Mockupmonday #148
✨ Have you already planned your next quilt project? ✨
Finding the right color palette is often the hardest (and most exciting!) part of quilting — and that’s exactly where QuiltInk can help. 🧵🎨
This week, more than 150 new quilt mock-ups have been shared by our amazing QuiltInk community, and they are full of inspiration! From bold modern palettes to soft traditional tones, you’ll discover endless ideas to spark your creativity.
On QuiltInk you can:
✅ Find your favorite quilt patterns
✅ Experiment with solids or printed fabrics
✅ Create unlimited color versions — all for free!
👉 Swipe through some of the stunning mock-ups created this week, then head to QuiltInk to start planning your own. Your next quilt might be just one click away!
NEW! Grayscale Mode on QuiltInk!
Are you aware of the new Grayscale Mode on QuiltInk? 🖤🤍
This exciting addition lets you see your quilt patterns in shades of gray before coloring. It’s perfect for testing contrasts, exploring value balance, and planning your palette without distractions.
Using it is simple — just click the Grayscale icon at the top right on any coloring page. Instantly, your pattern switches to shades of gray, giving you a clear blueprint to plan your colors with confidence.
Grayscale is a game-changer for discovering your unique color style, experimenting with prints or solids, and ensuring your final quilt has the perfect balance.
💡 Tip: Save this post and share it with your quilting friends — everyone can use this free feature on any QuiltInk coloring page to improve their coloring skills!
Designer Spotlight – Janice R
This September, our Designer Spotlight introduces you to one of the talented quilt pattern designers on QuiltInk: Janice from Prairie & Ocean.
Based in Canada, Janice discovered quilting after finishing her PhD in Biochemistry, looking for a creative way to restore balance in her life. What started as a simple hand-quilting kit quickly grew into a passion—and eventually into designing quilt patterns that reflect her love for exploring new techniques.
👉 Keep reading to learn more about Janice’s quilting journey, her design process, and how she connects with the quilting community through her work.
Personal Background
Janice, 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?
Hi! I’m a Canadian millennial and grew up in the prairie province of Manitoba. I ended up leaving to pursue my PhD in Biochemistry, and when faced with whether to go to school in Vancouver, BC or Montreal, QC, I decided Montreal because I didn’t think I could handle the gloomy West Coast rain. Fast forward a decade of eduction and training, I ended up settling in Vancouver anyways with my partner and two furry family members so that I could pursue my scientific career.
Quilting Journey
When and how did you start quilting? What drew you to quilting as a form of expression?
After graduating with my PhD, I was a total burnt out mess, and recognized that I desperately needed to set better work/life boundaries going into my post-doctoral fellowship. I started looking for new hobby ideas to fill my now open evenings, and came across a whole cloth hand quilting kit. It quickly snowballed from there, and I haven’t looked back.
One of the things that drew me into quilting was the utility of it. I’m perpetually cold and I live in the land of frigid winters – I always need another blanket!
I also appreciate how quilts become time stamps in our lives. Sure there are the obvious quilts like wedding or baby quilts to celebrate big milestones, but there are also quilts that hold memories of summer picnics with your dog that passed too soon, or the quilt your mom sent you just because she knew you needed a hug. I can’t think of another craft where the love and care that goes into the final product is so tangibly transferred to the recipient.
Pattern Designing
What inspired you to start designing quilt patterns? How do you approach the creative process of designing a new pattern?
This is a complicated question because it’s the summation of several moments that I can think of, but the moment that inspired me to officially launch P&O and throw my proverbial thimble into the quilt pattern designer ring was when a Canadian fabric designer asked me if I would be interested in sewing a sample quilt with her new fabric line. She wanted me to use a pattern from a Canadian quilt designer, and gave me a couple of suggestions. Instead, I found myself asking myself “…what if I was the Canadian designer?”, and when I broached the topic with her, she was all for it!
The creative process has been unique for every quilt, which I think makes sense given that each quilt comes from a separate source of inspiration. I’ve always been technique driven though, and I think that manifests in my quilts. I was sick of sewing triangles, and so I designed with straight lines and Synaptic came from it. I wanted to learn how to sew curves, and Sonar came from that.
Style and Aesthetics
How would you define your pattern style? Are there specific themes or elements that consistently appear in your designs?
I’m totally okay with the fact that I lack a distinctive style. I’m not one of those designers where if I make a quilt someone would be able to recognize it as my design without looking at the label. I think a big part of that is because I’m technique driven and I’ve only been quilting for 5ish years, I’m still learning what tools I have available to design with. I’ve only just gotten comfortable with sewing curves, and so that’s a whole new design space for me to explore. If anything, I would define my pattern style has quilts that look like complicated math equations, but actually break down quite logically if you follow the order of operations (can you tell I’m a huge nerd?).
One thing I keep coming back to are skinny lines. I love a finished half inch stripe.
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 love how the feel of a design can completely change based on colour selection. There was a time when I gravitated towards more Earthy tones, but these days, it’s whatever the design needs or how I’m feeling emotionally. All colours are fair game in the right context.
I’ve been very into AGF’s Hydrangea lately. I’m using it in everything.
Suzy Quilt’s AGF Pure solids line is absolute perfection when it comes to colours that work flawlessly together. You can mix and match those fabrics all day, and come up with incredible fabric pulls.
Business Activities
Apart from designing patterns, what other activities are integral to your quilting business?
(Membership, notions, courses, etc)
I’ve recently started giving quilt guild lectures where I talk about the inspiration and thought process behind my quilts and their designs. It’s been a really cool way to connect and share with quilters across the continent.
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?
Website: www.prairieandocean.com
Instagram: @prairieandocean
Newsletter: https://prairieandocean.myflodesk.com/newsletter
I was initially pretty adamant about *not* starting a newsletter, mostly because I rarely read them, but I’ve actually really enjoyed getting into longer form writing when I have something to share.
Upcoming Projects
Can you provide a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or designs you’re working on? Any exciting collaborations or events?
I’m currently working on a design that will be released in the winter edition of the Canadian Quilter’s magazine. Overall, I’ve been taking it easy as I figure out what I want to do next.
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 think my favourite way to use QuiltInk was when I ran a sew-along for Synaptic. It was really cool seeing participants engage with the software, and explore how colour influenced the design. Some of my designs rely heavily on gradients and colour value to make them pop, so being able to use QuiltInk to fine-tune fabrics to make the design truly standout is such a valuable tool.
New Pattern: Demeter
Color the Demeter Quilt Pattern by Amber of @alderwoodstudio with QuiltInk! ✨🌙
Named for the goddess of the harvest, Demeter is inspired by the natural rhythms of the seasons, the phases of the moon, and the cycles of growth. Amber translated all of that into a design full of bold, modern shapes that echo wheat stalks, shifting moons, and natural landscapes. 🌾🌙
What I love about coloring Demeter on QuiltInk is how each mock-up tells a different story. You can highlight the moons, play with earthy tones for a harvest feeling, or go completely modern with unexpected palettes. And since this pattern has two design options — one with curves and one without — everyone can find the version that feels just right for them.
👉 Head over to QuiltInk, search for Demeter Quilt Pattern, and start experimenting with your own color style. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s such a beautiful way to bring Amber’s vision to life. 💕
Mockupmonday #147
The more I look at quilt mock-ups, the more I realize how much they help us grow as quilters. 💡 Playing with color on QuiltInk isn’t just fun — it’s practice. Every mock-up is a chance to sharpen our eye, discover new palettes, and get closer to finding our own unique color style. 🎨✨
This week on the QuiltInk Wall, more than 150 new quilt mock-ups have been added — each one full of inspiration and new ideas waiting to spark something in you.
👉 Swipe through to explore some of my favorites from the week, and then try coloring your own versions. The more you play, the more your color confidence grows!
New Pattern: Solstice Sampler 2025
Color the Solstice Sampler 2025 on QuiltInk! 🎨✨
The QuiltInk Wall is buzzing with amazing mock-ups — see what other quilters are planning for their versions and find ideas for your own!
Running from October 12 to December 14, 2025, this free sew-along brings together 9 incredible designers and 9 unique blocks (18” x 18” finished). It’s such a wonderful way to support the designers while sewing along together. 💕
Plan your Solstice Sampler 2025 digitally with QuiltInk, experimenting with solids, prints, and endless color palettes to create a version that feels completely you — all for free.
👉 Swipe through to see some of the mock-ups already alive on the Wall, then start coloring your own. Don’t forget to sign up for the free SAL so you don’t miss a single block release!
✨ Meet the 2025 Solstice Sampler designers:
@alderwoodstudio
@sewspicious
@lynsavenue
@kindredquiltco
@urbandwellstudio
@quiltallthethings_
@the.weekendquilter
@jennbquilts
@rosecityoriginals
New Pattern: Starstruck
✨ STARSTRUCK is here! ✨
This quilt pattern is designed by @sweetpotatoquilts, and the digital coloring page is now available at @quilt_ink
I had so much fun playing with color ideas for you ➡️ Swipe through to see different mockups and color combos, and get inspired to plan your own version.
With strip piecing and the 4-at-a-time flying geese method, you won’t be trimming hundreds of tiny pieces, which means more time sewing and less time squaring up. 🙌
Ready to make your own? Head to the link in @sweetpotatoquilts bio to start planning your fabric pull today with the digital coloring page. We can’t wait to see what you come up with! 🥰
New Pattern: Splash Skull
’m beyond excited to welcome Diana from @quiltsofwhimsy to QuiltInk with her absolutely stunning debut Splash Skull quilt pattern! 💀✨
As a foundation paper piecing designer myself, I know how much work goes into creating a pattern like this — and Diana’s attention to detail and creativity really shine. This 70” x 90” quilt is bold, full of energy, and offers endless color possibilities. Go neon, rainbow, grunge, or glam… make it completely yours!
Do you think printed fabrics aren’t for FPP patterns? Check all the mock-ups! You’ll see one stunning version with Phantom fabrics by @libselliott and even one with denim thanks to the @sewingthroughfog palette on QuiltInk. The possibilities are incredible.
Diana is also running a Sew-Along in her Facebook group, a great way to connect with fellow quilters while working on her amazing designs. 💕
Don’t miss out — follow @quiltsofwhimsy so you don’t miss any future patterns, and come to QuiltInk to color your own Splash Skull quilt mock-up and get inspired. 🎨🧵
New Pattern: Call & Compas
It’s release day for the Call & Compass quilt pattern by @sonderquiltstudio , and I’m so excited to welcome Sammy as a new quilt pattern designer on QuiltInk! 💫🧵
This playful, block-based design is full of bold directional movement and uses Half-Square Triangles (HSTs) with simple 2-at-a-time and 8-at-a-time methods — perfect whether you’re a confident beginner or an experienced quilter.
You can go cohesive with yardage, save time with 10” precuts, or dive into your stash with 5” squares for a scrappy finish. I’ve been coloring versions on QuiltInk, and changing the palette completely transforms the design.
Swipe through the carousel to see some mock-ups, then head to QuiltInk to color your own Call & Compass and get inspired! 🎨