I decided I wanted to put a quilt into a show for the first time ever. I have gone to lots os shows because we travel half year in an RV. I wanted to do something traditional...with a current day look. I wanted something I wasn't seeing at the shows, paper pieced ny beauties, Edyta Sitar appliqué, modern wall hangings in large, bright florals...all beautiful but someone else's preference. I decided to do a Glorified Nine patch in the style of a quilt I had sees on a very old Quilters Newsletter issue. I made up my own design and entered. I would have been pleased with the 3 judge panel's feedback...but I was thrilled to get a ribbon. I think the best inspiration comes from my own review of historical quilts. As the quilters tshirt saying goes, "think outside the quadrilateral parallelogram." lol. Have fun!

At the Lowell Quilt Festival in August, the whole place was alive with applique! Modern and traditional!

What about a chevron quilt? It's a new pattern and is really cute!

And so many beautifully pieced backs, too! Two quilts in one!!

Look up Anita's Arrowhead quilt block tutorial. It is easy- There is a measurement for an additional size at the end of the tutorial. I made it with two colors for all the blocks - works up fast as the first sewing actually sews half of the block together.

I have no idea about the newest trends, but browse through the quilts on Pinterest. When I do that, I always find some really awesome ideas that I have never seen before!

I watch a local PBS station every Sat morning for tips and ideas. Last Sat there were two episodes on 18 inch blocks and directions as to how to change the them out to make very different looking quilts. This link only lists one episode but if you search I am sure you can find part 2. Very worth the watch if you are looking for a new idea. http://www.iptv.org/series.cfm/45/se..._nancy/ep:2701

I'm currently doing the Aiming 4 Accuracy quilt along with the plan to enter it next Spring. There is nothing real hard about it but it has different size blocks that give an excellent place to play with colors. It is all piecing. The pattern is free until the end of October when the quilt along ends...just download it.

Have you tried any of Jinny Beyer's? The DeVinci is one I might try.

Try the 'Swoon' pattern. Looks like fun. Lot of chances to personalize the block.