shop profiles, specifically under the Kits tab. Choose a kit, and color the pattern with layouts designed using the shop's fabrics. Remember, when coloring a Kit, you can only use the public fabrics of that Fabric shops and your custom fabrics (to be able to use your stash)
6. Community patterns: Keep an eye out for patterns marked with a lock icon. Access these exclusive designs by entering a code provided by the designers. 
7. Private Room: Users registered on QuiltInk with a free account can be invited to a private room for a hidden and exclusive coloring experience with other participants. It's mostly used before a release of a pattern for testers and fabrics shops to set up kits. If you are invited you will see a button on your profile page near the My palettes button.
8. Private patterns: Color a pattern not uploaded by its own designers by subscribing to a Supporter or Fabric Shops plan. The process works the same as with public patterns, except that only the owner can see and color this pattern. You will be able to access to your private pattern for a button in your profile page,
9. Link provided by the designer/fabric shop: Designers and fabric shops can share direct links to specific patterns on social media, newsletters, or websites.
10. Designer/Fabric Shop websites: Experience embedded coloring pages on designer or fabric shop websites, so you may be able to color directly in the website of the designers and fabrics shops without the need of accessing QutilInk.

Except for Private Patterns, all the other ways to color a pattern on QuiltInk are FREE for users.

Surprised? Then don't miss the next newsletter because I will show you how to color one of the patterns using a mockup published by other users as a basis instead of the basis set up by the designer!

Today marks not only the joyous celebration of QuiltInk's 3rd anniversary but also a personal milestone for me—it's my 45th birthday!

The decision to launch QuiltInk around my birthday was a deliberate choice, creating a harmonious overlap of personal and professional milestones. Every year, as QuiltInk blossoms with creativity and innovation, we also celebrate the journey of another year added to my life's adventure. It's a delightful and meaningful coincidence that makes each anniversary even more special. Here's to another year of quilting, creativity, and joyous celebrations!

So, happy birthday to QutilInk and to me!

Ready to elevate not just your creativity but also your business on QuiltInk? Whether you're a Designer wanting to showcase your patterns for public coloring, a Fabric Shop looking to feature fabrics and offer kits, or a Supporter willing to enjoy unlimited printed fabrics and the ability to upload private patterns — we have plans designed to amplify your quilting journey. Explore all the QuiltInk Plans and elevate your artistic and business potential today!

We can't express our gratitude enough for your contribution to our vibrant community. Every day, it grows stronger and more vibrant, all thanks to each and every one of you.

Thank you for being a part of this journey.

Warm regards,

Catalina

QuiltInk

www.quiltink.com