As we step into September, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the role of inspiration in our quilting projects. Color is the soul of a quilt, and inspiration can come from anywhere—nature's changing seasons, striking works of art, or even the vibrant color palettes shared by fellow quilters on Instagram. Whether you’re scrolling through accounts dedicated to color or exploring websites that help you match hues, finding the right combination can transform your quilt from beautiful to breathtaking.

QuiltInk is here to fuel your inspiration. Our platform isn’t just about planning; it’s about discovering new ideas and exploring endless possibilities. With nearly 10,000 mock-ups on the QuiltInk Wall, you have a treasure trove of color inspiration at your fingertips. Dive in, explore the creative visions of other quilters, and let your imagination run wild.

So as you embark on your next quilting adventure, remember that the perfect color combination might be just a click away. QuiltInk is here to help you bring those vibrant ideas to life.

Happy quilting, and enjoy the exciting updates in this month’s newsletter!

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August marks the beginning of a new working year. It's been a quiet month at QuiltInk, but there's a sense of high activity behind the scenes. Check out the nine new patterns activated during this month and meet two new designers:

• Emily from Hot Stitch Studio, with her Drift Path quilt pattern releasing on September 3rd.
• Michelle from Mich Flook Makes, with her upcoming Sightline quilt pattern launching on September 19th.

Simply click on the images below to start coloring these patterns directly!

Please note that patterns with a lock icon require a code provided by the designer to access their coloring pages.

Remember, with QuiltInk, you can easily access the designers' websites to obtain a copy of the pattern and start sewing.

In the previous newsletter I introduced you the new QuiltInk feature, the Fabric Requirements! This new option allows users to determine how much fabric they need to sew a mock-up created in QuiltInk.

If you are new at this newsletter and new to QuiltInk we encourage you to explore it because it makes your quilt planning a lot easier!

NEWS - PRECUTS

As with any new feature in an application, adjustments and fixes are often needed after the initial launch. With that in mind, I’m excited to introduce a great new addition we’ve made.

Now, patterns with fabric requirements set in any precuts—such as Fat Quarters, Fat Eighths, 10" squares, Charm Packs, or Jelly Rolls—can display the fabric requirements in multiple formats simultaneously.

This update enhances the user experience by providing more flexibility and accuracy in displaying fabric requirements. It allows users to see fabric needs in the format they prefer, making it easier to plan and purchase materials accurately, ultimately leading to a more efficient and satisfying project experience.

In the example you can see the Sightline pattern by Mick Flook Makes, which uses both yards and Fat Quarters in the fabric requirements.

Designers are beginning to set fabric requirements for their patterns, so don’t forget to check them in the mock-ups you color in QuiltInk.

I haven’t had time to finish the tutorials for this new option yet, but they will soon be available on your profile page, so you can learn all about how to use this feature.

Taking advantage of the quiet month of August at QuiltInk, we’ve updated two solids palettes with the recently added colors. They are:

• The Ruby + Bee from Windham Fabrics, now featuring 15 new fabrics, bringing the total to 70.

• Pure Solids from Art Gallery Fabrics, now including 21 new fabrics, making a total of 183.

By working with the latest colors, you can ensure that your designs align perfectly with the available fabrics, making it easier to bring your quilting projects to life with accuracy and style.

I’m currently working on a new palette update, so if you don’t want to wait until the next newsletter to learn more about it, make sure to follow us on Instagram and check the News section in QuiltInk!

As summer ends, designers are back to work! Be sure to check out the upcoming pattern releases, courses, and new fabric collections launched by the designers in QuiltInk. There’s so much amazing content, and it’s truly exciting!

If any new releases or events 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 announcement videos and the weekly #qink_mockupmonday !

September is coming with a lot of new patterns, so stay tuned!

Designers:

• Abby Luchsinger: Abby Maed
  
• Dana Robison: Carnelian Quilting
  
• Ann Skaehill: Crafty Moose Quilts
  
• Kristina King: Cream City Studio
  
• Emily Dodd: Dreamland Quilting
  
• Heather Heck: Heck Yes Sew Co
  
• Megan Fowler: Quilt Scouts
  
• Tamara Darragh: Remi Vail Studio
  
• Rachel Gilbert: Sew Joyful Studio

This summer has been all about Fabric Requirements, and I want to highlight this important addition to our platform. It’s a feature that can greatly simplify planning your quilt.

I introduced this feature in last month’s newsletter, but since we have many new subscribers this month, I want everyone to be aware of this option. So, here’s a reminder!

How to Check the Fabric Requirements

As a quilter with a free account, you can check the fabric requirements of a pattern or mock-up in several places.

• Color Used Icon: Before you start coloring and while creating your unique version, you can check the fabric needs for each color/fabric used in the mock-up you see on the screen. This is particularly useful if you're planning to use fabrics from your stash and need to ensure you have enough.
• Exporting Sheet: Once you’ve finished creating your mock-up, the fabric requirements are listed in the exporting sheet. This includes all the colors you used, along with images, names, brands, and the fabric needs, including backing and binding requirements. You can also see if the designer has provided any additional fabric requirements, such as the total number of Fat Quarters. At the bottom of the fabric requirements table, you can find comments from designers, such as whether the fabric requirements are exact or if there’s room for error.

Adding the Fabric Requirements

Adding fabric requirements is an exclusive feature available to QuiltInk subscribers:

• Designers: Can add the fabric needs to all the color layouts of their patterns on the platform and to any mock-up.
• Fabric Shops: Can add fabric requirements to their kits and any mock-up on the platform to create bundles for sale in their shops.
• Supporters: Can add fabric requirements to their private patterns and any mock-up on the platform.

If you want to learn more about our subscription plans, check all the details below.

Please do not hesitate to contact me by email at info@quiltink.com or via Instagram chat if you have any questions about the platform. I am always happy to assist any of our users!

Happy coloring!

After a successful August featuring the newest "Tinsel on the Trail" collection by Ash Cascade for Cotton + Steel, with over 350 mock-ups, we are excited to introduce the September Challenge. Have you started sewing your Halloween projects yet?

As we wrap up our exploration of individual colors—from the vibrant primaries to the dynamic tertiaries—we now embark on an exciting new phase of our color theory journey. In the upcoming newsletters, we’ll be diving into the world of color harmonies and combinations, where the true magic of color interaction comes to life.

Understanding the nuances of individual colors is just the beginning. The true artistry in quilting emerges when we begin to see how these colors relate to one another. By mastering the art of color harmonies, you’ll be able to create quilts that not only capture the eye but also evoke deep emotional responses.

What Are Color Harmonies?

Color harmonies refer to the pleasing combinations of colors that create a sense of balance and visual interest in a design. These harmonies are based on the color wheel, a tool that organizes colors in a circular format to show their relationships. By selecting colors that work well together, you can create a quilt that feels cohesive and aesthetically pleasing.

Color harmonies are the foundation of any successful quilt design. Whether you’re aiming for a bold and dramatic look or a subtle and soothing effect, understanding these harmonies will allow you to craft designs with purpose and intention.

Types of Color Harmonies

Let’s introduce some of the key color harmonies that we’ll be exploring in more detail in the upcoming newsletters:

• Monochromatic Colors: This harmony involves using different shades, tints, and tones of a single color. Monochromatic schemes are elegant and understated, offering a unified and harmonious look. They’re perfect for creating quilts with a soothing, cohesive feel, where the focus is on texture and pattern rather than color contrast.
• Complementary Colors: These are colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel, such as red and green or blue and orange. When used together, complementary colors create a high-contrast, vibrant look that can make specific elements of your quilt pop.
• Analogous Colors: These are colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel, such as blue, blue-green, and green. Analogous color schemes are harmonious and serene, perfect for creating quilts that feel unified and calming.
• Triadic Colors: This harmony involves three colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel, like red, yellow, and blue. Triadic color schemes are balanced and full of contrast, offering a rich and dynamic palette for your quilt designs.
• Tetradic Colors: Also known as double complementary, this harmony uses four colors arranged into two complementary pairs. Tetradic schemes are versatile and can add a complex, vibrant depth to your quilts.

Why Color Harmonies Matter in Quilting

Color harmonies are more than just a theoretical concept—they’re a practical tool that can elevate your quilting projects to new heights. By understanding and applying these harmonies, you’ll be able to:

• Create Visual Balance: Harmonious color combinations ensure that your quilt has a balanced, pleasing appearance, where no single color overwhelms the others.
• Enhance Emotional Impact: Different color combinations evoke different moods and feelings. By carefully selecting your color harmonies, you can control the emotional tone of your quilt, whether you want it to be calming, energizing, or anything in between.
• Highlight Focal Points: Using color harmonies strategically can help draw the viewer’s eye to key elements of your design, making your quilts not just beautiful, but also visually engaging.

As we continue this journey, we’ll explore each type of color harmony in detail, offering tips and techniques for incorporating them into your quilting practice. Get ready to experiment with new combinations, discover fresh inspiration, and take your quilt designs to the next level.

Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the art of color harmonies—your quilts are about to become more vibrant, balanced, and expressive than ever before!

The sea has always been a profound source of inspiration for me. Living on a Mediterranean island, I literally grew up in the water—swimming, sailing, and fishing. The ocean's vastness and its ever-changing shades of blue have deeply influenced my creative vision. From the crystal-clear turquoise of shallow waters to the deep, mysterious indigos of the open sea, blue in all its forms is one of my favorite colors.

One shade that particularly resonates with me is indigo. In Japanese culture, indigo, or "ai" (藍), is more than just a color—it symbolizes calmness, respect, and endurance. Traditionally used in textiles and art, indigo is a reflection of nature's depth and the resilience of the human spirit. This rich, deep blue connects my love for the sea with my admiration for Japanese culture, both of which inspire my quilting journey.

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!

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