William Morris for applique lovers

William Morris (1834 –1896) was an English textile designer associated with the Arts and Crafts Movement. During his lifetime, Morris produced over 600 designs for wallpaper, textiles, and embroideries. Some of these elaborate designs have been translated into applique patterns by Michele Hill (William Morris in Applique and More William Morris Applique) and Rosemary Makhan (Floral Abundance: Applique Designs Inspired by William Morris).  Here are some William Morris-inspired quilts!

A Matter of Morris by Mary Mix, quilted by Janice Skiles

Mary explains, "I have always been intrigued with the Arts and Crafts Movement and the fabrics that were a part of that time. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the quilt world as well as the availability of many wonderful William Morris fabrics. I found a lovely, yet challenging pattern in the Arts and Crafts style that was a perfect fit with the fabrics I love." We really admired the excellent workmanship and the gracious symmetry of Mary's quilt.
The pattern is from the book, Floral Abundance:  Applique Designs Inspired by William Morris, by Rosemary Makhan.

Close up, A Matter of Morris by Mary Mix

Mary continues, "I enjoy applique as well as piecing, and this pattern mixed the two so well with these fabrics. This quilt was a joy to create despite the time and challenges it presented." In this elegant center medallion, you can see how Mary's use of soft neutrals really enhances the elegant curved vase and  the sophisticated curve of the twining leaves.

Remembering William Morris by Catherine Vaught,  quilted by Carolyn Helvie

An Arizona Quilter Hall of Fame award winner, Catherine states, "Selecting fabrics for each block was a two-year quilting adventure. Hand embroidery gave the fused elements definition and brought this piece to life. " Catherine adds that her work was inspired by Picasso and DaVinci.The stunning center medallion is from the book More William Morris Applique by Michele Hill.

Catherine has expertly rendered these fanciful flowers in shades of soft purple, pink, and green. Playful bunnies and birds add a springtime feel to what appears to be an enchanted garden.

Nature's Treasures by Diane Abram, United Kingdom

Blue-ribbon winner for "Best of Country" at the 2015 World Quilt Show, Diane writes, "Three books of William Morris inspired designs were used for this original quilt. The center is from Rosemary Makhan's "Floral Abundance.". The other designs are taken from Michele Hill's books on Williams Morris applique."

Close up, Nature's Treasures by Diane Abram

Diane continues, "I didn't use all traditional Morris fabics, preferring instead to try to see if I could give the design a different feel with a more modern choice. Metallic thread has been used to edge the applique and to give it sparkle."

Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration.

Highlights of the 2014 Arizona Quilters' Guild show - Day 3

We've saved some of our favorite quilts for Part 3 of this series.  Here are more highlights from the 2014 Arizona Quilters Guild Show,including quilts inspired by Kaffe Fassett and Picasso, along with original fabric art!

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall by Brenda Archambault

This quilt is a wonderfully creative rendition of Girl with a Mirror by Pablo Picasso. Brenda Archambault says:  "A storybook challenge spurred me on to combine Snow White's wicked stepmother's image with the fair Mona Lisa.  Thanks to Pablo [Picasso] and Leonardo [da Vinci] for the inspiration."  The project was inspired by a Modern Mystery Quilt Challenge by Weeks Ringle and Bill Kerr.

Hippocampus, Uniquely Mine by Mary Patrick

We were enchanted by this colorful, decorative seahorse with its frilly orange and purple mane. Mary Patrick says,  "While seahorses are truly unique in nature, mine became even more so with the fabric color combination it seemed to demand."

Close up, Hippocampus, Uniquely Mine by Mary Patrick

In this closeup photo you can see the many bits of fabric that were combined in raw-edge collage fashion to create the cheerful seahorse, which floats in a garden of seaweed.
 
Wildfire by Christy Schliesmann

This miniature quilt really stood out with its crisp piecing and fiery colors.  Christy Schliesmann says,  "Foundation piecing was complete, but I had no reason to finish.  Then the Granite Mountain [hotshots] fire news came.  What an inspiration to complete and dedicate this quilt."   The quilt was dedicated to the memory of the 19 firefighters who lost their lives in 2013 in the Yarnell Hill fire, the deadliest fire ever in Arizona.

Close up, Wildfire by Christy Schliesmann

In this close up photo you can see the flame-shaped quilting and the crystal embellishments.  The quilt was based on the Circle of Fire design by Pat Wolfe, published in American Quilter in 2009.

AQG President's Quilt by Kathe Carolin, quilted by Jeannie Rogers

Winner of a blue ribbon for Group Quilt, Kathe Carolin says:  "The bold, bright colors and expansive white background are reflective of the influence of the modern quilt movement." Kaffe Fassett fabrics were featured prominently in cool and warm color blocks connected with fabric strips and bordered with flying geese. 

Close up, AQG President's Quilt by Kathe Carolin, quilted by Jeannie Rogers

We enjoyed seeing the longarm quilting done by Jeannie Rogers, who used the Modern Ogee quilting design by Anita Shackelford for the Statler Stitcher.  Here is a closer closeup that shows the pretty variegated thread:

Desert Solitaire by Margit Kagerer

For this original landscape art wall hanging, Margit Kagerer chose locations from Edward Abbey's Desert Solitaire including Arches National Park and Canyonlands.  She says:  "I share his love of the Southwest."  Margit incorporated the natural tones of earth and rocks and the brilliant blue of the Southwestern desert sky. 

Close up, Desert Solitaire by Margit Kagerer

The geometric piecing brings to mind the sun's rays shining through clouds to illuminate the natural rock formations.  The mini quilts were separately quilted and then attached to the quilted background.  Margit Kagerer is an accomplished art quilter who has created 250 quilts since 1993; to see more, check out her website and book at Artrageous Fibers.

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration.

Free pattern day ! Basket Quilts

Made with colorful prints, or filled with flowers or fruit, basket quilts are perfect for any time of the year ! Here are more than 30 free patterns. To go to a pattern: Scroll down the page until you see the quilt you like, then click on the words "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 and collectibles !
For more free quilt patterns, please visit us on Twitter.

Chinoiserie Garden quilt, ~70 x 80", free pattern by Wendy Sheppard for P&B Textiles (CLICK for PDF download)

Baskets of Flowers quilt, 60" square, free pattern by Marsha Moore for Michael Miller Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Four All Seasons - Summer, 71 x 92", free pattern by Jean Ann Wright for Andover Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Pretty Baskets quilt, 49" square, free pattern at Riley Blake Designs (CLICK for PDF download)

Spring Quartet quilt, 42" square, free pattern at Riley Blake Designs (CLICK for PDF download)

Baskets of Fun, 57 x 68", free pattern by Wendy Sheppard for Windham Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Berry Nice Baskets quilt, 54 x 67", free pattern by Cyndi Hershey for P&B Textiles (CLICK for PDF download)

Prairie Lane quilt, 65 x 78", free pattern by Denise Russell for Blank Quilting (CLICK for PDF download)

Flower Basket quilt, ~74 x 88", free pattern by Wendy Sheppard for Windham Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Baskets of Nantucket quilt, ~44 x 44", free pattern at Riley Blake Designs (CLICK for PDF download)

Baskets of Scraps quilt, 46 x 66", free pattern at Marcus Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Dream Garden quilt, 40 x 40", free pattern by Elly Sienkiewicz for Robert Kaufman (CLICK for PDF download) 

Baker’s Dozen quilt, 57” square, free pattern by Pat Sloan (CLICK for PDF download)

A Gathering of Blossoms, 50 x 50", free pattern by Marinda Stewart (CLICK for PDF download)

Spring Baskets Wall Quilt, 20" square, free pattern at Fabric Editions (CLICK for PDF download)

Basket full of Posies, 13.5 x 13.5", free pattern by Jina Barney for Quiltmaker (CLICK for PDF download)

Summer Garden Basket quilt, 25 x 21", free pattern by Pat Thompson for AQS (CLICK for PDF download)

Bella's Blooms quilt, 43"square, free pattern by Pat Sloan (CLICK for PDF download)

Liberty Blooms quilt, 43" square, free pattern by Pat Sloan (CLICK for PDF download)

Basket of Charms quilt, 76 x 72", free pattern by Judy Hansen for Fabri Quilt (CLICK for PDF download)

Baby Basket quilt, 14 x 14”, free pattern by Anita Shackelford for American Quilter (CLICK for PDF download)

Scrap Baskets quilt, 28 x 28”, free paper piecing pattern by Carol Doak (CLICK for PDF download) 

Basket of Flowers, 38.5 x 36.5", free pattern by Nanette Holmberg for American Quilter (CLICK for PDF download) 

Savannah Garden table runner, 33" x 60", free pattern by Mary Ellen Von Holt for Henry Glass Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Savannah Garden quilt, ~77 x 90", free pattern by Mary Ellen Von Holt for Henry Glass Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Biscuits and Jam mini quilt, ~13" square, free pattern by Kim Diehl for Henry Glass Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

 A Tisket, A Tasket, 68 x 77", free pattern by Riley Blake Designs (CLICK for PDF download)

Coryn's Flower Baskets, 45 x 54", free pattern by Lisa DeBee Schiller for Windham Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Baltimore Blues quilt, 60 x 70", free pattern by Barbara Brackman for Moda Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Bitty Basket block, 4" square, free pattern at Quiltmaker (CLICK for PDF download)

Cactus Flower quilt, 65 x 65", free pattern by Alex Anderson for RJR Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Ranunculus Baskets quilt, 89 x 114”, free pattern by In The Beginning Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Bloomin Basket panel quilt, 55 x 75", free pattern by Gail Kessler for Andover Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download) 

Megan’s Blue Baskets quilt, 68 x 68”, design by Candy Hargrove for Andover Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

A Basket Full of Posies, 100 x 100", free pattern by George and Linda Wheeler for Windham Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download) 

Sending my Love, 74 x 74”, free pattern by Marie Cole for Henry Glass Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download) 

American Retro c. 1945, 45 x 45”, by Erin Witt for Windham Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download) 

Cherry Fizz quilt, 56" square, free pattern by by Cate Tallman-Evans for Henry Glass Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download) 

Basket Bouquet quilt, 61" square, free pattern by Heidi Pridemore for Robert Kaufman (CLICK for PDF download) 

Playdate at the Park, 55" square, free pattern by Erin Witt Designs for Windham Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download) 

Vintage Delight Basket Quilt, 53 x 65", free pattern by Elizabeth Scott for Lecien (CLICK for PDF download)

Mary Rose Antique Pattern, 46” square, free pattern by Gerri Robinson for Robert Kaufman Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Luna Notte quilt, 83 x 83”, free pattern by Three Sisters for Moda Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download) 

Chocolate Baskets quilt, 42 x 51", free pattern by Jill Reid for Windham Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download) 

Blossom Lane quilt, 57” square, free pattern by Gail Kessler for Andover Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Evening Rose quilt, 78.5” square, free pattern by Betty New for Windham Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download) 

Baskets of Love quilt, 54” square, free pattern by Pat Sloan (CLICK for PDF download) 

Grow Up mini quilt, 24 x 24", free pattern by Nancy Rink as seen at Auribuzz (CLICK for PDF download)

Image credits: This post was updated on January 20, 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.  If any links are broken, we'd love to know; email us at quiltinspiration {at} gmail {dot} com.