Transparency Quilt Challenge: Light Me Up!

Transparency is a hot trend in quilting! The challenge is to choose opaque fabrics to create the illusion of transparency. The American Patchwork and Quilting Transparency Challenge produced some incredible quilts... We hope you enjoy our photos from this year's QuiltCon show!

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Light Me Up, made and quilted by Lindsey Berres (Woodinville, Washington) @peaceandpatchwork.  

Light Me Up won 1st Place in the American Patchwork and Quilting Transparency Challenge.

Lindsey Berres says that this quilt explores the concept of additive light through the interplay of color and transparency.  "I designed this quilt using varying values of overlapping red, green, and blue (the primary colors of light) to create the spectrum of colors that converge to form the white center. I wanted to create the effect of additive light with fabric, which is a medium that gets its color through pigment, not light."

Note: For a fun and FREE transparency quilt pattern, check out the Color Wash quilt pattern by Modern Quilt Studio for Benartex (CLICK for PDF download!)

 

 

Image credits: Photos of Light Me Up were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2025 QuiltCon show in Phoenix, Arizona.

 

Free pattern day! Storm-at-Sea quilt and block diagrams

Storm at Sea uses small changes in straight angles to create an optical illusion of rounded shapes.  here are some free storm-at-sea quilt patterns!  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" in the title above the quilt. Also see the FREE downloadable storm-at-sea coloring pages at the bottom of this post.

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

Storm at Sea quilt,~58 x 58", designed by Karen Selken for AccuQuilt, made by Kay Gentry, free pattern at AQS (CLICK for PDF download)   

Boussole quilt blocks, free pattern by Maureen Cracknell for Art Gallery Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)  

Deep Blue Sea quilt 1 (with center panel), 61 x 73", free pattern by Heidi Pridemore for Studio E Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Deep Blue Sea quilt 2, 90 x 90", free pattern by Heidi Pridemore for Studio E Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Stormy Seas, 46 x 46", free pattern by Yolanda Fundora at Urban Amish (CLICK for PDF download)

Rainbow Waves quilt, 80 x 96", free pattern by Stacey Day for Free Spirit Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Sail Away quilt, ~48" square, free pattern by Debby Kratovil for Windham Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Tide Lines quilt, ~50 x 50", free pattern by Nan Baker for Timeless Treasures Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Coral Reef, 83 x 83", free pattern by Linda Swenson Ruble for Windham Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Making Waves quilt, 90 x 90", free paper piecing pattern by Wendy Sheppard for Hoffman Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Toes in the Water quilt, 66 x 66", free pattern by McKenna Ryan for Robert Kaufman Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download) 

Deep Sea Delight quilt, free pattern by Heidi Pridemore for P&B Textiles (CLICK for PDF download)

Island Breeze quilt, 58 x 58", free pattern by Blank Quilting (CLICK for PDF download)

Storm at Sea quilt, 65 x 80", free pattern by Janice Ryan at Better Off Thread for Robert Kaufman Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Wild Style Storm at Sea quilt, 50 x 50", free pattern by Teri Lucas for Marcus Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Ocean State quilt, 74 x 74",  free pattern by Heidi Pridemore at Studio E Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Fruit Salad quilt, 60 x 78", free pattern by Christine Stainbrook for Windham Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Gemstone quilt, 70 x 76", free pattern by Heidi Pridemore for Henry Glass Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Smooth Sailing quilt, free pattern by Anjeanette Klinder for Pellon (CLICK for PDF download)

Lost in the Storm quilt, 60 x 60", cathedral window storm-at-sea, free pattern by Shelley Swanland for Robert Kaufman Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Storm at Sea block, free pattern by Eleanor Burns at Quilt in a Day (CLICK for PDF download)

Shine Bright baby quilt/play mat, ~32 x 32", free pattern by Stacey Yacula for Quilting Treasures (CLICK for PDF download)

About the storm-at-sea block:  The storm-at-sea block is based on a 3x3 grid.  This works out well for a 12" block, or any other size that is divisible by three.

 

Here is the traditional block, below, which has an elongated diamond (shown as two isosceles triangles) on the left hand side and the top :

Here is what the quilt would look like if 20 blocks were placed in a 4x5 grid (below). Note that an additional vertical row of diamonds is placed along the right side of the quilt to finish it off.  

These diagrams are fun to color, and are great for teaching kids about quilting (and geometry).  See if they can find different shapes within the grid, such as flowers, hearts, ribbons, and waves.  You can even find *stars* within the single-sashing version:

In a second variation, the diamond "sashing" is placed on all four sides of the center square, as shown below:

When this "double sashing" block is replicated, it creates a double set of waves in the design, as shown below :

You can download the block diagrams here.

Image credits and links: This post was updated on May 12, 2025.  Block diagrams are by Quilt Inspiration. 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.

Beautiful Bargellos

Here are some beautiful Bargello quilts to brighten your day and spark your imagination. The bargello technique can be used to showcase prints, solids, or ombre fabrics, or simply to use up a stash.We hope you enjoy our photos!  (Also, scroll down for the link to dozens of free bargello patterns.)

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

Night Sky, made by Kris Neifeld & Susie Weaver, quilted by Kris Neifeld

This gorgeous quilt is based on the two-fabric bargello pattern by Susie Weaver. Kris Neifeld says this quilt, made with a dotted ombre fabric, "ended up working out better than I'd hoped." We love it... The dots create the appearance of stars!

Opposing Views, made and quilted by Amy Fitzgerald 

Amy Fitzgerald says, "My husband picked this pattern and helped choose the fabrics. I had never done a Bargello quilt-as-you-go pattern before, and it was very challenging to keep the columns straight and points lined up.  I turned the quilt upside down from the pattern picture."  Opposing Views was based on the published design called Free Fall by Ann Lauer of Grizzly Gulch Gallery. 

A Little Bit of This and That, made and quilted by Joyce Harrison

This lovely wall quilt or table runner uses original 1" squares in a 7x21 grid pattern.  Joyce Harrison says that she mused, "What to do with 1" squares? Lots of ideas. This is a small attempt to use up my stash. [My] summer time plan seemed to turn out well... I'm happy with it. Thank you to my seam ripper too." We love Joyce's original quilting, shown in the closeup photo below.

Double Rainbow by Susie Weaver, quilted by Kris Neifeld.  

Susie Weaver's original pattern, Pattern Two Fab 2.0, was the basis for this stunning quilt with its gently curving waves of color.  Susie says, "Using strip sets from this bargello project as class demos was taking way too long... I finally decided it was time to get 'er done and I'm glad I did."

Note: For more bargello quilt inspiration, please check out our Free Pattern Day for Bargello Quilts (CLICK HERE!)

 

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2025 Quilt Arizona show (Opposing Views); the 2025 Tucson Quilters Guild Show (Double Rainbow and Night Sky); and the Tucson Quilters Guild 2024 show (A Little Bit of This and That.)

Improvisational Rainbows

Today we're featuring two modern quilts that exemplify what can be achieved with improvisational techniques, imagination, and beautiful fabrics in a rainbow of colors. Truly works of art, these pieces were exhibited at QuiltCon 2025. We hope you enjoy our photos!

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

My Heart by Stephanie Ruyle (Colorado) @spontaneousthreads  

Entered in the Modern Traditionalism category, this quilt is a rioutous color celebration of a traditional log-cabin design, in which the "fabric" is created improvisationally from quilting cotton and silk scraps.  The binding, like the top, is also pieced in colors to compliment the overall composition. 

The quilting really stands out against the blocks! Stephanie Ruyle explains that "The heavily quilted top uses the same philosophy as the quilt constructions, using the thread I had on hand in many, many different colors, material and thicknesses to create texture and shine."    My Heart was improvisationally pieced and machine quilted without a frame (domestic machine).

Exist Out Loud by Allie McCathren (Texas) @exhaustedoctopus

 Exist Out Loud is a poem which Allie McCaffrey wrote during a period of self discovery. She says, "It can be terrifying to come face to face with who you are and what you want.  You might lose everything.  And you may live more, feel more, and experience more joy and presence than you ever thought possible."  The words of her poem are incorporated into this quilt, against a brilliant array of improvisational blocks! 

 

The pieced letters stand out beautifully against the brightly colored backdrop. We enjoyed the fascinating details of the construction (check out the closeup photo below). Exist Out Loud was machine pieced and machine quilted on a frame (longarm).

 Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2025 QuiltCon show in Phoenix, Arizona.

Highlights of the QuiltCon 2025 Show (1)

QuiltCon is the largest modern quilting event in the world, hosted by the Modern Quilt Guild. With attendees from around the globe, QuiltCon features a vibrant show full of competition quilts, community outreach quilts, and special exhibits. This year's show was in Phoenix, Arizona.  We hope you enjoy these photos!

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

I may be Square but not Fuddy-Duddy by Jackie Pang (California) @Charcoalbull

We kept this photo uncropped so you could see this 68" square quilt in perspective against the background of the huge convention center hall. Winner of the MQG Breakthrough Award at QuiltCon 2025, Jackie Pang says: "This quilt is a tribute to my '70s childhood memories - my mother's dress, my sister's scarf, and home's familiar curtains. Retro hues and geometric shapes from that era carry warmth and vibrance, reimagined here in a fresh, modern way." 

 
The design is "a rhythmic, modern twist on tradition - proof that a square can be innovative and anything but "fuddy-duddy." Techniques: Machine Pieced, Machine Quilted on a Frame (Longarm), Machine Quilted without a Frame (Domestic).

Unicorn Barf, 50" square, by Tara Faughnan (2016).  

Rainbow quilts are always a favorite! Tara Faughnan was the featured artist at the show, with many of her quilts in a special display (we'll be showing more in the days to come!)  She says: "When I first began teaching classes on color, I thought I needed a color wheel quilt.  I cut a few squares from every color in my stash at the time, and set about to make a color wheel."

Tara continues, "This quilt taught me about the importance of value and hue, how colors can be both warm and cool depending on who they sit next to, and how context determines how we see color.  I believe Cheryl Arkison came up with the name, and I thought it was perfect."  

View from the Window by Susan Skatoff (Florida) @susan_skatoff

We loved the composition and colors of this quilt, with its thin slices revealed by exposing layers.  Susan Skatoff says, "Irene Roderick told me that everything you see will impact your art.  As we create, our surroundings can influence, direct and shape our work.  I studied with her at Madeline Island School of the Arts and [I] didn't realize, until the quilt was complete, that I had abstracted the view from our classroom."

Techniques used: Machine pieced, improvisational piecing, machine quilted without a frame (domestic machine).

Clamshell Jamboree, 43″ x 58″, by Michelle Bartholomew (Washington) @michellebartholomew

 Winner of the MQG Excellence Award, Michelle Bartholomew says: "Stuck in a design rut, I decided to explore how far I could push the clamshell shape.  Pulling, stretching, adding rows and stripes, putting them upside dosn, is it still a clamshell?  Well I don't know the answer, but I do know that the result was a joyful and vibrant quilt."

 

Michelle says this quilt "taught me that on the other side of struggle and doubt there can be something special waiting if you just keep going."  Techniques used: Machine pieced, hand quilted, machine qulted without a frame (domestic machine).

 Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2025 QuiltCon show.