QuiltInk Challenge Jun24

Summer is coming, and for the June QuiltInk Challenge, I want to showcase a new fabric collection perfect for this season by Libs Elliott. You can’t miss it!

 

But before we dive in, let’s give a big congratulations to Pixie for being the winner of the May Challenge, which featured the Winged Garden Fabric collection by Alexandra Bordallo!

 

June marks the launch of the Birdie Fabric Collection by Libs Elliott, a pattern designer in QuiltInk and also a fabric designer for Andover Fabrics.

The Birdie collection takes inspiration from the vibrant and bold designs of that era. With its playful patterns and nostalgic feel, it encourages us to embrace our inner child and revel in the joy of creativity. It builds on some of Libs’ favourite colours from the Atomic collection and will bring a sense of warmth and authenticity to anything you sew. So let your imagination run wild, embrace the retro vibes, and let Birdie take you on a journey back in time. The possibilities are endless, and the memories you’ll create will be timeless.

Start planning your upcoming quilting projects with this incredible fabric collection as you participate in our monthly challenge!

Libs Elliott

Libs Elliott, a Canadian quilter in Toronto, transitioned from a childhood surrounded by antique quilts to a career in quilting, inspired by her love for textiles and a background in weaving and natural dyeing. Starting in 2009, she modernized traditional patterns and now designs for Andover Fabrics, releasing multiple collections annually. Her business also includes teaching, running the Sew Squad community, and collaborating with companies. Upcoming projects include new fabric collections in March and a sew-along for her Electric Pineapple Quilt starting January 22nd.

Globe User-friends Instagram
How to participate
 
1. Access to www.quiltink.com, sign in or create your free account.
2. Choose a pattern from the main page.
3. Color the pattern using the challenge palette, it’s the first palette in solid palettes list.
4. Share your mock-up on our #quiltinkwall.
 
Boost your chances of winning by sharing your mock-ups on Instagram! Create a post or share in your stories, mentioning @quilt_ink and @libselliott, tagging #QuiltInkChallengeJun24. Each post/story counts as 2 entries in the giveaway.
 
Prize: A bundle of 6 FQ from the Birdie fabric collection by Libs Elliott.
 
Selection: On July 1st, we will pick 1 mock-up randomly chosen between all the mock-ups in the Wall made with the QuiltInk Challenge Jun24 palette (the ones with the gift icon).
 
The more mock-ups you create, the higher your chances of winning! Start coloring now!
 
This giveaway is open internationally. You must be at least 18 years old. This giveaway is not sponsored by Instagram. Participants release Instagram of any responsibility and agree to IG terms of use.

Here are some examples of quilts hosted by QuiltInk and colored-in with the QuiltInkChallenge June 24 palette by Libs Elliott! I love them all!

If you are wondering where you can find the QuiltInkChallenge palette, check the following video!

And here you can check the Jun24 Challenge fabrics. Aren’t they amazing?

We can’t wait to see all your mock-ups! 

Happy coloring and quilting to you all!

QuiltInk Challenge May24 winner

What a bunch of wonderful mockups the QuiltInk users have created using the Winged Garden fabric collection by Alexandra Bordallo! We encourage you to keep exploring this beautiful palette in your quilting projects. They are sure to be a great success.

 

And….the winner of a “Supporter Plan” along with a pack of 3 private patterns is Pixie!!

 

Congratulations! We will contact you by email. If you don’t receive our email, please reach out to us!

Be aware of the next QuiltInk Challenge for June 2024, showcasing a new fabric collection from one of the designers in QuiltInk. Stay tuned!

New Pattern: Folk Hearts

Title: Folk Hearts

Designer: Mija Handmade

Technique: Curve piecing

Sizes: 4

📣 New Pattern Alert!  🌟
 
It’s release day for the Folk Hearts quilt by Erin from Mija Handmade!🎉 Color your own with QuitlInk! 🎨
 
📖 Get a copy of the pattern, 🔍explore the QuiltInk pattern Wall to get inspired and 🖌️ color your own version using either solids or printed fabrics! Ahhh, and don’t forget to share all your mock-ups with us! We can’t wait to see them all!!
 
ℹ️ The #folkheartsquilt combines a playful sense of pattern and movement with a traditional feeling block. This pattern puts a new spin on the orange peel block, adding visual interest to this classic block. Delicate sashing and scrappy cornerstones give each block room to shine. Each block finishes at 12″ x 12″. Use your favorite bundle of FQs for a multi-color treat or opt for the two-color version for something a little more traditional.
 

Mockupmonday #89

It’s time to put together all the #quiltinkchallengemay24 #mockups and admire the beauty of the #WingedGardenFabric collection by Alexandra Bordallo, which is the challenge palette this month.
 
Get inspired, pick one pattern, color your version and share it with us!. You are in time to participate and win a yearly QuiltInk subscription with 3 patterns!
 
Check patterns and designers featured in the comments.
 
Happy week to you all!

Designer Spotlight – Rachel Gilbert

As a mother who transitioned from a career to pursue her passion for quilting, I understand the importance of finding joy and fulfillment in creative endeavors. Today, I have the pleasure of introducing Rachel, a fellow Minnesotan and talented quilt pattern designer, who shares a similar journey of balancing motherhood, professional life, and a deep love for quilting. Join us as we uncover Rachel’s inspiring path, filled with vibrant fabrics, geometric designs, and the boundless creativity that defines her quilting journey.

Personal Background

Rachel, 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?

I was born and raised here in Minnesota, and now live in the wonderful city of Minneapolis. I am 30 years old, mom to a 7 month old baby boy, and a wife to my best friend. I went to school for Civil Engineering, and worked as an engineer for about 6 years after college before leaving that profession. I now spend my days as a pattern designer and caring for our home and our son!

 

Quilting Journey

When and how did you start quilting? What drew you to quilting as a form of expression?

Like many others, I made my first quilt in 2020. I had been sewing for many years before that, but it wasn’t until the Covid shutdown that I focused more on quilting. I’m lucky enough to say that my mom is a talented quilter and fabric lover, and she passed those interests down to me. My pull towards quilting began with my love of fabric, and grew from there. 

 

Pattern Designing

What inspired you to start designing quilt patterns? How do you approach the creative process of designing a new pattern?

My love of sewing and my skills as an engineer made designing quilt patterns the perfect outlet for both of those passions (bring on the quilt math!). Typically my design process starts with graph paper and a pencil and evolves from there.

 

Style and Aesthetics

How would you define your pattern style? Are there specific themes or elements that consistently appear in your designs?

My style is fairly geometric and modern. Typically my designs are pulled from the things around me that I love – my latest pattern was designed to look like ribbons and bows. In high school I wore a different bow in my hair every dingle day that matched my outfit, and today one of my favorite things is giving a friend the perfect gift wrapped up with ribbons and bows!  

 

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?

I can never stick to a specific color scheme for each quilt – every one is different. I love bright rainbow colors, and I love dusty desert colors. My heart belongs to floral fabrics, though. I’ve never met a floral I didn’t love!

 

Business Activities

Apart from designing patterns, what other activities are integral to your quilting business?

(Membership, notions, courses, etc)

Other than quilt pattern design, I also have a few bag patterns available, and a few more in the works! I just began technical editing this year, as well. 

 

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?

The best place to find my work is my website: www.sewjoyfulstudio.com, instagram: @sewjoyfulstudio, or facebook @sewjoyfulstudio. 

People can sign up for my email newsletter to stay up to date on all the things! Otherwise Instagram/Facebook are where I share what I’m working on.

 

Upcoming Projects

Can you provide a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or designs you’re working on? Any exciting collaborations or events?

Just a week ago I released my newest quilt pattern, All Wrapped Up! The QAL for that begins on Friday, May 3rd! 

This year I have plans to release a few bag patterns. And last, but certainly not least, the Sweater Weather Sampler is returning in 2024 from the Nine Patch Quilt Collective! 


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?

Being able to toggle through so many different colorways for a project in QuiltInk has streamlined everything for me. I struggle to choose fabrics for a project – the ease of which I (and those who purchase my patterns!) can test out fabric choices for a quilt is incredible!

New Pattern: Tetra Star

Title: Tetra Star

Designer: Quilt Scouts _ Modern Moon Quilt Studio

Technique: Traditional Piecing

Sizes: 4

Color, color and #color! How important is the color in any quilt design! It can create unique masterpieces, just playing with color.
 
Today is the release day of the Tetra Star #quiltpattern by Fione from Mommy and Me Quilt Co.  A pattern that will allow you to extensively play with color to get the perfect version for your soul! And the randomize option is not the best option in this case. Pick color by color and start playing! The perfect pattern to use the color theory we have been talking about in our newsletter!
 
The #tetrastarquilt is a fat quarter, pre-cut, and scrap-friendly quilt pattern using traditional piecing methods for all quilting levels perfect for beginners. It comes in 4 sizes and  includes instructions for both a 16-color version as well as a BONUS 8-color version.
 
What are you waiting for? Get your copy of the pattern and start coloring to make magic with color! We can’t wait to see all your #mock-ups in the #quiltinkwall !

New Pattern: Hey Scout

Title: Hey Scout

Designer: Quilt Scouts _ Modern Moon Quilt Studio

Technique: Traditional Piecing

Sizes: 1

In the #quiltingcommunity, membership groups offer friendship, mutual inspiration, and a supportive network of fellow quilters, creating a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and a shared passion for quilting that fosters creativity and encouragement.
 
This month a new of those groups has born, the Quilters Scouts! A supportive online community offering inspirational content, tutorials, and group chats where you can connect with other scouts. Members get exclusive access to quilting-related content including: quilt patterns, tutorials, badges, and more. Each month, a new badge is highlighted with curated content to guide you through completing the challenge and earning your achievement badge!
 
The #heyscoutquilt is a free quilt pattern for Quilt Scout members. And you can plan your version with QuiltInk! Get inspired by the #quiltinkwall and create your own version!
 
Subscribe at https://quiltscouts.com  with the founding member price until May 31st! Prices will increase on June 1st.

New Pattern: Courthouse Steps

Title: Courthouse Steps

Designer: Toad and Sew

Technique: Traditional Piecing

Sizes: 1

This #quiltpattern is the Courthouse Steps by Toad and Sew, just activated on the platform. It was designed with the Taylor’s Nostalgia Bundle in mind, curated from the amazing #puresolids by @artgalleryfabrics. This single-paged, printable mini zine is a free pattern that can be used with the bundle to create your own classic quilt! Download it from the Toad and Sew website.

When coloring with QuiltInk, what do you prefer: using the random tool for coloring or selecting your preferred colors/fabrics one by one? Check out my opinion in the comments and let me know what you think!

#QuiltInk allows you to color with solids and printed fabrics, selecting colors individually in an easy and fun manner. You can merge pieces by color or unmerge them to create your unique color version. Alternatively, you can use the randomize tool to discover unexpected color combinations!

For me, as with most things in life, it depends! It mostly depends on the number of colors used in the pattern, the purpose of the mockups I’m creating, or the significance of the coloring at the moment. For instance, when setting up numerous mockups for a video to present a new pattern in QuiltInk, I prefer using the random tool as it allows me to create several mockups quickly. It’s also perfect for exploring unexpected color combinations in a quilt design! However, when working behind the scenes on my upcoming quilt patterns (after 2 years!), I don’t use the randomizing coloring tool. Instead, I meticulously select each fabric to create the perfect version. (Of course, I’ll try the random tool later to search for unexpected colorways too!) I also enjoy picking colors individually when using coloring as a relaxing method! #QuiltingIsMyTherapy #ColoringIsMyTherapy

New Pattern: Aaron’s Garden

Title: Aaron’s Garden

Designer: A Piece of Quiet Quilts

Technique: Piecing with curves

Sizes: 2

It’s release day for the Aaron’s Garden #quiltpattern by A Piece of Quiet Quilts. Grab your copy of the pattern and plan your unique #colorversion with QuiltInk! 
 
The #AaronsGardenQuilt is inspired by a photo of a garden made by Megnan’s son. A great skill-builder pattern for those looking to practice sewing curves!
 
Check #quiltinkwall to see other users’ beautiful mockups and remember to share yours # with us!

New Pattern: Drip

Title: Drip

Designer: Taralee Quiltery

Technique: Piecing with curves

Sizes: 4

The Drip #quiltpattern by Taralee Quiltery is now available on QuiltInk, ready for you to plan your very own version! This stunning pattern was released a few weeks ago, so if you haven’t already, grab your copy and start planning your unique creation with #quiltink! 
 
Remember to share your #mock-ups in the Wall to inspire other members of the community. 
 
Wishing you a colorful and sewing-filled weekend ahead! 🎨✂️