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QuiltInk Challenge Feb25

February is here, and with it comes a very special QuiltInk Challenge! Not only are we celebrating QuiltInk’s 4th anniversary, but we’re also embracing sustainability with an upcycling theme. This challenge is all about repurposing denim—breathing new life into old fabrics and reimagining them in your quilt designs. Whether it’s a pair of well-loved jeans, a thrifted denim jacket, or fabric scraps from past projects, this is your chance to think creatively and make the most of what you already have!

Before we dive in, let’s look back at our January Challenge, featuring the Earthtones palette. It was a fantastic start to the year, with nearly 200 quilt mock-ups submitted! The winner of the challenge was mandi, who earned free access to the Combo Star BOM by Plains and Pine—a fantastic opportunity to dive into a beautiful quilt-along experience. Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their inspiring designs!

Let’s discover more about this month’s challenge and how you can win Quilt Your Jeans – The Class, an on-demand course from Sewing through Fog!

DENIM PALETTE

For this challenge, we’re introducing a one-of-a-kind palette thoughtfully curated by Radha from Sewing Through Fog. This selection features 33 denim fabrics, ranging from light to dark washes, with unique textures like tie-dye and torn effects. These shades and finishes offer a versatile and realistic way to visualize upcycled denim in your quilts. Whether you want a rugged patchwork look or a sleek, modern aesthetic, this palette will help bring your vision to life.

MEET RADHA FROM SEWING THROUGH FOG

Radha is a textile artist and quilter based in San Francisco. She studied costume design in college and spent 15 years in the corporate denim industry at Levi’s, witnessing firsthand the environmental impact of fast fashion. In 2021, she left the industry to reconnect with her creativity, making her first quilt from fabric she had collected over the years. Today, she focuses on upcycling, quilt design, and education, recently taking on a new role at FeelGood Fibers, a platform dedicated to secondhand fabric.

Radha’s quilting philosophy revolves around helping others find their own style, with a strong emphasis on light and dark contrast. While she primarily works with denim, she embraces the unique textures and variations it offers, making every project distinct. Her goal is to make upcycling more accessible to quilters, and she sees patterns as tools to inspire and educate. To learn more about Radha’s journey, inspirations, and best tips for working with denim, be sure to check out our full interview with her.

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 Instagram, mentioning @quilt_ink and @sewingthroughfog, and tagging #QuiltInkChallengeFeb25. It counts as 2 entries in the giveaway.

Prize: Quilt Your Jeans – The Class, an on-demand course from Sewing through Fog.

The winner will learn how to deconstruct old jeans into usable shapes and turn them into three different mini quilt designs with expert guidance.

Selection: On February 1st, we will pick 1 mock-up randomly chosen between all the mock-ups in the Wall made with the QuiltInk Challenge Jan24 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 quilt patterns mock-ups using the Denim palette in QuiltInk! Don’t you love them all?

Patterns featured are (click to color):
1. Denim Duo by Sewing through Fog

2. Seud Medallion by Guilty Quilty Studio

3. Sky Cabin by Toad and Sew

Remember by clicking on the gift icon in the QuitlInk Wall you will be able to see all the mock-ups for the Challenge alive.

Curious about how to find the palette to participate. Follow these steps and staet coloring!!

Here you can see a detailed list of the fabrics in the Denim palette and the names Radha chose for each one.

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

Happy coloring and quilting to you all!

QuiltInk Challenge Jan25 Winner

We have a winner!

The January QuiltInk Challenge brought us nearly 200 stunning mock-ups, all beautifully crafted with the Earthtone palette. Each one was a joy to see, making QuiltInk more vibrant than ever!

A huge congratulations to mandi, our randomly selected winner!

Thank you to everyone who participated—your creativity and enthusiasm are what make QuiltInk truly come alive.

Stay tuned for the next challenge, and keep sharing your amazing mock-ups!

Giveaway by Cece’s Quilts and Things

A new quilt pattern, the Mosaic Ornaments quilt is releasing soon! To celebrate, a giveaway has been organized – three winners will be chosen to win a pattern or a special pattern discount code. To participate in the giveaway:

1) Access the pattern template on QuiltInk and create your own mock up of the Mosaic Ornaments quilt pattern.

2) Publish to the QuiltInk wall – share on social media as a bonus!

3) Top 5 will be selected from all the layouts and based on a vote (to be announced at that time), the first, second and third will be selected.

4) The winner will get the Mosaic Ornaments pattern for free plus a yearly Supporter QuiltInk subscription!! Second and third place will get a 25% discount code.

Designer Spotlight – Lindlee Smith

This month’s Designer Spotlight features Lindlee, the talent behind Plains and Pine. From her career as a Financial Analyst to becoming a full-time quilt pattern designer, Lindlee’s journey is a testament to following your passion. Based in Bozeman, Montana, she creates designs that beautifully balance traditional and modern elements, often inspired by her love for the Lone Star quilt.

Dive into Lindlee’s story as she shares her quilting journey, creative process, and how she infuses unexpected color combinations into her designs. Discover how she uses quilting as both an art form and a way to connect with others through her workshops, kits, and exciting upcoming projects!

Personal Background

Lindlee, 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 am a former Financial Analyst and Accountant who “retired” in 2022 to pursue my love of Quilt Pattern design full time. As “full time” as having 2 young kids allows, that is! I live in Bozeman, Montana with my husband, 2 kids (a toddler and preschooler), and black lab.

Quilting Journey

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

I have always loved being creative and was constantly drawing or painting or collaging. I have lots of memories of being in the fabric store with my mom when I was little and being so bored. Then my first job at 15 was in the fabric department at Ben Franklin Crafts and I still had no interest in fabric or sewing. I don’t remember what changed, but in college my mom walked me through making my first quilt – a queen size quilt that we still use! A couple years later my parents bought me a sewing machine and I was hooked. I loved the whole process from picking a pattern to finding the fabrics to cutting and sewing. It was an amazing feeling to make a quilt pattern “mine” simply by choosing colors and fabrics that I loved.

Pattern Designing

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

Becoming a mom at the end of 2019 was difficult timing to say the least. I was still figuring out how to be a mom when I suddenly had to work from home full time while also being a mom full time with no childcare. Quilting was my outlet to feel like “me” again. It was also during this time I discovered there was a whole world of quilters my age who were making and sharing beautiful quilts on Instagram. I felt like a light turned on when I realized I could design and sell my own designs. I worked on designing my first quilt pattern (the Big Sky Star) during that year and released the pattern in January 2021.

It is such an amazing feeling to design a quilt pattern, put the pattern into the world, then see how other people will interpret that pattern and make it their own. Most of my designs come from playing with different design elements in Illustrator. Sometimes inspiration hits at random times or when I’m laying in bed.

Style and Aesthetics

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

Probably 50/50 Traditional and Modern. The Lone Star is my all time favorite so usually design quilts that are a modern interpretation or new variation of the Lone Star.

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 using unexpected color combinations – like a pop of neon in a mostly neutral quilt or using multiple colors in the background which would typically be just 1 color. My favorite colors to use are blues or warm tones (reds, oranges, pinks, browns).

Business Activities

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

(Membership, notions, courses, etc)

I have a handful of on-demand workshops and I also sell a small number of kits when I release a new pattern. Now I am starting my 2025 Block of the Month quilt called the Combo Star.

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?

My website: plainsandpine.com

Instagram: @plainsandpine

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlainsandPine

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plainsandpine/

Upcoming Projects

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

In 2025 I am going to be focusing on using what I have and I hope to host a few live events related to that so stay tuned for more details.

I haven’t started working on my next pattern yet but my plan is to design some beginner friendly star patterns for people who might be intimidated to make a Lone Star quilt.

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 using QuiltInk for coloring my patterns and sharing those mock-ups with my followers. It is the perfect tool for making sure you are happy with your fabrics/colors before cutting. It is such a fun and powerful tool!

Mockupmonday Jan Challenge

Earthtones Magic!

The January QuiltInk Challenge is in full swing, and we’re thrilled to showcase 166 incredible mock-ups created using the beautiful earthtone palette. These warm and grounding colors truly bring out the best in every design—just look at the QuiltInk Wall for proof! There’s still time to join! The challenge runs until January 31st, and the prize is amazing: one free access to the Combo Star BOM by Plains and Pine.

Don’t miss your chance to win and create alongside this inspiring Block of the Month! Share your creativity! Post your mock-ups on Instagram using the challenge palette and tag us to increase your chances of winning.

Plus, help us spread the word about this fun and inspiring event! Let’s fill Instagram with the beauty of quilting. Ready to jump in? Start coloring, and let your imagination shine. Let’s make this the most creative challenge yet!

Mockupmonday #119

Happy #QInk_MockupMonday!

This week, we’re celebrating Mock-Up Monday #119 with a reel featuring 134 incredible mock-ups from the QuiltInk Wall! QuiltInk is your ultimate source for quilt coloring inspiration, where creativity from designers, fabric shops, and quilters shines brighter than ever.

Our growing community is filled with colorful ideas and possibilities, and the Wall is a treasure trove for finding your next favorite palette or design twist. Whether you’re planning your next quilt or simply love exploring mock-ups, QuiltInk has something for everyone.

Join us for free and discover the endless inspiration waiting for you. Let’s build something amazing together!

Meet the Fabric Shops – Steel City Quilt Co

This month, we’re thrilled to introduce Kelly, the creative force behind Steel City Quilt Co., located just outside of Kansas City. Kelly’s quilting journey began in 2020, and since then, she’s built a shop that focuses on Ruby Star Society fabrics, offering both yardage and precuts. Alongside her fabric shop, she also provides longarm quilting services and has recently ventured into pattern design.

Steel City Quilt Co. is growing with unique offerings like quilt kits and a special FPP pattern. Want to learn more about Kelly and her inspiring journey? Keep reading to discover all the exciting details!

Join us as we explore Kelly’s quilting journey, her vision for Steel City Quilt Co., and how QuiltInk has become an integral part of her shop. Discover what makes Kelly’s fabric selections unique and see how her passion fuels creativity in the quilting community!

Personal Background

Kelly, could you tell us a bit about yourself? (location, age, educational background, …) Who is behind Steel City Quilt Co?

Hi! I’m Kelly, the face behind Steel City Quilt Co. I live in our slice of heaven in the country outside of Kansas City. We’ve been here about 18 months and I love looking outside and seeing a pond, and trees, and in the late summer, sunflowers! I have three daughters (Faith, Hope, and Grace), a most supportive partner (Rob), and two cats and three guinea pigs! I dream of having alpaca some day. Professionally, I’m a nurse and work in an administrative capacity developing programs to make healthcare delivery better for everyone.

Quilting Journey

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

My mom was a quilter and cross-stitcher, so growing up, I was exposed to fiber arts. I was first drawn to sewing when I stumbled upon Alexander Henry fabric. I started collecting prints that I saw as art, knowing some day I would have time to make amazing things with the fabric I was amassing. I got an entry sewing machine for Mother’s Day in 2011 and dabbled with it from time to time, but didn’t seriously make anything until good ole 2020. My oldest daughter was graduating high school that May, and I wanted to make her a quilt to take to college. From there I was hooked!

I soon found Ruby Star Society fabric and realized I had such a passion for the brand that I wanted to open a shop to bring it to more makers, which then snowballed into getting into longarm quilting about a year later.

Shop Story and Style

What’s the story behind Steel City Quilt Co? When did it start, and how would you describe its personality, style, and size?

Steel City Quilt Co was born laying in bed and dreaming up what Rob’s and my future looked like. He’s a creative too and we talked about someday having a shop, or participating in art festivals with our makes. The name is an homage to his hometown, which is a very special place for us – Pueblo, Colorado. A large steel mill existed there for many years and it’s known as the Steel City, so Steel City Quilt Co was born.

The shop opened with about 20 small items available in September 2021. Ruby Star Society precuts were introduced in 2022, and the full Ruby Star Society collections of yardage were available by late 2023. I also started longarm quilting for clients in 2023.

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?

Steel City Quilt Co focuses on Ruby Star Society fabrics, offering precuts and yardage of new collections, as well as over 400 bolts from older collections. Many new collections have a sample quilt with a quilt kit available, most recently being the Ribbon Candy quilt kit featuring Eye candy.

I offer edge to edge longarm quilting with all-inclusive pricing that takes the guesswork out of budgeting for quilting.

Special Collections and Products

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

I recently released a three block FPP pattern featuring a UFO! This was my first pattern, but definitely not the last. It’s available at www.steelcityquiltco.com and it’s free!

Inspiration and Trends

What inspires you when choosing fabrics or products for your shop? Do you follow any specific trends or themes?

I am an aspiring bag maker so I carry canvas because it inspires me to continue working on developing my bag making skills. I’m hooked on Ruby Star Society and carry their products exclusively at the moment, but am watching trends for solids and would like to consider that as part of what’s next for Steel City Quilt Co.

Additional Services

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

Longarm quilting

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?

Website: www.steelcityquiltco.com

Instagram: @steelcityquiltco

Upcoming News and Projects

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

Animal Animal will be releasing soon and has a darling quilt kit that will be launching! Follow @steelcityquiltco on Instagram for sneak peeks and to see the quilt kit when it’s available.

QuiltInk Experience

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

We’ve worked to load Ruby Star Society fabrics into QuiltInk under the Steel City Quilt Co shop so makers can mock-up quilts using the fabrics we sell. This has been a huge benefit as makers can then send me the fabric requirements for the quilt they want to make, and I can kit it for them.

Favorite QuiltInk Options

What features or options in QuiltInk do you love the most? Anything that stands out to you or your customers?

I love being able to add custom fabric palettes and then mock up quilts using the fabrics that I love!

New Pattern: Queen’s Gallery by e3 Design and Quilting

Title: e3 Quilting and Design

Designer: e3 Quilting and Design

Techniques: Regular piecing

Sizes: 2

We are excited to welcome a new designer to QuiltInk!

Say hello to Erin from e3 Quilting and Design and her stunning new pattern, Queen’s Gallery! This design is perfect for showcasing those large-scale prints or favorite fabrics you’ve been saving for just the right project.

Ideal for confident beginners, the most intricate part of this pattern is the flying geese—perfect for quilters ready to take their skills to the next level.

Now on QuiltInk! You can digitally color Queen’s Gallery to plan your quilt before you start cutting. Experiment with color palettes, visualize your fabric choices, and bring your vision to life with ease!

And there’s more exciting news! Erin is hosting a sew-along starting at the end of March, in collaboration with her partner @the_fabric_candy_shoppe, who will be offering kits to bring this pattern to life.

Make sure to follow Erin and @the_fabric_candy_shoppe for updates on the sew-along, kit details, and all things Queen’s Gallery. This is a pattern you won’t want to miss!

Win a Combo Star BOM

The January QuiltInk Challenge is in full swing, and we’ve got something special for you!

This month, you can WIN one free access to the Combo Star BOM by Lindlee from Plains and Pine! This amazing prize is generously donated by Lindlee herself—thank you so much for your incredible support of the QuiltInk community!

To inspire you, we’ve put together 122 incredible mock-ups showcasing a wide variety of stunning color combinations using this month’s challenge palette, Earthtones. Check them out on the QuiltInk Wall and discover how you can make the Combo Star BOM uniquely yours!

Be sure to check out Plains and Pine’s profile and website for more information about this stunning Block of the Month pattern.

There’s still time to join the challenge! Let your creativity shine, and you could win access to this fantastic pattern. We can’t wait to see what you create!

New Pattern: Thread of Intention BOM

Title: Thread of Intention BOM

Designer: A Piece of Quiet Quilts

Techniques: Regular piecing

Sizes: 1

Today marks the start of the Thread of Intention BOM!

Join Meghan from A Piece of Quiet Quilts on a six-month quilting journey to create a stunning sampler quilt that’s perfect for confident beginners or quilters seeking a fresh creative adventure.

What’s included?

Monthly block patterns

Easy-to-follow instructions

Helpful tips to guide you

Gather your favorite fabrics and bring your vision to life, one block at a time! Let’s stitch something beautiful together.

Don’t forget to share your progress with #ThreadOfIntentionBOM and connect with quilters worldwide!