At QBPN, we take pride in offering one of the largest online collections of quilt patterns and notions. Behind every product we carry is a talented designer whose creativity, experience, and passion help shape the vibrant quilting community we’re all part of.
Every quilt tells a story, and every pattern begins with a vision. The incredible designers we work with have spent decades honing their craft, while others are rising voices who discovered their creative spark more recently.
In this special feature, we invite you to meet the makers behind the brands we proudly support, each with their own inspiring journey stitched into every design.
Mara Quilts
Marija, the creative force behind Mara Quilt Designs, is a wife, mother, grandmother, and a cancer research scientist. After immigrating to the United States with her family in 1992, she discovered quilting and instantly found a creative sanctuary. Her lifelong love of sewing and crafting took on new meaning as she began to blend her scientific precision with an expressive exploration of color, form, and pattern. Inspired by nature, driven by curiosity, and fueled by coffee and chocolate, Marija designs quilts that encourage others to tap into their own creative spark. Her mission is simple: “My passion is to inspire your creativity by sharing all of mine.”
From a young age, Marija knew she was destined to become a biologist. Her interest in genetics and molecular biology began in eighth grade and eventually led her to a career in research. After arriving in the U.S., she joined Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York, the first dedicated cancer hospital in the country. What began as foundational scientific research has evolved into hands-on development of experimental therapies now used in clinical trials. “It’s a privilege I don’t take for granted,” she says of her work, which allows her to collaborate with a passionate, dedicated team making meaningful contributions to cancer treatment.
Outside the lab, Marija’s creativity continues to thrive. Her first quilt pattern, Sweet April, was published in the January/February 2017 issue of McCall’s Quilting, followed by additional features in Quiltmaker. Most recently, her dream came full circle when Mountain Sky was featured in the February 2025 issue of American Patchwork & Quilting, the very magazine she subscribed to as a beginner in the early 1990s. “I feel like I grew up with that magazine,” she reflects. “It’s incredibly special to now be part of its pages.”
Shop Marija's designs under her brand name Marja Quilts.
Buy the Niagara Stars digital pattern here.
Get the Cobblestone Path digital pattern here.
Grab the Pieceful Pathways digital pattern here.
Shop all Mara Quilt Patterns here.
3 Dog Design Co
Carl, the creative mind behind 3 Dog Design Co, didn’t come from a quilting family but was surrounded by creative inspiration. His mother was a seamstress, his aunt a knitter, and his sister a talented artist. Carl began experimenting with sewing and pattern-making at the age of ten. Watching shows like Simply Quilts and Quilt in a Day, he taught himself to quilt before the internet could offer much help.
Carl’s journey took him from Denver to Missouri, and quilting remained a constant through each move. He refined his skills one block at a time through sampler quilts and block-of-the-month clubs. His patterns reflect a deep appreciation for traditional techniques and a love of learning and exploration.
Buy the Pirouette Digital Pattern here.
Get the Fly Over Digital Pattern here.
Grab the Carnivale Digital Pattern here.
Shop all 3 Dog Design Co Patterns here.
LOLO
Katie, the founder of LOLO, was raised on a ranch in Montana where creativity and resourcefulness were part of everyday life. Surrounded by generations of makers, she grew up stitching quilts, crafting soap, and sewing handbags. Always guided by a deep connection to nature and the joy of making with her hands. That spirit lives on in her work today, blending the rugged beauty of the Montana landscape with a modern, minimalist design aesthetic.
Her debut quilt patterns, Quaking Aspen, Stream, and Birch, were inspired by the natural places that ground her most: shimmering aspen groves, quiet creeks, and wide-open wilderness. With clean lines and calming palettes, these wall quilts offer a meditative pause in the middle of daily life. Katie’s creative process is intuitive, often sparked by small moments, shapes in vintage tiles, a fleeting memory, or a technique she wants to explore. These fragments evolve into modern designs that are both functional and beautiful, encouraging others to breathe deeply and create with intention.
Patterns like Bea Bandana reflect her love for slow fashion and garment sewing, showing how quilts can move off the bed and into everyday life. Scrap-friendly and approachable, her work invites both seasoned quilters and newcomers to find joy in making something personal and useful.
Katie is also a strong advocate for slowing down in a fast-paced digital world. One of her biggest challenges has been learning to honor her own creative rhythm rather than chase constant output. Through her Substack newsletter, The Frayed Edge, and her Mindful Quilting Course, she encourages others to reconnect with creativity on their own terms. Her upcoming projects include Cherry Delight, the first in a series of Montana-inspired quilt patterns, and a journaling prompt collection designed to help quilters deepen their craft, even when they're away from the sewing machine.
To beginners, her message is clear: you don’t need to follow all the rules. Some of her favorite quilts are made from old clothes, scraps, and quirky fabric combinations. Quilting is as much about the joy of the process as it is about the finished piece. There’s no single right way, only the way that brings you joy.
Buy the Quaking Aspen digital pattern here.
Get the Cherry Delight pattern here.
Grab the Bea Bandana digital pattern here.
Shop all LOLO Patterns here.
Skye Thistle Quilts
Annik is a lifelong learner who continues to refine her craft while generously sharing her skills with others. “I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge of quilting with others,” she says. “Helping fellow quilters improve their craft and promoting the art of quilting is something that’s really important to me.” Teaching and mentoring have become meaningful parts of her journey, and she remains committed to both preserving quilting traditions and encouraging creative growth.
The name Skye Thistle Quilts reflects Annik’s deep personal ties and the rich heritage of her community. “Skye” comes from the road where her husband grew up, while “Thistle,” the national flower of Scotland, symbolizes the strength and history of the region she calls home. Together, the name captures the spirit of place and purpose that defines her work.
In 2023, Annik reached a major milestone when she was invited to teach a quilting class at her local quilt shop. That experience inspired her to create and release her first published pattern, Charmed Star, which quickly found success. Since then, she has continued to design and build momentum for Skye Thistle Quilts. Her work is fueled by creativity, attention to detail, and a strong connection to the quilting community.
Buy the Flower Patch digital pattern here.
Get the Mimosa digital pattern here.
Grab the Blossom digital pattern here. Get the physical copy here.
Shop all Skye Thistle Patterns here.
Handwoven By Leah
Leah, the founder of Handwoven by Leah, began her quilting journey during the pandemic, initially sewing face masks for nursing homes as a way to give back. A registered nurse by profession, she found that simple act of service sparked something deeper, an enduring love for quilting. She started with 3-yard quilts, an approachable entry point for many beginners, and quickly found herself drawn to the creative possibilities of throw-size quilts. Within a year, Leah was designing her own patterns, combining clean, modern aesthetics with a careful attention to structure and clarity. Her patterns have since become favorites among quilters who value well-written instructions and elegant design.
One quilt pattern that holds special meaning for Leah is, Staircase. It’s her best-selling pattern by far and appeals to quilters of all levels. It can be made simply or in more complex variations depending on the version. “I don’t think there’s a day that goes by that it has not sold in the last two years,” she shares. As one of her earliest designs, Staircase represents both the beginnings of her pattern-writing journey and her ability to create something timeless and accessible.
Like many designers, Leah has faced challenges along the way. Learning EQ8, a quilt design software, and continually generating fresh, modern pattern ideas is no small feat. “Sometimes I make multiple patterns before I land on one worth writing,” she explains. Fortunately, she has a small circle of trusted friends who offer honest feedback during the design process, an essential part of her creative workflow.
Looking ahead, Leah is stepping into teaching, with plans to begin offering classes at a local quilt shop starting this June. She also hopes to refocus on two long-term projects that have been patiently waiting in the wings: her blog and a book she’s been working on.
Leah is also passionate about breaking down misconceptions in the quilting world. She believes that while quilting can be challenging, it largely depends on the pattern. Starting simple and building skills over time makes the process approachable for beginners. She also encourages quilters to try freezer paper foundation piecing, noting that those she’s introduced to the method often prefer it over traditional paper piecing, even if convincing others to give it a try can sometimes be a challenge.
Handwoven by Leah is more than a brand, it’s a reflection of her journey, her values, and the belief that with a little curiosity and courage, anyone can find joy in quilting.
Get the Staircase 2.0 digital pattern here.
Grab the Lotus digital pattern here.
Buy the Autumn Leaves digital pattern here.
Shop all Handwoven by Leah Patterns here.
Quiltin’ Crazy
For Tammy and Kate, quilting is a form of storytelling and a way to preserve connection. One of their most personally meaningful patterns, Amalfi Lemons, was inspired by the Amalfi Coast, a destination they’ve traveled to together for over two decades. The design captures the oversized lemons, intricate ceramic tiles, golden sunshine, and tranquil blue waters that define the beloved region. “We feel it fully represents what we were trying to capture,” they share, reflecting on the memories sewn into every block.
Designing together from different parts of the country has its challenges, but their collaboration is a testament to the strength of their bond and the beauty of combining two distinct styles. Each pattern blends traditional and modern techniques, with detailed instructions and diagrams that empower both beginners and seasoned quilters alike. “We write our patterns so both seasoned quilters and beginners feel confident in our instructions,” they explain.
Looking ahead, Quiltin’ Crazy has no plans of slowing down. A new series of seasonal patterns is set to release this summer, along with upcoming designs that celebrate their home states of Florida and Texas. First up: a quilt inspired by the history and landscape of North Texas.
Their advice for those just starting out? Don’t get bogged down in perfection. “There are no rules,” they say. “Patterns are a guide, not a rulebook," and if you love a technique, use it. "Just have fun and make it your own.”
Buy the Modern Cross digital pattern here.
Get the Fading Day digital pattern here.
Grab the Amalfi Lemons pattern here.
Shop all Quiltin’ Crazy Patterns here.
Each of these designers brings something unique to the quilting world, and we’re honored to feature their work at QBPN. It’s always a joy to explore the variety of patterns they bring to the table for the community to enjoy. The range of styles keeps the craft feeling fresh and exciting. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a project to fall in love with or an experienced quilter exploring new voices in the craft, their stories and patterns will inspire you every step of the way.