No {name}, I'm not expecting a new baby! At 45, with two kids who are no longer babies, and QuiltInk taking up almost as much time as a newborn, I'm not mentally or physically prepared for more babies!
Today I want to welcome to all the new members of the QuiltInk Newsletter family who recently joined us from the Hey Quilter Event!
The number of readers of this mini magazine-newsletter has grown A LOT! It's now double the number of users registered in QuiltInk!
I have to confess, it makes me feel an excitement similar to going on a blind date!
And as with any blind date, the first thing to do is introductions!
QuiltInk:
- Online tool for coloring quilt patterns.
- Where: Access and use it at www.quiltink.com. It's not an app, but you can install it on your mobile devices.
- How: It's simple, fun, and FREE! Anyone can color with solids and printed fabrics, and export the colorings.
- By signing up (also free), you can save and share your mock-ups on the QuiltInk Wall.
- Who: Quilters can color for free or get a supporter subscription. Designers upload their patterns to offer the best digital coloring service, and Fabric Shops showcase their fabrics and create kits with patterns in QuiltInk, making fabric selection and purchasing even easier and more fun!
Me
I am Catalina, the creator of QuiltInk along with my husband, aka the tech man. I conceive the ideas, and he brings them to life! I come from a culture where quilting is not prevalent, and I discovered it about 8 years ago after the birth of my first daughter. It captured me in such a way that I decided to switch my professional life to it! And here I am, using my perfectionist, tireless, and headstrong skills to make QuiltInk grow and keep going! Meet the QuiltInk family here!
The Newsletter
With this monthly mini-magazine, as I like to call it, you'll find useful information about the platform such as new patterns, upcoming events, news about options and fabrics. All this, along with an interview with one of our designers, a color theory section, and a final section revealing a secret about me!
You can explore QuiltInk, sign up for free, and become part of the QuiltInk community.
Or, if you don't think this newsletter will add more fun to your quilting hobby or business, you can unsubscribe below. Just don't tag me as spam and make it difficult to reach my readers.
I sincerely hope you choose to stay with us! For those interested in exploring our past Mini-Magazine newsletters, you can find them at the bottom of this email.
Enjoy the valuable insights awaiting you! |
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During March, 13 new patterns have been activated in QuiltInk! Some are newly launched, while others come from new designers who have just joined the platform.
With a total of 270 active patterns on QuiltInk, there's a diverse array of styles and techniques to explore, ensuring you'll find the perfect one for your next quilting project.
Click over the following images to go directly to color the patterns! |
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Exciting news! We've recently introduced a fantastic new feature on QuiltInk that allows designers to highlight special events associated with their patterns right on the Patterns main page.
Now, the patterns with an special event will display a green icon over on the Pattern main page and the pattern wall page. Clicking on the icon will reveal detailed information about the event in a pop-up.
This enhancement is designed to help you discover and participate in special events like releases, Block of the Month (BOM), Sew-Along (SAL), sales, etc. |
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I'm pleased to inform you that we've addressed the issue with the tooltips on our platform, ensuring they now function correctly across all QuiltInk pages. They all have a consistent appearance and are perfectly visible.
Additionally, we've introduced a new feature on the coloring page!
You can now easily identify each color by hovering your mouse over the color icon. This enhancement should make it more convenient for you to locate specific colors while coloring your designs. (Remember, you can also search for colors by name using the search icon.)
Please note that this new option is currently available only on the computer version of QuiltInk. Although it was initially functional on IOS for mobile devices, we encountered a bug on Android. Rest assured, we're working diligently to resolve this issue promptly. |
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Looking for your next quilting project? Stay updated with upcoming and ongoing events related to QuiltInk patterns and designers!
If any new event pops up during the next month, we will announce it in our social media, @quilt_ink . Follow us on Instagram to enjoy our fun pattern announcement videos and the weekly #qink_mockupmonday ! |
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ON-DEMAND WORKSHOPS |
5 On-Demand Workshops by Plains and Pine
Dates: April 5th Details: Homestead Star Quilt, Hyalite Star Quilt, Big Sky Star Quilt, Lone Star Quilt and Wild Homestead Star Quilt new workshops with step-by-step pre-recorded videos.
Website / Instagram |
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PATTERN RELEASE |
Time Capsule by Toad and Sew
Dates: April 5th Details: A pattern that draws inspiration from the Diamond Flare Quilt with a center block’s striking and bold motif. It is perfect for confident beginners and comes in several sizes.
Website / Instagram |
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PATTERN RELEASE |
Diamond Flare by Toad and Sew
Dates: April 5th Details: The Diamond Flare Quilt was originally designed to be the 2023 BOM for the SMQG. It's inspired by the Pacific Northwest's stunning landscapes, vibrant flora, and rich culture, this medallion-style quilt offers a unique twist on traditional BOM patterns
Website / Instagram |
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MAGAZINE RELEASE |
Issue 14 by Modish Quilter Magazine Dates: April 8th Details: This issue is all about connecting with nature while quilting and these designs are perfect for channeling nature. Website |
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PATTERN RELEASE |
Inbound by Sewistry
Dates: April 10th. Details: Inbound is a bold, modern quilt pattern featuring a variation on large-scale log cabin blocks, with the addition of quarter-circle curves. Minimal piecing leads to maximum visual impact!
Website / Instagram |
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PATTERN RELEASE |
All Wrapped Up by Sew Joyful Studio
Dates: April 18th. Details: Inspired by gift giving. There is no better feeling than finding the perfect gift for a loved one and wrapping it up in beautiful ribbons and bows. It comes in 3 standard sizes and uses traditional piecing, including half square triangles and block based construction.
Website / Instagram |
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PATTERN RELEASE |
Jour Polaire by Namaju Quilt Studio
Dates: April 18th. Details: A simple and fast making pattern, easy if you want to learn sewing curves. It offers 5 generous sizes, including one wall-hanging.
Website / Instagram |
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PATTERN RELEASE |
Camp Star by Plains and Pine
Dates: April 25th.
Website / Instagram |
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PATTERN RELEASE |
Evergreen by Kileys Quilts Room
Dates: April. Details: Stash Busting Pattern with options for scrappy or yardage.
Website / Instagram |
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BLOCK OF THE MONTH |
2024 Asterism BOM Program by Alexandra Bordallo Dates: 9-month sewing program, starting April 1st, 2024 Details: You'll receive a new PDF block pattern each month to help you learn new quilting skills, working at your own pace from the comfort of your own home - twelve different star blocks total Website / Instagram |
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BLOCK OF THE MONTH |
Once Upon a Garden by Alderwood Studio Dates: April - June Details: Join us to create this whimsical quilt! This sweet pattern is a fantasy garden filled with tulips, snails, flowers, and fairytale mushrooms. This block of the month will deliver one block (plus tutorials, tips, and tricks) a month for three months. Link |
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ROW OF THE MONTH |
Vesta 2024 row of the month project by Julia Wachs Designs
Start date: April 1st
Details: Vesta uses both foundation paper piecing and appliqué to create (5) 9” blocks per row. The block pdf will be delivered on the first of each month. Use code EARLY7VESTA until March 8 to receive the $7 early bird discount.
Website / Instagram |
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SAL |
Electric Pineapple by Libs Elliott Dates: January 22th to April 15th Details: Hosted in the Sew Squad, bi-weekly goals, video tutorials, live check-ins, giveaways. Click here to join |
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The previous month, I began a series of tips focusing on features within the coloring pages of QuiltInk aimed at enhancing your coloring experience. We explored the merging/unmerging option, which allows for customized quilt designs. If you missed this newsletter and are interested, you can find it in the previous newsletter link here.
This month, I'm excited to introduce you to the "Removing Outlines" option. It's a simple yet impactful feature that can significantly alter the appearance of your mock-up. Removing outlines provides a clearer view of the design, although sometimes outlines are necessary.
You can toggle the visibility of outlines using the "Show/Hide Outlines" option found under the "..." icon. |
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Whether you prefer your colorings with or without outlines, now you have the knowledge to adjust it according to your preference!
Here you can see how different looks the Asterism BOM Program by Alexandra Bordallo, with the outlines and without them. |
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In our previous newsletters, we embarked on a journey to uncover the essence of color, beginning with the primary colors—red, yellow, and blue. We explored the profound meanings and versatile applications of these foundational hues, unraveling the intricate interplay of emotions and aesthetics they evoke. Now, as we venture further into the realm of color theory, we turn our attention to the vibrant palette of secondary colors, each offering its unique blend of characteristics and symbolism.
Secondary colors emerge from the blending of primary hues, resulting in a diverse spectrum of captivating tones that expand the possibilities of quilt design. Comprising orange, green, and purple, these hues possess a dynamic energy and versatility that complement and enhance their primary counterparts. Each secondary color brings its distinct personality to the color wheel, infusing quilts with warmth, freshness, and sophistication.
Exploring the vibrant spectrum of secondary colors, we start talking about the lively and energetic hue of orange—an integral part of the color wheel that infuses warmth and vibrancy into quilt designs. |
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Orange is a vibrant and dynamic secondary color that emerges from the harmonious blend of its primary counterparts, red and yellow.
MEANING
Orange bursts onto the scene with a dynamic and spirited presence, symbolizing enthusiasm, creativity, and vitality. Evoking imagery of sunsets, citrus fruits, and autumn leaves, orange embodies a sense of energy and warmth that ignites the senses. Its association with joy, warmth, and sociability makes orange a powerful tool for infusing quilts with a sense of liveliness and optimism.
With its ability to evoke feelings of excitement and enthusiasm, orange serves as a bold statement color that commands attention and injects vitality into quilt designs. Whether used sparingly to accentuate key elements or as the dominant hue to create a striking visual impact, orange adds depth and dimension to quilts, transforming them into vibrant works of art.
FOCAL POINT
As a secondary color derived from the primary hues of red and yellow, orange occupies a unique position within the color spectrum. Its warm and inviting nature makes it a natural focal point in quilt designs, drawing the eye and captivating the viewer's attention. When paired with complementary colors or juxtaposed against cooler tones, orange creates dynamic visual contrasts that enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of quilts.
In quilting projects, orange serves as a powerful focal point that anchors the design and guides the viewer's gaze across the fabric. Its bold and vibrant presence infuses quilts with energy and vitality, elevating them from ordinary to extraordinary. By strategically incorporating orange into quilt designs, quilters can create dynamic compositions that leave a lasting impression.
QUILTING APPLICATION
Integrating orange into quilting projects opens up a world of creative possibilities, allowing quilters to experiment with a diverse range of shades and patterns. From soft pastels to rich, saturated tones, orange offers a spectrum of options for adding warmth and vibrancy to quilt designs. Whether used as a main color or as an accent, orange can be combined with other hues to create visually captivating compositions that resonate with emotion and energy.
As you embark on your quilting journey, consider the unique impact that orange can have on your designs. Experiment with different shades and combinations, and embrace the vibrant energy that this dynamic color brings to your quilts. Stay tuned for more insights into the fascinating world of color theory as we continue to explore the diverse palette of hues that inspire and captivate quilters around the world! |
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For the April QuiltInk Challenge, we draw inspiration from Colours Cafe, an Instagram account that shares daily color palettes. Combining palettes 1062 and 1068, we've crafted a versatile Spring palette to offer greater flexibility for your quilt color choices. Start coloring with the QuiltInk Challenge Apr24 for the chance to win a designer, fabric shops or supporter yearly subscription!
Click here for more info about the #QuiltInkChallengeMar24 |
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Today, I'll share a surprising aspect of my life that many of you might find unexpected. During my teenage years and beyond, I had a deep affinity for the color black. While I wasn't necessarily gothic, I often dressed in black attire. I was introverted and reserved, keeping my emotions and personality concealed, perhaps stemming from my traumatic childhood, a story I won't delve into here.
However, in recent years, particularly since becoming a mother, a remarkable transformation has taken place. Bright colors have gradually replaced the black in my wardrobe and my life. I'm now drawn to vibrant hues, both in my personal style and in my creative pursuits. When I'm sewing, bold and lively colors dominate my creations, and working on QuiltInk, surrounded by vibrant color variations, has only deepened my love for bright hues. It's truly remarkable how life experiences can shape our tastes and preferences, don't you think? |
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Are you new and want to learn all the tips about QuiltInk I explained in the previous newsletter?
Curious about the designers in QuiltInk we interviewed during the past months?
Or are you willing to follow up on our Color Theory section, being aware of the meaning and usage of each one of the colors we have already talked about?
Visit our Newsletter Archive, where you will be able to access all this fun content! |
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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! |
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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 |
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