This month’s December Designer Spotlight brings us to Silverton, Oregon, where we’re excited to introduce Jess Rash, a maker whose journey into quilting has grown into something deeply personal, creative, and full of heart.
After stepping back from her career as a hairstylist to focus on her health, Jess found space to lean into quilting more intentionally — and it shows. Her work blends modern sensibilities with traditional roots, often reimagining classic blocks in fresh, contemporary ways. Checks, stripes, thoughtful color choices, and her love of color theory all play a meaningful role in her designs.
Keep reading to discover Jess’s quilting story, how motherhood (and one very special baby quilt) pulled her back into the craft, and how she uses QuiltInk to bring her color ideas to life. 💛
Personal Background
Jess, as we dive into your story, could you provide a snapshot of who you are and take us on the journey that led you to where you are today?
Im 32 years old living in Silverton, Oregon in the US. I recently stepped back from my career as a hairstylist to focus more on my health and that’s created more space for me to pursue quilting further.
Quilting Journey
When and how did you start quilting? What drew you to quilting as a form of expression?
I learned to quilt as a kid but fell in love with it pretty hard in 2020 when my best friend got pregnant with her first baby, obviously I had to make her a baby quilt and ended up enjoying the process so much that I couldn’t stop at just one.
Pattern Designing
What inspired you to start designing quilt patterns? How do you approach the creative process of designing a new pattern?
I never intended to start designing patterns, but I found myself wishing I could make quilts that didn’t exist. Then I took Alderwood Studio’s pattern writing academy and really enjoyed the process of designing and writing patterns.
Style and Aesthetics
How would you define your pattern style? Are there specific themes or elements that consistently appear in your designs?
I don’t know that I have a specific style, but I love reworking traditional blocks to fit into modern quilts. Checks and stripes seem to make their way into a lot of my designs.
Color
How does color play a role in your pattern designing? Do you have a favorite color? Are there certain color combinations you find particularly appealing?
Color theory is something that I’ve always loved and was a big part of my career as a hairstylist, working with color is one of my biggest draws to quilting. I tend to really love red and pecan together.
Business Activities
Apart from designing patterns, what other activities are integral to your quilting business?
(Membership, notions, courses, etc)
I sell quilts and small art quilts in drop style sales.
Online Presence
Where can people find your work online? (Website, social media handles, online marketplaces). How do you use online platforms to connect with your audience and fellow quilters?
Most of how I connect is through Instagram and the rad sewing community that exists there.
@jessirash on Instagram and through my website jessrashquilts.com.
Upcoming Projects
Can you provide a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or designs you’re working on? Any exciting collaborations or events?
I have some exciting collaborations coming up in 2026, but none that can be shared quite yet!
QuiltInk Experience
How has QuiltInk contributed to your quilt pattern design business? Could you share your experience with the platform and how it has influenced your creative process and connected you with fellow quilters?
I love having the ability to easily mock up designs using the fabric lines I’m familiar with! I feel like having the ability for folks to mock up color palettes makes a big difference when it comes to quilt planning and I’m grateful that it has become an easy part of quilt planning.