Finding Hope, Finding Peace

Today's beautiful quilt by Mimi Ghauri-Young, titled Finding Hope, Finding Peace, seems like a perfect image for the New Year. We wish you a very bright, joyous, healthy, and prosperous New Year, filled with lots of time for creativity and quilting !

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Finding Hope, Finding Peace, 34" x 39" by Mimi Ghauri-Young ,  California

Mimi writes, "In response to the many global crises swirling around us, I chose to work with the image of the dove, an iconic symbol of peace and harmony. The hope of the dove brings light to the darkness."

Detail, Finding Hope

Mimi continues, "The stained glass quality of the image and the details of the quilting were inspired by the 9th century Celtic illustrated spiritual manuscript of the Book of Kells. " (currently housed in the archives of Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland). 

Mimi's lovely original design is machine appliqued and machine quilted. We really appreciate the way that she emphasizes the stained-glass appearance of the quilt by individually quilting the white dividing sections of the dove with their own unique patterns. 

Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2021 Pacific International Quilt Festival.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all! Here is Day 12 of our Twelve Days of Christmas series. We wish you a very happy (and healthy) holiday!!

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Happy Alps by Enid Weichselbaum (Minnesota, U.S.A.)

Enid explains, "This piece was inspired by travel posters of the 1950's and 60's, with their bold colors, simple shapes, and stylized landscapes. The blue of the shadows in the snow creates depth. Tiny houses, cars, and skiers add more to the story. "

Enid used machine piecing, machine applique, painting, and machine-fused embellishments. Her materials for this charming original design include cotton fabrics, cotton batting, cotton/poly thread, and gold lamé.

Enid's use of bright, happy solid colors creates an enchanting sense of coziness and hominess amidst the snowy mountains. What a perfect place to spend Christmas vacation -- even if you don't ski and are perfectly happy (as we are) to sit by the fireplace and quilt !

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2017 Houston International Quilt Festival.

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 11

Here is Day 11 of our series: Twelve Days of Christmas.  We wish you a very happy, healthy and creative holiday season. Merry Christmas to all! 

Also check out our E-Bay shop for great bargains on quilt patterns, fabric, and vintage jewelry!
For the latest free quilt patterns, please visit us on Twitter.  

Silent Night by Mikelle Price,  Utah

Mikelle explains, "This quilt was my first major paper piecing and quilting project. I saw this pattern and immediately thought of three special people in my life that I wanted to make it for.

(Note:This quilt is based on the Advent Nativity Pattern at Paper Panache.)

Here, Mary holds the newborn Christ child, as the Wise Men and the animals of the manger stand by in reverence during the cold winter night.  Mikel's very precise work ensures that even the smallest details of this work can be clearly seen.

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2019 Springville (Utah) quilt show.

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 10

It came upon us so quickly... but believe it or not, it's time for Twelve Days of Christmas Quilts ! We wish you a very happy, healthy and creative holiday season.
Merry Christmas to all...

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Scarlet Snowflake by Jill Scherer, quilted by Rose Maynes (Arizona)

This is Jill Scherer's interpretation of the paper pieced Prismatic Star quilt pattern by Judy Niemeyer.  By using only two colors, the finished quilt is dramatically different than that pictured on the pattern!  Rose Maynes' lovely quilting adds an elegant touch to this sparkling design.

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2019 Quilt Arizona show.

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 9

It's Day 9 of Twelve Days of Christmas Quilts. We wish you a very happy, healthy and creative holiday and New Year!
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By the Chimney with Care by Karen Turnbull (California)

This delightful, original applique quilt won second place in the Art - Pictorial quilt category at the 2018 Road to California show. The creator and quilter, Karen Turnbull, says that her Norwegian heritage inspired her to create a Scandinavian [Christmas] scene. "I was inspired to make a fireplace scene to hang on my living room wall each Christmas, because my house doesn't have a real fireplace and mantel."

The technique is fused, raw-edge applique, using Pellon Wonder-Under, and sewn on a domestic Janome machine.  Karen says,  "I even taught myself to make Norwegian Hardanger lace to decorate the stockings and mantel." She also created the appearance of fireplace tiles, and quilted floral motifs within the "tiles", as shown below.

Each part of this quilt has something fun to see, including the pretty woven and embroidered ornaments on the tree!

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2018 Road to California show.

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 8

Christmas is drawing near, and we wanted to share some of the beautiful holiday quilts we've seen over the years. Here is Day 8 of  our series: Twelve Days of Christmas Quilts.   

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Christmas at St. Andrews, 84 x 84,  by Marilyn Badger, Utah

 

 

Second place winner at the 2019 Pacific International Quilt Festival and Best of Show winner at the 2020 Road to California show, Marilyn notes, " In all my years of quilting, I never made a Christmas quilt until now. This Claudia Myers original design was my inspiration." Marilyn goes on to explain that in keeping with the Scottish theme of Christmas at St. Andrews, Scotland, Claudia Myers gave her six yards of plaid fabric, which Marilyn fussy cut to make sure it lined up perfectly in the background. 

 

This stunning pattern appears to combine blocks of Hawaiian quilting, which are the red flowers, with partial blocks done in the Mariner's Compass or New York Beauty pattern. On Marilyn's website, she explains that this work is "pieced and appliqued with cotton and silk fabrics, stitched with metallic and kimono silk thread, hand embroidered, embellished with painted lace trims, Lumiere paint, Swarovski pearls and crystals with vintage jewelry in center."

Marilyn's spectacular quilt, with its dazzling motifs and rich, luxurious embellishments, truly exemplifies the splendor of the Christmas season.

Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2019 Pacific International Quilt Festival.

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 7

Christmas 2021 is drawing near, and we wanted to share some of the amazing, gorgeous holiday quilts we've seen. Thanks to the many quilters who have inspired us with their beautiful creations!  Here is Day 7 of our series: Twelve Days of Christmas. 

Also check out our E-Bay shop for great bargains on quilt patterns, fabric, and vintage jewelry!
For the latest free quilt patterns, please visit us on Twitter.  

Holiday Splendor by Inger C. Blood (California) 

First Place winner for Best Hand Workmanship, Inger explains, "I designed the quilt in EQ7. Using the pineapple block design, I wanted the Christmas tree to form a wreath on the quilt. In the center of the wreath, I inserted Broderie Perse applique birds. The same birds were again used in the border."

Closeup,  Holiday Splendor

Inger continues, "The same birds were again used in the border. Techniques used in the quilt include machine piecing, machine applique, hand applique, hand quilting, machine free motion embroidery, and Broderie Perse applique."

Detail, Holiday Splendor

In addition to the construction process described above, Inger also used mostly metallic thread, ruler work quilting, couching, trapunto, hand beading, and Swarovski crystals. Inger's work is not only exquisite, it is both elegant and cozy at the same time.  We loved the realistically created little cardinal birds, with their bright red plumage delicately outlined in gold thread.

Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2021 Pacific International Quilt Festival.

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 6

Christmas is drawing near, and we wanted to share some of the beautiful holiday quilts we've seen over the years. Here is Day 6 of  our series: Twelve Days of Christmas Quilts.   

p.s. Check out our many listings at Quilt Inspiration on E-Bay !!  And for continuous free patterns, please follow us on Twitter !

close up, Winter Fantasy Forest by Lynn Davidson, quilted by Alicia Sterna

Winter Fantasy Forest was the winner of third place in the machine embroidery category at the 2015 Arizona Quilters' Guild show. The digital machine embroidery patterns are by Kreations by Kara.  Lynn says: “I love the elegance and drama of these trees on black. Sparkle and glitz make my first embroidered/pieced quilt even more eye-catching."

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2015 Arizona Quilters' Guild show.

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 5

Believe it or not, it's that time of year again: time for Twelve Days of Christmas Quilts! We are featuring an inspiring quilt each weekday, ending on Christmas Eve.  We wish you a very happy, healthy and creative holiday season.

P.S.-  Check out our many NEW LISTINGS at QuiltInspire on eBay !  And for continuous free quilt patterns, please follow us on Twitter!

Scandinavian Tomte, 54 x 62", by Sherri Noel at Rebecca Mae Designs

Today we're excited to share Sherri Noel's Scandinavian Tomte quilt (and there is a pattern for this cutie)! You may ask: what's a "Tomte"?  It's  a mythological creature from Scandinavian folklore typically associated with the Winter Solstice and the Christmas season. (very gnome-like.)
This adorable quilt is made entirely of patchwork, with the exception of the fused heart on the little guy's hat, so it goes together quickly!
 

As shown in the left photo above, you could even make a small wall hanging with one Tomte and one tree.  And check out Sherri's wonderful wood-grain free motion quilting, below :

You can find this and other fun patterns at the Rebecca Mae Designs pattern shop (and if you like the Tomte, or gnomes in general, be sure to check out her adorable Tomte Plush pattern !)

Image credits:  Images, copyrighted by Sherri Noel, were used with permission.

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 4

Believe it or not, it's that time of year again: time for Twelve Days of Christmas Quilts ! We are featuring an inspiring quilt each weekday, ending on Christmas Eve.  We wish you a very happy, healthy and creative holiday season.

P.S.-  Check out our many fun LISTINGS at QuiltInspire on eBay!  And for continuous free quilt patterns, please follow us on Twitter!

Bring Home the Perfect Tree by Constance Clark

 Constance Clark won a Third Place ribbon in the Applique - Small category for this quilt, titled Bring Home the Perfect Tree.  About the name, she says, "My husband spent high school and college summers trimming Christmas trees.  The Bringing Home the Tree pattern [from Buttermilk Basin] evokes cold memories of our searches for the perfect tree."

 In the photo above, the "perfect tree" is carted home in a vintage red truck, and is even accompanied by a wrapped present.  The truck has a wreath on its door.  The cool background color brings to mind snow, and it's not surprising to see appliqued snowflakes falling from the sky!

This little snowman has his own block!  He is embellished with tiny buttons and embroidery stitches.  This close up photo shows Constance Clark's excellent wool applique, embroidery, blanket stitch, and quilting skills ! (She quilted this piece herself).

Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2018 Quilt Arizona show.

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 3

Believe it or not, it's that time of year again: time for Twelve Days of Christmas Quilts ! We are featuring an inspiring quilt each weekday, ending on Christmas Eve.  We wish you a very happy, healthy and creative holiday season.

P.S.-  Check out our many NEW LISTINGS at QuiltInspire on eBay !  And for continuous free quilt patterns, please follow us on Twitter!

Oh ! Christmas Tree, 55 x 62, by Elizabeth Eastmond  (California)

Oh ! Christmas Tree, designed by Australian quilt artist Wendy Williams, was the subject of a quilt-along by Elizabeth Eastmond at OPQuilt. Elizabeth writes, "I hand-stitched all the flowers and birds while on a trip to Lisbon [Portugal] and Spain in order to complete the quilt in under a year. This pattern... was an inspiration of fun, whimsy, and technique. I did finish the quilt just shy of Christmas Day."

Close-up, Oh! Christmas Tree

Quilt designer Wendy Williams is known for her wool applique and contemporary, simple shapes depicting elements of nature, such as birds, flowers, and trees. They are rendered here in clear, bright wool felt embellished by Elizabeth with embroidery thread that is often in analogous or complementary colors. The beautiful birds and leaves give a sunny, almost tropical mood to this tree of life motif.

Close-up Oh ! Christmas Tree

At the base of the tree is a lovely Nativity scene featuring Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, with the Star of Bethlehem shining brightly overhead. These pure, color saturated fabrics shown against the white background, along with Elizabeth's beautiful stitchery, provide a joyous sense of energy and liveliness.


Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2018 Road to California quilt show.

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 2

It's that time of year again: time for Twelve Days of Christmas Quilts ! We will feature an inspiring quilt each weekday, ending on Christmas Eve.  We wish you a happy, healthy and creative holiday season.
Merry Christmas to all...

p.s. Check out our many listings at Quilt Inspiration on E-Bay !!  And for continuous free patterns, please follow us on Twitter !

Two Reindeer, 39 x 40, by Joy Palmer

Joy Palmer says, "I made a few fabric substitutions and added a few designer touches of my own. This past Christmas, these two reindeer graced my dining room wall and entranced my grandchildren."
This reindeer quilt pattern is by Joan Jones at Seams Like Home.

Here's a close-up of Joy's beautiful applique work, with the three-dimensional trim around their necks. These are the friskiest, highest-energy reindeer we've seen in a long time ! They look ready to carry Santa's sleigh to all corners of the world on his toy deliveries.

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2019 Santa Clara Valley Quilters Association show (California).

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 1

Christmas 2021 is drawing near, and we wanted to share some amazing, gorgeous holiday quilts. Thanks to the many quilters who have inspired us with their beautiful creations!  Here is Day One of our series: Twelve Days of Christmas. 

Also check out our E-Bay shop for great bargains on quilt patterns, fabric, and vintage jewelry!
For the latest free quilt patterns, please visit us on Twitter.   

A Summer Christmas, 100 x 100", by Mariya Waters and Gina Perkes-Tidwell (Australia)

Here is the winner of the Yuko Watanabe BEST OF SHOW award at the 2021 Pacific International Quilt Festival! This award-winning quilt was made to celebrate Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere, where the flowers bloom brightly in the heat of summer. 

Inspired by Victoriana and Greek designs, A Summer Christmas was an international collaboration between Mariya Waters in Melbourne, Australia, and Gina Perkes-Tidwell, the quilter, in Arizona, USA. 

A Summer Christmas was hand and machine appliqued using whole unit turned edge applique.  Mariya's outstanding applique work is enhanced by Gina's award-winning long arm quilting.

Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2021 Pacific International Quilt Festival.

Free pattern day! Christmas ornaments

Looking for a fun project to brighten up your holidays? Here are 40 free patterns for fabric and felt ornaments.  Make some as a gift for friends or as a fun project for the whole family.  Is this the cutest collection ever?

To go to a pattern: Scroll down the page until you see the pattern you like, then click on the words "CLICK for PDF download" (or the hyperlinked website name) in the title above the quilt.  

Also check out our E-Bay shop for great bargains on quilt patterns, fabric, and vintage jewelry!
For more free quilt patterns, please visit us on Twitter. 

Zipper felted ball ornament tutorial at Yarnspirations (CLICK for PDF download) 

Candy Cane Ornament tutorial by Swoodson Says as seen at Diary of a Quilter (CLICK for tutorial)  

 Charlie Brown Christmas Ornaments tutorial at A Little Gray (CLICK for tutorial)

Embroidery Mini Hoop ornaments, free pattern at Flamingo Toes (CLICK for tutorial)

Denim Dala Horse Ornament tutorial at Pillar Box Blue (CLICK for tutorial)

Santa Ornament tutorial at Pen and Paper Patterns (CLICK for tutorial)  

Santa is a Star and Snowflake, paper pieced ornaments, free patterns by Carol Doak (CLICK for PDF download) 

  

Little Birdie Ornaments, free pattern and tutorial at Skip To My Lou (CLICK for tutorial) 

Christmas Birdie Ornament tutorial by Samelia’s Mum (CLICK for tutorial) 

Birdie Ornament tutorial at Feathered Nest (CLICK for tutorial)  

Christmas Bird ornaments, free pattern at Tilda’s World (CLICK for free pattern) 

Chicken ornament tutorial by Ann Wood Handmade (CLICK for tutorial)

Bright Star Ornament, free video tutorial by Melissa Boike for Art Gallery Fabrics (CLICK for video tutorial) + (CLICK for PDF template)

 Christmas Elf Girl ornament, free pattern by Wendi Gratz at Shiny Happy World (CLICK for tutorial) + (CLICK for PDF download)  

Quilted Holiday Ornaments, free pattern and tutorial at We All Sew (CLICK for tutorial) + (CLICK for PDF templates) 

Scrap Busting Christmas Ornaments, free pattern by Jen Orman for Moda Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Christmas Tree Garland, free pattern by Fabric Editions (CLICK for tutorial) + (CLICK for PDF download) 

Danish Star ornament, free tutorial by Erika Mulvenna at We All Sew (CLICK for tutorial) 

 Fabric Ornaments, free pattern at Katrinas Tutorials (CLICK for tutorial)  

Quilted Ornament tutorial by Jennifer Watkins for Create Kids Couture (CLICK for tutorial) 

 Retro Felt Christmas Baubles tutorial at Bugs and Fishes blog (CLICK for tutorial) 

Felt Christmas Angels tutorial by Molly and Mama (CLICK for tutorial)  

Fussy Cut fabric ornaments tutorial at Patchwork Posse (CLICK for tutorial) 

Gingerbread House ornament tutorial at Down Grapevine Lane (CLICK for tutorial)

Gingerbread man ornament tutorial at Down Grapevine Lane (CLICK for tutorial)

  Gingerbread ornament tutorial at Molly and Mama (CLICK for tutorial)

Heart Felt Ornaments tutorial at Felt Sew Good (CLICK for tutorial) 

Hexagon Flower decorations by Florence Knapp at Flossie Teacakes for Love Patchwork & Quilting (CLICK for tutorial) + (CLICK for PDF download) 

Liberty Christmas baubles tutorial by Alice Caroline (CLICK for tutorial)  

Mini Camper Hoop Ornament, free pattern at Flamingo Toes (CLICK for tutorial)  

Fabric Angel ornaments with fleece wings, tutorial by Stephanie Cunnyngham for Thermoweb (CLICK for tutorial)  

 Needle felted Christmas ornaments, free pattern at Gathered (CLICK for tutorial)  

Origami Christmas Ornament tutorial at Apple Green Cottage (CLICK for tutorial)  

Woven Stars tutorial at Midwest Living (CLICK for tutorial) 

Patchwork Hanging Star tutorial by Jennifer Cockcroft for The Craft Cotton blog (CLICK for tutorial)  

Cathedral Window ornament tutorial by Mister Domestic as seen at Brother USA (CLICK for tutorial) 

Quilted Christmas Ornaments by Stacy Fisher for The Spruce Crafts (CLICK for tutorial)  

Rudolph the Red Nosed Ornament tutorial by Wendi Gratz at Shiny Happy World (CLICK for tutorial)  

Rustic Burlap Bear Christmas Ornament tutorial at Thermoweb (CLICK for tutorial) 

Scandinavian Star Ornament, free video tutorial by Shabby Fabrics (CLICK for tutorial)

Scrap ribbon tree ornament tutorial at Fireflies & Mudpies (CLICK for tutorial)  

Scrappy patchwork ornament tutorial at Riley Blake Designs (CLICK for tutorial) 

Squirrel Ornament, free tutorial and pattern at You Go Girl (CLICK for tutorial) 

Stitchy Christmas ornament, free pattern by Sarah Fielke (CLICK for tutorial)

Plaid Fabric Gnomes tutorial by Jennifer Long for Thermoweb (CLICK for tutorial)  

Redwork Ornament, free pattern by Gail Pan Designs for Aurifil Threads (CLICK for tutorial) + (CLICK for PDF download)   

Fresh Cut Garland, free pattern at Fabric Editions (CLICK for tutorial) + (CLICK for PDF download)  

Image credits: This post was updated on September 12, 2024. Individual images are copyrighted by their owners. Please respect their generosity in sharing their free patterns, and the restrictions they have placed on the use of these designs; complete information can be found at the designers' websites provided in the links. The photo montage shown on this page is a derivative work that is the property of Quilt Inspiration. If any links are broken, we'd love to know so we can fix it. Please email us at QuiltInspiration {at} gmail {dot} com.