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.
Before there was GE Designs, before there were Stripology rulers or quilting retreats, there was just Gudrun in a spare room in Selfoss, Iceland. She was surrounded by fabric, ideas, and a lot of energy.
Gudrun grew up in a very active, athletic household. She actually studied to become a physical education instructor. But somewhere along the way, she caught the quilting bug after taking a class, and that was it. None of her friends quilted, but Gudrun had grown up around traditional handwork. Her family was full of knitters and crocheters. Quilting was a natural extension of the creativity and craft she’d always been surrounded by.
At GE Designs, we’re all about creativity—whether it’s in quilting or the kitchen! If you’ve tuned in to our live shows, Happy Friday and Perfect Pair, you know that great food and drinks is just as much a part of the fun as fabric and quilting tips.
Back-to-school season isn’t just for the kids - it’s the perfect time to get creative at your sewing machine! Whether you’re sewing something special for your favorite teacher, organizing your own supplies, or whipping up a few quick projects to gift, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite patterns and products to inspire you.
Have you ever dreamed of immersing yourself in a quilting retreat- stitching with friends, learning from experts, and creating something beautiful - without packing up your entire sewing room or traveling across the country? That dream became a reality thanks to the Stripology Virtual Retreats by Gudrun Erla of GE Designs.
FamFest 2025 is right around the corner, and we couldn’t be more excited! No matter if you're a seasoned quilter or just discovering your love of stitching, this year’s event is packed with incredible experiences, exclusive projects, and joyful connection. From hands-on classes to once-in-a-lifetime tours, behind-the-scenes moments, and the most epic tent sale of the year - FamFest 2025 is the quilting event you don’t want to miss.
As the holiday season approaches, one of GE Designs' most beloved traditions returns for its sixth year—the Advent Projects Box. This festive experience brings the quilting community together for four weeks of creative inspiration, practical projects, and joyful surprises that make the season even more special.
What happens when two quilting besties with totally different styles come together to create something new? You get Panel Mash-Up!, a fun, fresh, and truly unique quilting book that blends tradition with modern flair, structure with spontaneity, and timeless design with something fresh and new.
Color is at the heart of every quilt. It’s what gives your design its mood, its vibrance, and its voice. Yet for many quilters, choosing colors can feel daunting. The good news is, color inspiration is everywhere, it’s just a matter of training your eye and trusting your instincts.
