Finding Inspiration in the Beauty of the Emerald Isle
As the creator of the Inishglora quilt pattern, my inspiration comes primarily from the life I’ve built here in Ireland, a country I’ve called home for over 16 years. My journey began with exploring tourist sites and their historical significance. Still, it was through conversations with Irish people that I truly gained a deeper understanding of what life here is all about—their personal stories, the families they grew up in, and how society has evolved. It’s been a privilege to witness Ireland’s cultural shift from a strictly Catholic country to a more open, liberal society.
When it comes to pinpointing the specific elements of Ireland’s cultural and natural heritage that inspire my work, it’s hard to define. My inspiration often strikes in spontaneous moments. I might see something—a landscape, a color, a building—and it just clicks.
One particularly influential experience for me is witnessing how vibrant Ireland becomes on sunny days. The deep blue of the sea, the light blue sky, and the endless shades of green are breathtaking. I’m especially fond of the bright yellow gorse plants that cover parts of the Dublin mountains, adding an unmistakable vibrancy to the landscape.
When I translate these experiences into quilt designs, I usually start by playing with combinations of lines and shapes, sketching them out on paper. I then color the designs by hand to explore how different shapes interact with one another. I love using design concepts to create balanced, eye-pleasing compositions, and I choose colors based on how they make me feel at the moment.
Through my quilts, I aim to share a piece of the beauty I see every day in this incredible country. My hope is that others will not only appreciate the designs but also feel as if they’ve been transported to the enchanting landscapes of Ireland, soaking in its colors, its stories, and its atmosphere.
Meet the Creator
Hi, I’m Timi, and I’m excited to introduce myself as the designer behind the Inishglora quilt pattern.
My quilting journey began about 10 years ago when I first started sewing clothes for my kids. One day, after my daughter kept borrowing my favorite fleece blanket—fondly known as The Yellow Blanket—I decided to make her a quilt of her own. Using cute fabric from Gingiber and a soft Minky backing, I created my very first quilt, and from that point on, I was hooked.
My first quilt using Gingiber's Zoology collection
While I love the creative side of quilting, my background in business and economics has given me an appreciation for the numbers, geometry, and logic that are central to the process. There’s something satisfying about the precision involved in cutting pieces and fitting everything together, almost like solving a puzzle. This blend of creativity and structure is what keeps me coming back to design more quilts.
When it comes to my design style, I’m drawn to bright colors, bold geometric shapes, and asymmetric compositions that add a modern twist. I usually draft my ideas using EQ8 software, playing around with shapes and colors until the design feels just right. I enjoy the cutting and sewing phases, although pressing all those seams isn’t quite as exciting!
Pieces cut for Go Figure Quilt by Hold My Seam ripper
Though I live in Ireland now, I wasn’t born here, which gives me a different perspective on this beautiful country. Irish heritage isn’t mine to take pride in, but I also don’t take it for granted. There’s so much to explore, and my inspiration often comes from the stories, places, and moments that catch my attention. I’m fascinated by Ireland’s built and natural heritage—the colorful doors in Dublin, the breathtaking landscapes, and the rich history behind every corner.
I’m also influenced by European architecture, particularly the clean lines and minimalist colour use of the Bauhaus era. This architectural simplicity often informs my quilt designs, blending modern aesthetics with a connection to the Irish landscape and culture.
Through my patterns, I hope quilters worldwide can feel a sense of Ireland's magic, learn about its rich heritage, and experience the atmosphere of this wonderful place.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me! If you’d like to stay connected and follow my creative journey, you can find me on Instagram @scatteredbobbins and subscribe to my newsletter. I can’t wait to share more inspiration, designs, and patterns with you!