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The days are getting longer, the first signs of summer are slowly creeping in, and many of us are already dreaming of warm breezes, quiet sewing sessions, and maybe even a little break or two. May always carries that sense of transition—with a fresh energy that nudges us forward, but also reminds us to slow down and enjoy the little things.
Still, I can’t help but acknowledge the moment we’re all living through. These past months have been tough across the quilting world—and beyond. As many of you know, I’m an economist by training, so I understand just how deeply global economic uncertainty can ripple into our daily lives. Prices are rising, shipping is more expensive, and the balance between running a business and keeping it accessible has become more delicate than ever. I don’t know exactly how this will end, but I do know what it means—and how it feels.
And yet, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from being part of this community, it’s that quilters always find a way to support each other. So this is just a gentle reminder to keep that spirit going. If you love what someone is doing—buy a pattern, order some fabric from your favorite shop, share a project, or simply say, “I see you.” Every gesture matters. We each contribute in our own way, and together, we create something truly strong and beautiful.
Things will get better. In the meantime, let’s keep showing up for one another, one stitch at a time 💛 |
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A big thank you to those of you who followed QuiltInk on Instagram after the last newsletter, and to everyone who grabbed one of the new QuiltInk stickers! I hope they’ve all arrived safely in their new homes. If not, please let me know! 💌 |
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YOUR SPECIAL GIFT AWAITS
Don’t miss the special surprise waiting for you in this newsletter—something I’ve prepared to help you deepen your understanding of color (because in quilting, color truly matters!). |
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💌 Enjoying the QuiltInk Newsletter?
We’d love for you to share it with your friends! Forward this email so they can discover our free digital platform for coloring quilt patterns and become part of our vibrant, growing community.
Thank you for being here—we appreciate you! Now, let’s dive into all the exciting updates below! |
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May begins with fresh inspiration, and what better way to celebrate than exploring the beautiful new patterns that joined QuiltInk throughout April?
We're especially happy to welcome Lisa Lund from Shadow Valley Quilts, whose designs are now part of our growing creative library. Don’t forget to visit her profile and see what she’s been working on!
A total of 16 new patterns have been activated by our amazing community of designers this past month. From modern FPP to playful curves and classic layouts, there’s something new for every kind of quilter. Dive in, color your favorites, and let your creativity run free!
🔒 Reminder: Patterns with a lock icon require a code from the designer to access the coloring pages. |
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We’re so excited to launch a new space in QuiltInk made just for color lovers—say hello to the Quilt Color Hub! 💛
The Quilt Color Hub is our brand new resource center, designed to bring together the many ways we can all explore, learn, and play with color in quilting. From curated links to fun tools, thoughtful articles, inspiring palettes, and expert tips—it’s a space where the quilting community can deepen their color knowledge and find new ideas to try in their mock-ups and real quilts.
You can explore the Hub by filtering resources by type, author, and tags, making it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for. Whether you want a quick interactive tool, an in-depth read, or a bit of inspiration for your next palette, there’s something for every kind of color explorer.
Whether you’re just starting to understand how color works or you’ve been building palettes for years, we hope this Hub becomes a creative companion you’ll return to often. We’re just getting started and can’t wait to keep growing it with you!
If you know of a resource that could be a perfect fit for the Quilt Color Hub, we’d love to hear about it! Just send us an email at info@quiltink.com and we’ll get our hands on it!
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YOUR GIFT: QUILTER'S COLOR WHEEL
To celebrate the launch of the Color Hub, I’ve prepared a special gift just for you—a downloadable sheet that explains the meaning behind each color and how to thoughtfully use them in your quilting projects.
Because in quilting, color matters—a lot. It’s not just about matching fabrics or choosing pretty shades. Color influences emotion, balance, contrast, and storytelling. It can turn a simple pattern into something powerful, peaceful, joyful, or dramatic.
This is just the first in a series of color resources I’ll be sharing with you. So stay tuned, and don’t miss any of our upcoming newsletters—you won’t want to miss what’s next!
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PALETTE UPDATE - COLORWOKRS BY NORTHCOTT
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We’re thrilled to share that the beloved ColorWorks Solids collection by Northcott Fabrics has expanded to an impressive 241 vibrant shades! 🌈
Renowned for their soft hand feel and rich color saturation, these 100% cotton fabrics are perfect for adding depth and vibrancy to your quilting projects. Whether you're looking for the perfect background or a bold pop of color, the expanded palette offers even more options to bring your creative visions to life.
Explore the full range and find your new favorite shades today!
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🔹 Do you know a palette that needs to be updated?
🔹 Would you like us to add a new solids palette to QuiltInk?
Let us know! Your feedback helps keep QuiltInk an invaluable tool for the quilting community.
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May is blooming with exciting events and creative opportunities!
This month brings another fun Giveaway (with a chance to win a QuiltInk Supporter yearly subscription! and a copy of the pattern), several new pattern releases, an amazing new Sew-Along, and even a virtual retreat you won’t want to miss. Whether you're looking to try a fresh design, join a community project, or simply stay inspired, there’s something for everyone happening on and around QuiltInk this May.
Keep an eye on our Instagram @quilt_ink for any additional releases or updates throughout the month. And don’t forget to join in on the fun with our #qink_mockupmonday for your weekly dose of inspiration! |
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PATTERN RELEASE |
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La Ventana by Kelli fox Designs
Date: April 25th. |
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The La Ventana Modern Quilt Pattern is my take on the interesting lines of windows, mixing a contemporary design with familiar quilting methods. It's great for quilters of all levels. The pattern combines strip and traditional piecing, making it quick and enjoyable to make, while allowing you to feature your favorite fabrics that will reflect your style. Simple, easy-to-follow instructions and optional video tutorials provide even more guidance if needed. Whether you want to add a modern touch to your home decor, create an artsy throw, or make a unique baby quilt, this design will inspire your creativity. The pattern includes instructions for three sizes: Baby/Crib 36" x 60", Throw 60" x 60", and Full/Queen 84" x 108". |
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PATTERN RELEASE |
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Alpine Glow by Jess Rash Quilts
Date: May 2nd. |
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Rooted in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, this modern quilt pattern brings traditional piecing to life with a fresh and contemporary aesthetic. The design reflects the region’s rich textures and landscapes—think misty forests, rugged coastlines, and endless mountain views—translated into clean lines and thoughtful geometry. Whether you lean toward bold solids or soft, earthy palettes, this pattern invites you to play with color and create a quilt that feels both timeless and modern. |
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GIVEAWAY |
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Love Letters by Jo Wright Makes
Date: May 4th-10th. |
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To celebrate her upcoming launch, Jo has teamed up with Quiltink for a LOVE-ly giveaway! To spark your creativity and help you plan your Love Letters project, we’ve put together an exciting challenge to win a Supporter yearly Quiltink subscription, and a copy of the pattern!
How to Participate:
1️⃣ Visit www.quiltink.com and sign in or create a free account.
2️⃣ Find the Love Letters Quilt pattern and create a mock-up.
3️⃣ Color your mock-up however you like—this is a great way to visualize your future quilt!
4️⃣ Share your design on the #QuiltInkWall.
5️⃣ Bonus Entry: Post or share your mock-up on Instagram, tagging @quilt_ink and @jowrightmakes, and use #LoveLettersQuilt.
Giveaway closes on Saturday, 10 May at 12 PM CEST. Winner will be selected by Jo, and announced on the 11 May in our Instagram stories.
Get creative, have fun, and don’t miss this chance to win! |
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PATTERN RELEASE |
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Love Letters by Jo Wright Makes
Date: May 11th. |
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Love Letters is a playful, modern, graphic quilt that will work beautifully with bold solids, or soft patterns and pastels.
Make it for your wall as a daily reminder of what's important, toss it on the couch for snuggles, or lay your baby (or grandbaby) on it to stretch and roll and play.
Designed for confident beginners, the pattern offers a gentle introduction to curves and shape-based construction. Never sewn curves? These ones are surprisingly forgiving, and I’ve included some overage in the fabric requirements and templates to help de-stress your process. Take your time cutting and sewing, and be mindful that you are developing your own technique! |
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PATTERN RELEASE |
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Amour Blooms by Becca Plymale Creative
Date: May 15th. |
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Amour Blooms is a charming quilt pattern that combines classic techniques like flying geese, stitch and flip, and four-patch blocks to create a design that radiates love and beauty. Perfect for showcasing your favorite fabrics, this pattern is ideal for beginners and seasoned quilters alike, offering a timeless project full of heartfelt blooms. |
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PATTERN RELEASE |
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Southwest Knit by Month of May Quilting
Date: May 16th. |
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The Southwest Knit Quilt pattern contains directions for baby, throw, twin, and king sizes, with a two-tone version and a fat quarter version. This is a confident beginner pattern. This pattern is being released on May 16, 2025. |
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PATTERN RELEASE |
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Hey Betty Boo SAL by Crafty Moose Quilts
Dates: May 16th - Aug 8th |
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A relaxed paced, 12-week Quilt Along where we’ll walk through the Hey Betty Boo pattern together. Each week there will be clear prompts to either cut/label your fabric or sew pieces together. At the end, you'll have a completed quilt just in time for Fall! While the quilt along is free, each participant must purchase the pattern individually ahead of time. |
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PATTERN RELEASE |
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Petals Crossing by Tasha Quilts
Date: Late May. |
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Petals Crossing combines curves and vibrant colors in a design inspired by a walk through the garden. This throw-size quilt is perfect for showcasing your favorite spring and summer fabrics. Confident beginners and seasoned quilters alike will love how smoothly it comes together! |
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ONLINE RETREAT |
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Making Zen Online Retreat 2025
Dates: 26 - 30 May. |
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Yasmeen, a QuiltInk designer, is taking part in this beautiful event—and we’re excited to share it with you!
The Making Zen Online Retreat is a free, five-day virtual gathering for textile artists and hand-stitching lovers of all levels. From May 26 to 30, 2025, you’ll get access to over 30 calming, beginner-friendly workshops taught by professional textile artists from around the world.
Each day, new sessions are released at 11 am EDT / 5 pm CEST, and remain available to watch for free for 24 hours. It’s a wonderful chance to slow down, explore new skills, and enjoy mindful making.
If you’d like to revisit the workshops any time, a VIP Pass is also available for purchase.
Let’s support Yasmeen and dive into this special week of creative calm! |
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BLOCK OF THE MONTH |
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Combo Star BOM by Plains an Pine
Dates: January - August 2025. |
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Details: This skill-building quilt pattern is a 8 month block of the month quilt pattern. Each month you will receive a pattern for each "block" of the quilt and step-by-step video instruction to walk you through each step of the quilt. 4 sizes. Intermediate skill level. |
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Details: Get ready to showcase your love for large-scale prints with the Queen’s Gallery Sew Along! Designed with quilters of all skill levels in mind, this pattern is perfect for confident beginners, with the only tricky part being the flying geese blocks.
The sew along will kick off on March 24 on Facebook in the dedicated group, Queen’s Gallery Sew Along. To join, participants will need to have purchased the pattern, and they can message Erin on Instagram for more details.
Feel free to join the group anytime, but keep in mind that the event officially begins at the end of March. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with other quilters and learn some new techniques while creating a beautiful quilt! Don’t miss out on the fun—mark your calendars now! |
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This month, we’re shining the Designer Spotlight on Erin from Hexenhaus Co., whose creativity, warmth, and bold design voice are quickly becoming a standout presence in the QuiltInk community.
Juggling her full-time job in educational publishing, family life, and her blossoming quilting journey, Erin brings fresh energy to modern quilt design. Her Quilt Brew™ series blends strong visual impact with accessibility, making her patterns both striking and beginner-friendly. We’re proud to support her growth and thrilled to feature her story in this month’s spotlight.
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Export Your Mock-Ups (No Screenshots Needed)
I’ve noticed some of you are sharing screenshots of your mock-ups for the QuiltInk Challenge (which is amazing to see!). So here’s a little reminder: you don’t need to rely on screenshots—QuiltInk lets you export your mock-ups in a much cleaner and more practical way.
I know we've mentioned this in previous newsletters, but I think it’s important to remind everyone—especially for those of you who are new to the newsletter—that you don’t need to rely on screenshots! This feature is a game-changer for sharing your ideas.
You don’t even need an account to export, you can export from the coloring page, but creating a free account will let you save your mock-ups and come back to them later. |
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There are two export options to choose from:
- Image only – perfect for sharing on social media or saving your color idea.
- Image + color list – super helpful if you want to recreate the palette later or shop for fabrics that match your plan, especially if the pattern includes fabric requirements.
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You can export mock-ups from:
- The coloring page, for your current project
- The Wall, to download mock-ups made by other users (unless they’ve disabled downloads)
- Your profile, where you’ll find all your mock-ups—finished or still in progress
If you’re a QuiltInk Supporter, you also get access to the high-resolution exports. This is especially useful when working with printed fabrics or when you want your mock-ups to look extra polished. Becoming a supporter also helps us continue building features you love—and it costs less than a coffee per month. |
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We can’t wait to see your beautiful QuiltInk mock-ups shared on Instagram.
And remember! Sharing a Challenge mock-up gives you two entries to win the book from Amber Elliott. |
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This month, we’re exploring the art of ombré quilting with a fresh new palette inspired by Quilts in Modern Color, the beautiful book by Amber Elliott of Alderwood Studio. Featuring 30 Confetti Cottons solids by Riley Blake Designs, the Let’s Ombré! palette is perfect for experimenting with subtle gradients and bold color transitions.
Before we dive into the challenge details, let’s take a moment to celebrate our April winner, admowest! She’ll receive a 17-piece fat quarter bundle plus a copy of the Hey Betty Boo quilt pattern by Ann of Crafty Moose Quilts. Thanks to everyone who joined the spooky fun and brought this playful Halloween palette to life in QuiltInk.
Ready to explore the power of color? |
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This month’s prize is a copy of Quilts in Modern Color: Creating Ombré Palettes by Amber Elliott!
It’s a fantastic resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of color and create eye-catching gradient effects in their quilts. The book includes 14 inspiring projects—10 full-size quilts and 4 smaller designs—alongside practical guidance and color theory tips that are accessible even if you’re new to ombré techniques.
If you’re curious about the book, you can take a closer look or get your own copy |
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Our 6th Meet the Fabric Shops feature takes us to the heart of Los Angeles, where Julie and Rachel—mother and daughter duo—run Sewing Arts, a vibrant, family-led shop with deep roots and a modern twist. From their curated Ruby Star section to their community-driven classes, they’ve built more than just a fabric shop—it’s a creative home for LA’s sewing scene.
In the full interview, you’ll hear how they’re navigating a unique moment as one of the LA’s remaining sewing stores, what inspires their shop’s evolution, and how they’re connecting with a new wave of makers through QuiltInk.
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Over the past months, we’ve taken a journey through color, exploring how each hue can shape the mood of a quilt and how different color harmonies can bring those hues together in striking ways. From bold complementary combinations to the balanced beauty of square harmony, we’ve seen how color choice influences design.
But color theory goes beyond just hue and harmony. There’s another layer that plays a crucial role in how we perceive and experience a quilt—Value.
Understanding value is the next step in our color journey, and it’s where color truly comes to life.
What is Value?
Value refers to the lightness or darkness of a color. It’s what allows us to distinguish shapes and patterns even when the colors themselves are similar. Think of a soft pastel pink and a deep burgundy. Both are red, yet their values are worlds apart.
Each color has a range of possible values, from the palest tint to the deepest shade. Learning to work with value means learning to build contrast, depth, and structure in your quilt design—regardless of the palette you choose. This color approach is a wonderful way for achieving boldness and balance, offering enough contrast to create dynamic designs without overwhelming the viewer. |
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Meaning and Emotion
Value can completely shift the feeling of a quilt. Lighter values often feel airy, delicate, and open. Darker values tend to add drama, weight, and grounding. Medium values help bridge the two and create flow.
When used thoughtfully, value creates atmosphere and emotion. A quilt made with mostly similar values will feel calm and unified, while one with high contrast will feel bold and dynamic.
Focal Points in Value-Based Quilts
Because our eyes are drawn to contrast, value is a powerful way to guide attention. Want to highlight a particular block or shape? Use a darker or lighter value to make it stand out.
One simple way to test your value contrast is by viewing your quilt design in black and white. Removing color helps you see the true structure of your value decisions and whether your focal points are working as planned.
Quilting Applications
Value is essential for all quilt styles. Even with a limited color palette—or a monochromatic one—you can create rich, engaging designs by playing with different values.
Prints and textures also influence value perception. A light fabric with a dense print might appear darker, while a dark fabric with a delicate pattern might feel lighter. Pay attention to how fabric choices affect the overall balance.
Value in Action
Below are two QuiltInk mock-ups that demonstrate how similar color palettes can produce completely different results depending on their value contrast. One plays with soft, close values to create a gentle flow. The other uses sharp contrast for a striking, energetic effect. |
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Try it Yourself
If you’re curious to explore value in your own quilts, the May QuiltInk Challenge is the perfect place to start. This month’s palette invites you to experiment with contrast and see how value can transform your design.
And here’s something extra exciting—participants have the chance to win a copy of Alderwood Studio’s brand-new book about color. It’s a beautiful resource full of insight and inspiration for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of color in quilting.
Take the challenge, explore the power of value, and bring new dimension to your quilting!
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After such a packed newsletter, I thought I’d share a little behind-the-scenes moment with you. The truth is… I’m really starting to feel the burnout.
There’s a lot going on in my head right now—family, a big new feature in the works for QuiltInk, the daily QuiltInk work that takes a lot of time and energy (because yes, it's a one-woman show most days!), and did you know I’m also a quilt pattern ghostwriter and tech editor? I’ve got a big (and very exciting!) pattern project in my hands right now. Apart from that, I’m trying to bring to life a notion I’ve been working on for more than three years—something I can’t wait to share with you, along with several of my own quilt patterns, but with the current economic situation, I’ve had to rethink the path I was taking with it all, and honestly… it’s a lot.
So yes… I’m a little exhausted. But I also know I’ll get through it—I’ve faced tougher things in life. I just really need a good vacation!
On the family side, there’s something beautiful coming up: this July we’re heading to Granada, Spain, because our older daughter is taking part in a violin competition! As a family of musicians, we’re all incredibly excited and working hard to reach the deadline in the best shape possible. It’s a special moment for us, and we can’t wait to be there together, cheering her on.
And with all that in mind… here’s a photo of my garden—a graphic representation of how life feels right now. Anyone want to come help me pull some weeds? It’s great exercise, helps clear the mind, and I just need a bit of time to get back into it!
Thanks for being here—and for reading this far. 💛 |
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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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