Welcome to the home of the Questioning Quilter.
My goal is to inspire quilters and advance the art of quilting.
My newsletter has a new disappearing pattern in every issue:
If you enjoy watching tutorials of my quilts, please visit my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/questioningquilter
Here are the links to some of my tutorials:
 | Piece ‘O Candy: A Disappearing Churn-Dash https://youtu.be/dk0ayZU_11c |
 | Top of the Stairs: A Disappearing Pinwheel https://youtu.be/MLHNvfbHW5U |
 | Celtic Rose: A Disappearing Pinwheel https://youtu.be/4xt8_mpbRIc |
 | Double Vision: A Disappearing Hourglass https://youtu.be/MSQfB1wwrRU |
 | Moroccan Tiles Disappearing Hourglass https://youtu.be/twK-hloqxOY |
 | Christmas Trees Disappearing Grecian Square https://youtu.be/8VXM1n1-Mfo |
 | Lattice Diamond Quilt https://youtu.be/QHKdCAUpdYM |
I have a post about Disappearing Blocks which includes information about initial block size.
I am also starting a series of newsletters with new versions of disappearing blocks and their associated quilts. 
These go along with my zoom lecture and workshop.
Now You See It, Now You Don’t. The Magic of Disappearing Blocks.
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Here are some of my older posts
Mini Mini, Micro Mini and Teeny Tiny Quilts.
What they are and what to do with them.
Quilts from Crumbs, making beautiful quilts with the smallest scraps
Aside from teaching and creating,
I write periodic (once or twice a year) educational articles on quilting.
What am I supposed to do with all these scraps? part 1
Using Contrast to add Depth to Scrap Quilts. part 2
Color Concepts in Scrap Quilts. part 3
What is the best batting for a potholder?
I also have an informational newsletter with content you can’t get anywhere else. Subscribes also get the free pattern for this quilt as well as access to the archive of previous newsletters.
Contact me to come to your guild, group or store to present “Every Last Crumb, an Adventure in Scrap Quilting.”
Previous Thoughts and musings
March 21, 2018
Here it is, my second question has been posted “What Am I Supposed to Do With All These Scraps? part 1
Have you ever started on a project that seemed like it would be pretty easy only to find out, once you got into it, that it was more of a monster? Well here I am, more than 2 months since my last article.
I knew that this topic would have to be broken up into multiple pieces and that is where I made my first mistake. I knew that the first part would be how to cut and sort the scraps (see the blog), and subsequent parts would give examples of quilts made with those cut up pieces. I am trying to get people to sign up for my newsletter (because if I ever want to get published in a “real” magazine they want to know how many subscribers I have). To do this, I promised a free pattern. That seemed easy enough (famous last words).
I took 2 1/2″ and 5″ blocks (made into 1/2 square triangles) and laid them out on my design wall (shown below). I asked my husband to pick which one he liked the best. That was my second mistake, because he asked if I could use that pattern to make a queen size bed spread. Sure, I thought. Why not. I would just take notes and photos of the quilt top as I created it, then use that information to make a pattern. That was my third mistake. I got so busy making the pattern look pretty, that I added too many rows and my quilt is longer than the standard queen size batting. Not a problem for me, I bought the batting off a large roll and I always buy extra. BUT, not good for a published queen size pattern. I decided that the only fair thing to do was to offer the pattern in 3 different sizes, Lap, Queen, and Queen Plus. I only made the Queen Plus, but I ran all the calculations and included all the measurements for the other sizes. You can see by the picture that it is only a quilt top at this point. If I had to wait until the bed spread was quilted, this article would have to wait another month. LOL.
I still want to explore what we can do with all the pre-cuts that we have made. Each of these will get their own article. Next month I will explore how to use color and contrast to make your scrap quilt even more beautiful. I will use the various sized “charm” squares that I cut. After that, I will experiment with various types of string/strip quilts. After that, I want to share with everyone all the fun of crumb quilting.
My biggest problem is that for every project that I start, I find myself asking more questions. I guess that is good, it will keep me writing for some time to come.
Sign up for the newsletter and get the pattern for the Jacob’s Ladder Quilt shown above!
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March 6, 2018
My Blog is behind schedule because my husband liked the sample layout so much he asked that it be made into a bed spread. Here are some of the layouts I considered with the scraps that I cut. Please click on any of the images to see the full size layout. You will have to wait till the blog comes out to see which one will turn into a queen size bed spread. By the way the pattern for the winner will be included in the next newsletter.
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Jan- 2018
My name is Brita Nelson and I recently retired and decided to devote my time to sharing my love of quilting and the quilting arts with others. The first thing I did was to create an “Introduction to Quilting Class”, designed for the absolute beginner. All you need to do is be able to use a sewing machine and sew a straight line. In this class the students make a beautiful pot holder they can take home and use. Information about how to take this class or have me come to your organization to teach is on the Classes page.
While practicing making the pot holders for this class, I started wondering what I could use instead of the standard cotton batting. I also wondered if the fancy “Insul-Brite” insulated batting actually works. You could say that this was my first Question and first blog post. What is the best batting for a pot holder?
I know that there are a lot more questions out there and I am hoping that you will share some of your quilting questions with me and together we can find answers.
Hi Brita, I love watching your videos! They are always so easy, yet look so detailed and amazing. May I ask, how do you decide the ratio to cut your squares? I’m going to make the Double Vision Quilt, but I’d like to make my squares bigger to showcase some of my more stunning fabrics. So if I cut them at 7” or 8” squares, how far from the centre seam, should I cut?
Hi Camille,
I have a chart that will help you make different sized blocks. https://questioningquilter.com/chart/
Be aware that not every size starting block will work for all the disappearing patterns. But if you start with 7″ Half Square Triangles (these can be made from 7 1/2″ squares), you would have an Hourglass Block that measures 13 1/2″ square. For this block, you would cut 2 1/4″ from the center seam. This will result in a 12″ finished block.
Love, Love your scrap Quilts!!…..Thank You💞
Thank you!
Hello,
I love your patterns and ideas. I bought the 3-D Lattice Pattern 31″ X 36″ down load and got confused. (that can be easly done with me)
I was wondering if by chance there is a youtube (or such) tutorial on it?
Thank you so much, Debi
Hi Debi,
I am sorry that you are having trouble with the pattern. I don’t have a video for this pattern yet, but I am planning on one.
In the meanwhile, I would be happy to help you. We could arrange a time for a video chat on our phones, or a Zoom meeting, whichever you prefer. This coming week is pretty busy for me, but any time the week of Sept. 30 will be good. Let me know when it would be convenient for you.
I look forward to hearing from you soon,
Brita
Brita Nelson
The Questioning Quilter
brita@questioningquilter.com
QuestioningQuilter.com
I just came across all your wonderful YouTube videos for your disappearing block tutorials. OMG! Not sure why it has taking me so long to find these. I cannot wait to make my first one.
Thank you so very much. I hope that you will send me a picture if you do decide to make one of my quilts.
Brita
Hi Brita, You spoke at my Michigan guild a couple of years ago. Love your creativity and sense of adventure.
I was wondering if my guild here in Augusta GA could use the disappearing Grecian Square for a Christmas block challenge? Each person would make one pair and submit the finished blocks to me. Then one person would win all of the blocks to make the Christmas Tree quilt. Just wanted to make sure to get permission and respect copyrights.
Thank you,
Patti
Good evening Brita, hope this finds you well.
I just saw your Emerald Isle disappearing pinwheel block. Just wondering do you have a quilt pattern
telling how many blocks you would need and the yardage of the quilt fabrics”
I really like that pattern. You are a wonder. Keep up the great work/
Brenda
This pattern is for free for people who have subscribed to my Newsletter. The form is on every page of my website, just enter your email address. In the confirmation email there will be a link to the newsletter archive which has links to all of the patterns/newsletters.
Once you are subscribed, you will receive a new pattern (which goes with that month’s video) every month or so.
Let me know if you have any questions or I can be of any other assistance.
Love your Disappearing videos! Stay Strong may be my favorite because of all the arrangements. Prefer lots of arrangements even if it means less videos.
Your willingness to share is appreciated.
I am block slicer from way back!
Liz in Houston
So happy to hear that you like it.
Brita
Thank you so much for the patterns and ideas of different layouts. I love the Disappearing Pinwheel Quilt, i am going to make this with 3rd variation of the patterns. I love weeping willows and have just planted one in our front yard. I am not gong to tell my husband but make it a surprise. I will make it a king size also and see if I can make the blocks bigger. Again thank you, you are very talented and I love watching your turtorials.
I love the idea of a surprise quilt for your husband! That is wonderful. I hope that you will email me a picture of the quilt when it is done with permission to share it on my website and YouTube Community.
Thanks so much for being here!
Brita
I found you AND immediately subscribed because I was told about you by Jenny Doan at Missouri Star Quilts. You are amazing! I love your blocks and techniques. Then there is your teaching style and pleasant personality to go with it. Thank you for ALL you do. You are an inspiration to beginning and advanced quilters. Please keep up the great work you do! Know that you are appreciated!
You are so sweet. Thank you so much for the kind words and the subscription. Welcome!
Just got here by Jenny Doans recommendation and I am so glad. Thank you for sharing those beautiful quilting tutorials and especially the Variations. I love how they inspire me to experiment because i am really not fond of just following a pattern. And thank you for calculating different sizes this is the real gift for a Quilting beginner with math issues:)
Brita!! I just FOUND you!! What an amazing tutorial for the dream catcher?? quilt. I’ve been searching for it so I can watch again but haven’t found it yet. Wow, just wow. I can hardly wait to give it a try. Red, white, and blue it will be because I’m a volunteer quilter for Quilts of Valor Foundation.
Hi Donna,
Sorry to be so late getting back to you. Here is the link for the Patriotic Windcatcher.
https://youtu.be/z__1ZdYgEyQ
I love the QOV organization.
Brita
I LOVE the leaf crumb pot holder. Do you have a pattern for that?
Hi Cathy,
I am sorry but I used a pattern out of a book of paper pieced patterns I purchased a long time ago. I don’t even remember the name of the book.
The crumb fabric will look good with any pattern that you use.
Let me know if there is anything else I could do to help.
Brita
Enjoyed the video.
I just purchased the pattern for “Making Magic: A Disappearing Block Sampler Quilt (39′ X 39”).
My computer refuses to accept the download, even when I override the protection process. Is there another way this pattern can be sent to me?
Hi Jae,
That is a good catch about the cutting distance from the center seam. The truth is that the blocks that I designate as “Charm Pack Friendly” don’t require that the block be cut into EXACT thirds. I used 1 3/8 on the YouTube video because that is closest to 1/3. I used 1 1/4″ on the website because that is an easier measurement for new quilters. Either cutting place is fine, so long as the whole quilt is cut this way.
The reason that the 4 1/2 and 5″ blocks are not included in the big chart, is that the big chart is for blocks that have to be cut in EXACT thirds. The math for how far to cut from the center is the unfinished size of the Hourglass divided by 6. For a 12″ block that comes out to 2″ from the center. For a 4 1/2 HST, the hourglass would measure 8 1/2″ so you would need to cut 1.416666″ from the center seam. I don’t have that marking on my ruler. Many of the other Disappearing Hourglass and Disappearing Pinwheel won’t work if cuts don’t create perfect squares. I hope that this makes sense.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Brita, love your inquisitive approach to quilting and watch every YouTube video multiple times. You are a great teacher and an inspiration to many to think outside the block (what if). So glad I discovered you last year. Excited about your book!
OMG. I was browsing through YouTube videos to try and find a quilt block pattern that inspired me to start another project. I found your video on the disappearing pinwheel. Absolutely, love it!!!! Thank you for sharing. I am looking forward to getting your newsletter and seeing all that you have to share with your sister quilters.
I am so happy that you enjoy the videos. Thanks so much!
I have been a fan for a few months. Currently working on the button and bows version. Love, love your talent. Am a fan. Thank you for sharing your talents.
I stumbled on your YouTube channel while looking for new and different quilting channels. YOU popped up and I’ve been a fan ever since. Shared you channel with all my quilting buddies too.
Problem is I’m very impatient. I. (like I’ll bet so many others), check constantly to see if you’ve dropped another video..
Just love your content and how many ways you can use ONE block and make so many different quilts.
Hi Jackie,
Thanks so much for watching and sharing with your friends. That has to be the greatest compliment I can get. I wasn’t able to make a video for October, but I have finished filming and and currently editing my November video. I am hoping to post it on Sunday (Nov. 27). I look forward to seeing you then.
Brita
I would be interested in helping you choose layouts for your disappearing nine patches.
Thanks so much! I will be in touch.
Just found you on the internet. I am wondering if you do lectures for guilds.
I am from Common Threads Quilting Guild in Parma, Oh. About 50 Members.
We meet on the 3rd Monday at 6:30pm at All Saints Episcopal Church on Ridgewood Dr
Our doors open at 5:30 & program begins at 6:30
with refreshments & business meeting after.
I am interest in The programs on Scrap quilts & disappearing blocks. Would love to have you
if possible.
Thanks Carole J Wooten
Hi Carol,
I sent you an email directly, but I wanted to let you know here. I would love to do a lecture for your guild. I live in the greater Philadelphia area and prefer to drive. Anything within a 500 mile radius (which you are) is good. If any guild is further away than that, contact me because if you are near somewhere we might already be traveling, it is an easy thing to make a detour.
Please send me an email at brita@questioningquilter.com
Brita
Brita, I have watched your videos since I discovered them on youtube. I only wish you had more than One a month. You are terrific. Love everything about your teaching. looking forward to much more inspirational videos.
Thank you for doing what you do! So inspirational with fabric. This last video where the spool doesn’t match- I burst out laughing (midnight, hubby jolted awake…😂) when you said Someone out there…I try very hard to resist fretting about “perfect ” corners. Sigh. Please keep creating!
I hope you choose all the variations of one block at a time. Love your videos!!!!!!
Hello Brita, Thank you so much for sharing these fun videos and ALL the info… Oh, I hope you do, do a book on your quilting blocks and whatever else you want to share… Looking forward to the newsletters, videos and your book… Eva/Emma< nickname
Thank you so much for your support. I will be sure to let you know when the book comes out.
Love this long time seamstress, brand new to quilting and this has been great. Love your style and information.
Welcome to quilting. It is a great hobby filled with warm and wonderful people. I am sure you will enjoy it.
Brita
What a great idea to teach the disappearing block technique! Your approach and teaching style are spot on. You have certainly inspired me. Thank you 🙂
I am so excited to think that I have inspired you. What high praise! Thanks so much.
Hi Brita,
I absolutely love your uncomplicated technique of explaining your disappearing blocks! I enjoy how you ‘flick’ through the variety of options and colour coordinations. Keep up the good work and I wish you great success in your future projects.
TinaElizabeth
Thank you so very much.
Hi I just found you on UTube and I think your just lovely! I simply love your way of doing things and I was delighted with the blue and white disappearing stair climbers block quilt.
I have subscribed to you your newsletter and liked you.
After ten yrs of taking care of my 96 yr old mom she died on last Monday 1/24/2022. I too am retired now and can go back to my quilting. I would love the July 2021 pattern of that climbing stairs quilt you offered, how can I get it.
Thank you for sharing your talent.
Jeanne McNicholas
You can get free patterns for all of the videos by subscribing to my newsletter. The form is on every page of my website, just enter your email address. In the confirmation email there will be a link to the newsletter archive which has links to all of the pattern/newsletters.
Hi, Just found You on UT. I like the alternative designs of the original blocks.
Thank you so much!
Hi, my name is Elisabete. I’m from Brazil. I love Patchwork. I am happy that your guild decided to have a workshop. Tank you very much. By
Thank you so much for visiting.
How can I receive a copy of the pattern for the disappearing pinwheel. I just found you on the utube at five am and think it is a breath of fresh air. Thank you for thinking out of the box
You can get free patterns for any of the videos by subscribing to my newsletter. The form is on every page of my website, just enter your email address. In the confirmation email there will be a link to the newsletter archive which has links to all of the patterns/newsletters.
I found your Y tube channel by accident. I love it. You take a simple block and turn it into a work of art. Thank you for all the beautiful quilts!
I am so happy that you found me! Thanks for the kind words.
Good morning Brita, just saw one of your videos on YouTube. I loved your showing all the different variations. Thank you for sharing with all of us and will keep on watching! Keep up the great work. ♡
Thank you so much for the kind words.
I’m a beginning quilter. Your instructions are so clear and easy to understand. I love your patterns!
Thank you so much for giving me confidence.
I love helping beginning quilters. I am so happy that you find these patterns easy to follow.
If there is anything I can do to help you on your quilting journey, please let me know.
Brita
Hi,
I love helping beginning quilters, welcome to the
addictionopps, I mean club.I am glad that you find my patterns easy, I do hope that you try them. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you on your quilting journey.
Brita
I just discovered your website today and what fabulous quilts! Thank you for your tutorials!
Thank you so much for the kind words! Thank you for watching.
I just tripped on your YouTube channel. Just wow. I have always loved disappearing blocks but OJ My….you have just taken it to the next level. I thought when I found the disappearing rail fence block I had seen it all. Nope you just opened the possibilities of many many different layouts with just a simple block.
Hi Ann, I am so happy that you found my channel. I am hooked on the disappearing blocks it is wonderful to find another addict. 🙂
I would love to see your disappearing rail fence (brita@questioningquilter.com). I am never ceased to be amazed at how many disappearing patterns there are.
Brita
I’m relatively new at quilting and find you’r videos informative and easy to follow. I look forward to this learning experience.
I am so happy that you find my videos helpful. That is what I am going for. I am excited for new quilters and would like to help you in any way I can. Thank you for the kind words.
Learned a lot keep going and I think I would like anything you would put out.
Thank you.
Hello Brita,
I just happened upon your YouTube video this morning about disappearing nine patch blocks. I love it!! I’m checking out your website and more of your videos. I’ve already become a Subscriber and look forward to seeing all your ideas. Thank you so much for sharing with us. Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much!
I enjoy watching your videos. The block you showed that looked like a mirror image could be called “Reflections”. I look forward to seeing how it “disappears’.
Enjoyed your presentation for the BPQ guild this evening. Thank you so much!
I am so glad that you enjoyed the presentation. You guild was a lot of fun to work with.
Hope to see you again some time.
Brita
Enjoyed your videos. Looking forward to more variations. Please keep them coming.
Thank you so much. I am working on my next video right now. It is a variation of a disappearing pinwheel.
I wonder if you sell a pattern for the Quilter’s Questioning Demo (time of 2:18) on that video. It looks black and white and you stated that block didn’t have a name. I would love to make that quilt.
Thank you.
Hi, The name of that quilt is 4-Patch Illusion and the pattern is for sale on my shopping page.
https://questioningquilter.com/shop/
Thoroughly enjoyed your zoom presentation to our guild, Quilters Guild of Parker County. Will definitely try some of the disappearing block quilt designs if I can ever decide which ones!
I am so glad that you enjoyed the presentation and I am happy that your guild decided to have a workshop. I look forward to seeing you there.
Brita
Thank you for our class, it was fun. Janet Foster
Are you available for our Guild meeting zoom lecture on July 8th, 1 pm Pacific Time? You were recommended.
Thanks,
Jane Szabo
Oregon Coastal Quilters Guild
Program/Workshop Co-chair
Oregoncoastalquilters.com
Brita
You presented the most useful, imaginative and easily duplicatable lecture on 4-patchs for my guild last night. It was fun to listen to and you were very personable. Thank you for sharing your talent.
I signed up for your newsletter and will be looking into your website for patterns.
God bless you & safe travels to you
Dawnn Reid
Omaha, NE
I also am wondering if there’s a pattern for the black and white circles on gray quilt that tops your website page. Nancy Hanson
I am so glad that you like my quilt “Never Ask an Engineer.” Unfortunately, I don’t have a pattern for it. It is based on an optical illusion by Baingio Pinna.
My husband found it in a newspaper article years ago. I scanned the image, enlarged it and had it printed at Staples. I taped it to a glass door and traced the image onto the gray background fabric. I hand appliqued all the little white and black squares to the gray background, I then hand quilted it.
I asked Mr. Pinna’s permission to use his image (only necessary if you plan on entering it into a show) and he said:
“Yes, of course, you have my permission. You can find more in the two following links, if you like:”
http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Pinna_illusion
http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Watercolor_illusion
The image is figure 12c, half way down the page on the first link. I hope this helps.
Brita
Brita, where do I find information about your book of patterns that you mentioned at the NNMQG meeting last Monday?
Hi Brita, Is there a pattern for the quilt that is pictured above? It is the black and white circles on gray. Looks very illusional!! Love it. Thank you!
Hi Brita, I’ve read all through your site. I hope it is a big success. The investigation of the batting/temperatures and charting of same made me smile all the way to my heart – so like your family. I enjoyed them all and believe they are at peace now. Lynda