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As I write this, we’re just about to leave for Granada. My daughter will soon be stepping on stage for her violin competition, and we’ve all been holding our breath between rehearsals, packing, and nerves. Big moments like this make me think about how we stay calm and centered when everything around us is swirling — and it reminded me of something I’ve felt deeply in the quilting world, too.
The U.S. has long been the heartbeat of the quilting industry—home to major events, beloved designers, and an incredible quilting culture that inspires people around the world. And yet, quilting knows no borders. From Spain to Australia, from India to Norway, quilters everywhere are creating, sharing, and contributing their voices to this vibrant global community.
That’s exactly what QuiltInk is built for—to connect quilters beyond geography, giving everyone a space to explore color, design, and creativity on their own terms.
In this newsletter, I’m thrilled to introduce you to a brilliant QuiltInk designer who lives in Australia but is originally from India. Her story—and her work—are a reminder that creativity travels, and community can be stitched together across continents.
So take a deep breath with me. Whether you're navigating deadlines, travel, family, or new beginnings in a quilting journey—we’re in this together.
There’s so much to discover in this month’s newsletter—an inspiring interview, a new challenge, and more. Let’s dive in! |
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đź’Ś 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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During June, 10 new quilt patterns have been activated on QuiltInk, bringing you even more inspiration for your next coloring session! We’re also excited to welcome two new designers to the platform:
✨ Andrea from True Blue Quilts
✨ Areanne from Pine State Stitches
Click on the images below to explore these fresh designs and start adding your unique color combinations! Don’t forget to visit the designers’ websites to purchase the full patterns and bring your creations to life.
đź”’ Reminder: Patterns with a lock icon require a code from the designer to access the coloring pages. |
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We’re always working to make QuiltInk better, and this month we’re excited to introduce a small but powerful new feature that can make a big difference in your coloring process: Greyscale Mode for mock-ups is now live!
With just one click, you can now turn any QuiltInk mock-up into greyscale, helping you clearly see value, contrast, and balance—without the distraction of color. It’s the perfect tool to test your palettes and fine-tune your design before you buy fabric.
✨ Want to know if your lights, mediums, and darks are doing their job?
✨ Wondering where your quilt might need a little more visual weight?
Greyscale Mode will show you the answers in seconds.
Check the Tip of the Month below to learn how to use it on QuiltInk, and the Color Theory section to see how it can help you improve your quilt coloring skills.
This free tool is now available to all users, no matter the designer or pattern you’re working on. Because we truly love making the coloring experience better for everyone, this new option was created to help you dive deeper into your quilt color planning—and have fun doing it!
Go ahead—give it a try next time you color a mock-up, and explore how contrast, value, and balance shape your final design!
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NEW PALETTE: TILDA SOLIDS
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We’ve just added the Tilda Solids collection to QuiltInk—and we think you’re going to love it! With 50 stunning colors ranging from soft neutrals and delicate pastels to rich teals and deep purples, this palette is a perfect blend of calm and bold.
Whether you're planning a modern quilt or working with a more traditional design, these vibrant solids offer a versatile foundation for your mock-ups. The addition of this collection helps keep QuiltInk’s library both current and inspiring, giving you access to the shades you already know and love from the fabric world.
👉 Head to the Solids section in QuiltInk and start experimenting with the Tilda Solids palette today—your next great color combo might be just a few clicks away!
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A COZY QUILTINK SPACE? WE ARE GOING FOR IT!
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I was honestly so happy to read all your replies after last month’s newsletter where I asked about opening a QuiltInk Discord space. Several of you reached out, saying you were interested in joining or curious to give it a try—and the feedback was just so warm and thoughtful that I’ve decided: I’m giving it a go!
My summer is a bit packed (hello violin competition in Granada 🎻), so I’m aiming to set up our Discord space in September. That gives us a little time to shape it together before it goes live—and if you haven’t yet filled out the form, you’re still absolutely welcome to do so!
Here are just a few ideas you shared that made me feel this could be something really special:
- A helpline when you’re stuck between color options
- Tips & tricks, skill builders, scrap busters, and donation blocks
- Round robins or row-by-row challenges
- Advice for new techniques and companion color suggestions
- A no-politics, no-drama space focused only on creativity and connection
- And even a cozy channel for recipe swaps and kitchen joy!
Several of you mentioned how hard it’s become to make real, agenda-free connections on social media—and how refreshing it would be to have a dedicated, supportive space just for quilters. I couldn't agree more.
So: it’s happening. Slowly, gently, and with your help. If you want to chime in with ideas or preferences, you can still fill out the survey. I’d love to hear what would make this new space helpful and joyful for you.
Let’s build this QuiltInk corner together
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Get Your QuiltInk Color Wheel Downloadables
Understanding color is one of the most powerful ways to elevate your quilting. This month, I didn’t create a new downloadable, but you can still access two valuable tools from recent newsletters: the Quilter’s Color Wheel and the Meaning of Color in Quilting guide. Both are designed to boost your color confidence and spark creativity.
These resources connect the emotions and theory of color to your projects, helping you make inspired choices—whether for bold contrasts or subtle harmonies. Keep them handy as practical references to make your quilts truly sing with color.
If you’re new or missed them before, now’s the perfect time to catch up. And stay tuned—more helpful downloadables are on their way!
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July is buzzing with creativity! From exciting new fabric collections and pattern releases to inspiring quilt-alongs, we’ve rounded up all the highlights you won’t want to miss. Whether you're looking for your next project or just want to stay in the loop, this month's lineup is packed with inspiration and fresh ideas.
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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Rocky Mountain National Park Quilt Pattern by Bookends Quilting
Dates: June 24th |
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Rocky Mountain National Park Quilt is one of the patterns in Steph book, Quilting the National Parks. This pattern expands the original baby (44" x 44") pattern to include throw (68" x 68") and bed (88" x 88") size options.
Rocky Mountain National Park Quilt uses half-square triangles and half-rectangle triangles and is considered a confident beginner pattern. |
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CHALLENGE |
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The Scavenger Hunt by Kiley Quilts Room - My Quilts APP
Dates: July 7th - 11th |
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A one week scavenger hunt for the my quilts app! There will be Daily prizes and activities! You can win a yearly Supporter QuitlInk Subscription plus more amazing prizes! So sign up now and join the fun! |
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PATTERN RELEASE |
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Skate Night Mini by Mommy and Me Quilt Co.
Date: July 11th |
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Skate Night Mini is a precut and scrap-friendly Beginner level mini quilt pattern using traditional piecing methods.
Sizes included in the pattern are:
- Mug Rug (8" x 8")
- Mini Quilt (16" x 16")
Designed to ignite your teenage nostalgia, the Skate Night Mini quilt is sure to have you dreaming of simpler times, listening to your old mix tapes and setting up a long overdue skate night out with friends.
*NOTE: While this is a mini quilt pattern, I strongly encourage you to use the Mini Quilt size (16" x 16") to make a larger quilt. Layout options for the following sizes will be available to color, too beginning July 11!
Baby (32" x 32") - 4 blocks
Kid (48" x 48") - 9 blocks
Bee Quilt (48" x 64") - 12 blocks
Throw (64" x 64") - 16 blocks
Scrap-busting and fussy cutting are strongly encouraged! |
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QUILT ALONG |
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Fast Track Sampler QAL by AndiTBQ
Date: July |
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Discover the fun of stretching your quilt blocks in this modern sampler that features an improv layout with an alternate grid. We'll explore half-rectangle triangles with blocks, from the Little Bit Different collection, that all finish at 6" x 9".
Sign up for the link to FREE weekly Zoom classes.
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CLASS |
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Essential Quilt Maths Class by The Crafty Nomad
Class for the Quilt Hive members |
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Lots of quilters limit themselves to following patterns because they think quilt maths is some magical form of trickery designed to befuddle them! Don’t be fooled by this! You too can absolutely figure out block sizes, design your own quilts, or alter patterns to your preferred size. By taking it step-by-step it can be as easy as 1-2-3.
In this helpful reference class you will find lots of useful resources, and you will learn:
- The basics of quilt maths
- How to design quilt blocks
- Three ways to upsize or downsize a quilt pattern.
- How to reduce or enlarge FPP patterns
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PATTERN RELEASE |
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Gallery Companion by e3 Quilting and Design
Date: July 15th |
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Gallery Companion is Erin's first Choose Your Own Adventure pattern. It is very easy to modify, and it’s perfect for showing off your favorite fabrics. You can make it exactly as simple or as complicated as you want. Designed for confident beginners, it comes in 4 sizes: baby, lap, twin, and queen.
To get the pattern, contact her directly on Instagram. |
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FABRIC COLLECTION LAUNCH |
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Phantasm by Libs Elliot for Andover Fabrics
Shipping to stores in July |
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Get ready to add some mystique to your quilting this summer — Phantasm by Libs Elliott is launching in July exclusively at fabric shops!
This hauntingly beautiful collection from Andover Fabrics features subtle spooky prints: spider‑web hearts, bats, night moths, and even skull motifs—all rendered in moody tones for a dramatic yet elegant effect.
Keep an eye out at your favorite shops — you can preorder bundles, yards, panels, and kits starting this month! 🕷️
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PATTERN RELEASE |
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Modern Arches by Pine State Stitches
Dates: July 25 th |
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Modern Arches is a repeating geometric design that features quarter circles to create a fun, colorful arch design. This is an intermediate quilting pattern that is great for quilters who want to learn how to sew curves. The pattern includes instructions for sizes Baby, Throw, and Twin, and templates are included. |
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BOOK |
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PREORDER Lone Star Legacy: 12 Modern Projects by Lindlee Smith from Plains and Pine
Preorder: Open
Launch date: September 25th |
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Get ready to slow down and sew something truly memorable. Lone Star Legacy Quilts by Plains & Pine is now available for preorder! Launching September 25th, this book is a stunning guide for intermediate and advanced quilters wanting to master Lone Star and Broken Star quilts. With 9 full-size quilts, 3 smaller projects, expert guidance, and modern color inspiration, it’s a must-have for your fall quilting plans. |
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RETREAT |
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Warped Rainbow Retreat by Maureen Garner Quilts
Dates: Aug 21th - 24th |
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Make a Warped Rainbow quilt with Maureen Garner at Tennessee Quilts Retreats in East Tennessee. The dates are August 21-24. The cost is only $400 and includes meals, shared room, the Warped Rainbow classes, and pattern! |
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BLOCK OF THE MONTH |
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The Birdwatchers Project by Julia Wachs and Jennifer Walters
Early bird registration: June 12th
General registration: July 1st
First block release: July 10th |
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The Birdwatchers Project is a 14 block foundation paper pieced pattern, with the blocks delivered as a row of the month pattern. Each block pattern will be available within The Birdwatchers Project membership.
The birds in this quilt are inspired by the game of Wingspan, designed by Elizabeth Hargrave and sold by Stonemaier Games. The game artwork is done by Natalia Rojas and Ana Maria Martinez Jaramillo.
Included with the pattern:
- 14 foundation paper piecing patterns of birds native to North America.
- Color palette assistance. You will see the colors used in our cover quilts, along with resources for planning out your own color palette.
- Fabric requirements.
- FPP tutorial.
- Instructions on how to piece them all together into a large throw quilt with sashing.
You can sew your blocks into the throw sized quilt, or create individual pillows / wall hangings! Choose your own adventure. |
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BLOCK OF THE MONTH |
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Nutcracker Ballet BOM by Alderwood Studio
Starting: June 1st.
Dates: June - December. |
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Step into a world of holiday magic with this Nutcracker Ballet-themed Block of the Month! Inspired by the timeless story and filled with whimsical details, this BOM runs from June to December and brings the beloved characters and scenes of the ballet to life—one foundation paper pieced block at a time. Follow the optional embroidery instructions at the end to bring some magical holiday sparkle! |
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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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This month’s Designer Spotlight features Prarthana Inglis of Cece’s Quilts and Things—a designer whose creative voice spans continents. With roots in India, time spent in the U.S., and a home in Australia, her story is a beautiful example of the international spirit of quilting.
Her work blends vibrant color, cultural inspiration, and a love for mathematical precision—all with a friendly, down-to-earth approach that invites others in. Whether you’re drawn to bold patchwork or looking for someone who celebrates both tradition and innovation, you’ll love getting to know her.
👉 Read her full story on the blog
👉 And don’t forget to follow her on Instagram: @cecesquiltsandthings
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How to use Greyscale Mode
As we shared in the NEWS section, Greyscale Mode is now live on QuiltInk—and we think it’s about to become one of your favorite tools.
Trying it out is super simple—and once you do, you might never want to color without it again.
This feature is available on every single coloring page across the platform, no matter the pattern or designer, it's available for everyone!
Here’s how to use it!
In all the coloring pages on QuiltInk, while coloring a mock-up, look to the top right corner of your screen. You’ll see a small icon that looks like a half-colored / half-transparent circle. Click it once and—boom!—your design will instantly shift into greyscale.
In this view, all your fabrics appear in shades of grey, making it easier to focus on value and contrast instead of getting distracted by hue.
This mode is especially helpful for:
✨ Checking that your design has enough contrast and doesn’t feel washed out
✨ Spotting areas that might look too heavy or too flat
✨ Ensuring your palette works not just in theory, but in practice |
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You can also export your greyscale mock-up in two ways:
- As a standalone image
- Or as a PDF that includes the full list of fabrics used
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Just a heads-up: This feature is meant for visualizing and exporting only. When you hit save, your mock-up will return to full color. If you think saving in greyscale would be useful too, let us know—we’re always listening.
Stay tuned for the Color Theory section in this newsletter, where we’ll explain why this tool is more than just a fun feature—it’s a valuable strategy for improving your quilt coloring with greater confidence and ease.
Take a moment to explore Greyscale Mode this week—you might be surprised by what you discover! |
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This month on QuiltInk, we’re turning up the color and honoring global creativity with the Vivid Intentions Challenge, featuring a radiant batik palette curated by @cecesquiltsandthings. 💫 Originally from India and now based in Australia, Cece brings together heritage, texture, and modern design in everything she creates — and this challenge is a beautiful reflection of that.
From bold hand-dyed tones to rich surface textures, batiks invite us to break away from the usual and experiment freely. This July, we invite you to dive into the depth and vibrancy of Cece’s palette — and experience the soulful energy of fabrics made by hand.
One lucky winner will receive a Fat Quarter bundle of the 10 batiks in the Vivid Intentions palette, sent directly from India thanks to Cece’s generous sponsorship. It’s a special treat that brings international color and craftsmanship straight to your sewing table!
Let’s celebrate Cece’s talent and vision! Be sure to follow @cecesquiltsandthings and show her your support as a designer bringing fresh perspective to the quilting world. |
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This month it hasn’t been possible to include a Shop Interview, but we still want to keep you connected with the incredible fabric shops who are part of QuiltInk. So, in the list below, you’ll find not only fabric shops but also designers who also sell fabrics in their websites and Etsy Shops.
Each one brings something unique to the quilting world, from curated fabric selections to original prints, kits, and more. Take a moment to explore their profiles, visit their websites, or drop by their physical shops if you're nearby. You might just find the perfect spark for your next quilt!
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In addition to fabric shops, QuiltInk also features quilt pattern designers who sell fabrics. Explore them all here and make sure you don’t miss a thing!
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Understanding Greyscale Mode: A New Tool for Better Quilt Color Palettes
In this month’s QuiltInk update, we introduced an exciting new feature: Greyscale Mode. This tool allows you to visualize your quilt mock-ups in shades of grey rather than full color, giving you a fresh perspective on your design’s structure and value contrast. But how exactly does this help you create better color palettes? Let’s explore!
What is Greyscale Mode?
Greyscale Mode displays your quilt design using only shades of grey — from pure white to deep black — instead of the original colors. This mode strips away hue and saturation, focusing solely on value, or the lightness and darkness of each area.
Think of it like viewing your quilt in black and white, allowing you to concentrate on the underlying contrasts and balance without color distractions. |
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Why Value Matters in Quilt Design
Value is one of the most critical elements in creating a visually appealing quilt. It governs how light or dark each section of your design appears, and it’s what our eyes notice first — even before color.
- High value contrast creates strong focal points and dynamic movement.
- Low value contrast creates harmony and subtlety.
By seeing your design in greyscale, you can better judge whether your values are balanced, whether your focal points stand out, and if the overall design reads clearly.
How Greyscale Mode Helps You Build Better Color Palettes
- Clarify Visual Hierarchy
Sometimes colors can trick us. Bright colors might blend into similar value tones, causing important shapes or blocks to lose emphasis. Greyscale reveals this by showing whether your values truly separate the elements or not.
- Improve Contrast Balance
Viewing the design in greyscale helps you detect areas that are too similar in value, which can make the quilt look flat. You can then adjust your palette—perhaps choosing lighter or darker fabrics—to improve depth and interest.
- Simplify Complex Patterns
Especially with intricate blocks, color can overwhelm. Greyscale lets you step back and evaluate the structure, ensuring your value placements lead the eye in the way you want.
- Test Different Value Groupings Before Committing to Color
Greyscale Mode lets you experiment with light and dark placements without the pressure of picking exact colors right away. This helps you build a strong foundation for your palette before adding hue and saturation.
Why Greyscale Mode is a Game Changer While Coloring Mock-Ups
- Improves Confidence
When you see your design’s value balance clearly, you can be confident your final quilt will “read” well from a distance and up close.
- Saves Time and Frustration
Catching value issues early means less guesswork and fewer rewrites of your palette later on.
- Supports All Skill Levels
Whether you’re new to color theory or a seasoned quilter, greyscale mode offers an accessible way to refine your design’s visual impact.
- Encourages Creative Experimentation
Freed from the bias of color, you can explore bold contrasts and subtle blends to discover unexpected yet stunning palettes.
Putting It Into Practice
Next time you color a mock-up on QuiltInk, toggle on Greyscale Mode and take a moment to study the design. Ask yourself:
- Do my focal points stand out?
- Are there areas where value contrast could be stronger?
- Does the design feel balanced or do some parts fade into each other?
Make adjustments as needed. Then switch back to full color and see how your improvements transform the quilt’s energy and flow.
Greyscale Mode is designed to be your new secret weapon for developing beautifully balanced quilts with stunning visual clarity. We can’t wait to see how it inspires your color choices and helps you create even more captivating quilt designs. |
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I’m not a religious person, but I’ve always felt there’s something special about good thoughts, quiet rituals, and the energy we put into the world. When I was younger, any time I had a school or piano exam—or even a medical procedure—my grandmother would light a candle to her Virgin and spend the whole day praying for me. Whether it was her faith or simply the power of love and intention, I always felt protected. Things had a way of turning out well.
So today, I’m borrowing a little of that spirit. The evening of July 8th (Madrid time), my daughter will be playing in a violin competition. Just two days before, I’m asking for your best thoughts and positive energy. I truly believe those good vibes will help her feel calm, confident, and ready to show everything she’s worked so hard for.
I’ll let you know how it goes in next month’s newsletter—but if you're really curious, I’ll share an update sooner on Instagram: @quilt_ink.
Thank you, truly, for being part of this sweet and supportive community. This little family affair means a lot. |
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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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