Page 3 – QuiltInk Blog

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.

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!

Designer Spotlight – Julia Wachs

I’m especially excited about this month’s November Designer Spotlight, because our featured designer is now quilting just a few hours away from me here in Spain!

Julia Wachs, who recently moved from Seattle to Madrid, is now dedicating her full time to quilting. Her modern, geometric designs are full of color, precision, and creative energy.

Keep reading to discover her story, her inspirations, and how she’s bringing her bold quilting style to her new life in Spain. 💛

Personal Background

Julia, 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?

My name is Julia Wachs and I moved to Madrid, Spain this summer from Seattle, Washington. I was an aerospace engineer for over 10 years but have been focused on getting settled in Spain and quilting since March 2025. In Madrid, I plan to do quilting full time!

Quilting Journey

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

I got my start in quilting in 2014 after finding that I needed a tactile hobby after sitting behind a computer all day at my first job out of college. My first quilt was simple squares, but my second quilt was a self-designed queen sized quilt with a houndstooth pattern. I love how creatively inspired I am when designing a new quilt pattern.

Pattern Designing

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

I started designing my own quilt patterns in earnest during the height of the pandemic as a creative escape. I like to use a pencil and paper for sketching my ideas before transitioning to various computer programs to iterate on them.

Style and Aesthetics

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

The majority of my quilt patterns have either foundation paper piecing or applique, with my row of the month patterns including both. My current style is bold, geometric, and botanical patterns that evoke a distinctive design feeling. I am drawn to saturated solids that enhance the geometric aspects of my quilt 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 absolutely plays a giant role in my pattern designing. I like to play with value and to create interesting effects using different shades of colors. I always seem to incorporate a teal and a yellow into my quilts.

Business Activities

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

(Membership, notions, courses, etc)

My block of the month programs are integral to my business and I absolutely love designing them. In the near future, I plan to offer more courses and live classes!

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?

www.juliawachs.com, Instagram @juliawachs.designs, YouTube @JuliaWachsDesigns, Bluesky @juliawachsdesigns, TikTok @juliawachs.designs

Upcoming Projects

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

I am currently designing a new FPP pattern for early 2026, plus a new sampler and a new 2027 BOM! I love collaborating with other designers and am hoping to organize one in the near future.

Additionally, I will be releasing an FPP 101 course in early 2026. I am also in the process of scripting a FPP Design course that will teach quilters how to design their own FPP quilts using different types of software applications.

QuiltInk Experience

QuiltInk has allowed me to provide my customers with a convenient and fun way to test out fabric options with my designs. The private room feature has been a big help when collaborating with shops to create custom kits. I absolutely love browsing the wall and seeing my quilt patterns colored with beautiful color combinations I never would have thought up myself!

It’s so thrilling to see people recolouring your design and hopefully, making it one day!

Meet the Fabric Shops – Lori Clark

This month, we’re heading to South Carolina to meet Lori, the creative mind behind The Grey Finch Company.

From her lakeside home just north of Spartanburg, Lori turned her lifelong interest in quilting into a joyful fabric business that celebrates beauty in every style.

Her shop blends modern and traditional collections, featuring beloved brands like Liberty of London, Tilda, Ruby Star Society, Moda, and AGF — all chosen with care and love for quality.

Discover her story, her passion for fabrics, and how QuiltInk helps her visualize quilt kits and inspire her customers.

Personal Background

Could you tell us a bit about yourself? (location, age, educational background, …) Who is behind The Grey Finch Company?

I am Lori, the owner of The Grey Finch Company, and I live beside a lake slightly north of Spartanburg, SC. I was a CPA for over 20 years, and in 2020, wanting a more creative job working with people, I decided to make a career change. So, I started The Grey Finch Company, an online fabric shop. I was very excited to work with the beautiful fabrics and have thoroughly enjoyed working with makers! I am also a wife, mom, and grandma. I have three adult children and three grandchildren.

Quilting Journey

How did you first get into quilting? When did you decide to turn this passion into a business by opening your shop?

I had wanted to sew and quilt for many years, but I had always been busy with three children who were very active in sports. So, after my youngest went to college in 2018, I took a quilting class and made a small lap quilt. When the pandemic hit in 2020, I found it difficult to find fabric because of the high sales level. That along with a concern for the wellbeing of others during that time made me decide to open my own shop. Fabric is more than just fabric. It increases creativity, empowers others, celebrates and honors others, lifts moods, eases anxiety and depression (art therapy), and supplies small businesses, as well as providing warmth and clothing. The feedback from my customers has been so rewarding!

Shop Story and Style

What’s the story behind The Grey Finch Company? When did it start, and how would you describe its personality, style, and size?

My fabric shop, a small to mid size shop, began in 2020, and I named it The Grey Finch Company because the grey finch is a symbol for “joy is coming” in some cultures. I wanted to bring joy to others with the fabric. I would describe its style as “there’s something beautiful for everyone”. I see something beautiful in every style, so our shop has always provided modern and traditional as well as dark, dusty and bright colors from a variety of manufacturers. I also love introducing new substrates in our shop. The newest substrate is 100% silk from Liberty of London.

Product Offerings

What types of fabrics do you focus on? How do you offer them to customers—by the yard, as kits, or with custom options?

The main focus is 100% quilting cotton and tana lawn. The shop also has wovens, canvas, and 100% silk and offers yardage, bundles and kits. Custom bundles or kits can be requested by messaging me in Etsy or by email.

Special Collections and Products

Are there any collections, brands, or unique products you’re especially proud to carry?

All of our manufacturers are top notch and include mainly Liberty of London, Tilda, Ruby Star Society, Moda, and AGF.

Inspiration and Trends

Are there any collections, brands, or unique products you’re especially proud to carry?

When selecting fabric, quality is most important to me. Then, I look for collections that just strike me as being especially beautiful or creative while trying to keep a good variety in my shop. I do really love nature, so we always have fabrics featuring flowers, birds, etc.

Additional Services

Do you offer any other quilting-related services, like pattern design, long-arming, or classes?

Not at this time; Although we don’t offer pattern design, we have about 100 patterns in stock to provide project ideas to clients and for future potential kits.

Online Presence

Where can people find your shop online? (Website, social media handles, online marketplaces). How do you use online platforms to connect with your audience and fellow quilters?

The shop can be found on Etsy at thegreyfinchcompany or on its own website at www.thegreyfinchcompany.com. It is also in Facebook as The Grey Finch Company and on Instagram @thegreyfinchcompany. Messages are answered quickly from those sites, and social media sites are used to communicate new sales and products.

Upcoming News and Projects

Are there any exciting new projects, events, or collaborations coming up that you’d like to share with the community

The shop will have a very exciting collection coming from Liberty of London this month (November)! I wish that I could tell more, but I’ve been sworn to secrecy!!

QuiltInk Experience

How has QuiltInk been useful for your shop or customers? Any favorite tools or ways it’s made things easier?

Quilt Ink has been a lifesaver for my shop. As a small business, I can’t create a lot of samples, so Quilt Ink provides a tool to give a visual image of a finished quilt for kits that are offered. It also allows me to provide finished quilt images to customers requesting a custom quilt kit.

I love that Quilt Ink allows users to publicly share and save their mock ups on the site. Not only does that provide ideas to other makers, but it also gives me an idea of what other shops might be providing as kits so that I don’t duplicate their ideas in my shop.

QuiltInk Challenge Nov25

November brings cozy evenings and creative energy to the quilting world — the perfect time to explore new fabrics, bold designs, and the joy of creating together. This month, we’re thrilled to partner with Kiley’s Quilt Room to celebrate her first fabric collection for Moda Fabrics, Potted, a beautiful debut that reflects her modern and inviting quilting style while inspiring endless creative possibilities.

Before we dive in, a special shout-out to our October winner — congratulations to @XXX, who will receive the fabulous prize bundle from the Phantasm collection by Libs Elliott! Thanks to everyone who joined in and filled the QuiltInk Wall with hauntingly creative mock-ups.

MEET POTTED

Potted is the debut fabric line by Kiley’s Quilt Room, a fresh and elegant collection inspired by the beauty of indoor greenery and minimalist botanical design. Featuring dainty leaf motifs, pots, and foliage in a calming palette of sage greens, soft beiges, gentle blues, and warm neutrals, Potted brings a clean, modern botanical vibe to the quilting world.

From the Indoor Jungle to Fiddle Leaf prints, each fabric in the line reflects Kiley’s love for plants and her eye for subtle, timeless design. This collection is perfect for creating quilts that feel fresh, serene, and beautifully rooted in nature.

We’re so excited to showcase Potted this month in the QuiltInk Challenge, and we can’t wait to see how your mock-ups bring these botanical prints to life! 🌿

MEET KILEY FERONS

Kiley Ferons, the creative mind behind Kiley’s Quilt Room, is a modern quilt designer known for her clean lines, thoughtful compositions, and serene color palettes. Her designs balance simplicity and sophistication, creating patterns that feel both timeless and fresh. With her debut fabric collection Potted for Moda Fabrics, Kiley brings the same harmony and calm she’s known for in her quilts into a beautiful fabric form.

👉 Get to know her more in our QuiltInk Designer Spotlight interview, where she shares her journey and inspiration.

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.

5. Boost your chances creating a post or story on Instagam, mentioning @quilt_ink and @kileysquiltroom, and tagging #QuiltInkChallengeNov25. It counts as 2 entries in the giveaway.

Prize: A Layered Cake pack from the Potted fabric collection by Kiley Ferons.
The winner will receive a beautiful FQ selection featuring the soothing tones and organic charm of Potted — perfect for creating fresh, modern quilts inspired by nature. Sponsored by Kiley Ferons.

Selection: On December 1st, we will pick 1 mock-up randomly chosen between all the mock-ups in the Wall made with the QuiltInk Challenge Nov25 palette (the ones with the gift icon).

The more mock-ups you create, the higher your chances of winning! Start coloring now!

Here are some examples of Halloween quilts hosted by QuiltInk and colored-in with the Phantasm, the October Challenge palette! I love them all!

Remember by filtering in the QuitlInk Wall you will be able to see all the mock-ups for each Challenge alive.

Example Mock-ups are from:

Chillin’ With My Gnomies by Kileys Quilt Room
Look Up by Tessellate Textiles
Haul out the Holly by Shadow Valley Quilts

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 Nov25 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 Oct25 Winner

The October QuiltInk Challenge has come to a close — and what a spectacular month of creativity it’s been! With the Phantasm palette filling the QuiltInk Wall, quilters embraced spooky hues, bold contrasts, and Halloween-inspired designs that truly captured the magic of the season. 🎃✨

A huge congratulations to @quiltmanick, the winner of our October Challenge, with her stunning mock-up of Currents by Eudaimonia Studio! She’ll receive a fabulous Fat Quarter bundle from the Phantasm collection by Libs Elliott, the perfect prize to inspire her next quilt. 🖤

Thank you to everyone who joined the challenge — your creativity keeps the QuiltInk Wall alive and brimming with inspiration!

The Phantasm collection by Libs Elliott for Andover Fabrics combines deep purples, electric greens, and striking pinks with playful prints that balance mystery and fun. It’s bold, modern, and full of energy — just like the QuiltInk community itself. We’re so grateful to Libs and Andover Fabrics for sharing their artistry with us this spooky season.

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

Designer Spotlight – Julia Bennett

This October, our Designer Spotlight shines on Julia from A Piece of Love Quilting, one of the newest designers to join QuiltInk.

Living in a small village in the heart of the UK, Julia combines her love of geometry and quilting to create bold, modern designs—often with her favorite Half Rectangle Triangles at the center. With a passion for sustainability and clever use of fabric, her patterns bring together creativity and thoughtful design.

Keep reading to discover Julia’s quilting journey, what inspires her patterns, and how she’s using QuiltInk to share her work with the quilting community.

Personal Background

Julia, 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 live in a tiny village called Welford which is smack-bang right in the centre of the UK. We’re as far from the sea as you can get in any direction. I have pretty much lived here my entire life and feel like I know everyone here! No where else will feel like home to me.

Quilting Journey

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

I’ve been quilting for around 9 years but have been interested in it for much longer. My Auntie is a phenomenal quilter and if I’m 1% as good as her, I’ll be happy.

I truly love the maths in quilting and particularly, the geometry. Triangles make me happy. It’s that simple!

Pattern Designing

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

I’ve always been creative and once I stated sewing, I knew I wanted to write my own patterns. I was lucky enough to be able to take Alderwood Studio’s Pattern Writing Academy and haven’t looked back.
I like to be as economical as possible with fabric – the fashion and textile industry is one of the biggest polluters in the world so I think whatever we can do to reduce our consumption is a good thing.

Style and Aesthetics

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

I like big, bold and simple patterns that can be made from the least amount of blocks and fabric as possible. Triangles are my favourite shape, especially Half Rectangle Triangles and I try and incorporate them as much as possible into 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?

My favourite colour is red though I probably don’t use it much in quilting – except at Christmas! Colour theory is something I am still learning about but I generally find some colours I like and go with that. I don’t think there should be too many rules and that you should do what makes you happy. And colour can make you very happy!

Business Activities

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

(Membership, notions, courses, etc)

I sell AGF via my website and I have a small commission at a local craft and gift centre.

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?

You can find me at www.apieceoflovequilting.co.uk

IG & Facebook – @apieceoflovequilting

YouTube – A Piece of Love Quilting

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 a couple of exciting magazine submissions coming up – yep, they include Half Rectangle Triangles, a pattern release and, I’m hoping to have a stall at the Festival of Quilts this year!

QuiltInk Experience

I’ve really enjoyed collaborating with Quilt Ink. They’ve been so friendly and helpful and their website really is seamless and so much fin to use!

It’s so thrilling to see people recolouring your design and hopefully, making it one day!

Meet the Fabric Shops – Kendra Davis

We’re excited to present a new fabric shop in QuiltInk—Piece Fabric Co., a vibrant Canadian store founded by the passionate and resourceful Kendra.

Based in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Piece Fabric Co. grew from humble beginnings in Kendra’s living room into a bustling shop known for its incredible range of basics and curated collections. From Kona Cottons and AGF Pure Solids to Ruby Star Society and Legit Kits, her shop is a haven where quilters can always find the right fabric and the support they need.

Warm, approachable, and community-driven, Kendra has built more than a store—she’s built a place where ideas take shape and projects begin with confidence.

Let’s meet Kendra!

Personal Background

Could you tell us a bit about yourself? (location, age, educational background, …) Who is behind Piece Fabric Co?

Hi friends! Kendra from Piece Fabric Co. here, an online fabric store based out of Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada. Grande Prairie is a small city in northern Alberta, and I’ve lived here most of my life. My husband and I have owned a few businesses here while raising our four children.

Quilting Journey

How did you first get into quilting? When did you decide to turn this passion into a business by opening your shop?

I originally picked up quilting as a hobby when my (now adult) kids where toddlers. I had a friend who graciously walked me through the basics, and then I was off, looking up blog posts whenever a step was confusing. It was just the creative outlet I needed when it seemed like any other work I did in the home always got un-done within 30 minutes!

As the years went by, busyness kept me from the sewing machine for long stretches of time, but every once in a while I would sit down and make something, which would spur on a mini-obsession for a few months.

After working for many years alongside my husband in the office for his construction company, the forced slowdown of 2020 caused me to start quilting again, and I found that the fabric that I wanted to purchase from Canadian shops wasn’t readily available. I made a grumbling comment to my husband, “I should just open a fabric store”; to which he replied, “Why don’t you?” And the rest, as they say, is history!

Shop Story and Style

What’s the story behind Sewing Arts? When did it start, and how would you describe its personality, style, and size?

Piece Fabric Co. started off as a small shop in my living room, with online sales only. We grew quickly until there was fabric stacked in every room except the kids bedrooms and the bathrooms (even the kitchen had extra shelves in it to hold the overstock!).

We started looking for a warehouse space and came across a wonderful shop in downtown Grande Prairie. We moved the shop there in 2022, and then renovated the upstairs to be our apartment in 2023 – so I have a very short commute to work again.

We opened for retail (in-person) shopping for a time, but found that online shopping suits us best. We have the best customers and love to help people get their feet planted in the sewing world.

We are small but mighty, and strive to give the best customer service – answering emails and social media messages to help put together quilt kits and coordinate fabric.

Product Offerings

What types of fabrics do you focus on? How do you offer them to customers—by the yard, as kits, or with custom options?

We are mainly a quilting store, with a small amount of apparel fabric. Our focus is ensuring that basics such as Kona Cotton and Art Gallery Fabrics Pure Solids are ALWAYS in stock. Beyond that, we have a selection of Fableism, AGF Prints, Ruby Star Society, Essex Linen, and apparel fabrics in natural fibres. We round this out with notions and thread for apparel and quilting projects, as well as tools to make the job easier.

Our fabric can be purchased in 1/4 yard increments (multiple quantities are sent as one piece, of course!), and we offer many quilt kits and bundles. In addition, we answer several messages every day from customers who need a custom quilt kit or bundle put together – with a little bit of inspiration from a customer, we make their dream come to life! Well, the fabric for it at least.

Special Collections and Products

Are there any collections, brands, or unique products you’re especially proud to carry?

We carry quilt kits for the foundation paper pieced Legit Kits. These kits are huge (!!) and having them available from a Canadian retailer makes it much more affordable to our customers than being shipped from the US.

We carry ALL of the colours of Kona, AGF Pure Solids, and Aurifil Thread in most weights!

Online Presence

Where can people find your shop online? (Website, social media handles, online marketplaces). How do you use online platforms to connect with your audience and fellow quilters?

You can shop our shop at PieceFabric.co; but if that feels overwhelming (there is a LOT on there), we are always only a message away. Use whichever platform is easiest for you:

Email – info@piecefabric.co

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/piecefabricco/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/piecefabricco

Our social media pages are full of fun ideas and we post stories often-ish that is usually just me rambling about something I’m looking forward to or excited about!

Upcoming News and Projects

Are there any exciting new projects, events, or collaborations coming up that you’d like to share with the community

Now that Christine from Tessellate Textiles is back up and running, I am super excited for her upcoming pattern releases! I am working on ideas for fun versions and you’ll be sure to see a version or two of her “Look Up” quilt talked about on my pages!

QuiltInk Experience

How has QuiltInk been useful for your shop or customers? Any favorite tools or ways it’s made things easier?

I love being able to mock up possible quilt kits and show a customer what different fabrics will do to a quilt. It is so much easier to visualize the finished product than just showing samples of fabrics.

QuiltInk Challenge Oct25

Do you feel the thrill of quilting with a spooky twist? October is here, and that means it’s time for pumpkins, shadows, and Halloween-inspired stitches. There’s nothing more fun than playing with eerie palettes that bring out the magic of this season in your quilt designs.

For this month’s QuiltInk Challenge, we’re diving into Phantasm, the brand-new fabric collection by Libs Elliott for Andover Fabrics. With its bold colors and playful prints, this collection is perfect for creating quilts that are hauntingly beautiful, mysterious, and full of personality.

Before we get started, let’s take a moment to celebrate our September winner — congratulations to @XXXXX, who will be receiving a gorgeous Fat Quarter bundle from Alexandra Bordallo’s Flourish collection!

Now, are you ready to conjure up some Halloween magic on the QuiltInk Wall?

MEET PHANTASM

The Phantasm collection by Libs Elliott for Andover Fabrics is a bold, Halloween-inspired line that blends gothic flair with artistic drama. Phantasm carries a striking palette of purples, blacks, neon greens, and hot pinks, weaving together motifs like moths, spiderweb hearts, skulls, abstract florals, and edgy geometrics.

While its Halloween roots are clear, the line also includes supporting prints that transition beautifully into other seasons. Whether used in dramatic quilts, costume pieces, or statement accessories, Phantasm offers a balance of mystery and elegance, with enough versatility to let your creativity roam between spooky and stylish.

MEET 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. Learn more about Libs at her website and 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.

5. Boost your chances creating a post or story on Instagam, mentioning @quilt_ink and @libselliott, and tagging #QuiltInkChallengeOct25. It counts as 2 entries in the giveaway.

Prize: A Fat Quarter bundle from the Phantasm fabric collection by Libs Elliott.
The winner will receive a stunning FQ selection, to spark spooky stitches and enchanting quilt creations.

Selection: On November 1st, we will pick 1 mock-up randomly chosen between all the mock-ups in the Wall made with the QuiltInk Challenge Oct25 palette (the ones with the gift icon).

The more mock-ups you create, the higher your chances of winning! Start coloring now!