Quilt Big in The Empire State 🗽
- brookesbtchinstitc
- Oct 31
- 3 min read
Stitching Through New York on Brooke’s Bitchin’ Road Trip
As our Brooke’s Bitchin’ Road Trip continues, we’re heading to one of the most iconic destinations in the country — The Empire State, New York! Whether it’s the buzz of the city that never sleeps or the peaceful stillness of the Adirondack Mountains, New York is a state bursting with color, character, and creative energy — the perfect inspiration for our next pixelated quilt pattern.
🧵 Quilt Pattern Inspiration: Bold, Bright, and Full of Life
For the cover quilt of The Empire State Quilt Pattern, I was inspired by the New York Knicks team colors — a deep blue and vibrant orange. These hues capture the electric energy of New York: the blue evokes the Hudson River and the skyscraper silhouettes at dusk, while the orange represents the city lights glowing through the night.
But what I love most about this quilt is how personal it can become. New York isn’t just about the city; it’s a story of contrasts — urban and rural, history and innovation, quiet and chaos. You can bring those elements to life with your fabric choices, whether you’re drawn to bold color or serene neutrals.
🎨 Fabric Tips & Ideas
Here are a few fun ways to make your Empire State Quilt truly yours:
City Vibes: Choose grays, charcoals, and metallics to represent skyscrapers and city lights. Add pops of orange or red for taxis zipping through Manhattan!
Upstate Serenity: Go for earthy greens, lakeside blues, and golden yellows to reflect the Adirondacks, Finger Lakes, or Hudson Valley.
Niagara Inspiration: Try ombre blues and whites to mimic the cascading power of Niagara Falls.
A Heartfelt Touch: Don’t forget to add your appliqué heart to the city or region that means most to you — whether that’s home, college, or your favorite travel memory.
Each quilt in the Home Pattern Series includes:🧵 A throw-size quilt and two mini quilt designs🧵 Appliqué templates for the minis🧵 Step-by-step instructions and layout guides🧵 An appliqué heart that lets you mark your home — or your heart — anywhere in the state.
💡 Make Your Quilt Personal
The magic of the Home Pattern Series is in the personalization. For New York, consider:
Using fabrics that remind you of seasons you love — fiery fall prints, snowy whites, or spring greens.
Adding a hand-stitched name or date to mark a special memory.
Creating a mini version as a gift for someone who’s moved away or just loves the state!
Quilting isn’t just fabric and thread — it’s storytelling. And The Empire State Quilt is your canvas for celebrating the energy, resilience, and artistry that make New York unforgettable.
🧭 Explore the Empire State
Whether you’re planning your next road trip or reminiscing about one, here are some must-see New York stops that will spark your quilty inspiration:
🏙️ New York City — Visit Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, or take a walk through Central Park.🌉 Niagara Falls — The sound and power of the falls are truly breathtaking.🌲 Adirondack Mountains — Perfect for a fall getaway and leaf-peeping adventure.🍷 Finger Lakes Region — For the quilter who loves wine and scenic views.🎨 Hudson Valley — Full of art, history, and charm — ideal for a creative retreat.
🎁 Special Road Trip Treat
Don’t miss this week’s special! Use code EMPIRE for 10% off The Empire State Quilt Pattern (printed or digital download), valid through November 30th!
And if you want to see more color inspiration, fabric pulls, and behind-the-scenes stitching tips, be sure to check out my latest blog updates and follow along on Instagram at @brookesbtchinstitches.
💬 Fun Facts About New York
New York has over 7,000 freshwater lakes, ponds, and rivers — plenty of blue fabric inspiration!
The Adirondack Park is larger than Yellowstone, Glacier, and Grand Canyon National Parks combined.
The first women’s rights convention took place in Seneca Falls in 1848.
The Statue of Liberty was originally shipped from France in 350 individual pieces!
❤️ Wrap Up
From the sparkling city skyline to the peaceful mountain trails, New York embodies creativity and courage — the same qualities that shine through every stitch of this quilt. So, grab your favorite orange and blue fabrics, mark your heart on the map, and quilt your own Empire State of Mind.
Until our next stop on the road trip — happy stitching!
💖 Brooke
Comments