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.