Sometimes, life and business don't unfold as expected, and we find ourselves needing to adapt.

When I initially envisioned the QuitlInk newsletter several months ago, my plan was to primarily feature new patterns and upcoming events. However, in an effort to enhance its appeal, I kept adding new sections – Tips, Color Theory, Designer Spotlight interviews, and more.

Now, I find myself in a situation where I'm not just crafting an informative newsletter but nearly producing a mini-magazine every 15 days. Balancing this, along with other responsibilities like working on new QuiltInk options, managing public and private patterns, social media, and returning to my quilt pattern designing business, has become quite the juggling act!

If only there were a time machine to make the days longer – please let me know if you find one!

Starting now, the newsletter will be sent out on a monthly basis unless there's a special event or significant news that can't wait until the next edition. I hope you can understand this adjustment, as it will allow me to continue delivering a high-quality service and assistance on QuiltInk without driving myself crazy.

Thank you for your understanding, and I hope you enjoy the content of this new edition of our newsletter!

It has been an exhilarating time in the quilting world, marked by in-person festivities at the recently concluded QuiltCon 2024. While QuiltInk has experienced a more tranquil period, we are delighted to announce the arrival of a new designer to our platform. Welcome Vickeidy from Sewspicious! Her inaugural pattern on QuiltInk is the stunning "Mercado Quilt." Additionally, Sewistry launched her impressive "Archer" pattern during the QuiltInCon festivity!

Remember, you can search and filter among the more than 250 patterns hosted on QuiltInk to discover those from your preferred designers or that suit your style.

Confetti Cottons Palette Updated

In December 2023, Riley Blake introduced several new colors/fabrics to their Confetti Cottons Solids Collection.

At QuiltInk, we make it a practice to update our solid palettes whenever a company expands its color range. Leveraging this opportunity, the Confetti Cottons palette on QuiltInk has undergone a complete renewal. We meticulously ensured that each color aligns with the swatch card from Riley Blake.

Now, you have an entirely rejuvenated Confetti Cotton palette in QuiltInk, featuring 184 colors meticulously sorted according to the swatch card order.

To utilize it, simply open any coloring page on the platform, click the palette icon, and choose the "Confetti Cottons - Riley Blake D." solid palette.

Note: The previous mock-ups created with this palette will retain the colors from the original palette.

Don't miss the coming events the designers in QuiltInk are organizing: pattern releases, BOM, lectures!

If any one new pop up during the next month, we will announce it in our social media, @quilt_ink . Follow us on Instagram to enjoy our fun pattern announcements videos and the weekly #qink_mockupmonday !

For this month's Tip of the Month, let's delve into one of the most enjoyable and useful features in QuiltInk's coloring pages—the option to merge and unmerge pieces by color.

Typically, designers present patterns with merged pieces, aligning with the colors specified in the pattern directions. This approach allows for different color choices while maintaining the original color layout structure, making it easy to follow the pattern directions. However, for those wanting to experiment more deeply with color and create an entirely different color layout, potentially resulting in a distinct quilt design, the option to unmerge pieces becomes invaluable (provided the designer hasn't restricted it). 

Unmerging the pieces means each element must be colored individually, requiring meticulous attention to detail. Despite the task's intricacy, the end result can be truly stunning.

How to Execute It:

To merge or unmerge pieces in a pattern's color page, simply click on the 3th icon and the adjacent one to its right, both located at the top left of the icons bar. This allows you to merge or unmerge pieces as needed, providing the freedom to play with color in a more dynamic way.

The merging icon displays in orange when there is the possibility of merging pieces with colors different from the ones already saved.

Note: Designers have the option to lock the unmerging feature. If you encounter a pattern where unmerging is not working, it's because the designer has chosen to restrict the pattern to be colored-in only with the color structure specified in the pattern directions.

For those eager to explore this option, consider an alternate use of merging and unmerging. For instance, to transform a three-color pattern into a vibrant or rainbow-colored design, start by unmerging all the pieces. Then, change the color of the desired pieces—replacing one color with a range of rainbow hues—before merging again. This subsequent merging enables a swift transformation of the background pieces, avoiding the need to color piece by piece as in the unmerged state.

Another creative application is to reduce the number of colors. In this case, unmerging may not be necessary. Instead, recolor one of the colors with another already used in the pattern (utilize the pickerdrop icon at the bottom right to identify the existing colors) and then merge again. This method offers a way to genuinely alter the quilt design using color. The final merging step facilitates changing the color of all pieces sharing the same color. Experimenting with merging and unmerging opens up a myriad of possibilities for creating a personalized and unique quilt design-

In the following video (click over it to see), you can witness the process of expanding the color palette for the Mercado quilt pattern, initially designed with three colors. The objective is to introduce a shadow effect using various shades of reds and oranges. The merging and unmerging functionalities can be used to color fix missed pieces, change together all the pieces with a new color, etc.

Did you find this tip helpful? I'd love to hear your thoughts! Looking ahead to next month, I'm open to suggestions. Would you prefer more videos showcasing the merge/unmerge option, or are you interested in exploring something entirely new?

Additionally, I'm planning live meetings with registered users, including Supporters, Designers, and Fabric Shops. This will be an interactive opportunity to demonstrate these tips in real-time, and it could be a lot of fun with your questions and suggestions. If you're keen to explore these options, consider subscribing to one of the QuiltInk plans. You can find more information about them here.

In the exploration of color theory, our focus now rests on the serene and versatile blue—the third primary color in the spectrum. Blue, with its expansive array of shades and calming presence, contributes depth and complexity to the canvas of colors we are delving into.

MEANING

Intrinsically captivating, blue unveils itself as a color with profound depth and significance. Linked to qualities like tranquility, trust, and wisdom, as well as melancholy or sadness, blue's symbolism is rich and diverse. Whether evoking cultural connections with the vastness of the sky and the depth of the sea or creating a psychological impact by instilling a sense of calmness, blue stands as a color imbued with meaningful associations.

Exhibiting a wide range of emotional undertones, blue stirs a spectrum of feelings—from serenity, loyalty, and introspection to occasional moments of melancholy. Its tranquil hues make it a versatile option for quilts that aim to evoke a sense of calm and contemplation. Whether employed as a serene backdrop or a bold statement color, blue introduces a varied array of sentiments into the fabric.

FOCAL POINT

Standing as a primary color alongside Red and Yellow, blue showcases its versatility and steps into the spotlight within quilting projects. With an extensive palette ranging from deep navy to vibrant turquoise, each shade brings its unique identity, offering a canvas for diverse creative expression in quilt designs. As the cool counterpart to the warm Yellow, blue establishes harmonious and balanced combinations, injecting a sense of tranquility into the overall aesthetic.

In practice, the calming presence of blue positions it as a guiding focal point that smoothly directs the viewer's gaze across the quilt. This characteristic transforms blue into a crucial tool for crafting serene and impactful designs, drawing attention to specific elements within the quilt. When thoughtfully integrated, blue becomes the anchor, elevating the visual appeal of the quilt.

QUILTING APPLICATION

Combining blue with contrasting hues or neutrals introduces a captivating visual dynamic and establishes a delicate equilibrium, elevating the overall impact of a quilt. Quilters can explore a diverse range of blue shades, considering the emotional nuances each hue contributes to their design. Experimenting with an array of patterns and textures adds intricate layers and complexity to quilting projects. When incorporating blue, it's imperative to align the tone with the quilt's overarching theme and purpose, ensuring a seamless conveyance of emotions.

Navigating the technical intricacies of quilting opens the door to a world of artistic possibilities. Experiment with varying shades, explore diverse patterns, and contemplate their unique impact on your overall design, regardless of the color palette you choose. Stay tuned for more distinctive insights into the dynamic and captivating world of quilting in our ongoing color theory exploration!

In my earlier years, I was a diligent and accomplished student, excelling in various subjects during secondary school. However, faced with the uncertainty of what I wanted to pursue in life, I opted for a career that I believed would offer me the flexibility to study a broad spectrum of subjects—from math to history, even delving into politics. I successfully navigated this academic journey with top qualifications, simultaneously pursuing a classical piano career.

After completing both endeavors, I spent several years as a piano teacher and ventured into government work, achieving the first position in one of the most challenging civil service exams. While the job was prestigious with an attractive salary, I found myself discontented. The routine of desk work, the monotony, and the absence of color and creativity left me yearning for something more fulfilling.

It was only after the birth of my children, coupled with the necessity of returning to work, that I reassessed my priorities. I realized I didn't want to return to the corporate environment, spending entire days away from my kids. This realization led me to explore the world of quilting—a newfound passion that allowed me to channel my creativity and engage in varied tasks each day.

So here I am—a redefined perfectionist, navigating the world of quilting business exploration! I suspect I'm not alone in this journey. Have you ever contemplated a change in your life? If so, I'd love to hear your story. Feel free to share, as I always enjoy connecting with others and learning from their experiences!

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