Ezine review: Fat Quartlery Fussy Cutting

Fussy Cut is the term for cutting out fabric to highlight a motif. It’s a hugely popular technique in sewing and quilting. Lucky for us, it’s the theme for the third issue of Fat Quarterly eZine out this month. Every issue is better than the last. No joke. The topics are interesting and its full of projects you’ll want to make. Visually it’s lovely plus it’s easy to navigate. Here are some issue highlights.

Interviews Meet the owners of Spoonflower Kim & Stephen Fraser. Read this and you’ll see how lucky we are to have it. Then have a chat with Bari J and Camille Roskelley.

Best of Britain Meet two talented British fabric designers – They are Lucie Summers of Summersville and Sarah Jane Waterhouse of Plain Jane Textiles Etsy and Plain Jane Textiles Folksy.

Designer Challenge This month’s contributor’s created fussy cut blocks. You get to see them and the maker’s comments. Then, they challenge us to share our fussy cut quilt blocks with the blogging community with a link to Flickr Fat Quarterly.

Learn Topics include color theory where you will see a color wheel and common color combinations from fabric. Learn the basics of fussy cutting and more. Fabric design with Heather Ross.

Projects List Includes fussy cut inspired quilts, play mats, bags and more.

Ed. note: The Fat Quarterly team requested a review and provided a copy of this issue of Fat Quarterly. They did not in any way tell me what to say. Since I didn’t have to buy my copy this quarter I’m going to host a giveaway. Stay tuned for details.

Next Quilting Pattern:

Quilting meets the timeless artistry of Navajo and tribal designs in this roundup of breathtaking patterns inspired by the rich traditions of the Southwest. These quilt patterns channel the bold geometry, vibrant colors, and storytelling heritage of Navajo art, offering a blend of cultural beauty and creative expression.

Whether you’re drawn to the iconic Lone Star designs, the intricate layers of the Sunset Star, or the symbolic details of the Navajo Seasons quilt, there’s something here to capture your imagination. From beginner-friendly blocks to advanced patterns that challenge your quilting skills, these projects invite you to explore the harmony of shapes, hues, and traditions.

The patterns in this collection are more than just quilts—they’re a way to connect with the past while crafting something uniquely your own. Use earthy tones, striking contrasts, or even your stash fabrics to create quilts that echo the landscapes of deserts, mountains, and wide-open skies. You’ll also find tutorials and free resources to guide you as you stitch these timeless designs.

So, if you’re ready to add a touch of tribal beauty to your quilting repertoire, these patterns will inspire you to create something extraordinary. Which one will you start with? Let us know in the comments, and let’s celebrate the artistry of Navajo and tribal quilting together.

Quilting was introduced to the Navajo people through trade, boarding schools, and missionary efforts, where European settlers and American missionaries taught sewing and quilting techniques. Over time, Navajo quilters began incorporating their artistic sensibilities into quilting, blending traditional patterns with this new medium.

Navajo artisans were famous for their intricate woven rugs and blankets. Using upright looms and hand-spun wool, they created bold geometric designs, often inspired by nature and spiritual beliefs. These weavings carried deep symbolism, with colors and patterns reflecting sacred meanings, family stories, or connections to the land.

Lone Star Quilt Free Pattern – Jordan Fabrics

Navajo Seasons Quilt Pattern – Jinny Beyer Studio

Navajo Quilt Block

Homestead Star Quilt

NAVAJO ROAD Quilt Pattern – Chris Hoover – Whirligig Designs

Navajo – Traditional Quilt Block Tutorial LIVE – Video # 46

Tribal Musings

6 Stunning Southwest Inspired Quilt Patterns

Quilt Pattern – Tapis Quilt by AGF Studio