Free Pattern Day: Owls

We've found some truly adorable FREE patterns for owl quilts and pillows! NOTE:  This post has been UPDATED.  For the latest freebies please go to our Free Pattern Day for OWL quilts (CLICK HERE!)

p.s. Please see our E-Bay shop for great bargains on patterns and vintage collectibles. For continuous free quilt patterns and blog updates, please visit us on Twitter.

Image credits: This post was updated on February 12, 2026. If any links are broken we'd love to know; please email us at quiltinspiration {at} gmail {dot} com.

Celebrating Autumn Quilts

We love everything about autumn: cool nights,  colorful trees, falling leaves, and  apple harvest time.  We've picked out some of our favorite fall quilts from the past twelve months to share with you today.  We hope this season is filled with sunny days, warm memories, and quilt inspiration.

Apple Scrapple by Rhonda Borders and members of the San Luis Valley Quilt Guild (Colorado)

This wonderful fall quilt has pieced, appliqued and embroidered blocks.  Rhonda Borders says, "I won a set of basket blocks in our local quilt guild.  They formed the basis of an original design using apple patterns from several sources." 

close up, Apple Scrapple by Rhonda Borders

The embroidered basket blocks surround a tree bearing colorful leaves and apples.  The quilting was done by Peg Collins (Alamosa, Colorado) who quilted swirls in the white background around the appliqued leaves and apples, echo-quilted the clamshells, and used a leaf design in the green plaid strip (see the closeup photo below).

Autumn Faery, 31 x 31", by Diane Hansen

Autumn Faery won first place for Art / Painted or Digital Images at the 2014 Arizona Quilters Guild show and Honorable Mention at the 2014 AQS Quilt Week in Phoenix, Arizona.  Diane Hansen says, "I used Tuskineko inks and about 30 colors of thread to complete this quilt." The project was inspired by a calendar art image by her favorite artist, Linda Ravenscroft, with permission.

close up, Autumn Faery by Diane Hansen

We admired the beautiful autumn colors and detailed quilting in Autumn Faery, which was started in a fabric painting workshop by Patt Blair.   Diane Hansen says that she fell in love with painting after taking the class.  To see a photo of the work in progress, see the post at Patt Blair's blog.

Double Duty by George Magee, quilted by Mary Vaneecke

Double Duty won first prize and a blue ribbon in the Large Pieced Two Person category at the 2014 Tucson Quilters Guild show.  George Magee did a wonderful job interpreting the design in autumn colors of russet, green, gold and caramel.  The design is by Carrie Nelson at Miss Rosie's Quilt Company, and the quilting is by Mary Vaneecke.

close up, Double Duty by George Magee,  quilted by Mary Vaneecke

George says, "Working with the different colors used in this quilt and organizing them in a pleasing arrangement was quite a challenge. I enjoy making tops using traditional piecing, and I appreciated Carrie Nelson's use of log cabins and flying geese." Within the log cabins,  Mary Vaneecke quilted the octagon shapes with a design resembling a sunflower.

September Song by Jane M. Rua

Winner of an Honorable Mention award at the 2014 Arizona Quilters' Guild Show, Jane notes that her quilt is inspired by a class taught by Rita Blocksom, using Gloria Loughman's Quilted Symphony book. We enjoyed this quilt, which features large leaves, boldly outlined with prominent veins, as they drift through the air. Jane has quilted very intriguing leaf patterns into the dark green outer border, which emphasize the motif of swirling movement.

Close up, September Song by Jane M. Rua

Golden yellow, silver, and charcoal gray together are an innovative color combination which provide a contemporary, refreshing feel to this work. We like Jane's choice of patterned batik fabrics for the neutral background.  The leaves are finished with blanket stitching.

Texas Gold by Vickie Owen

Texas Gold was part of "The American Tradition", a show within a show at the 2013 Houston International Quilt Festival.  Vickie explains, "My first quilt, made 30 years ago, was a Texas Lone Star. It wasn't too bad, although my color choices have definitely changed over the years ! I love the Lone Star pattern and fell in love with [the color combination shown here], so I was excited to create this quilt when I found the pattern in an old magazine."

Close up, Texas Gold by Vickie Owen

 

Vickie has added a circle of slate blue and white floral print fabric diamonds a few rows out from the center.  They  provide a  midway focal point and draw the viewer's eye towards the symmetrical patterns of appliqued leaves. Vickie's  work is machine pieced and appliqued. She adds, "The Lone Star design is one of the oldest and most recognizable quilt designs, and thus appropriate for "The American Tradition" exhibit.

The Falling Leaves of Red and Gold by C.J. Fuhrman, quilted by Rose Maynes

C.J. notes that her quilt was started in 2004 and finished in 2013. (We all can certainly relate to the fact that our most impressive project sometimes take years to complete !) It was originally made for the 2004 fall meeting of the Arizona Quilters' Guild, but it wasn't quilted until 2013. CJ's work was inspired by the Cabin Cozy pattern in the American Patchwork and Quilting Magazine.

Close up, The Falling Leaves of Red and Gold by C.J. Fuhrman, quilted by Rose Maynes

Here's a wonderful example of two very traditional patterns which look great when juxtaposed. The bear's paw center blocks work perfectly with the log cabin blocks which surround them. Both the  lacy white longarm quilting design on the outer border and the curved pattern on the blocks show up really well without overpowering the angular patchwork.

Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration.

Quilting in Scotland

Have you ever been to Scotland?  It is truly a glorious country. This year, Quilt Inspiration (Marina, along with her stepmother) had a chance to visit Scotland, home of our ancestors.  In Edinburgh, as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, we enjoyed the annual quilt exhibit by students of Pat Archibald. Then, while in the outer Hebrides, we saw wonderful landscape quilts by Effie Galletly - and enjoyed a cup of coffee - at Morven Gallery.  Here are some photos we thought you might enjoy.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Pat Archibald is renowned in the UK, Europe and US for her innovative and artistic quilts (for examples, see her online galleries.) At the beginning of 2013, a group of students at Pat Archibald's studio in Edinburgh embarked on a Creative Journey Course.  The topic for the year was 'Freedom', one word that has many layers of meaning.  Here are some of the finished works, which show how each person interpreted the theme in her own unique and personal way.

 Sheer Pleasure by Carol Douglas

Carol Douglas constructed this exquisite quilt from sheers in order to capture the lightness and airiness of the outdoors.  You may be able to see the shadows of the colored shapes reflected on the wall behind the translucent quilt.  She says, "Freedom for me has always been about being in the outdoors.  Sailing on the West coast [of Scotland], hillwalking and more recently cycling in France are all passions of mine.  We have a seaside home in Edinburgh where the brightly coloured sails of the dinghies racing have always been admired."

Out of My Hands - Forever in My Heart by Marion Rodgers

We loved the curved flying geese in this quilt.  Marion Rodgers says,  "A skein of geese flying across an island landscape made me reflect on the physical freedom I enjoyed growing up on a farm in Shetland.  For my own children growing up in the city, their freedom was different - more choice and opportunity to find their own direction... and fly.  The colours of the flying geese and the quilting on the hand-painted background pay tribute to their individuality.  The geese fly on together, encouraging and supporting each other throughout the journey."

Kaleidoscope to Freedom by Tricia Laurie

Kaleidoscope to Freedom was filled with multicolored butterflies breaking free.  Tricia Laurie says, "Butterflies... appear to be totally free in their flight, but they are tightly bound in their chrysalis before they can experience freedom.  I have tried to show this in the fluttering of the butterflies above the rigid pathways we follow in everyday life." A broken chain is shown in the lower right corner of the quilt. "To truly experience freedom, I believe we have to appreciate the shackles which have been broken, be they physical mental, emotional or imaginary, to give us that freedom." 

Knowledge is Freedom by Beverley Cline

The title of this quilt comes from a quote by Miles Davis:  "Knowledge is freedom and ignorance is slavery." Beverley Cline says, "The story of the Underground Railroad quilt has always fascinated me.  During the American Civil War the centre block of a log cabin was coloured black (normally red) and hung on a line as a signal to runaway slaves that it was a safe house.  The slaves were guided by conductors like Harriet Tubman who freed a thousand slaves."

Icarus by Christine Covell

We are intrigued by the imagery of the sole figure diving from atop a tall tower.  Christine Covell explains, "Freedom can be a lonely place.  Icarus stands at the terrifying moment of decision - dare he risk all for the unknown?  His choice alone.  He jumps - and for all too brief a time, he flies, glorious and free.  And then... is freedom always fleeting?  Are we brave enough to seize our chance when it comes?  What will we regret if we don't?"

Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
 

Effie Galletly grew up in the west of Scotland.  A quilter for almost 20 years, Effie has focused her work of the past decade on interpreting Hebridean landscapes, which she finds fascinating and exhilarating. Her work was featured in the recent (August/September 2014) edition of Quilters Newsletter.   We viewed some of her recent pieces at the beautiful Morven Gallery in Barvas, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides.

Shieling on the Moor 2 by Effie Galletly as seen at Morven Gallery

Effie Galletly's machine-pieced and hand-quilted landscapes use strips of fabric in lieu of paint to represent the hills, valleys, moors and sky of the Hebrides.  A tiny hut or "shieling" can be seen in the distance in this quilt. Usually made of stone, these isolated structures can be seen all around the Western Isles of Scotland, where stones are plentiful.

North Lewis Skyline by Effie Galletly as seen at Morven Gallery

Effie Galletly says, "I am a quiltmaker in the practical sense, but I think more like a painter." The gray-and-brown tones of a rock wall that bisects the landscape can be seen in this piece, along with the soft greens and browns of the moors.

Bothy with Turquoise Roof by Effie Galletly as seen at Morven Gallery

The russets of autumn contrast with the turquoise blue roof of the structure.  In the sky you can see the way in which Effie used big-stitch quilting to represent the swirling wind and clouds of the pale blue sky.  Details can be seen in the close-up photo below.

close up, Bothy with Turquoise Roof by Effie Galletly as seen at Morven Gallery

For more inspiration see the galleries at Effie Galletly's website.  If you do have a chance to visit the Outer Hebrides, be sure to stop in and see all of the contemporary art works at Morven Gallery while enjoying a fine pastry and a cappuccino - delightfully decorated with a thistle, which is Scotland's national symbol.

 Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration.

Baltimore Album Quilt of Remembrance

In memory of September 11 2001, here is a beautiful patriotic album quilt.  Louise Robertson hand-appliqued the quilt over the course of several years.  The fireman block was made to honor the firemen's response to 9/11 and as a memorial to the victims.  The quilt contains symbols of freedom, including Lady Liberty and an Eagle block.

Album Quilt by Louise Robertson, quilted by Karolyn "Nubin"Jensen

This lovely quilt won honorable mention at the 2014 Tucson Quilters Fiesta (Arizona).   The golden yellow stars add a bright contrast to the blue bunting of the border.

The fireman block, above, was made to honor the firemen's response to 9-11 and as a memorial to all of the victims.

The statue of Liberty block, above, is surrounded by four flags on flagpoles which form a stylized design.  A classic Eagle block, below, symbolizes freedom.

The bald eagle was chosen as the emblem of the United States in 1782, and it often appears in quilts.  In this quilt, the eagle is shown with (two) olive branches, which are symbols of peace. As in many federal eagle designs, the eagle clutches a scroll with the motto E pluribus unum ("Out of Many, One").

We enjoyed the beautiful hand appliqued details in this colorful cornucopia, which contains bluebells, a cluster of grapes, cherries, an apple, pear, butterfly and bird.  

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2014 Tucson Quilters Guild Show. According to Louise Robertson, the quilt is an original design based on an antique quilt, and it was begun in an applique lovers' class. The longarm quilting was by Karolyn "Nubin" Jensen.

Winners of the Giant September Giveaway !

Thank you, everyone, for entering the Giant September Giveaway!  We really appreciate all your wonderful comments. We reached into the hat and drew out winners' names at random.

If your name is listed below as a prize winner,  please send us a private e-mail immediately with your mailing address.  Here is our private e-mail address:

quiltinspiration {at} gmail {dot} com

We'll keep your mailing address completely confidential, and we'll mail out your prize free of charge within 7 days of receiving your information.

1. The winner of the Hoffman pink and the RK purple fat quarters is PIP in AUSTRALIA.

2. The winners of the Jo-Ann Gift Cards are:  DONNA W in WI. and WENDI in MI. 

3. The winner of the Modern Robe pattern and fabric is PIPPIROSE in CANADA

4. The winner of   "Heartfelt Giving" by Marie Osmond is RUTH GRIFFETH

5. The winner of the "Bargello Quilts" book and fabric is LISA E.

6. The winner of the blue Martine fabric and coral Namaste fabric is JACQUIE MORRIS - U.K.

7. The winner of the "My Other Kitchen" pattern and fabric is DONNA, who wrote, "Wow !  This really is a Giant Giveaway".....

8. The winner of the Modern Quilt Magazine and fabric is MLD.

9. The winner of the orange and yellow Hoffman batik fabric  is ARIANNA M. 

10. The winner of the Simplicity Tabletop Pattern and fabric is TALL TALES FROM CHICONIA- AUSTRALIA

11. The winner of the Dancing Dragonflies book and fabric is LINDA in MT.

Thank you again, everybody !  Please stay tuned for another Giveaway.  We LOVE sending out prizes !

Welcome to the Giant Giveaway and Reader Appreciation Week !

In appreciation of our 2000 + followers and 4,200,000+ page views  on Quilt Inspiration and our 63,000 + readers on Pinterest, here's the Giant September Giveaway.  Thank you, everyone, for your loyal support !

To enter the free Giveaway, simply leave a brief comment in the Comments section at the bottom of the page. Please make sure that there's a way to  contact you if your name is drawn as a winner !   The Giveaway comments will close at midnight on Saturday, September 6. Winners' names will be drawn at random and will be announced on Monday, September 8. We'll mail out the prizes free of charge.

Please check the bottom of the page, where there's a free surprise for everyone!

Hoffman California International and Robert Kaufman Artisan Batik fat quarters

Whether you're in the Southern Hemisphere and planning springtime sewing, or in the Northern Hemisphere and planning autumn sewing, here's a pair of fat quarters that will work perfectly. Coral and lavender scrolls decorate the Hoffman Pink A 208 fabric, and cheerful peach polka dots adorn the RK Artisan Batik in Vivid Violet.

Hint: Click the highlighted links throughout to read more product information about the prizes!

Two $10.00 Gift Cards from  JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts

We have two separate $10.00 cards to give away this time, so we'll be drawing two separate winners' names. JoAnn is a United States big box retailer that sells all sorts of sewing and crafting supplies. These gifts cards work inside the U.S.  for purchasing JoAnn products on the telephone, over the internet, or in-person at the store itself.
Note:  If you live outside the U.S.A.,  please let us know when you leave your comment.  If we draw your name as a winner, we'll arrange for you to receive another very cool Giveaway prize!

Modern Robe Pattern  plus Robert Kaufman Lumina Fabric

 

Quilt Inspiration's own Marina Lynn designed this sophisticated and comfy Modern Robe pattern, which is easy to sew and requires no pinning pieces on the fabric. Along with the robe pattern ( a $12.00 value), we're including one-half yard of RK Lumina fabric, with glamorous metallic gold scrolls -- enough to construct the robe belt ! 

Marie Osmond's Heartfelt Giving: Sew and Quilt for Family and Friends 

Entertainer Marie Osmond has filled this 112 glossy page hardcover book with 20 fun sewing projects, including some adorable quilts. The book is spiral bound, so it stays open handily. Every project has clear, easy-to-understand directions, with illustrations. Full size pattern pieces are included in their own folder.  You'll love these ideas for gifts for all occasions !

Marge Edie's Bargello Quilts  plus Hoffman California International Batik fat quarter

 

 

We're fascinated by bargello quilts, so we love to collect books about them. Marge's 90 glossy page book contains clear instructions and illustrations to make these absolutely spectacular projects. To get you going on your masterpiece, we're including a fat quarter of Hoffman 1895 Bali Handpaint topaz-colored batik.

Alexander Henry fabric and Quilting Treasures fabric

Here's a fat quarter each of  pretty teal and white "Martine" Lawn Trees Alexander Henry fabric and soft coral and peach "Namaste" Quilting Treasures fabric. We purchased extra for a king-size wedding quilt we were making, and we'd love to share these two fat quarters.

My Other Kitchen home decor pattern plus Alexander Henry fabric

We never got around to this unused Vanilla House "My Other Kitchen" sewing pattern ( value $9.50), but we sure wish that one of our valued readers would ! This package includes a pattern for : an apron, placemats with napkins, a three pocket hanger for mail or keys, a dish towel, an oven mitt, and even a scone mix bag with a recipe for white chocolate chip scones. Sounds yummy !We're including a half yard of Martine Lawn Trees fabric for inspiration.

Modern Quilt Magazine  and Robert Kaufman fuchsia batik fabric

August was "Modern Quilt Month" on our blog, and we were really inspired by the current Summer 2014 edition of this magazine. It's full of gorgeous quilt projects and interesting feature articles. For more motivation, we're adding in a fat quarter of Robert Kaufman's vibrant Elementals Geos 5 fabric # 13860-108. in resplendent fuschia with tangerine accents.

1895 Hoffman Bali Handpaints

These tone-on-tone batiks work great for all sorts of quilt projects, including landscape, traditional, and modern quilts. Here's half a yard of cheery cheddar yellow and a fat quarter of vivid Halloween orange to brighten up any room.

Simplicity Home Decor Pattern 5068 and "Submarines and Seaweed" for Westminster Fabrics

 

You can really sew up a storm with this new, factory-folded, uncut home decor pattern. It includes directions for making: a tablecloth, table runner, placemats, napkins, a tea cozy, egg cozy, muffin server, and silverware caddy. We're adding a half yard of this cute coral "Saltwater" line fabric designed by Tula Pink for Westminster.  Time to get started ! 

Dancing Dragonfly Quilts  book and Robert Kaufman Artisan Batik fabric

Author Sue Beevers has written a fun, easy-to-read 95 glossy page book about how to sew a "Dancing Dragonfly" quilt. This fascinating pattern looks complex, but it's simpler to construct than it appears. We're adding a fat quarter of Vivid Violet Dotted Waves batik, which should provide some stunning contrasts.

FREE FOR EVERYONE !

Don't forget to enter the Giveaway by leaving a brief comment below !
And now, with  many thanks to you all, here are links to our favorite free quilt patterns for everyone:
Click here for free Autumn Leaves quilt patterns
Click here for free Halloween quilt patterns
Click here for free Thanksgiving Day quilt patterns
Click here for free Christmas Trees quilt patterns
Click here for free Christmas quilt patterns part 2
Click here for free Chrismas quilt patterns part 3