Icebox Quilts

 As if learning my longarm software, improving my longarm free-motion and ruler skills, opening my Etsy shop and selling custom quilts wasn't enough, I am closer to realizing my dream of writing/sharing/selling my patterns. My dear husband gently nudges all of my dreams forward with his unending support. This year he gave me EQ8 software and is encouraging me to take as many classes as I need to create exactly what I want. Magically, a quilt designer that I have followed and admired for years is hosting a series on pattern writing starting in January!  I am going to eagerly soak up all the information I can and make pattern writing a 2026 goal!

I didn't know that when I started selling my quilts on  Etsy that I would be getting so many requests for custom orders. So far it has been fun to take other people's ideas and create a quilt they will love. It is requiring me to stretch my design skills and my longarm skills too.  This king-size quilt was completed this week, and I used every inch of my longarm! She gave me a little direction; wildflowers and butterflies. I pulled a fat quarter collection from my stash, and she liked some of the color palate. Along with a picture from her bedroom, I went to work gathering more fabric and designing. I think it came out great, and I especially loved incorporating more butterflies into the quilting. Thank you for your ideas and trusting me with the rest!