Why Every Quilter Needs 'Quilts in Modern Color'

One of my favorite steps in the quilt-making process is choosing fabrics for my next quilt project. There’s something exciting about pulling together different colors and textures, imagining how they’ll come together in the final piece. It’s the spark that gets me excited to create! However, I know firsthand that this step can also feel overwhelming—especially for new quilters or anyone faced with the sheer variety of fabrics available. That’s why I’m so excited about Amber Elliot’s new book, Quilts in Modern Color. It’s a game-changer for anyone looking to explore color in a fresh, modern way. Treat yourself to a signed copy of Quilts in Modern Color directly from Amber’s website.
What Makes Quilts in Modern Color So Special?
Amber’s latest release makes working with ombre fabrics feel approachable and exciting. Whether you’re new to quilting or a seasoned maker, her designs help you see color in a whole new light. Quilts in Modern Color walks you through how to harness the beauty of ombre fabrics to create depth, movement, and stunning visual effects—without the stress of second-guessing color choices.
This book is more than just a collection of patterns. It’s an inspiring and approachable guide to:
- Color theory, understanding how ombre fabrics work and how to use them to their full potential.
- Learning different ways of ombre fabric placement and creating seamless color transitions in your quilt designs.
- Exploring a variety of techniques that range from easy to slightly more challenging, making it a great resource for both new and seasoned quilters, such as strip piecing, half-rectangle triangles, curved piecing and more.
Why You’ll Love This Book
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a fabric shop’s rainbow of choices, unsure where to start, this book will be your new best friend. Amber takes the guesswork out of color placement, helping you create quilts that are both modern and timeless. Her step-by-step guidance, clear diagrams, colour inspirations, and thoughtful approach make working with ombre fabrics accessible to all skill levels.
Plus, if you’re someone who loves a quilt that looks complex but is surprisingly easy to construct, Quilts in Modern Color delivers. The patterns are striking yet achievable, making them perfect for anyone looking to add a bit of color magic to their quilting repertoire.
Personal Favorites from the Book
The book includes instructions for ten full-size quilts and four smaller projects, all designed to help you build stunning color gradients in a wide variety of ombre-friendly designs. Whether you're new to working with ombre fabrics or looking to refine your skills, the book offers a fantastic mix of approachable and slightly more challenging techniques, making it perfect for quilters of all levels.
While all the projects in the book are inspiring, here are my top three favorites:
1. Aventurine Wall Hanging – This project immediately caught my attention because it combines two of my favorite piecing techniques: strip piecing and half-square triangles. The gradients throughout the design create such a striking, dynamic look, and because it’s a smaller project, it’s incredibly approachable—something you can finish over a weekend!
2. Starfall Quilt – As a kid, I had glow-in-the-dark star stickers scattered across my walls and ceiling, and if I had this quilt back then, it would have been the perfect companion! I love how the use of negative space makes the stars feel like they’re floating, and the ombre effect throughout the stars really makes them pop. Plus, this project is a fantastic way to master curved piecing.
3. Crossroads Quilt – This quilt proves that simplicity can be incredibly effective. The clean design is elevated by the thoughtful placement of ombre fabrics, creating a stunning sense of depth and movement. It also features strip piecing, which is one of my favorite techniques. Bonus? It pairs beautifully with the Aventurine Wall Hanging for a cohesive, modern decor set!
Ready to Dive into Ombre Quilting?
Amber’s book is a must-have addition to any quilter’s library, and I can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself with a new technique or simply want to bring more vibrancy into your quilts, Quilts in Modern Color is the perfect guide. Grab your copy today and get ready to fall in love with the beauty of gradient color! You can purchase signed copies of Quilts in Modern Color directly from Amber’s website.
Follow along with the rest of the Quilts in Modern Color blog hop at these links:
Monday, March 31st: Suzy Quilts (IG: @suzyquilts)
Tuesday, April 1st: The Crafty Quilter (IG: @thecraftyquilter)
Wednesday, April 2nd: Sewspicious (IG: @sewspicious)
Thursday, April 3rd: The Weekend Quilter (IG: @the.weekendquilter)
Friday, April 4th: Broadcloth Studio (IG: @broadclothstudio)
Saturday, April 5th: Riley Blake Designs (IG: @rileyblakedesigns)
Sunday, April 6th: Toad and Sew (IG: @toadandsew)
Monday, April 7th: Mija Handmade (IG: @mija.handmade)
Tuesday, April 8th: XOXSEW (IG: @xoxsew)
Wednesday, April 9th: Diary of a Quilter (IG: @diaryofaquilter)
Thursday, April 10th: Urban Dwell Studio (IG: @urbandwellstudio)