Patchwork and Quilting are arts that can be traced back to 3400 BC, and they have remained a staple across many cultures, countries and traditions. The web is therefore packed with artists, makers and DIYers eager to demonstrate their talents – some of which started quilting to have a more fulfilled life and achieve mindfulness. We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite current artists that really have the ability to inspire.
Also in this series: Inspiring Knit and Crochet Artists you HAVE to follow and Hand Embroidery Artists you HAVE to follow.
1. Teresa Silva
Teresa Silva is a longarm quilter extraordinaire and author of the new Longarm Quilting Workbook. She has quilted for Moda Fabrics, Hoffman Fabrics, Tula Pink, Jaybird Quilts, and more!
We just love her style, use of colour and following her latest creations.
Follow Teresa
Instagram: @quiltingismybliss
Facebook: Happy Apple Quilts
Website: happyapplequilts.com
2. Bisa Butler
Bisa Butler is a phenomenal fibre artist, specialising in quilted portraits. Her key signature is her use of vibrant colours, and subjects that span various points of history and countries. This is a great example of stories being told through the fabric.
Follow Bisa
Instagram: @bisabutler
Facebook: Bisa Butler Fine Art
Website: Hi Fructose
3. Ann Harwell
Ann creates quilts that ‘tell stories, express feelings and communicate ideas’. At the centre of her work is a desire to create perfection. Often created from hundreds of tiny pieces of jewel-colored and patterned fabrics, her quilts include works based on outer space, astral phenomena and landscapes inspired by gardens and arboretums.
Follow Ann
Instagram: @annjharwell
Facebook: Ann Harwell Art
Website: Quiltartisannharwell.com
4. Sherilyn Mortensen
Sherilyn Mortensen is a Gammill quilt artist, pattern designer and a custom creator. If you like clean cut designs, precision and detail then she’s definitely one to watch!
Follow Sherilyn
Instagram: @sea_sherilyn_sew
Website: Gammill.com
5. Mathew Boudreaux (AKA Mister Domestic)
After taking a few local sewing classes Mathew has, over only a matter of years, built a huge social media following. If you take a look at his work you’ll see why. From his website he sells his own patterns and continually wow us with his creations. Please check him out.
Follow Mister Domestic
Instagram: @misterdomestic
Facebook: Mister Domestic
Website: misterdomestic.net
6. Alyson Vega
Roberta Smith from the New York Times, once reviewed Alyson’s work, paying particular attention to her quiltlike patchwork of fabric pieces strung to a wire frame. “What holds them together is unclear,” she said, “which has a magical effect.” We think so too!
Follow Alyson
Instagram: @alyfiberartist
Website: artsy.net
7. Paula Cochrane
Paula is a lover of antique quilts. She loves fussy cutting, intricate piecing and the wonderful secondary patterns it can yield. All of her work focuses on colours, patterns and designs from the late 1700’s to mid 1800’s. If you want quilts that remind you of yesteryear then make sure you follow Paula Cochrane.
Follow Paula
Instagram: @oldepatchart
Facebook: Olde Patch Art
Website: oldepatchart.au
8. Emily Dennis
Emily is a modern quilter and author of Modern Quilts, Block by Block. On Instagram she showcases her patterns, designs and workshops and her colours always leave us feeling somewhat inspired.
Follow Emily
Instagram: @emily_dennis_
Facebook: Quilty Love
Website: quiltylove.com
9. Timna Tarr
Timna is an award-winning exhibiting artist, designing and making quilts for private and corporate collections. She is an in-demand speaker and has been featured in many books and magazines. We just love her use of colour and attention to detail.
Follow Timna
Instagram: @timnatarr
Facebook: Timna Tarr Quilts
Website: timnartarr.com
If you’d like to share an artist with us then please feel free to leave a comment below.