Connections (Curved Flying Geese!)

Connections is a stunning original quilt featuring curved flying geese that loop over and under each other. It was designed and made by Sandy Rindlesbach, a Handi Quilter National Educator. This quilt inspired us to think about curved flying geese and how they are made (read on for details!)

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Connections, made and quilted by Sandy Rindlesbach (Utah). 

Sandy Rindlesbach explains the quilt title: "Life is about the connections we make. Some of our connections are strong and powerful.  They are a dominant part of our lives.  Some connections will, for a season, take a step into the background.  They have contributed to who we are today.  We might not interact with them regularly, but they are still important to us.  By viewing all of our connections, we gain a clearer picture of who we are."

Flying geese were quilted into the background using a Forte (Amara 24) using free-motion, rulers, and Pro-Stitcher.  Sandy Rindlesbach talks about the Amara 24 in this YouTube video:

To learn about curved flying geese you might like Drafting Curved Geese, a top-rated tutorial by Chris Lynn Kirsch at Chris Quilts (CLICK HERE). Here is her project, Goose Tricks:

Goose Tricks by Chris Lynn Kirsch at Chris Quilts

 

For a quick video about curved flying geese, also check out the YouTube video called Design Free Form Flying Geese by Gail Garber: 

The video explains how to design and draft free-form/curved flying geese paths using a flexible curve ruler. Gail Garber’s related book, Flying Colors, discusses all of the steps including paper piecing:

Image credits: Connections was shown in the Black & White +1 exhibit at the 2025 Houston International Quilt Festival.  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration.  Note: We are Amazon Associates, meaning we earn a small commission if a purchase is made from an Amazon link on this page.  Thank you!

Illustrated Squares (FREE pattern!)

Black and white quilts are so stylish, especially with interesting prints and strong contrasts! Scroll down for a link to the FREE pattern and video tutorial featuring Ashlee Rudert.

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Thank U, Next #24 by Ashlee Rudert (Bountiful, Utah)  

This stunning black & white quilt used the Illustrations fabric collection by Alli K Design for Moda Fabrics. To add a hint of color, Ashlee also included a large print fabric with hints of periwinkle and taupe.  The quilt is based on the FREE Illustrated Squares quilt pattern by Alli K (CLICK for PDF download!) 

Ashlee says she began working on this project during the filming of Handi Quilter's Clueless Quilter, Episode 5.  "I decided to approach it as a sampler quilt that would feature different stitching techniques.  My friend, Kim Sandberg, taught me several tips on how to use rulers, adjust tension for various types of thread, and helped me try out special accessory feet while we filmed the episode." 

For MORE quilt inspiration, check out our Free Pattern Day for Black & White quilts (CLICK HERE!)

 

 Image credits: The quilt by Ashlee Rudert was photographed by Quilt Inspiration at the 2025 Houston International Quilt Festival.

Free pattern day: Baby quilts! (part 2)

Here are the best FREE PATTERNS for baby and toddler quilts! This is Part 2 of our series (also see Part 1 and Part 3!). To go to a pattern: Scroll down the page until you see the quilt 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 jewelry, clothing, and collectibles!
For more free patterns, please follow us on Twitter!

Game Night, 50 x 60", free pattern at Moda Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

 Playtime quilt, 40" square, free pattern at Maywood Studio (CLICK for PDF download)

Grogu (Baby Yoda) quilt by Cole Whitaker at Cole's Quilts (CLICK for PDF download)

ABC quilt, free pattern at Art Gallery Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

 Zig Zagging quilt, 64" square, free pattern by Natalie Crabtree for Michael Miller Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Love to Dance quilt, 50" square, free pattern by Carol Swift for Benartex (CLICK for PDF download)

Big Hearted Quilt, ~29 x 30", tutorial by Robin Nelson at Craft Sisters for Moda Bakeshop (CLICK for PDF download)

Panda-monium mini quilt, ~19 x 20”, free pattern at Fat Quarter Shop (CLICK for PDF download) (see the version at Owen's Olivia)

Fresh Faces quilt, 36 x 48", free pattern by LJ Simon for Windham Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)  

Just Keep Swimming quilt, free pattern by Jen Daly for Moda Bakeshop (CLICK for PDF download)

Adore You baby quilt, free pattern at Tilda's World (CLICK for PDF download)

Pixel Heart quilt, 30" square, free pattern at Riley Blake Designs (CLICK for PDF download)

Unicorn quilt, reverse applique, free pattern and tutorial at We All Sew (CLICK for tutorial)+(CLICK for PDF templates)

Hedge Hugs quilt, 61 x 68", free pattern by Wendy Sheppard for Michael Miller Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

 Sparkles quilt, 42 x 49", free pattern at Riley Blake Designs (CLICK for PDF download)

Mickey Mouse silhouette quilt, 30 x 40", free pattern at Camelot Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Pirouette quilt, 43 x 43", free pattern at Riley Blake Designs (CLICK for PDF download)

Bluebonnet Breeze quilt, 46" square, free pattern at Riley Blake Designs (CLICK for PDF download)

Royal Critters quilt, 43 x 43", free pattern by Bethany Fuller for Windham Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Babe in the Woods quilt, 42 x 50", free pattern at Maywood Studio (CLICK for PDF download)

Get the Party Started, ~50 x 60", free pattern by Casey York for Windham Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Petals quilt, 40 x 55” , free pattern by Marinda Stewart for Michael Miller Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Oopsie Daisy quilt, ~45 x 45”, free pattern by Erin Russek for McCall’s Quilting (CLICK for PDF download)

  Penny’s Garden quilt, 50 x 57”, free pattern at Riley Blake Designs (CLICK for PDF download)

Baby Birds quilt, 48 x 48”, free pattern at Studio E Fabrics, including bird templates: (CLICK for PDF - pink version  and CLICK for PDF -blue version)

Hugs and Kisses quilt, 41 x 52”, free pattern by Sue Pickering for Windham Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Trip Around the World quilt, 40 x 46",  free pattern (pink) by Susan Emory for Michael Miller (CLICK for PDF download)

Trip Around the World quilt, 40 x 46", free pattern (blue) by Susan Emory for Michael Miller Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

 

Off to the Races quilt, 54 x 54”, free pattern by Melissa Mortenson for Riley Blake Designs (CLICK for PDF download)

Tea Party quilt, 49 x 49”, free pattern by Jina Barney for Riley Blake Designs (CLICK for PDF download)

Spin Me Round quilt, 46 x 46", free pattern at Mod Kid Boutique (CLICK for PDF download)

Picnic Pals quilt, 40 x 40", designed by Alyssa Thomas for Clothworks (CLICK for PDF download)

Up, Up and Away quilt, 38 x 44", free pattern by Diane Harris at Quiltmaker (CLICK for PDF download)

Rocket Quilt, ~42 x 56", free pattern at Riley Blake Designs (CLICK for PDF download)

IMAGE CREDIT:  This post was updated on April 17, 2026. All 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.  Some of these are tutorials while others include downloadable (.pdf) patterns; we have tried to note which is which in the titles.  We update our links every 6 months as needed; however, websites may change their pages in between updates.  If any link is broken, we'd love to know so we can fix it; email us at quiltinspiration {at} gmail {dot} com.

Celebrate Longevity!

Today's quilt marks a 70th birthday celebration.  From the bright colors to the curved flying geese, and the giant eye, this quilt radiates energy. It was made with machine piecing and quilting, hand applique, and hand and machine embellishment.

p.s. Check out our E-Bay shop for great bargains on jewelry, clothing, patterns and collectibles! For continuous free quilt patterns, please follow us on Twitter ! 

Happy 70th Birthday, made and quilted by Naoko Hirano (Komaki, Japan)  

 

Designer and maker Naoko Hirano says, "The celebration of longevity typically begins at the age of 60, but seniors these days are often still young, and the celebration doesn't really get underway until the age of 70. In Japan, the theme color for 70 is purple, but I love the vibrant colors and red and yellow.  Red gives me energy, and yellow gives me the strength to live."

 

Naoko used lots of fabrics that brought back memories to make this 70th quilt, then cut it in half and staggered it for an interesting finish. Rick rack trim was used to embellish the curved seams.

 Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2025 Houston International Quilt Festival.

Main Street on Independence Day

Does your home town celebrate the 4th of July? Also known as Independence Day, this US holiday commemorates the passage of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.  We always enjoy the fireworks and the red, white and blue decorations - including quilts!  Today's featured quilt really sparkles with red, white and blue fabrics and pinwheels.

p.s. Check out our E-Bay shop for great bargains on craft jewelry, patterns, and collectibles!
For continuous free quilt patterns, please visit us on Twitter.    

Main Street on Independence Day, made and quilted by Carol Pavey McConahy (Icy Swan Creations)

Carol Pavey McConahy based this wonderful quilt on the Main Street quilt pattern by Sassafras Lane Design.  The flying geese borders were her original design to make the quilt wide enough for a queen-size bed. She used 20 different red fabrics and 14 blue fabrics for the top. The pure red and blue colors are the perfect combination. We love the "confetti" fabric in the background!

 (Happy 4th of July to all!) 

Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2025 Tucson Quilters Guild show.

Wedding Stars

The Double Wedding Ring is the most popular pattern in the history of quilting, and the addition of stars takes the design to a new level. Here is a gorgeous Wedding Star quilt in blues and white with a flying geese border!

Note: Please check out our eBay shop for great bargains on jewelry, patterns, and collectibles !

Blue Bayou by JoAnn Hinchliffe, quilted by Valeria Greenwell.  

 We love the gorgeous blue and white contrasts and ombre effects of the piecing in this wedding ring quilt! JoAnn Hinchliffe says, "I started this quilt in a class a long time ago.  I picked it up again years later and finished it, only to be very hesitant about how to quilt it. I finally realized my freehand quilting would not do it justice, so I asked Valeria Greenwell to quilt it for me (Valee G/Quilt Artistry). She did an amazing job. 

  JoAnn says: "As I was sewing on the binding, Linda Ronstadts' "Blue Bayou" came on the radio... and my quilt had its name!" Pattern source: Judy Niemeyer's Bali Wedding Star. 

Note: Photos of Blue Bayou were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2025 Tucson Quilters Guild show.  If you enjoyed this post, you might also like our Free Pattern Day for Wedding Ring Quilts (CLICK HERE) and our Free Pattern Day for Blue and White Quilts (CLICK HERE!)