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This past July has been a real shift from my usual pace. I’m someone who thrives on quiet routines, loves staying at home, and finds calm in everyday rhythms. So taking a long trip for my daughter’s violin competition—navigating planes, airports (PMI is one of the busiest in Spain during summer!), nerves, and new places—was a huge stretch for me. It was stressful, yes… but it also opened up space for growth I didn’t expect. And that’s stayed with me.
It made me think about how often quilting does the same.
Maybe you’ve taken on a pattern that feels just a bit too complex. Or tried a technique that looked intimidating at first. Maybe you’ve gone to a retreat, or submitted something to be judged, or simply shared your work online for others to see. These are all brave steps. And they matter.
Quilting invites us to get a little uncomfortable sometimes—to learn, to experiment, and to show up with curiosity even when we’re unsure. It’s not just about making something beautiful. It’s about growing through the process.
That’s what I hope QuiltInk continues to be for you: a safe, creative space to explore what’s possible when you push past what feels easy.
Inside this month’s newsletter, you’ll find new patterns to color, a fresh design challenge, some thoughtful interviews, and a new tip to help you keep learning.
And if you're curious about our trip to Granada, I’ve added a few more personal notes at the end of the newsletter 💌 |
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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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While July may still feel like summer calm, things are beginning to pick up on QuiltInk. This month, 8 new patterns have been added to the platform—just enough to spark your creativity without overwhelming your to-make list. Think of it as a soft landing before the busy season kicks off!
Don’t forget to scroll down and check out the upcoming events—there’s lots of color fun and community excitement just around the corner.
We’re also excited to welcome two new designers to the QuiltInk family:
🧵 Samantha Dahlstrom from Sonder Quilt Studio
🧵 Christina Lee from Sweet Potato Quilts
Their fresh, modern styles bring new energy to the platform—and we can’t wait to see what they’ll share next.
Tap the images below and start coloring your favorites! |
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Did you get a chance to try the Greyscale Mode we launched last month? It’s such a small feature—but it can truly shift the way you plan your mock-ups. If you haven’t explored it yet, we strongly recommend to do so!
And if you’ve missed any updates, don’t worry—our Newsletter Archive is always there for a quick catch-up. Each issue is full of tools, ideas, and new features to help you make the most of QuiltInk.
Now let’s dive into what’s new this month!
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FILTER BY PALETTE ON THE WALL
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The Wall has always been one of the most inspiring corners of QuiltInk—with more than 15,500 mock-ups created by the community, it’s a treasure trove of color, creativity, and unexpected combinations.
And now, we’ve added a small change that makes it even more helpful: you can finally filter the Wall by palette.
Whether you’re working with fabrics you already have in your stash, exploring a new collection you’ve just fallen in love with, or revisiting a past challenge palette that caught your eye—now you can quickly find mock-ups that match the colors you're thinking about. It's a lovely way to narrow the view and focus your inspiration, without losing the creative joy that makes the Wall so unique.
This new option is perfect if you’re feeling stuck, looking for ideas, or just curious to see how others have used the same palette in completely different ways.
Go give it a try—you might see your favorite fabrics in a whole new light.
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QUILTINK ON DISCORD - IS HAPENING!
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Thank you again to everyone who replied last month about the idea of a QuiltInk Discord space. Your kind and thoughtful responses really convinced me that this could become something truly special — so yes, I’ve decided to go ahead and launch it in September!
This August, I’ll be working quietly behind the scenes to shape the space and get it ready — and I’d really love to build it with your help.
While I’ll focus on channels related to QuiltInk features, color theory, and inspiration, I know there are other areas where my experience is limited.
Things like block swaps, round robins, or scrap challenges sound amazing, but I’d feel much more confident if someone who has actually participated in those could help coordinate or guide the conversation.
So, if you’re someone who’d enjoy co-hosting a space like that — not as a big responsibility, but as a friendly presence — I’d love to hear from you.
No pressure, no tech expertise required, just a shared wish to keep the space creative, safe, and welcoming.
If that sounds like you, feel free to reply to this email and tell me a bit about what you’d like to contribute.
Let’s build a calm, colorful corner of the internet for quilters — together 💛
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Get Your QuiltInk Color Wheel Downloadables
As you know, it’s been a busy summer for me—with the recent trip and the exciting new feature in the works—but I still wanted to make sure you had easy access to two helpful resources I’ve shared in past newsletters: the Quilter’s Color Wheel and the Meaning of Color in Quilting guide.
Both tools are meant to support you in your color decisions, whether you're experimenting with bold palettes or trying to create softer harmonies. They connect theory and emotion in a way that’s practical and easy to bring into your quilting practice.
I hope you enjoy them—and once I return to a more “back-to-school” rhythm, I plan to start creating more of the color-related downloadables I’ve been carrying around in my head for months now!
In the meantime, here are the links in case you are new ot missed them:
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As summer winds down, quilting activity is picking up—and it shows. August brings a wave of creative energy, with exciting quilt pattern launches, vibrant SALs full of connection and inspiration, fresh fabric collections from talented quilt pattern designers, and even a book on the horizon.
It’s the perfect moment to pick a new project—maybe one that nudges you out of your comfort zone—and let it bring something fresh into your life. A new color, a new technique, a new perspective... quilting has a beautiful way of doing that.
Take a moment to check out the events below, visit the designers’ websites and Instagram accounts, subscribe to their newsletters, and follow them on social media—small actions that truly help keep their creative work going.
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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Olympic National Park Quilt Pattern by Bookends Quilting
Dates: July 25th |
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Olympic National Park Quilt is one of the beautiful designs featured in Steph’s book, Quilting the National Parks—and it’s now available as an individual pattern!
This design is a bed-size quilt (91" x 98") that uses Half-Square Triangles and Half-Rectangle Triangles, making it a great project for confident beginners and beyond.
Whether you're drawn to bold landscapes or love playing with triangles, this pattern brings a stunning national park scene to life—perfect for your next big quilt project.
COLOR THE PATTERN HERE! |
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PATTERN RELEASE |
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Retro Stripe by Modern Groove
Date: July 26th. |
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Bring bold retro vibes to your space with this modern quilt design! Featuring smooth, sweeping curves this pattern channels 70s supergraphic style with a fresh, modern twist. Perfect for wall art or a standout throw! Learn curved piecing and half rectangle triangles.
COLOR THE PATTERN HERE! |
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FABRIC COLLECTION LAUNCH |
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Olive Grove by Alderwood Studio for Riley Blake Designs
Shipping to stores in August |
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Now available on QuiltInk, Olive Grove brings together soft olive greens, muted teals, earthy neutrals, and gentle golden hues—a palette that radiates calm and quiet strength.
It’s the featured palette for the August QuiltInk Challenge, and a wonderful starting point for cozy, nature-inspired mock-ups. Share your creations to enter the challenge—you could win a FQ bundle of Olive Grove! |
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PATTERN RELEASE |
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Andean Echoes by Shadow Valley Quilts
Date: July 28th |
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Andean Echoes is a traditionally pieced quilt pattern that pays tribute to classic Peruvian textile designs. Featured motifs include adorable llamas and the traditional Incan Cross. The pattern includes a darling baby/lap size, a cozy throw, and a beautiful king bedspread.
COLOR THE PATTERN HERE! |
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PATTERN RELEASE |
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Mt. Pisgah by Hampton Quilt Studio
Date: August 8th |
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Mt. Pisgah, part of the Land of the Sky collection, is a beginner-friendly pattern with half-square triangles, rectangles, and easy Stitch-and-Flip corners to create the diamonds. Loosely based on the traditional Bright Star quilt block, Mt. Pisgah catches the eye like the brightest star in the sky. Mt. Pisgah, part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a well-recognized part of the Asheville, NC skyline. It rises from the Pisgah National Forest which was established in 1916 by the Vanderbilt family as part of the Biltmore Estate (later sold to the federal government to remain a national forest). The pattern comes in 5 sizes:
- Baby 30 x 40
- Crib 40 x 50
- Throw 60 x 75
- Twin 60 x 90
- Twin XL (perfect for dorm rooms!) 60 x 95
Pattern already active for coloring on QuitlInk. Click HERE!
Join Melinda's email list to get exclusive pattern release discounts! |
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PATTERN RELEASE |
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Max Patch by Hampton Quilt Studio
Date: August 8th |
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Max Patch, part of the Land of the Sky collection, is a beginner-friendly pattern perfect for the stargazers in your life. The quilt top features large-scale half-square triangles and comes together quickly.
Max Patch is a major landmark along the Appalachian Trail. The bald summit at 4,629 ft. elevation in North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest is known for its stunning panoramic views below a sprawling sky.
The pattern comes in 5 sizes:
- Baby 30 x 40
- Crib 40 x 50
- Throw 60 x 75
- Twin 60 x 90
- Twin XL (perfect for dorm rooms!) 60 x 95
Pattern already active for coloring on QuitlInk. Click HERE!
Join Melinda's email list to get exclusive pattern release discounts! |
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PATTERN RELEASE |
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Black Balsam by Hampton Quilt Studio
Date: August 8th |
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Black Balsam, part of the Land of the Sky collection, is inspired by pinwheels and windmills, reminiscent of the cotton feed sack quilts of the 1800’s. This is a beginner-friendly pattern created using half-square triangles, squares, and an easy-to-make method for split quarter-square triangles that make up the pinwheels. Black Balsam Knob, near Milepost 420 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, is a popular spot due to its easy trail hike to a grassy bald summit with spectacular views. It’s no wonder campers often pop up small tents, surrounded by wilderness and the promise of a stunning show of stars. The pattern comes in 5 sizes:
- Baby: 30 x 40
- Crib 40 x 52
- Throw 60 x 75
- Twin 60 x 90
- Twin XL (perfect for dorm rooms!) 60 x 95
Pattern already active for coloring on QuitlInk. Click HERE!
Join Melinda's email list to get exclusive pattern release discounts! |
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PATTERN RELEASE |
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Mt. Mitchell by Hampton Quilt Studio
Date: August 8th |
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Mt. Mitchell, part of the Land of the Sky collection, shines bright as a beginner-friendly pattern. The design features large-scale half-square triangles and squares which are striking in solids but also perfect for showcasing beautiful prints. The colors of the cover quilt represent a star in the night sky, appearing to almost leap out of the fabric in 3D. Mt. Mitchell is named for the highest peak east of the Mississippi, perfect for stargazing in the Appalachian Mountains at an elevation of 6,684 ft.
- Baby: 30 x 40
- Crib 40 x 50
- Throw 60 x 74
- Twin 60 x 90
- Twin XL (perfect for dorm rooms!) 60 x 95
Pattern already active for coloring on QuitlInk. Click HERE!
Join Melinda's email list to get exclusive pattern release discounts! |
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SEW ALONG |
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Make Time by 4 British Designers
Starting: August 18th
Duration: 10 weeks |
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The Make Time quilt is a design by a collective of British designers: Nicola Dodd from Cake Stand Quilts; Lou Orth of Lou Orth Designs; Victoria Peat from Little Black Duck; and Jo Westfoot from The Crafty Nomad.
The pattern features block designs around the idea of making time to do what makes you happy.
In a busy world where our lives are full of work commitments, family responsibilities, and the distractions of social media, we are reminded of the importance of making time for activities that nourish our souls, make us happy, and force us to slow down and reconnect with what’s really important.
The pattern contains 18 detailed blocks on the sub themes of: Creativity; Self Care; Nature; and Friendship. We'll be running a sewalong with full support in the way of technique tutorials and a Facebook group for questions and inspiration.
The sewalong starts on the 18th of August 2025 and runs for 10 weeks. The price is £60 with an early bird deal of 20% off until the 17th of August, reducing it to £48. Less that £2.70 per block!
COLOR THE PATTERN HERE! |
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PATTERN RELEASE |
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Carrefour Pattern by March Lion Quilts
Date: Late August
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Carrefour (French for “crossroads”) is a modern pattern rooted in tradition. A classic crossroads block is scaled up and divided into four streamlined blocks, pieced in rows for easy assembly. The minimal fabric palette allows you to showcase favorite colors in a bold geometric design.
COLOR THE PATTERN HERE! |
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PATTERN RELEASE |
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Oh Ryan by Crafty Moose Quilts
Date: August 26th
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Oh Ryan is a playful two-block pattern that comes together with surprising ease—resulting in a complex-looking design that's sure to impress! It uses time-saving methods for both Half-Square Triangles and Flying Geese. Every piece and block nests beautifully, making it easier to achieve a perfectly squared quilt top.
Whether you love a tidy look or prefer to go scrappy, the pattern includes options for a semi-scrappy, full-on scrappy, or yardage-based version like the one shown on the cover. Instructions are included for three sizes: lap, throw, and bed.
Perfect for confident beginners and up, Oh Ryan is a fun, flexible project that brings a bit of star gazing right into your sewing room. |
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FABRIC COLLECTION LAUNCH |
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Geobloom Fabric Collection by Sewcial Bee Collective
Available September
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Geobloom is now live on QuiltInk! 🌸 This bold and modern collection comes from the creative minds of the Sewcial Bee Collective—a fresh group of designers bringing new energy into the quilting world.
Their debut collection, Geobloom, plays with vibrant geometrics, florals, and dynamic color contrasts—perfect for mock-ups that are both playful and striking. You can now find it on QuiltInk under the Shops/Designers section of Eudaimonia Studio.
The Sewcial Bees are:
@abbymaed, @eudaimoniastudious, @sweetpotatoquilts, @white_rosedesigns, and @the.weekendquilter.
Explore the collection, play with it in your mock-ups, and follow the Bees to keep up with everything they’re buzzing about! 🐝 |
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QUILT SAMPLER |
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Sweater Weather Sampler 2025 by Nine Patch Quilt Collective
Dates: 9 weeks starting on September 4th |
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The cozy Sweater Weather Sampler quilting community you’ve come to love from the Nine Patch Quilt Collective will be back in 2025, with all the same heart, warmth, and quilty goodness you just can’t get enough of. If you’ve loved stitching up these autumn themed blocks and connecting with fellow quilters during the 2023 and 2024 samplers, you’re going to be over the moon about what is planned for this year. Think new skills, fresh designs, and all the community magic!
Keep your eyes peeled on August 14th for the 2025 design reveal and fabric requirements! The Sweater Weather Sampler will begin September 4th, and a new pattern will be sent weekly for 9 weeks. Register for the Sampler and read the FAQ's at https://ninepatchquiltcollective.myflodesk.com/sweaterweathersampler2025 |
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PATTERN RELEASE |
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Mosaïque by Namaju Quilt Studio
Dates: September 4th |
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Three sizes available: Baby (48.5 x 48.5), Throw (60.5 x 60.5), Large Throw (72.5 x 72.5)
Half square triangles and half rectangle triangles are thoughtfully arranged to create the illusion of curves and movement. The result is a dynamic, vibrant mosaic that's full of energy! |
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PATTERN RELEASE |
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Call & Compass by Sonder Quilt Studio
Dates: September 5th |
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Inspired by the nostalgia of summer camp and the spirit of adventure, Call and Compass is a contemporary quilt pattern that points you in the right direction—whether you're a confident beginner or an experienced quilter looking for a satisfying, stylish make.
This block-based pattern combines bold directional movement with the ease of half-square triangles (HSTs), using simple 2-at-a-time and 8-at-a-time methods. You’ll love how flexible it is: use yardage for a cohesive look, start with 10" precuts to save time, or dig into your stash of 5" squares for a scrappy finish. |
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QUILT ALONG |
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Olympic National Park Quilt Along by Bookends Quilting
Starting date: September 8th
Duration: 4 weeks |
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This will be a four week quilt along and will start the second week of September with the following weekly breakdown:
September 8: Choosing fabric
September 15: Cutting fabric + pinning HRTs and HSTs
September 22: Sewing, pressing, and trimming HRTs and HSTs
September 29: Piecing together the quilt top
I'm so excited to offer two additional sizes that I wasn't able to squeeze in the book. While Olympic NP was originally available as a bed (91" x 98") size quilt, the pattern expansion also includes baby (42" x 44") and throw (70" x 76") size options in addition to the original bed size.
COLOR THE PATTERN HERE! |
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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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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.
COLOR THE PATTERN HERE! |
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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!
COLOR THE PATTERN HERE! |
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Curves, color, and community—that’s what you’ll find in this month’s Designer Spotlight featuring Jo Westfoot of The Crafty Nomad. Based in the UK, Jo blends modern traditional design with a love for teaching and connecting with quilters around the world.
From her Quilt Hive membership to exciting new collaborations, Jo’s passion shines through in every project. Her approach is joyful, skillful, and full of heart.
👉 Read the full interview on the blog
👉 And follow her on Instagram: @thecraftynomadfleet
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Test Foreground & Background Using Randomize
This month’s Tip of the Month ties directly into the Color Theory section below, where we kick off a brand-new mini-series: “Where Color Lives Matters.”
Before you dive into the steps below, we highly recommend reading that section first — it will give you the context you need to understand why color placement is just as important as color choice. You’ll learn how warm vs. cool and light vs. dark colors behave visually in a quilt design, and how their position can shift your quilt’s focal point, balance, and even its overall mood. |
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Why test foreground and background?
Because it changes everything.
Color isn’t static — a fabric that looks “neutral” in one role might pop in another. A bold warm tone might dominate when used as the foreground, but feel completely different in the background. Playing with these roles is key to developing a design that feels intentional and looks balanced.
Luckily, QuiltInk makes this kind of exploration easy — and even fun.
With just a few clicks, you can explore dozens of color arrangements and instantly see how your chosen fabrics behave in different positions.
🎉 This feature is free for all QuiltInk users — no subscription needed.
Want to go even deeper? Supporters unlock unlimited custom palettes, printed fabric previews, and help us keep building QuiltInk for the quilting community. |
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Here's how to try it yourself:
1. Log in (or create a free account).
2. Head to your “My Palettes” section from your profile page. |
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3. Click Create a new palette — name it something like “Contrast Test" or "Color Placement Test".
4. Edit your new palette |
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5. Choose the option to add Solids from the QuitlInk Solids palettes.
6. Choose your preferred palette. |
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7. Add 4–5 solid colors: Try mixing 2 light, 2 dark, and 1 warm bold tone (e.g. red or orange)..
8. Save the palette. |
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11. Open one of the pattern coloring pages
12. Click the Palette icon and select your custom palette created before. |
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13. Click Randomize to shuffle color positions.
14. Repeat and reflect:
Which version feels more visually balanced?
Where does your eye go first — and why?
Which combinations shift the mood or energy of the quilt? |
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This is a simple but powerful way to train your eye and build confidence in how you use color — without needing to cut a single piece of fabric.
🧵 Try it now — and see for yourself how where a color lives can change everything. |
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This month on QuiltInk, we invite you to slow down and explore a palette that feels warm, grounded, and full of timeless charm — it's the Olive Grove Challenge, featuring the brand-new fabric collection by Alderwood Studio for Riley Blake Designs. 🌿
Amber Elliott’s latest collection, Olive Grove, draws inspiration from sun-warmed herbs, winding paths, and quiet moments of calm. With soft neutrals, cozy greens, and subtle organic prints, this palette offers the perfect mood for modern quilting with a natural touch.
Whether you're dreaming up your next quilt or just playing with colors, this challenge is a wonderful opportunity to let your creativity flow with a palette that's as versatile as it is serene.
One lucky winner will receive a Fat Quarter bundle from the Olive Grove collection — generously sponsored by Amber and perfect for bringing your digital designs to life!
Let’s celebrate Amber’s eye for modern color and texture! Be sure to follow @alderwoodstudio and show her your support as a designer who keeps inspiring the quilting community, one fabric collection at a time. |
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Soft palettes, thoughtful curation, and a heart-led approach to quilting—this month’s Fabric Shop Spotlight takes us to Germany to meet Marta of Quiltwinkel. With a background in design and photojournalism, and a deep love for fabric and storytelling, Marta has created a shop that feels more like a quiet sanctuary than a storefront.
From curated bundles that tell a story to in-person workshops that nurture creativity without pressure, Quiltwinkel is a beautiful blend of intention and inspiration.
👉 Read the full interview on the blog
👉 Follow her on Instagram: @quiltwinkel.de
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Over the past few months, we’ve explored how color communicates meaning, how harmonies create balance, how value and saturation affect the feel of a quilt, and most recently, how viewing your design in greyscale can completely shift your perspective. If you missed any of these topics, you’ll find them all in the Color Theory section of our past newsletters — and good news: we’re compiling everything into a single downloadable file for our Supporters on QuiltInk.
👉 Subscribe now to access the full Color Theory archive soon!
This month, we’re starting a new 3-part mini-series focused on a concept that’s easy to overlook but incredibly powerful: |
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Where Color Lives Matters (Part 1)
The most immediate and often underestimated example of how placement affects perception?
Foreground vs. Background.
At first glance, it might seem like using a dark color or a light color is simply a matter of preference — but their position within a design can completely change how your quilt is read. Dark fabrics, especially when paired with lighter ones, tend to feel heavier and often push forward, grabbing attention and dominating the visual field. Light fabrics, on the other hand, generally appear to recede, giving the design breathing room and allowing other elements to shine.
But the moment you flip the two — placing the dark color in the background and the light in the foreground — the entire composition shifts. Suddenly, the quilt might feel airier or even more delicate. Or maybe the contrast becomes more subtle. These changes aren’t just aesthetic—they affect how someone’s eye moves across your quilt, and where their focus lands first.
Temperature plays a role too: warm tones (reds, oranges, yellows) are naturally more attention-grabbing. They create movement and visual energy. Cool tones (blues, greens, purples) are more calming and tend to fade gently into the background. But context is everything. A cool teal next to a pale cream will pop. A mustard yellow placed in a field of coral may fade into the background more than you’d expect.
If you’ve ever designed a mock-up and thought, “Something feels off,” try swapping your colors around — not changing them, just reassigning where they live. You’ll be amazed at how even the smallest shift can bring a quilt to life… or quiet it down.
Want to try this in your own designs?
This month’s Tip of the Month walks you through how to test foreground vs. background effects using the Randomize feature with a custom palette. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced designer, this is the quickest way to experiment with color placement and discover how it can transform your quilt.
👉 Head to the Tip of the Month above and give it a go!
This month, take a moment to explore not just what colors you choose, but where you place them.
Because in quilting, placement is power. |
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This past month took me completely out of my comfort zone—and I’m still processing all the good that came from it. If you’ve been following along, you’ll know we spent a few days in Granada, where my daughter participated in a international violin competition.
I’m a quiet, stay-at-home kind of person. Crowded spaces like airports drain my energy, and just the stress of preparing everything for a family of four is enough to make me wonder if it’s worth it. But even with all that, my balance from the trip is deeply positive.
I met new people. I listened to so much wonderful music (I’ve even decided to start playing piano again so I can one day accompany my daughter!). I saw her perform with such presence—and receiving an Honor Mention filled me with a quiet, glowing pride.
If you’re curious, we uploaded her performances to our family YouTube channel—you can watch them here.
And what a place for this whole experience to happen! Granada is an extraordinary city—vibrant, full of life, and layered with history. The ancient mosaics and architectural details in the Alhambra are truly breathtaking. I kept thinking how inspiring it is for a quilter: intricate patterns, bold shapes, and colors that have stood the test of time. It's like walking through a living mood board.
This experience reminded me that sometimes, when we push through that resistance and step outside our comfort zone, life surprises us in the best ways.
And it got me thinking: what would that step be for me in the quilting world? Without a doubt, it would be attending a Quilt Festival.
Seeing all the amazing photos you’ve shared from the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham has me reflecting—could I handle the crowds? The overstimulation? But then I imagine being surrounded by stunning quilts, talking with many of you in person (those who know me know I talk a lot once I’m at ease!), and it feels like an experience that might just be worth the challenge.
So maybe one day. Maybe soon. For now, I’ll keep this energy close and let it gently guide me forward.
Thanks, as always, for reading—and for being part of this kind, creative community. |
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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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