Free Quilt Pattern – Spooky Steampunk

Posted on September 22, 2023 by Luana

Steampunk Halloween is Back in Stock!

Snap up this wildly creative collection before it runs out again – and we hope you enjoy
this Free Quilt Pattern full of spooky whimsy and clever Steampunk details.

To make this 63″ x 68″ quilt design, you will start with the 24″ x 44″ panel. Sew the side panels with set-in Steampunk character diamonds and a Steampunk gear blender. Use the coordinating Steampunk stripe to finish the engineered border. There are so many things to look at in this quilt, it will keep your little Trick-or-Treaters entranced and delighted on Halloween Night!

…from the ‘Steampunk Halloween’ collection by Desiree’s Designs for Quilting Treasures.

PLUS – you’ll receive Free USA / 50% off INTL shipping
when you order the fabrics for this exquisite quilt pattern
(orders $100 and over, no coupon needed).

Don’t miss the ‘Call of the Wild Northwoods‘ and ‘Steampunk Express‘ quilt patterns!

Order the pattern as configured, or customize it to your liking with any of our thousands of fabrics. Just place your desired fabrics in your Wish List, and these fabrics will appear in the Fabric Selector below the pattern.

Click Here for a Video Tutorial of the Free Pattern Designer.
Download Instructions for the pattern at the bottom of the pattern designer page.

Luana and Paul Rubin

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Alphabets – Old and New

Posted on September 20, 2023 by Luana

If you missed my lecture on ‘Art and Activism’ last week, the recording is now online. It is one hour long, so grab a cup of tea or glass of wine along with a notepad because there are lots of ideas for those who want to use their art to make the world a better place.

This week I wanted to highlight this amazingly intricate quilt from the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham. Jenny Douglas created this Celtic Alphabet quilt, named “U is for Unicorn”. Each block has super-detailed applique and embroidery, with a Celtic calligraphy letter, and the motif it describes. You can see other quilts from the Festival of Quilts, on my photo pages.

One of our most popular motifs is the category full of Alphabet, Calligraphy, and Library prints. The exclusive print that eQuilter carries, that thousands of you have discovered, is the official Scrabble Letters panel. You keep ordering, and we keep reprinting. Thanks to Ms Jean Truelove, we have a very large fan club of Scrabble quilters who use the letters to create all kinds of clever quilts, spelling family names and inspirational messages.

There are lots of reasons to love alphabet fabrics. Whether you are a bookworm, a teacher, or a parent of a young reader…these ABC panels and letter prints give us the ability to include messages or monograms/initials on our quilt projects.

You may thrill a young person by stitching in the letters of their name, honor a dear friend with words of praise, or remember someone special with a quote. We can piece, embroider, or sew in letter blocks to embed these words and phrases into our sewing projects.

Because I have studied Calligraphy, collected antique letters, and love to write with a Fountain Pen….these beautiful fabrics have a special meaning to me. Writing with pen and ink is a way of slowing down and being in the moment, similar to hand-quilting and embroidery. I love the loopy letters and flourishing script found in vintage love letters…when the yearnings of lonely hearts were poured out onto a page and surrendered to a mailbox, hope it would reach a beloved somewhere far away. Our quilts have a similar ability to travel through time and deliver a message to someone in the future. You never know when the words you stitch today, will touch someone’s heart in another time and place.

Sharing your love of fabric…
Luana and Paul

Visit eQuilter’s Instagram, Pinterest or TikTok pages for Color and Design ideas.

See Luana’s Flickr Photo Pages for travel images, review our blog, or follow us on Facebook.

Check out our Video pages for interviews and show reviews.

Travel/Quilt Calendar:
Sept 28-30 – AQSG Seminar – Louisville, KY
Oct 27 – Nov 3 – Quilt Market/Festival – Houston TX

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Free Quilt Pattern – Call of the Wild Northwoods

Posted on September 17, 2023 by Luana

As the seasons begin to turn, we tend to see more of the wildlife in the forests and mountains here in Colorado. They are transitioning from higher elevations to lower wintering elevations, the Elk are in the Fall rut, and the Bears are loading up calories before their hibernation.

Our Free Quilt Pattern captures that Wild Spirit, in a group portrait of these Northwoods wild creatures. From Alaska and Canada, to Montana and Wyoming, down the Rocky Mountains into Colorado, these are the precious wildlife that define ‘freedom’ as they roam the woods, the peaks, and the tundra.

To make this 51″ x 64″ quilt design, you will start with the stunningly detailed Hoffman group portrait, a digital-printed 29″ x 44″ panel. You will use a Hoffman coordinate print, plus a Hoffman Hand-dye and Northcott Stonehenge to complete the quick-and-easy border on this evocative quilt design.

Iconic wildlife in this scenic panel: Grizzly Bear, Bison, Bighorn Sheep, Bull Elk, Golden Eagle, Mule Deer Buck, Bull Moose and Mountain Lion.

…from the ‘Call Of The Wild’ collection by Hoffman Fabrics.

PLUS – you’ll receive Free USA / 50% off INTL shipping
when you order the fabrics for this exquisite quilt pattern
(orders $100 and over, no coupon needed).

Don’t miss the ‘Wild Horses‘ and ‘Steampunk Express‘ quilt patterns!

Order the pattern as configured, or customize it to your liking with any of our thousands of fabrics. Just place your desired fabrics in your Wish List, and these fabrics will appear in the Fabric Selector below the pattern.

Click Here for a Video Tutorial of the Free Pattern Designer.
Download Instructions for the pattern at the bottom of the pattern designer page.

Luana and Paul Rubin

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When I Grow Up, I want to be….

Posted on September 16, 2023 by Luana

It’s been a week since we brought home our new puppy. She is 10 weeks old and we are in the deep end of housetraining. We’ve named her Rosie, and she has bonded with our 7 yr old boy Leo. Nothing like a new baby in the house to bring lots of joy and laughter!

If you are wanting to help those affected by the flooding in Libya, we know that Doctors Without Borders is on the ground there. They are one of our 7 non-profit choices when you check out with an eQuilter purchase.

Thanks to everyone who wrote in with suggestions for my upcoming design project – re Block of the Month vs Mystery Quilt, and Applique downloads. Now that things are settling down here I have the time and space to start on a new project. Between my last 2 trips, Covid, prepping for my lecture, and a new puppy…I’ve been pretty busy! We will have a link to the recording of my Art and Activism presentation soon.

I have identified as being an artist since I was a little girl, and after being nudged towards a design degree so I could make a living with my talents, I found my way to the garment industry, the textile industry, and then the quilt industry. I am hoping to find my way back to being a full time artist in the future. As my 65th birthday approaches, and my Medicare card is in the mail, I am still trying to figure out who I want to be when I grow up. Having eQuilter as a creative base for the last 24 years has been such a blessing. Having a supportive spouse and brilliant business partner is priceless! Yay for Paul!

Sophie Quinn has started the school year at MSU Denver/Auraria, and has also started a part time job working for the Colorado Symphony at Boettcher Hall in the DCPA. She has started out in Patron Services, which means if you go for a concert you may see her in the ticket booth.

Fall is in the air here in Colorado. We’ve had our first few chilly nights and milder days, which is very welcome. Next weekend our predicted lows are in the mid-Forties. Ladies and Gentlemen, start your sewing machine engines! It’s Sewing Season!

sharing your love for fabric,
Luana and Paul

Visit eQuilter’s Instagram, Pinterest or TikTok pages for Color and Design ideas.

See Luana’s Flickr Photo Pages for travel images, comment on our blog, or follow us on Facebook.

Check out our Video pages for interviews and show reviews.

Travel/Quilt Calendar:
Sept 28-30 – AQSG Seminar – Louisville, KY
Oct 27 – Nov 3 – Quilt Market/Festival – Houston TX
(Artist Speaker in “Women’s Voices” exhibit on Thurs Nov 2)

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Free Quilt Pattern – Steampunk Express

Posted on September 15, 2023 by Luana

All Aboard!…..it’s the Steampunk Express!

Our favorite Steampunk collection returns with a cortege of critters, decked out in goggles and gears.

To make this 65″ x 65″ quilt design, you will start with the central 24″ x 44″ pachyderm panel, then use a second block panel to make the side sections with an ostrich, giraffe, galloping horse, bear in bathtub, and more elephants. Solid Kona Black sashing makes those vintage colors pop! Use the Steampunk Express Stripe and Gear coordinate to finish the border.

…from the ‘Steampunk Express’ collection by Desiree’s Designs for Quilting Treasures.

PLUS – you’ll receive Free USA / 50% off INTL shipping
when you order the fabrics for this exquisite quilt pattern
(orders $100 and over, no coupon needed).

Don’t miss the ‘Haunted Halloween‘ and ‘Steampunk Stitchery‘ quilt patterns!

Order the pattern as configured, or customize it to your liking with any of our thousands of fabrics. Just place your desired fabrics in your Wish List, and these fabrics will appear in the Fabric Selector below the pattern.

Click Here for a Video Tutorial of the Free Pattern Designer.
Download Instructions for the pattern at the bottom of the pattern designer page.

Luana and Paul Rubin

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A Peaceful Perspective

Posted on September 13, 2023 by Luana

Today we were delighted to host the board meeting for the Colorado Quilt Council – the CQC. They are busy planning a yearly event (Quilt-a-Fair) and the future of quilting in our state. Isn’t it great to know we still have dedicated leaders forging a path for our beloved sewing passion?

I am getting ready for my lecture on ‘Art and Activism’ at CU Boulder Thursday at 5:30 pm MDT. If you can’t make it in person and would like a link to the streaming lecture, please contact Customer Service.

Well we got our new puppy Saturday, and just decided on a name after we got to know her a little better. We decided she is a “Rosie” and boy is she a sweetie-pie snuggler. Our 7 year old boy Leo has been showing her the ropes in the house, and with the cats. Sophie Quinn has been over several times now to cuddle and photograph our new little pupper. Rosie is helping to mend our broken hearts, after losing our beloved dog Ruby.

This week I wanted to highlight this beautiful quilt from the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham. Margaret Woodside has captured a pastoral scene with a beautiful sense of perspective, and innovative piecing. She won a Judge’s Choice award for this quilt, and the judge’s comments said:
“This quilt is a complete medley of techniques masterfully combined to make a unified piece. There is nothing missing in this quintessential country scene.”

I certainly agree! And I must admit that when I go to the UK I love to go for a drive in the countryside to see the rolling green hills dotted with white sheep. (I am also a huge fan of the BBC show “All Creatures Great and Small” for a similar reason.)

I love how this quilt draws you into the scene, and invites the eye to wander among all the peaceful countryside themes. Brava to Margaret!

Sharing your love of fabric…
Luana and Paul

Visit eQuilter’s Instagram, Pinterest or TikTok pages for Color and Design ideas.

See Luana’s Flickr Photo Pages for travel images, review our blog, or follow us on Facebook.

Check out our Video pages for interviews and show reviews.

Travel/Quilt Calendar:
Sept 14, 5:30 pm – “Art & Activism” lecture at CU Boulder.
(Contact us for a link to streaming lecture.)
Sept 28-30 – AQSG Seminar – Louisville, KY
Oct 27 – Nov 3 – Quilt Market/Festival – Houston TX

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Free Quilt Pattern – Haunted Halloween

Posted on September 10, 2023 by Luana

This sassy kitty is stylin’ – with a satin bow to match her pretty green eyes – and an orange-trimmed witch’s hat to give her a higher profile on Halloween Eve. She’ the Queen of the Night – the chic Black Cat with her plaid pumpkins and a golden Full Moon rising.

To make this 47″ x 53″ quilt design, you will start with the 36″ x 44″ panel, then piece the Blue Speckles print with Kona Solid Black to make the clever Flying Bats side panels. Finish the border with a Yellow Speckle, Black Cat Faces, and a Hoffman Orange Hand-Dye.

We’ve pulled together fabrics from 4 of our suppliers to make this striking Spooky Free Quilt Pattern, exclusive to eQuilter! If you start sewing soon you’ll have this done in time for Trick-or-Treaters on October 31st…just around the corner!

…from the ‘Abra-CAT-Dabra’ collection by Gina Jane Lee for Quilting Treasures, and the ‘Hocus Pocus’ collection by Deborah Edwards for Northcott Fabrics. .

Don’t miss the ‘Sea Turtle Beach‘ and ‘Steampunk Stitchery‘ quilt patterns!

Order the pattern as configured, or customize it to your liking with any of our thousands of fabrics. Just place your desired fabrics in your Wish List, and these fabrics will appear in the Fabric Selector below the pattern.

Click Here for a Video Tutorial of the Free Pattern Designer.
Download Instructions for the pattern at the bottom of the pattern designer page.

Luana and Paul Rubin

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Helping Morocco

Posted on September 9, 2023 by Luana

We have a new baby in the house. Today we picked up our 9 week old little girl puppy. After losing our beloved 10 yr old Ruby, our other dog Leo was so sad, and we decided we need 2 dogs in our house. We don’t have a name yet, but I posted a photo on my Facebook page.

I wanted to let you know that we have made our first donation the United Nations agency that helps women, girls and newborns affected by the devastating earthquake in Morocco. We have only begun to know the destruction caused by this earthquake. Thank you for supporting our family-owned business, so we can make immediate donations when these kinds of natural disasters hit.

So I am going to ask this question one more time:
Would you like me to create some applique patterns to download?
Would you like me to design a Mystery Quilt or Block of the Month for eQuilter customers?
Is there something else you’ve been hoping I’d apply my designer brain to, for your future enjoyment?

Please write to me at [email protected] and give me your ideas, your requests, and I’ll use your feedback in making a choice for my next Creative Time Pod. Many thanks to those of you who have already sent in your suggestions. You’ll be hearing from me!

I was in a 3 day Photoshop conference this last week, and now I am back to work editing photos from the Birmingham Festival of Quilts, and of course my recent trip to Bear Camp in Alaska. You will see more photos popping up on my photo pages this week.

Sept 14 I am giving a presentation at the University of Boulder on ‘Art and Activism’ in collaboration with the Endangered Species Coalition and Sierra Club. There are still a few free tickets left. Contact customer service for the link. As you know this is a passion of mine, and I am honored to be given this opportunity to reach the wider environmental/activist community.

sharing your love for fabric,
Luana and Paul

Visit eQuilter’s Instagram, Pinterest or TikTok pages for Color and Design ideas.

See Luana’s Flickr Photo Pages for travel images, comment on our blog, or follow us on Facebook.

Check out our Video pages for interviews and show reviews.

Travel/Quilt Calendar:
Sept 14, 5:30 pm – “Art & Activism” lecture at CU Boulder.
(Contact us for a link to free tickets.)
Sept 28-30 – AQSG Seminar – Louisville, KY
Oct 27 – Nov 3 – Quilt Market/Festival – Houston TX
(Artist Speaker in “Women’s Voices” exhibit on Thurs Nov 2)

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Free Quilt Pattern – Autumn Splendor

Posted on September 8, 2023 by Luana

As we wait for Fall’s first breeze, that first chilly night that brings the promise of changing seasons….we bring you this lovely exclusive Free Quilt Pattern that captures the turning colors of the autumnal season.

To make this quick-and-easy 55″ x 72″ nap/couch quilt, you will start with the gentle aesthetic of this Northcott 24″ x 44″ Maple Leaf panel. You will use the gorgeous Ombre Marble print plus 2 coordinating Stonehenge textures, to create the framing borders.

If you are up North and Jack Frost is right behind Lady Autumn, you can back this seasonal sewing project with Flannel for an extra cozy quilt, anticipating snuggles with a cup of hot tea by a roaring fireplace.

Or…just hang it on the wall and enjoy the compliments!

…from the ‘Stonehenge Autumn Splendor’ collection by Linda Ludovico for Northcott Fabrics.

PLUS – you’ll receive Free USA / 50% off INTL shipping
when you order the fabrics for this exquisite quilt pattern
(orders $100 and over, no coupon needed).

Don’t miss the ‘Sea Turtle Beach‘ and ‘Steampunk Stitchery‘ quilt patterns!

Order the pattern as configured, or customize it to your liking with any of our thousands of fabrics. Just place your desired fabrics in your Wish List, and these fabrics will appear in the Fabric Selector below the pattern.

Click Here for a Video Tutorial of the Free Pattern Designer.
Download Instructions for the pattern at the bottom of the pattern designer page.

Luana and Paul Rubin

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Wild Voices…Wild Places….Worth Saving

Posted on September 6, 2023 by Luana

After a week in Alaska, and 10 days recovering from Covid, I am finally able to come downstairs and start to look at my Bear photos again.

I wanted to share this photo, and the story of this moment. On our last full day we were gifted with the antics of 2 cubs and their watchful mom, as the sun sank low in the sky. Mom had been running back and forth trying to catch salmon in the river, until other bears wandered over, attracted by her splashing. Then she spent a lot of time and energy chasing the other bears away from her cubs. She would charge at the other bears, sending up a spray of droplets from the river, and her cubs would be galloping right behind her as if they were part of the chase. “Go Mom, go!”

Finally they were all tired out, and they sat on a little sandy island in the middle of the river. The cubs were gazing out into the distance at the big wide world…and Mum was looking over her shoulder making sure there were no other dangers lurking. Isn’t that the way of all moms? Our young cubs are blissfully aware of all the things in the world that are scary or unpleasant, and Mom places herself as a boundary or in this case, a guardian.

They sat quietly as the sun hovered over the horizon on a late summer long afternoon that was slipping into evening. We sat on a viewing platform, quietly, watching them view their domain. All was still, all was right with the world, in those precious peaceful moments. I hope by sharing this image and this story with you, that you can also take the magic of this moment, and carry it in your heart.

She never did catch a fish, but a few minutes after I took this photo, they ambled into the golden meadow and she lay down to nurse her cubs. All we could see were her paws stretching and waving with the ripples of glowing light that spread across the whispering waves of sedge grasslands. The breeze carried the cubs’ satisfied grunts to our ears as they snuggled in to nurse, and we knew it was just one voice in the great symphony of the Alaskan wilderness.

May we always protect and cherish these irreplaceable wild lands.

Sharing your love of fabric…
Luana and Paul

Visit eQuilter’s Instagram, Pinterest or TikTok pages for Color and Design ideas.

See Luana’s Flickr Photo Pages for travel images, review our blog, or follow us on Facebook.

Check out our Video pages for interviews and show reviews.

Travel/Quilt Calendar:
Sept 14, 5:30 pm – “Art & Activism” lecture at CU Boulder.
(Contact us for a link to free tickets.)
Sept 28-30 – AQSG Seminar – Louisville, KY
Oct 27 – Nov 3 – Quilt Market/Festival – Houston TX

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