Over the years, Gudrun has heard one challenge from quilters again and again, “I can never find the right background fabric.” Whether it’s too stark, too dull, or just not quite right, many quilters struggle to choose backgrounds that make their quilt tops truly shine.

Every year on World Teachers’ Day, we pause to recognize and thank the incredible teachers who guide, inspire, and uplift us. Teaching is a gift, whether it happens in classrooms, quilt shops, online video classes, or one-day retreats. Teachers do more than pass on knowledge - they encourage creativity, confidence, and a love of learning.

As the seasons shift and the days grow cooler, autumn invites us to slow down, savor the moment, and lean into creativity. Quilting is the perfect way to embrace the warmth of fall - whether you’re stitching by the window with a steaming cup of coffee, or cozying up in the evening under your favorite handmade quilt.

This fall, let’s celebrate the season with fresh projects, organized spaces, and inspiration drawn from the rich colors of nature.

If you’ve ever inherited a box of thread from your mom, grandma, or stumbled across a great-looking spool at an estate sale, you may have asked yourself: Does thread go bad?

The short answer is yes—thread doesn’t exactly have an expiration date, but it does have a lifespan. How long it lasts depends greatly on how it’s stored. In her recent Tipsy Tuesday episode, Gudrun shared some eye-opening tips on keeping your thread strong, reliable, and ready for your next quilting project.

Quilting is a craft that combines creativity and precision, and at GE Designs, we love making it as easy and enjoyable as possible. That’s why Gudrun Erla has taken classic quilt blocks and Stripologized them—simplifying the process using Stripology rulers and techniques to make cutting and piecing faster, more accurate, and more fun.

At GE Designs, we’re always searching for the highest-quality tools to help you create quilts you’re truly proud of. That's why we're thrilled to officially spotlight Madeira Thread, a German-engineered powerhouse of premium threads, in production for over a century. This thread delivers flawless stitches, vibrant colors, and exceptional performance—whether you’re piecing, quilting, or adding delicate details.

Color is one of the most exciting parts of quilting, but it can also be one of the most challenging! Many quilters struggle with selecting the right colors to create a harmonious, eye-catching design. If you've ever finished a quilt only to feel that the colors aren’t quite right, you're not alone. Below, we’ll address some of the most common quilting color mistakes and offer practical solutions to help you solve color issues in quilting.

Quilting is a celebration of color, and nothing makes a statement quite like bold and bright fabrics. Whether you love the energy of fiery reds, the depth of rich blues, or the vibrancy of neon hues, knowing how to make colors pop in your quilt designs is key to creating eye-catching pieces.

When it comes to quilting, few color palettes evoke such timeless charm and elegance as pastels. These soft, soothing hues—from soft yellows to blush pinks and minty greens—bring a delicate touch to any project. Whether you're a traditionalist or love experimenting with modern styles, pastel quilting fabrics offer endless possibilities for creating beautiful, memorable quilts.

Discover how GE Designs and Gudrun Erla are making waves in the quilting world in the Twin Cities Business Journal. This article highlights Gudrun’s journey from Iceland to Minnesota, her innovative approaches, and the impressive growth of her business, GE Designs. Read more about her entrepreneurial success and contributions to the quilting community.

Read the article here

In episode 142 of the Quilter on Fire Podcast, Gudrun Erla shares how her community thrived during the pandemic. Discover how her innovative approach and engaging events helped quilters stay connected and inspired. Tune in to hear how GE Designs became a go-to resource for quilting enthusiasts.

Podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts.