First Stop: The MItten State - Michigan Pixelated Quilt Pattern
- brookesbtchinstitc
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
Stitching My Way Back to Michigan
Welcome to the very first stop on Brooke’s Bitchin’ Road Trip — and what better place to kick things off than my home state: Michigan!
This pattern holds a super special place in my heart — it was actually the first design I ever created in my Home Pattern Series! So yeah, it’s kind of my baby. 💕
The Mitten State quilt is inspired by the landmarks, culture, and memories I carry with me from growing up in Michigan. And yes — the capital “MI” in The MItten is intentional. I had to sneak in that state abbreviation pun. 😉
❤️ The Story Behind the Design
This pattern is more than a layout — it’s a love letter to my roots.
When my husband and I visited Michigan a few years ago, this quilt actually went on tour with us! We took it to:
My elementary school in Brighton (RIP playground tires 💔)
My high school in Farmington Hills
My college in Southfield
My family’s hometown of Elsie, home to the largest dairy farm in the state
And even Mackinac Island, because of course!
While standing outside my now-abandoned elementary school, I had all the feels. So many memories… and now, they’re stitched into fabric forever.
🧵 What’s Included in the Quilt Pattern
Every pattern in the Home Series includes:
A throw-size quilt layout
Two mini quilt options (perfect for gifts or wall hangings)
Step-by-step instructions
Appliqué templates for the minis
A sweet little appliqué heart to place on your hometown
Whether you’re from Michigan or it simply holds a special place in your story, this quilt is such a fun one to stitch.
🎨 Tips for Choosing Fabric
Want to make it your own? Here are a few ideas:
Use tone-on-tones or solids to keep that crisp pixel look.
Include fabrics that reflect your Michigan memories — I used:
🚗 Automotive prints for the Big Three
🏈 Football fabrics for MSU & U of M
🌊 Lighthouses and Great Lakes prints
💐 Our state flag and flower
❤️ A heart over my hometown!
Or lean into sports team colors — Go Blue? Go Green? You choose!
Your quilt, your story. Stitch it your way.
📣 Special Road Trip Treat
To celebrate our first stop, use code MITTENSTATE to get 10% off The MItten State Quilt Pattern — printed or digital download — now through April 13!
🧠 Fun Facts About Michigan to Stitch Along To
Michigan has more lighthouses than any other U.S. state
It’s the only state split into two peninsulas — connected by the Mackinac Bridge
It touches four of the five Great Lakes
And yes, we use our hands as maps, and we’re proud of it 😉
Thank you for starting this journey with me. Whether you’re stitching just this stop or cruising through all 50 states with me, I’m so excited you’re here.
Tag me on Instagram (@brookesbtchinstitches) if you make your own Michigan quilt — I’d love to see how you bring your Mitten to life! 💙
With love, fabric, and all the Great Lakes feels,
Brooke
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