A pixelated quilt inspired by the Smoky Mountains + travel tips + a special discount!

The Volunteer State Quilt - Pixelated Quilt Pattern

Welcome to Stop #8 on Brooke’s Bitchin’ Virtual Road Trip! This week, we’re heading into a place that holds a very special spot in my heart—Tennessee, The Volunteer State. 🌄

For over a decade, my family and I have made regular trips to the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area—sometimes multiple times a year! The mountains, the scenery, the food, and the Southern charm keep us coming back again and again. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend adding it to your travel bucket list.

The Volunteer State Quilt Pattern

This week, I’m so excited to feature The Volunteer State Quilt Pattern—a beautiful addition to my Home Series of pixelated quilt patterns. This pattern includes:

• A throw-size pixelated quilt design

• Two mini quilt designs (perfect for a quick stitch or wall hanging!)

• Appliqué templates for both mini quilts

• A heart appliqué you can place on the city that means the most to you

  
  

For the cover quilt, I chose batik fabrics in teal, blue, yellow, browns, and greens. These colors remind me of everything I love about East Tennessee—the rich green forests, blue skies, sparkling rivers, golden sunlight, and the earthy tones of the Smoky Mountains.

And of course, one of my favorite things to do with my quilts is take them on a little adventure—and this one got the VIP treatment during a photo shoot in Pigeon Forge, TN! Keep an eye out on my Instagram and newsletter for more beautiful shots.

Fabric Tips & Color Ideas

Want to make The Volunteer State quilt your own? Here are a few fabric tips to guide you:

• Batik fabrics are a great choice for this pixelated pattern—they add texture and depth that mimic the natural beauty of Tennessee.

• Use a tonal gradient of blues and greens to reflect the Smoky Mountains and misty skylines.

• Incorporate yellows and warm browns for that classic mountain sunshine and rustic charm.

• Want to personalize your color palette? Choose colors that represent your own Tennessee memories—your hometown, college colors, or your favorite travel moments.

  
  

Must-Visit Spots in Tennessee

Whether you’re planning a trip or dreaming of one, here are a few of my family’s favorite stops in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area:

🎡 The Island in Pigeon Forge – Fun rides, great food, and an iconic mountain-view Ferris wheel.

🎢 Dollywood – An absolute must for thrill-seekers, music lovers, and anyone who appreciates Appalachian culture.

🌲 Anakeesta – Zip lines, treetop skywalks, and panoramic Smoky Mountain views.

🏞️ Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Hiking, waterfalls, wildlife, and fresh mountain air.

🍗 Old Mill Square – Southern food, handmade goods, and a peek into Tennessee’s historic roots.

Fun Facts About Tennessee

• Tennessee has more than 10,000 caves, more than any other U.S. state!

• It’s the birthplace of country music, with Bristol recognized as the official origin.

• Graceland, Elvis Presley’s home in Memphis, is the second-most visited home in the United States (after the White House).

• The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country.

• Tennessee earned its nickname, The Volunteer State, due to the overwhelming number of volunteers who served in the War of 1812.

  
  

Special Road Trip Treat 🎁

To celebrate this stop, I’m offering a limited-time discount on The Volunteer State Quilt Pattern!Use code VOLUNTEER at checkout to save 10% on either the printed or digital download version.

🗓️ Offer valid July 12–20 only!

I hope this pattern lets you stitch up a piece of Tennessee, whether it’s your home state, a favorite vacation spot, or one that’s still on your bucket list. Thanks for traveling with me—and don’t forget to tag me in your finished quilts so I can see your version of The Volunteer State!

Happy stitching & safe travels,🧵

Brooke