First Look: Quick + Easy Quilt Magazine February / March 2024

Quilters have been slicing and dicing quilt blocks to create new and unusual quilt designs for as long as there has been quilting. The creativity that runs through our collective veins — and our sewing machines — is apparent as quilting offers us the ability to create magic with needle, thread, and fabric, and in turn, create new and exciting ways to sew together patches.

My Quilty Inspiration

I have been enthralled with disappearing blocks as of late. I follow The Questioning Quilter on YouTube — her designs mesmerize me, as she has moved well beyond Four-Patch and Nine-Patch blocks. I wondered what our designers might come up with if I asked for disappearing blocks for this issue of Quick + Easy Quilts. They came through with some truly unique — and still easy — quilt patterns I think you will enjoy.

Hidden Hearts by Dee Sydnor

If you are new to the disappearing block technique, I suggest you start with Hidden Hearts by Dee Sydnor. Her clever spin of the units creates adorable hearts within the block—perfect for baby or as a wall hanging to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Split the Layers by Patti Carey

Split the Layers by Patti Carey adds triangle squares to the simple Four-Patch before slicing to create a fun and interesting effect that almost looks like a partial Churn Dash.

Time Shift by Becky Rico

Becky Rico decided to slice up Hourglass units to create a complex design with her quilt, Time Shift.

Highways by Gina Gempesaw

Highways by Gina Gempesaw is such a versatile design, we bet you can’t make just one!

Farewell, Friends

Just as the magician shares their final reveal, it is my turn to share some news with you. The Quick + Easy Quilt Magazine February / March 2024 issue is my final issue as editor. I still remember the exact moment when our tiny team learned that we would be creating a new publication. We got together and decided that we wanted to make the magazine that we wanted. It would be fun, but not childish. It would be friendly and we would get to know the designers on each page. The patterns would be easy but never boring.

For the last 22 issues, I have been blessed to work with my team on each issue, got to know the quilt designers better as we worked on their quilt patterns, and answered your delightful letters. I grew professionally as I did my best to make this magazine one that I could be proud of and that you, the reader, would enjoy. I leave behind a little bit of my heart as I move on to my next chapter in the quilting world. I hope our paths will cross again, and, as always…

Happy Quilting!
Tracy