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New Pattern: Carlita

Yesterday brought a fun new release to the quilting world, and I’m thrilled to share that the Carlita Quilt Pattern by @sewspicious is now ready to color on QuiltInk. This design is pure scrappy joy. If you’ve been holding onto leftover bits, precuts, or that mix of fabrics you love but never knew how to combine… Carlita is here to set them free.

This pattern was designed for play. Every block invites experimentation with color placement, contrast, texture, and rhythm. Whether you’re mixing charm squares, mini charms, jelly roll pieces, or a full-on scrap basket explosion, Carlita adapts beautifully. And once you see the mock-ups in this carousel, you’ll understand how many personalities this quilt can have.

On QuiltInk you can test endless combinations before you sew, explore bold or soft palettes, and discover surprising versions you’d never expect from a “simple scrappy” layout. It’s amazing how shifting colors just a little can create something completely new.
Dive in, get inspired, and start coloring your own Carlita. This pattern was made for experimentation, and we can’t wait to see the magic you create.

New Pattern: Merry Magic

Today we’re featuring Merry Magic by Delia of @a_stitch_is_a_stitch — a festive, beginner-friendly quilt pattern designed to bring all the cozy Christmas sparkle to your sewing room. 🎄✨

Inspired by the joy of decorating the tree, this pattern lets you decide how to style it: bold ornaments, soft lights, scrappy pops of color, or a calm, minimal look. Every version tells its own story — and the mock-ups in this carousel prove just how many beautiful directions you can take it.

Merry Magic is a generous throw size (70.5” x 76.5”), comes together quickly, and is written for yardage or scraps — perfect for holiday sewing or last-minute gifting.

Ready to play with color?
Come to QuiltInk, explore endless palette ideas, and design your own Merry Magic before you cut a single piece of fabric.

Let the festive creativity begin! 🎄✨

Mock-up Monday #159

Visit our Instagram account to see a beautiful continuous carousel with the mock-up Monday #158 with nearly 100 amazing mock-ups.

This past week has been absolutely overflowing with color on the QuiltInk Wall — nearly 100 new mock-ups added by our amazing community! 🎉

I’m keeping all the December Challenge versions aside for a special Mock-Up Monday edition at the end of the month, so today’s carousel is all about the beautiful non-challenge mock-ups you’ve been creating.

Swipe through to see a mix of bold palettes, soft gradients, modern contrasts, scrappy looks, and so many fresh takes on your favorite quilt patterns. The creativity you bring to QuiltInk is truly inspiring — every mock-up adds something new to the Wall.

If you want to join the fun:
✨ Color your favorite quilt patterns on QuiltInk
✨ Share your versions on the QuiltInk Wall
✨ Get inspired by what others are creating

Thank you for filling this space with so much color and creativity. 💛

Designer Spotlight – Jess Rash

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.

New Pattern: Tilt & Twirl

Today we get to celebrate a gorgeous new addition to QuiltInk — the Tilt & Twirl Quilt Pattern by @duenorthhandmade ! ✨

If you love quilts with movement, sparkle, and bold color play, this one is going to grab your heart immediately. Tilt & Twirl features dynamic pinwheel-style stars and interlocking diamond pathways that create the most stunning sense of motion on the quilt top. It’s one of those designs that looks complex but comes together beautifully — perfect for confident beginners and experienced quilters ready for a fun, rhythmic sew.

This pattern includes 3 sizes and 2 colorways, giving you endless possibilities: modern solids, scrappy prints, soft gradients… whatever fits your style. And if you want to see how dramatically a palette can transform the entire quilt?

✨ Tilt & Twirl is now active on QuiltInk!
Come explore it digitally, try different combinations, test your bold ideas, and watch the design come alive before you cut a single piece of fabric.

Trust me — this is a pattern you’ll want to experiment with.
Go play with color and let your creativity twirl! 💫

New Pattern: Checked Out

Some days ago @jessirash released her brand-new Checked Out Quilt, and today I finally get to share it with you on QuiltInk! 🎉

It’s now fully active to color digitally — and trust me, this one is so fun to play with.

Checked Out Quilt is a traditionally pieced, two-toned, medallion-style design available in throw and bed sizes. It’s also the “sister pattern” to Jess’s beloved Heckin’ Checks Quilt, so if you loved that one, you’re going to enjoy this even more.

Now, I know what you’re thinking…
A two-tone quilt? Maybe not a lot of color possibilities…
But wait until you see the mock-ups! 😍
This pattern transforms completely just by shifting the dominant color, choosing a softer or bolder contrast, or trying unexpected combos. Modern neutrals, rich jewel tones, soft pastels, dramatic dark-and-light pairings — they all look amazing.

And the best part?
✨ You can test every color idea on QuiltInk before cutting a single piece of fabric.
Swap colors, change the mood, and explore how much personality this design can hold.

Scroll through the carousel for inspiration, then head to QuiltInk and color your own Checked Out Quilt.
You’re going to be surprised by how many beautiful versions you can create with just two tones! 🖤🤍💫

New Pattern: Shimmer Sky

Today I get to welcome someone very special to QuiltInk… Christine from @moderncharmstitchery is here! 🎉
I’m honestly so excited about this — she joined with four gorgeous quilt patterns already active on QuiltInk, and more are coming soon. Her style is fresh, modern, and just so fun to color!

The first pattern we’re featuring is Shimmer Sky, and oh… it’s such a beauty. ✨
It’s a beginner-friendly design that comes in two sizes and two colorway styles: a clean two-tone look or a vibrant multi-color version. Each block has that magical star-within-a-star effect — calm, dreamy, modern, and striking all at once.

If you haven’t played with it yet, you absolutely should. This is one of those patterns that changes completely depending on the palette you choose. Soft gradients, bold contrasts, moody blends… you can create so many different moods with just a few clicks.

And now the best part:
✨ You can test all your color ideas on QuiltInk before cutting a single piece of fabric!
See how color placement transforms the entire design, experiment freely, and find your perfect version of Shimmer Sky.

Go explore, get inspired, and color your own sky! 💫

QuiltInk Challenge Dec25

December brings a special kind of magic to the quilting community — it’s a month filled with cozy stitching sessions, glowing lights, and that unmistakable sense of creativity that comes with the holiday season. And what better way to wrap up the year than with a challenge inspired by one of the most beloved voices in modern quilting?

For December, we’re honored to highlight the work of Tara Faughnan, whose vibrant color sense and thoughtful approach to design have inspired quilters around the world. For this edition, we’ll be using Canyon — one of Tara’s beautiful signature palettes — a rich mix of warm reds, earthy greens, sparkling golds, and grounding neutrals pulled from Cotton Couture (Michael Miller), Bella Solids (Moda), and Kona Cotton (Robert Kaufman).

MEET THE CANYON PALETTE

Canyon echoes the warmth and glow of December without using traditional Christmas colors. Think sunlit clay, evergreen shadows, rosy winter skies, and golden candlelight — a palette that feels festive in an unexpected and sophisticated way.

From deep tones like Dark Teal and Taupe to the soft, celebratory notes of Princess and Home Town Sky, this palette invites you to explore contrast, mood, and the subtle shifts that happen when colors meet. Whether you lean toward bold geometry or soft organic layouts, Canyon brings depth, richness, and seasonal warmth to every mock-up.

We can’t wait to see how you interpret this unique December palette on the QuiltInk Wall!

MEET TARA FAUGHNAN

Tara Faughnan is a quilter, teacher, and pattern designer based in Oakland, CA — known for her fearless, intuitive use of color and her masterful balance of simplicity and complexity. Her work is influenced by antique quilts, global textiles, and the spontaneity of improvisational design, all woven together with a deep curiosity about how colors interact.

Tara’s teaching encourages exploration and joyful experimentation, helping quilters push past their comfort zones to discover surprising combinations and harmonious contrasts.

Get to know Tara and explore her work,
her patterns, workshops, and lectures are a true treat for color lovers.

How to participate

1. Go to www.quiltink.com, sign in, or create a free account.

2. Choose any pattern from the main page.

3. Color it using the Canyon palette — it appears as the first palette in the Solid Palettes list.

4. Share your mock-up on the #QuiltInkWall.

F5, or an extra entry, share a post or story on Instagram mentioning @quilt_ink and @tarafaughnan, and tag #QuiltInkChallengeDec25. This counts as two entries in the giveaway.

Prize

A spot in Tara Faughnan’s “Creating Color Palettes” on-demand lecture.
The winner will get access to Tara’s celebrated lecture — a deep dive into color, contrast, and the art of building cohesive palettes.

Selection

On January 1st, we will randomly select one winner from all mock-ups using the QuiltInk Challenge Dec25 palette (You can see them all by filtering the mock-ups in the QuiltInk Wall).

The more mock-ups you create, the greater your chance to win!

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 beautiful examples of quilts hosted on QuiltInk and colored using the Canyon palette, our December Challenge palette! I absolutely love how each mock-up brings out the depth and warmth of this month’s colors.

Example mock-ups are from:
• Prickly Pear Jam by A Stitch is a Stitch
• Great Plains Star by Plains and Pine
• Buds and Blossoms by Modern Charm Stitchery

Let these inspire your own creation for the December Challenge — and don’t forget to share it on the Wall!

Remember, you can filter the QuiltInk Wall to explore all the mock-ups created for every Challenge — it’s the best way to see each palette come alive through different patterns and styles.

If you are wondering where you can find the QuiltInk Challenge palette:

1. Pick one pattern on QuiltInk.

2. Open the coloring page.

3. Click the palette icon to select a new palette to color.

4. Select the first palette in the Solids tap.

5. An start coloring!

And here you can check the Dec25 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 Nov25 Winner

What a lovely month of creativity — thank you to everyone who joined the November QuiltInk Challenge and shared beautiful mock-ups using the Potted palette by Kiley Ferons of Kiley’s Quilt Room. The QuiltInk Wall was full of calm, plant-inspired colorways and thoughtful designs that made scrolling pure joy.

A huge congratulations to @Sewistry — our randomly selected winner for November! Her mock-up of SAFETY Dance showed a wonderful use of contrast and color placement, and we loved the way she balanced pattern and negative space. She will receive a Layer Cake pack from the Potted collection, generously sponsored by Kiley Ferons.

Potted is Kiley Ferons’ debut fabric collection for Moda Fabrics, a charming botanical line of soft greens, warm neutrals, and hand-drawn plant motifs that pair beautifully with modern geometric designs. It’s a collection made for calm, contemporary quilts that feel both fresh and timeless.

Huge thanks to everyone who played along — every mock-up helps designers like Kiley reach new quilters and keeps our community growing. If you haven’t already, take a moment to browse the November gallery on the QuiltInk Wall — there’s so much inspiration waiting for you.

Check out the November’s challenge because it’s really fun and you won’t want to miss it!

Mock-up Monday #158

Visit our Instagram account to see a beautiful continuous carousel with the mock-up Monday #158 with nearly 200 amazing mock-ups.

It’s Mock-Up Monday 158! 💛✨
And yes… once again I couldn’t fit all the mock-ups in this carousel — nearly 200 new QuiltInk mock-ups from the last two weeks (not even counting the Challenge ones!). What a problem to have, right? 😅

If you want to enjoy every single version, head to the QuiltInk Wall and swim in a sea of color, creativity, and endless quilt inspiration. The community has been on fire lately — bold palettes, modern quilt designs, surprising fabric choices… so many ideas to spark your next project.

Thank you for sharing your gorgeous mock-ups week after week. QuiltInk truly wouldn’t be the same without this amazing, supportive, and wildly creative community. 💛

Ready to join?
Come to QuiltInk.com, pick your favorite quilt pattern, and start coloring your own version today!