What Are Quilters Blogging About Today?

Have you ever wanted to learn how to make an improv quilt?  This article from world-renowned improv quilter Cindy Grisdela can get you started.

Once you read about her inspirations and techniques for making her gorgeous quilts, you will want to grad your fabric scraps and give improv quilting a try.  With this type of quilting, you know your art will be totally unique in the world.  It is also a liberating process that almost makes you feel like a kid with crayons.

Bring out your creative side and get inspired to make your very own improv quilt with this ...

Bonjour Quilts has a wonderful tutorial for making a unique and modern diamond quilt block.  While this technique probably is not best suited to beginner quilters, it’s easier than it looks and you’ll be making a quilt from these blocks in no time.

With detailed instructions and photos, you don’t need any special tools, only your standard quilting supplies.

I can see this block in all sorts of color combinations.  You could even do a little color placement in the center to get a look of some dimension if you wanted to.

Perfect for a fabric line ...

It is said that green is one of the most relaxing colors that one can see.  Maybe it has to do with nature or maybe something else.  All I know this that it is a beautiful color, and if you are looking for green fabrics for your next Saint Patrick’s Day project then this fat quarter bundle may be for you.  You can purchase it over at Connecting Threads.

With fourteen different fat quarters, this bundle has a beautiful array of greens, from lights to darks.  These greens are not just for Saint Patrick’s Day either.  I can ...

Are you ready for the first snowfall of the season?  You will be when you make one of these seven stunning snowflake quilt patterns that are available to purchase over on Etsy.

These patterns are for various skill levels so make sure to read the entire description of the item before you purchase it.  That way you know that you are getting the right item for you.  In addition, all of these patterns are pdf downloads.

1. Here’s a gorgeous and unique snowflake pattern that uses appliqué to get those lovely circular shapes.
2. With big and bold geometric shapes, this ...

This article will be posted to the blog on New Year’s Eve.  I am pretty sure that most of us are going to need a cup of coffee tomorrow morning.  Some of use are probably going to need a lot more.  To celebrate that favorite beverage, make this fun Coffee Cup quilt pattern from See Kate Sew.

In fact, in the long run, it is probably cheaper to skip the actual morning take out coffees and make this quilt instead.

This quilt is an ideal lap quilt size.  The tutorial has a detailed supply list as well as instructions ...

Do you ever get in the mood to make a quilt, but you don’t want to spend days and days making one?  How about trying a mini quilt.  Many times you can make an entire mini quilt in an afternoon.  They make terrific gifts for that friend who has everything.  They are also a great way to use up your fabric stash.

Instead of heading out to the store next time you feel like making a quilt, why not try one of these ten patterns?  They are all free and vary from modern to traditional.

1. This unique shooting hearts ...

I fall for a gradient, or ombré, pattern almost every time I see one.  That was definitely the case with this stunning design by Elise Lea for Robert Kaufman Fabrics.  It glows!

The finished quilt measures 64″ x 76″ and is for an intermediate level quilter.  Elise used Kona solids for her quilt.

To me this quilt has such a calming look to it.  I think it is probably because of the solid blues.  Blue is my favorite color and the designer’s use of them in this is lovely.

The pattern has detailed instructions on fabric needed, cutting, as ...

Relatively easy to do, but packing a wonderful visual punch, Seminole patchwork is a worthy addition to your quilting repertoire.  This tutorial (in two parts) from Geta’s Quilting Studio shows you how to do it.  There is even a free pattern for a pouch.

Geta uses rainbow fabric to make her Seminole patchwork, so if you don’t have that, you will need to improvise a bit.

The tutorial has step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the entire process.  She also explores larger and smaller versions in part two of her article.

I love that she used ...

The moment I saw this absolutely adorable hipster cat quilt from Shwin & Shwin  I knew I had to bring it to you.  Look at those glasses and bow tie!  This pattern just makes me smile.

Measuring 44″ x 44″ when done, the quilt does not require loads of fabric.  Because the cat is appliquéd on you do need some freezer paper for the templates.  Other than that, general quilting supplies are needed.

The tutorial has step-by-step photos and instructions to help you out.  In addition, the complete pattern is available as a pdf download.

Who wouldn’t love getting this ...

For an interesting appliqué technique, you may want to take a look at reverse appliqué.  Geta’s Quilting Studio wrote this blog post that demonstrates the way she does it.

Complete with plenty of photos, she shows you what methods she uses and gives tips to get good results. Her three dimensional mini quilts are stunning.  Pictured are only two of them, but wait until you see the rest in her article.

I’m inspired to go give it a try, although I don’t think I will be doing anything as intricate as she does.

At times I like ...

With the holidays fast approaching, you may want to sneak in at least one more quilting project.  And if you are a fan of Gnomes, then you will want to try out one of these whimsical patterns that you can purchase over on Etsy.

All of them are digital downloads.  Before you purchase you will want to read the descriptions in the listing to make sure the pattern is right for you.

1. For all of your paper piecing fans, this adorable tree skirt is surrounded by gnomes that are ready for the holidays.
2. What could be cuter than the heart-shaped ...

Looking stunning in the autumnal solids from Kona cotton solids, this free quilt pattern available over on the Robert Kaufman site is gorgeous.  Designed by Elise Lea, it is for quilters with an intermediate or above skill level.  Finished, it should measure about 57″ x 66″.  Perfect for a lap quilt.

Detailed fabric requirements, along with the fabrics used in the design, are included.  This is helpful if you want to get that same ombré look that is pictured.

This quilt would look beautiful any time of the year, but especially during the autumn months, when the colors of the ...

For a new twist on an old favorite, why not try a stroked flying geese block.  This modern design from Art Gallery Fabrics, adds a fun touch and makes any pattern sparkle.

Complete with step-by-step photos and detailed instructions, it is not as difficult as it may look.  The basic quilt block making techniques apply.

Sometimes it is nice to change things up a bit.  This stroked flying geese unit really shines and steps up a simple flying geese pattern.  Depending on what you were making, you could replace your flying geese with this and your project would take on ...

With a striking look and its easy assembly instruction, this quilt from Quilting is My Therapy is one that you will definitely be putting on your to-do list.

While no skill level is listed, the pattern does not look too difficult to do.  It is an ideal showcase for fabrics since the twists are large.  the finished size is 64″ x 72″.

The downloadable pattern has detailed instructions and a list of how much fabric you will need.

As soon as I saw this I thought, Christmas colors or a set of autumn flannels.  Because of its size, it would ...

Did you know that blue and white quilts are one of the most popular quilt color combinations?  With their crisp and classic look you just can’t go wrong with them.  This quilt kit, that can be purchased from Connecting Threads, is a beautiful example of how blues and whites can look.

With bold offset squares and rectangles, the design is modern and, best of all, easy to make.  You will need to provide the backing fabric.

With a finished size of 56″ x 70″ it is an ideal lap quilt.  The fabrics in the kit are various blues with ...

Have you ever wanted to learn paper piecing to make a quilt?  It’s not that difficult, but it is definitely worth it to give a class a try before you do it yourself.  Over on Creativebug you will find all sorts of courses specifically for paper piecing.  From beginner to advanced classes, they have you covered.  You can purchase any of the classes listed here over on Creativebug.

1. Freezer paper piecing is a unique and fun way to make a quilt.
2. Paper-Pieced Quilts is a guide to everything about this technique.  It has a second part too since there ...

Are you dreaming of a trip out west?  Do you love those rich southwestern hues of rusts and turquoise?  Here is a way to capture the beauty of the southwest all year round with one of these gorgeous quilt patterns.  They are all available for purchase over on Etsy.

1. Desert Wind is a pdf pattern that comes in two sizes.  It has a lovely geometric and modern look to it.
2. This Southwest Quilt is striking, especially that striped border.  It is a pdf pattern with the finished quilt measuring 76″ x 96″.
3. Go West is a modern take on the ...

Perfect for modern quilters, this beautiful and free pattern is from Splendid Speck.  With its bold and large blocks, it has a striking secondary design.

The finished quilt measures 68″ x 68″ so it is an ideal lap size.  Best of all it is charm pack friendly.  In case you are wondering, a charm pack is a pack of 5″ squares.  In addition to the charm pack, you will need some yardage fore the flying geese and the backing.

I enjoy making lap quilts.  They frequently come together in a relatively fast time and they don’t take up too ...

Featuring Riley Blake fabrics, this gorgeous design by Carina Gardner is called Ava Kate.  To me it just screams summer because of the beautiful fabrics used.

I particularly love that dense floral border which brings the quilt all together and softens the squares and plus signs.

Measuring 70″ x 70″ when finished there is a trick to the eye in this design.  It’s set on point even though you would not notice that at first glance.  While not listed, I would say that this would not be a good quilt for a beginner to try, however a more confident ...

Are you looking for a striking beginner level modern quilt pattern?  This striking one designed by Cluck Cluck Sew, and available for purchase at The Confident Stitch might be just the one you are interested in.

With bold intertwined rectangles, this pattern has instructions for five different sizes and it is jelly roll friendly.  This design would be a great way to show off a favorite strip set.  If you prefer, it’s also a great scrap buster.

This geometric design is striking and really makes the fabrics the star of the show.

Click here if you would like to ...