A Bright Corner

Midtown Quilt in Lovestruck Fabrics

2026-01-20T14:52:00.001-07:00

Well, it's that time of year when all of the pink and red quilts are getting their well-deserved time in the spotlight. So I thought I'd share some details about this sweet, lap sized Midtown quilt made with Lovestruck fabrics.

I finished this up in 2024 and did a quick share on social media but never took the time to share it here.

The Midtown quilt pattern looks harder than it actually is...I promise!

The pieced rows are sewn together with a shortcut technique called strip piecing. It's a fantastic - and fast - way to use precut fabrics (such as Jelly Roll strips).

The Midtown pattern is also a really fun scrap buster pattern. The scrappy version of Midtown uses some basic foundation paper piecing. If you've never tried foundation piecing or if you consider yourself a beginner paper piecer then the Midtown pattern would be a great pattern for you to expand your skills!

Find the Midtown pattern in my shop here

SewPINK + Two Scoops Scrap Quilt Pattern

2025-10-08T00:01:00.001-06:00

I am truly honored to be participating in this year's #SewPINK Initiative blog hop with byAnnie.com! As a part of my turn on the blog hop I have a fun and free scrap buster quilt pattern to share.

But first a bit about #SewPINK...

The #SewPink Initiative's mission is to raise awareness for all types of cancer throughout the year.

All this month we're participating in a blog hop to promote not just awareness, but also self-care, early detection, and support for those affected by breast cancer.

2025 marks my own NINE(!) year anniversary of becoming a breast cancer survivor so I'm more than happy to participate in this event.

Each day (Sept 30 - Oct 31) you'll find a new blog post of inspiration and education, as well as a fundraiser through the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and charity sewing opportunities. (find a clickable version of this calendar here, with direct links to each post)

Maple Valley Quilt Pattern

2025-10-01T00:01:00.000-06:00

Today I'm sharing all of the details about the Maple Valley quilt pattern! It's a modern yet timeless version of a fall quilt, perfect for snuggling on those chilly autumn evenings.

The Maple Valley pattern uses the classic maple leaf quilt block, but in a way that makes them appear as though they're swirling through the air. The falling leaves are then surrounded by a fun and easy pieced border.

Find the Maple Valley pattern in my shop here

The Wishing Quilt Pattern Mockups

2025-09-27T18:54:00.001-06:00

I've got a whole load of Wishing quilt inspiration for you today! I had fun mocking up the Wishing quilt pattern in a bunch of different fabrics - some for fall, some Christmas and then plenty of others.

I know sometimes it helps to see a quilt pattern in different fabrics, and it always seems to surprise me how much a quilt changes depending on the colors and prints.

Wishing in Charming Christmas fabrics

Here's what I love about the Wishing pattern

#1: The Wishing quilt pattern is so great for showcasing fabrics! Those long rows are unpieced so you can use your favorite prints without having to cut them down into small pieces.

#2: This pattern works for lots of different occasions - Christmas quilts, patriotic quilts, bed quilts, throw quilts...

#3: With only a few star blocks to make (especially for the smaller quilt sizes) it makes it so this quilt sews up fairly quickly.

Are you ready to see the mock ups? Keep scrolling!

(fabric details about each one is directly beneath each mock up)

Wishing Quilt Pattern

2025-09-22T16:34:00.003-06:00

Introducing the Wishing quilt pattern - the newest pattern in the A Bright Corner pattern shop.

Wishing is the perfect way to showcase your favorite quilting fabrics. And with just a handful of star blocks to make, this quilt sews up fairly quickly.

I stitched this one up in the new Mary Catherine fabric line by Amy Smart.

Find the Wishing patterns in my shop

Great for your favorite prints

My original vision for this pattern was to take the concept behind the Star Trails pattern but swap out the thinner pieced rows with some nice wide rows that would be more suited to medium and large scale prints.

Sometimes it's hard to really love a fabric, but then have to cut it into smaller pieces. I designed the Wishing pattern to make the most use of those favorite prints.

Those long rows in the Wishing pattern are unpieced - meaning there are no vertical seams to break up the prints.

Juice Pops Quilt in Kona Solids

2025-08-27T12:56:00.000-06:00

Today I'm sharing a Juice Pops quilt that I made using two packs of 5" squares from the Kona solids Wildberry palette.

This quilt was one of those projects that just kept getting put on the back burner. I started it in February with every intention of finishing it in time to use this summer but then you know....other projects came along (hello distractions!) and I kept putting this one to the side.

I finally finished it up in July and was able to get some photos of it recently.

Whirled Quilt Pattern in Melody Fabrics

2025-08-01T00:00:00.000-06:00

I took a little break from writing new quilt patterns in July and decided to give one of my older patterns an refresh.

Today I'm happy to be able to share the updated Whirled quilt pattern with you!

Whirled patterns now available in the A Bright Corner pattern shop.

Here's what's new in the Whirled pattern! First off, it got a new pattern cover including a new cover quilt and updated colors.

I also updated the instructions to include a few tip boxes and updated the diagrams to make block construction even easier.

The pattern also now includes more size options and fabric options!

Scattered Showers Quilt Pattern

2025-06-23T19:36:00.001-06:00

Introducing the Scattered Showers quilt pattern! Scattered Showers is a fresh, spring-inspired pattern that includes fun umbrella quilt blocks and chain blocks. It is precut friendly and includes plenty of size options for you to choose from.

The Scattered Showers quilt pattern is available in the A Bright Corner pattern shop.

I just have to say that I pretty much love any quilt that includes chain blocks (also sometimes referred to as Irish Chain blocks). So when I was sketching out the very first versions of these little umbrella quilt blocks, I knew right away that I wanted to pair them with chain quilt blocks.

Summer Block Party Quilt Along 2025

2025-06-16T14:48:00.007-06:00

8/17/25 edited to add: sign ups are now closed and the quilt along for 2025 has ended. Thank you to everyone who participated!

Some of the block patterns are available for purchase in each designer's shop. Find those links below

Block 1: Swim Suit Block by Jen Belnap

Block 2: Sunglasses Block by Amanda Castor

Block 3: Beach Chairs block by Amy Chappell (link coming soon)

Block 4: Ice Cream Cones block by Andy Knowlton (me!)

Block 5: Beach Finds Block by Gracey Larson

Block 6: Turtle Block by Jennifer Long (link coming soon)

Block 7: Flamingo Block by Bev McCullough

Block 8: Beach Hat block by Melissa Mortenson (link coming soon)

Block 9: Pineapple block by Amanda Niederhauser (link coming soon)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

We're back for another year of the Summer Block Party quilt along!

We had so much fun last year so we decided to throw another block party! This year there are nine designers collaborating on one fun and free quilt. Each designer has designed a unique summer-inspired quilt block to share. Want to quilt along with us? The fun begins Monday June 23, 2025.

Kaleidoscope Collection for EQ8

2025-03-14T17:32:00.000-06:00

Over the past few weeks I've had the chance to play with a new add-on to the Electric Quilt software (EQ8), called the Kaleidoscope Collection Two.

It includes over 500 kaleidoscope-style quilt blocks that you can edit, recolor, and customize to your heart's content.

Here's the first block I made using the block pattern called "K2 Compass 11 Star Corners".

I made this 14" quilt block and I'm planning on adding a border, quilting it and then hanging it on my wall as a mini quilt. My sewing room walls are SO bare right now!

Little Loves Quilt

2025-02-10T19:01:00.000-07:00

Hello friends - today I'm sharing a quick little project I stitched up last week. It's a new free quilt pattern from The Fat Quarter Shop called Little Loves.

It's just four quilt blocks plus a pieced top and bottom border so I was able to get the top sewn up in just one day.

For the fabrics I chose a few prints from the Laguna Sunrise fabric line.

Laguna Sunrise was designed by Sherri & Chelsi for Moda Fabrics. The full line includes some other colors - purples, greens, and coral to name a few. But I chose just the reds and this delightful, minty aqua color to use in my quilt. And I love how they look together!

Skipper Quilt Pattern Updated

2025-02-04T00:30:00.002-07:00

Lately I've been working on updating one of my older patterns, and I'm happy to be able to share the new Skipper pattern with you today

The Skipper pattern was first released back in 2017 as a fat quarter pattern with a unique star block.

This fun Skipper star block came to be when I was playing around with my Division pattern and wanted to take some of those elements and apply them to a star block....and Skipper was born.

A New Fast Track quilt in Batik Fabrics

2024-10-09T14:40:00.001-06:00

Did you know that Riley Blake Designs now offers batik fabrics? I don't sew a lot with batiks - in fact I think I've only made one quilt so far that included batik fabrics (so this one is now #2!)

But recently the kind folks at Riley Blake Designs sent me a 10" stacker from their Express Yourself Ombre line and I used it to make this throw sized Fast Track quilt.

Fast Track patterns can be purchased here

At first I was a little intimidated about sewing with a new type of fabric but the only change I made was to swap out my regular sewing machine needle for a Schmetz Microtex sharp one (I use these). And I found that I liked that one better for my regular quilting fabrics as well so I left it in and it's now my preferred needle.

Batik fabrics press so beautifully! I love how crisp the pressed block is. And these jewel toned colors are so vibrant and lovely together.

Juice Pops quilt pattern

2024-09-20T12:30:00.001-06:00

Introducing the Juice Pops pattern! Juice Pops is a precut friendly quilt pattern that brings those Summertime vibes with fun and easy popsicle quilt blocks.

The Juice Pops quilt first appeared in Quilter's World magazine and was designed to be a charm pack quilt. But ever since then I've been really wanting to add more size options and more fabric options to the pattern and offer it in my shop.

The pattern now has FIVE sizes and five fabric options, and uses quick strip piecing for the popsicle handles to help speed up block construction.

You can find the Juice Pops quilt pattern in my shop with both PDF (downloadable) and paper pattern options

Runway Quilt Pattern

2024-07-09T00:00:00.002-06:00

I'm excited to be able to share the new Runway quilt pattern with you today!

Runway is a quick and easy, precut friendly pattern that includes five fabric options and seven size options - so it's super versatile! And the pattern uses quick piecing techniques to make this quilt sew up fast.

Purchase Runway patterns (both PDF and paper copies available) here

Announcing the Summer Block Party Quilt Along

2024-06-14T00:00:00.009-06:00

Who is ready for a fun and low-stress Summer project? Announcing the Summer Block Party quilt along!

WHAT: Join us in creating a breezy Summer quilt with blocks designed by some of your favorite designers! This will be a mystery quilt of sorts, with the blocks and the final layout being revealed along the way.

WHEN: Starting Monday June 17 through July 31, 2024

Each day for 9 days we will email you a PDF pattern for a free 12" Summer quilt block.

On June 26th we will send you finishing instructions to turn your blocks into a 44" x 58" quilt.

The fun doesn't stop there! Each Friday in July we will send you free BONUS projects to make with your 12" blocks.

Sew at your own pace through the Summer!

HOW TO JOIN: It's free to join! Sign up to receive the daily email with the PDF patterns...AND the bonus projects.

You only need to sign up once with one designer to get the blocks (All designers will be sending out the same patterns each day).

Following the completion of the Summer Block Party, you will be subscribed to each of the participating designers' newsletters which are free - and you can easily unsubscribe anytime.

WHO: Here's the list of designers for the QAL. It's a fun group and I can't wait for you to see the blocks and bonus projects that we've designed!

Amanda Niederhauser Jedi Craft Girl @jedicraftgirl

Amy Chappell Ameroonie Designs @amerooniedesigns

Amy Smart Diary of A Quilter @diaryofaquilter

Andy Knowlton A Bright Corner @abrightcorner

Bev McCullough Flamingo Toes @flamingotoes

Jen Belnap The Smitten Chicken @thesmittenchicken

Jennifer Long Sew A Story @sewastory_jenniferlong

Melissa Mortensen The Polkadot Chair @polkadotchair

FABRICS:

We will be using the following fabrics for our blocks, but feel free to use whatever you'd like!

All fabrics listed are from Riley Blake Designs and each block pattern will use the following names to identify fabrics (bold names):

Background fabric (Stars Seasonal Basic or Riley White)
Dark Blue (Oxford Blue solid)
Blue (Cadet solid)
Medium Blue (Cornflower solid)
Light Blue (Boy Blue solid)
Dark Red (Barn Red solid)
Red (Schoolhouse solid)
Light Red (Tea Rose solid)
Pink (Frosting solid)

For those that sign up there's a helpful information sheet PDF available that has the schedule, the QAL details, fabric requirements, and a handy planner sheet so you can plan out your own fabrics.

Remember - the free block patterns can only be accessed by signing up for the QAL; the blocks won't be shared here on my blog. Sign up to receive the block patterns and bonus projects, and we'll get started on Monday June 17th!

edited to add: sign ups are now closed and the quilt along for 2024 has ended. Thank you to everyone who participated!

Midtown Quilt Pattern

2024-06-03T19:33:00.002-06:00

Today I get to introduce you to to the new Midtown quilt pattern! It's the latest addition to the A Bright Corner pattern catalog.

Midtown is a precut friendly pattern with plenty of size options for you to choose from. And before you're frightened off by all of those little squares, I have to let you know that this pattern uses quick strip piecing techniques so those rows sew up fast!

And the Midtown pattern started as a scrap buster quilt so of course there are instructions for making a scrappy version too.

Find Midtown patterns (PDF and paper copies available) here

A Scrappy Wholehearted Crib Size Quilt

2024-05-08T15:19:00.001-06:00

I have a fun and scrappy little quilt to share with you today - this is made using the Wholehearted quilt pattern and it is the crib size version.

Wholehearted is meant to be a sampler style quilt that uses fat quarters but I also added in extra details to the pattern to make it scrap-friendly too!

Wrap Around Quilt Tutorial and Pattern

2024-04-04T17:30:00.005-06:00

I have a little update for you on a tutorial and free quilt pattern that I first shared years ago!

This quilt is called Wrap Around and I made this quilt top for a tutorial here on my blog showing how to sew a partial seam - but I recently quilted it up and thought I'd share it here.

Plot Twist Crib Quilt

2024-03-27T00:00:00.001-06:00

Hello friends

Today I'm sharing a sweet little crib sized version of the Plot Twist quilt pattern.

The crib size of the Plot Twist pattern is perfect for using one pack of precut 10" squares (like a Layer Cake or 10" Stacker).

That's what I used for this quilt, and it was super handy because some of the cutting was already done for me!

Plot Twist patterns (PDF and paper copies) available here

A Wholehearted Crib Size Quilt

2024-03-15T00:00:00.002-06:00

Hello friends today I'm sharing a sweet little crib sized Wholehearted quilt made from a new fabric line from Poppie Cotton.

Honestly it's been delightful working with these spring-colored fabrics this week. It reminds me that spring (and the flowers it brings) is just around the corner!

Wholehearted is a sampler style quilt pattern that is fat quarter friendly and includes four size options. This little quilt is the crib size and used just 6 fat quarters along with some background fabric.

Find Wholehearted patterns here (PDF and paper copies available)

Mod Mugs the Ombre Version

2024-03-07T16:00:00.004-07:00

Today I'm sharing a version of the Mod Mugs quilt pattern. I used Ombre Flurries fabrics, and I love the frosty, wintery vibe of the finished quilt.

Mod Mugs is a fun and modern mug quilt that is traditionally pieced (no templates or paper piecing needed). The mugs are large enough to let some of the color variations of the ombre prints shine through.

You could also do some fussy cutting for each mug, or use your favorite medium or large scale prints. I shared a Christmas version of Mod Mugs here.

Plot Twist Quilt Pattern

2024-02-01T18:56:00.000-07:00

Introducing the Plot Twist quilt pattern - the newest addition to the A Bright Corner pattern shop.

Plot Twist is a precut friendly pattern that includes five size options. It's a really versatile quilt pattern that looks great in medium and large scale prints, but can also work well with smaller scale prints and even solid fabrics!

Find Plot Twist patterns (PDF and paper copies available) here

Wholehearted Quilt Pattern

2024-01-23T16:57:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to share with you all of the details about the Wholehearted quilt pattern! I'll also be sharing some mock ups I've created to give you some ideas on what you can make with Wholehearted.

The Wholehearted pattern is a sampler style quilt pattern featuring six classic quilt blocks, each set inside of a heart quilt block.

You can find copies of Wholehearted (both PDF and paper copies) in my shop

Prime Time Baby Size Quilt

2024-01-09T17:45:00.005-07:00

Hello everyone! Today I am sharing a baby quilt that I finished up a couple months ago, but realized that I hadn't shared it here yet! This is the baby sized Prime Time quilt made with Berry Basket fabrics.

I made this using the leftover pieces of fabric from another project - which always feels so good to do!

A few months ago, I had just finished up making a quilt for a magazine (which I'll share soon) and I loved these fabrics so much I didn't want to just add them to my scrap bins. I realized that with some.... creative cutting I could squeeze a baby quilt out of the leftovers. Don't you love when that happens?