Fourth of July 2015

~ stay tuned for Christmas in July! ~
Happy Fourth of July!  Here is a starry red, white and blue quilt that caught our eye at the 2015 World Quilt Show. The whirling pinwheel-like centers of the stars remind us of 4th of July fireworks! Each kaleidoscopic star is unique.

Patriot Star, 58 x 58", by Candace West (Floral City, Florida)

The Patriot Star pattern was designed, pieced and quilted by Florida quilt artist and teacher, Candace West.  Foundation-pieced kaleidoscope star blocks are set in red, white and blue Irish chain blocks. The stars "float" in the block assuring no points are cut off by the seam allowances.

The red-and-white striped fabric is set on the bias, reminding us of bunting.  Diamond shapes were quilted into the open spaces and embellished with crystals for extra sparkle.

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration.  The Patriot Star Quilt is the subject of a workshop taught by Candace West.

Quilted in Honor : Veterans Day

Veterans Day is observed on November 11 in the USA.  Here is a quilt to honor all those who have served in the military.   Thank you for your courageous service.

New Glory, 60 x 60", by Scott Hansen (Washington, USA)

The artist writes, "This quilt is dedicated to the brave men and women who so valiantly live and breathe to protect our county. I wanted to create something based on our American flag, but which also had a modern edge to it. There are fifty stars, all different and unique, just like our fifty states. There are multiple red and white stripes holding the design together. I kept the traditional colors to give homage to our current flag. I think that if Betsy Ross (the seamstress who sewed one of the first American flags in the year  1776)  were a modern quilter, she would be pleased."

Closeup, New Glory by Scott Hansen

Scott Hansen says, "New Glory was originally created as part of Island Batiks’ Quilted in Honor Traveling Quilt show to honor and bless our US veterans." The New Glory quilt pattern can be purchased at Blue Nickel Studios on Etsy.

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.

Fourth of July 2014

Independence Day is one of our favorite holidays, with its festive red, white, and blue colors, parades, picnics, and evening fireworks underneath the summer sky. Here's a fabulous flag quilt in honor of this celebration. Happy 4th of July, everyone !

One Nation Under God by Janice Jones. Quilted by Penny Allen

Janice writes, "Two design ideas developed into this quilt: the Feathered Star center (from a class by Jean Biddick) and a patriotic quilt that contained 50 stars [for each of the 50 states].  Traditional and paper piecing  (small stars and log cabins) were used in this original design." We  love the vibrant contrasts of this patriotic quilt from the 2014 Tucson Quilt Fiesta in Arizona.

Close- up, One Nation Under God by Janice Jones

Janice's feathered star has five borders surrounding it. The innermost solid red border works as a great background for Penny Allen's quilting design of elegant scrollwork. The checkerboard and star borders provide a symmetrical, geometric motif which enhances the star itself. We especially like the angled red and white pattern of the outer border, which reminds us of the flag waving in the wind. This border gives an imaginative sense of movement to this design.

Close- up of quilting, One Nation Under God by Janice Jones

Each tiny red square in the checkerboard border was quilted to look like a cathedral window. Notice that the blue checkerboard squares have a variety of prints on them, which lends a vintage, scrap-quilt look to Janice's work.
If you'd like to make your own feathered star design, here's a feathered star variation that is a free pattern from Fons and Porter as of this date.  We hope that your quilt turns out just as gorgeous as the one above !

Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration.

Happy Canada Day!

On July 1, Canadians across the country and around the world show their pride in their history, culture and achievements with celebrations and festivities.  In honor of Canada's birthday, here are some free Canadian Maple Leaf patterns!  (Note: this post was updated on June 11, 2015).

Above, Row 1: Paper piecing maple leaf pattern by Berene Campbell at Happy Sew Lucky; Canadian Flag, free pattern by Christine Thresh at Winnowing. Row 2: Maple leaf block (left), seen in a finished quilt by Carly at Citric Sugar ; free paper pieced pattern (right) by Christina at Christina Creating. Row 3: Maple Leaf Mug Rug, free template and tutorial by Lara (Buzzin Bumble) at Quilting Board; Maple Leaf free block pattern at Berrima Patchwork. Row 4: Canadian flag table runner, free pattern at Sew Sisters.

Note: This post was originally published on July 1, 2012 and was updated on June 30, 2014.

Quilted in Honor

This is Memorial Day weekend in the U.S., and we thought you might enjoy some inspiring red, white and blue quilts. The Quilted in Honor exhibit, which benefits Operation Homefront, features over 50 quilts by celebrity designers. Read on for details and links to designer patterns... some of them are free!

And The Flag Was Still There by Rob Appell (Morro Bay, California)

Depicting the raising of the American flag at Iwo Jima in 1945, this original art quilt was designed by Rob Appell, who says: "When I was offered the opportunity to use my art to help provide assistance to those who have served our country in the armed forces, I decided to dive in headfirst... I was true to my soul in the creating of the quilt."  For information about Rob's quilts, see Rob Appell Designs.

Dawn’s Early Light, 59 x 71", by Doug Leko (Blaine, Minnesota)

"This quilt is dedicated to all the men and women who have served our country. Because of their service, we live in a free country."  As of this writing, you can download a free pattern for Dawn's Early Light. We love the gently waving quilting lines as shown below.

Honor, 66 x 82", by Kari Nichols (Centennial, Colorado)

This is such a clever bargello design for a flag. Kari Nichols says:  "[This quilt is] dedicated to my father, Louis Gowen, a Bronze Star recipient...  May the courage and sacrifice of all veterans and service members never be forgotten." As of this writing you can download a free pattern for Honor by Kari Nichols.

Stars and Stripes Forever, 62 x 70", by Ricky Tims, quilted by Cyndi McChesney

Ricky Tims says:  "When first asked to design a quilt for the Quilted in Honor project, I wanted to honor the brave men and women who serve our country and the world by creating a quilt that symbolized our flag and what it stands for."

The pattern for Stars and Stripes Forever is available for $5.00 at C&T Publishing. All proceeds from the sale of this pattern benefit Quilted In Honor, a fund-raising initiative for Operation Homefront. The blocks are paper pieced, and the project is suitable for most advanced beginner quilters.

Stars and Stripes, 63 x 63", designed and quilted by Jackie Robinson, pieced by Marilyn Eider (Eureka, Montana)

Jackie Robinson says:  "John Philip Sousa knew how to write the music that makes patriotism ring in our souls. This quilt is dedicated to the memory of our fallen soldiers. The protection of the Stars and Stripes was in their hearts."  As of this writing, you can download a free pattern for Stars & Stripes.

Patriotic Stars II, 36 x 36", by Sarah Vedeler (Scottsdale, Arizona)

Sarah Vedeler says:  "This quilt was made in honor of all who have served, all who are currently serving and all who will serve in the future."  As of this writing, the pattern for Patriotic Stars II by Sarah Vedeler can be purchased for $5.00 at the Pattern Spot; all proceeds benefit Quilted In Honor. 

The stars are nestled in between log cabin blocks.  Log cabin paper piecing templates for the 7.5" blocks are available for free download at Sarah Vedeler Designs.  In the above photo you can see Sarah's decorative machine embroidery designs on the stars.  Sarah Vedeler has created an extensive embroidery design collection to work with her GO! Stars dies at Accuquilt.  An example is shown below.

Embroidered star by Sarah Vedeler for Accuquilt GO!

Image credits:  Photos of quilts were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2014 AQS Quilt Week-Phoenix and the 2013 Houston International Quilt Festival.  You can see more free Quilted in Honor patterns at Island Batik. The exhibit may be coming to a quilt show near you... check out the exhibit schedule here.

Free pattern day: Patriotic and flag quilts

'Tis the season for red, white and blue !  Memorial Day, Flag Day, and America's Independence Day are just around the corner.  This post was recently updated with more red, white and blue quilts, wall hangings, pillows and table toppers... here are 40 free patterns!  (Note:  This post was updated on March 22, 2015).

American Glory quilt tutorial by Stefanie Roman for Moda Bakeshop

Show Your Pride wall quilt, `54"x 54", by Cheryl Almgren Taylor, free pattern at McCall's Quilting

Dawn's Early Light, 59 x 71", by Doug Leko, free pattern at Island Batik

Blooming Star quilt by Little Miss Shabby

Stars and Stripes by Heidi Pridemore for P&B Textiles

Uncle Sam's Quilt by Andie Johnson for Moda Bakeshop

Flying Free wall hanging, design by Laurie Simpson, free wall hanging pattern at All People Quilt

Patriot Proud by Janet Mednick for P&B Textiles

 Flag of Valor pattern by Polly Minick and Laurie Simpson for Moda Fabrics

Broad Stripes Bright Stars quilt, 76 x 76", free pattern at Robert Kaufman Fabrics

American Pinwheels Quilt tutorial by Crystal Hendrix for Moda Bakeshop

Patriotic Points wall hanging, 48.5"square, free pattern at All People Quilt

Sisters-Mary, 52 x 52", free quilt pattern by Chris Hoover for the Downton Abbey Collection at Andover Fabrics

Stretching to the Stars quilt, free pattern by Janet Wickell at About.com

Patriotic Quilt, tutorial by Courtney at Make All Things New

July Star Blocks tutorial by Allison Harris at Cluck Cluck Sew

Nine Patch Stars and Stripes, free pattern by Kathy Lichtendahl for The National Quilting Association (NQA)

A Cry for Freedom, Ohio Stars and Rails quilt, free pattern by Bonnie Hunter at Quiltville

Flag Fanfare Quilt, free pattern by Retta Warehime at TLC Home

 Betsy Ross Flag quilt, free pattern by Stephanie Kepecs at Sewing with Nancy

Star Spangled Sky quilt by Jo's Country Junction for Moda Bakeshop

Show Your Colors, free pattern with prairie points by Susan K. Cleveland at Pieces Be With You (free download)

Firework Flag, 18 x 18", free pattern by Gigi Khalsa at Quilters Newsletter

American Beauty quilt, free pattern by Leslie Sonkin for Windham Fabrics

Fourth of July wall hanging, free pattern at Sew Bitter Sweet Designs

Stars and Stripes Quilt, free pattern by Stacy Harpole, fabric by Pat Sloan

Vintage View - 10¢ a chance, free vintage quilt pattern at McCalls Quilting

Another Quick Flag Quilt tutorial by Tia at Tia Curtis Quilts

America Lives On by Larene Smith for Windham Fabrics

 A Real Firecracker table topper, free pattern by Diane Volk Harris for Quiltmaker

American Flag Wall Hanging tutorial at Jill Made It

Long May She Wave mini quilt tutorial at Mel's Own Place

Quilted Fireworks Table Runner, free pattern by Calli at Make It Do

Sweet Liberty Table Runner tutorial by Julie from The Intrepid Thread as seen at The Quilted Fish

Salute to Stars, free table runner pattern at All People Quilt

  
Patriotic Hexagons table runner, free pattern by Sherri McConnell at All People Quilt

Stars and Stripes table runner by Jen Daly as seen at Quilters Newsletter

Americana Summer Quilted Table Runner, free pattern at TLC Home

American Flag Quilt table runner, free pattern by Beth Lancaster at Moonlight Quilts

Flag Map Mug Rug, free paper piecing pattern by Caroline at Trillium Design

Patriotic Star Pillow by Kimberly Walus at bitty bits and pieces

Patriotic Pillows tutorial at Sewn Studio

Image credits:  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.  If any links are broken, we'd love to know; email us at quiltinspiration {at} gmail {dot} com.