The Story Behind Tactfully Twisted... a quilt pattern coming soon

There’s an old quilt that’s been part of my family for as long as I can remember. It was pieced by my great-great-grandmother, made from simple two-tone solids that have faded softly with time. The seams are worn, the fabric is thin in spots, but the pattern.. a classic Capital T Block, still stands strong.

That quilt lived at the foot of my parents’ bed growing up, and I can still picture it there, folded and familiar. It’s one of those heirlooms that quietly sticks with you, reminding you of where your love for making began, long before you realized it.

When I started designing Tactfully Twisted, that quilt came to mind instantly. I wanted to take that same block, passed down through generations, and give it a fresh spin... something modern but still rooted in the comfort of tradition.

A Love Letter to TYPE/ography

The new TYPE/ography collection by Lori Holt for Riley Blake Designs felt like the perfect fabric to bring that idea to life. With 30 colored fabrics and 12 beautifully balanced low-volumes, the line is full of vintage typewriter charm; letters, glyphs, punctuation, and playful design motifs that feel nostalgic and fresh all at once.

It’s the kind of collection that feels designed for storytellers, each print layered with a hint of history and creativity. Pairing it with a twist on a traditional block just felt right.

A Modern Twist on a Classic Block

Tactfully Twisted reimagines that old “T” block... also known as the Square T, Double T, or Four T’s, in a way that feels both familiar and fresh. It’s fat-quarter friendly and beginner friendly, with clean, simple piecing that comes together quickly.

Here’s what makes it shine:

• Fat-quarter friendly – Perfect for those TYPE/ography bundles you’ve been eyeing.

• Beginner friendly – Straightforward piecing with a simple layout that creates the signature twist.

• A reimagined classic – That timeless “T” block gets a clever layout update that adds movement and personality.

• Design flexibility – Whether you go bold and graphic or soft and subtle, the twist makes every version uniquely yours.

The result is a quilt that bridges generations, honoring the craftsmanship of the past while embracing the creativity of today.

Tips for Making Your Twist Work

If you decide to make your own Tactfully Twisted quilt with TYPE/ography, here are a few tips from my process:

• Use those low-volume prints as background, they’ll make your “T” blocks stand out beautifully.

• Play with contrast – high-impact color pairings really make the design pop.

• Don’t worry too much about perfection. A little bit of personality in the seams makes it even better.

Coming Soon

I’m in the final testing stages now, and Tactfully Twisted will be releasing before the end of the year! I can’t wait to share the finished pattern and see how you make it your own, with your stories stitched right in.

Want to be first to know when it’s ready?
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Here’s to the quilts that twist, turn, and carry our stories forward.