Many of us have fled to the outdoors as a refuge during the social isolation associated with Covid. Whether it's the rhythmic beat of the waves, soft pinks, and oranges as the sun slips behind the horizon, or crisp air at the summit of a mountain, there are unquestioningly restorative powers found in the outdoors. We were so inspired by the quilts posted under the hashtag #quiltsinthewild on Instagram that we wanted to share a few more with you.
Harvest Blossom Quilt by Rachel Thomeczek (Quilt pattern by Mary Hill of @azcoquilting)
Photo taken in Nebraska, USA
If this quilt doesn't make you want to pack up your quilts and hike into the wilderness, then we’re not sure anything will. The photo was taken by one of Thomeczek’s friends who is a photographer. She needed something to keep her models warm during a photoshoot. Obviously, the quilt was the true model. The warm hint of colors from it pairs perfectly with this incredible rock formation.
Aftershock by Rachel Thomeczek of @wren.collective
Photo taken in Omaha, Nebraska, USA
Aftershock uses many principles of modern quilting very well. From the alternate gridwork to varying scale size to its use of negative space, this quilt creates a feeling of reverberation that aptly fits its name. Thomeczek has a history of taking pictures of quilts in the wild. Many quilters who have made theAftershock quilt have taken photos of their own quilts in the wild. You can see the many versions of the quilt on Thomeczek’s IG page. TheAftershock quilt pattern can be purchased from Thomeczek’s website,www.wren-collectiveshop.com
Solar Flare by Amber Elliot of @alderwoodstudio
Photo taken in Central Oregon, USA.
This quilt creates a feeling of expansion. The location this photo was taken holds a special spot in Elliot’s heart as it’s the place where she decided to start her business. The pattern for this quilt will be released in October 2021.
Phoenix Quilt by Amber Elliot of @alderwoodstudio
Photo taken in Central Oregon, USA.
The deeply saturated color of this quilt has a grounding effect. The bars of the design work together to create cohesion as well as movement. Elliot’s quilt in the wild photo is romantic and creates a sense of quiet solitude. This quilt was featured at Quiltcon Together 2020.
The patterns to makeSolar Flare andPhoenix Quilt can be purchased at Elliot’s website, www.alderwood-studio.com.
Story Hour QuiltandPlot Twistby Donna McLeod of @xoxosew
Photo taken at Pismo Dunes, CA, USA
McLeod hiked for two hours to get this amazing photo at the Pismo Sand Dunes. The contrast between the blue sky and brown sand is stunning. This quilt is the third in her ‘Wonder Year’ series of childhood-inspired quilts. It is dedicated to the quiet times when you can immerse yourself in a good book.
Plot Twist is a play on theStory Hour Quilt.
Photo take at Spooner’s Cove, CA, USA
The pattern forStory Hour Quilt (includingPlot Twist bonus design quilt) can be purchased at McLeod’s website,https://www.xoxsew.com/shop/story-hour-quilt-pattern-pdf
Madeleine by Dash Masland of @smithsgeneral
Photo taken in Maine, USA by Benjamin Clay, styled by Tamara Clay
Some things can’t be tamed; certainly not quilts blowing in the wind. The way the lens captures this quilt matches the gentle curves of the grasses in the terrain in a harmonious way. We love the powerful statement this minimalist quilt makes in the middle of the somewhat harsh, but quiet outdoors.
Mackworth by Dash Masland of @smithsgeneral
Photo taken in Maine, USA by Benjamin Clay, styled by Tamara Clay
Masland has an uncanny ability to match her quilts to the perfect outdoor backdrop. The design was inspired by a stone pier where Masland enjoys walking. She says about the experience, “Walking to the end evokes feelings of strength and freedom, mere steps from the everyday. A place I like to pause, catch my breath and experience the many reasons we live in Maine.”
BothMadeleine andMackworth are handmade to order and available for purchase on Masland’s website,https://smithsgeneral.com/collections/handmade-quilts
You can find a plethora of modern quilt inspiration in the physical copies of Curated Quilts as well as by visiting our blog and Instagram account.
By Brittany Bowen Burton