Apparently, I Needed a Break. My Body Just Forgot to Ask Me.

July 15, 2026 Brigitte Heitland

After Quilt Market, my body forced me into an unexpected pause. A personal Zen Chic story about creativity, rest, modern quilting, and learning that not every quiet afternoon needs an assignment.

Chicago. The Show. The Moment. (And Why Ben on His Vespa Totally Stole the Crown.)

May 13, 2026 Brigitte Heitland

A humorous, behind-the-scenes H+H Chicago recap from Zen Chic—modern quilt booth styling, FreeSpirit show moments, runway surprises, and what really matters after the trade show buzz.

Houston Quilt Market 2025 Review: Industry Shifts, Mira Fabric Launch & the Future of Modern Quilting

October 23, 2025 Brigitte Heitland

My honest Houston Quilt Market 2025 review: empty booths, Moda's 50th anniversary party, launching Mira fabrics, and why our quilting industry needs to evolve. Plus Key Biscayne recharge tips!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

NEWSLETTER

Featured

I’m on the Quilter on Fire Podcast!

I recently joined Brandy Maslowski on The Quilter on Fire Podcast for a conversation that starts with a six-year-old girl in Germany waiting for the sewing machine pedal — and travels all the way to Zen Chic, color, simplicity, and modern quilting.

Quilting in the Garden: Fabric, Friendship and an 11/10 Cake

Come along to Nähen im Garten in Siegen for modern quilts, fabric design insights, relaxed hexagon sewing and a wonderful quilting community.

Precision Without the Drama: BERNINA the Zen Chic Way

See how I use the BERNINA 790 ULTRA’s Laser Pinpoint and 3-Point Placement for precise quilting and embroidery on a modern geometric pillow.

From Grandma’s Pfaff to the BERNINA 790 Ultra — and a Little Ampersand Magic

Join Brigitte Heitland of Zen Chic for a behind-the-scenes look at the new BERNINA 790 Ultra, the FreeSpirit Live recording, Ampersand and WHISP fabrics, and the Between the Lines auction quilt winner.

One Hour, One Glasses Case — and the Second One Practically Sews Itself

Sew a chic quilted glasses case in about an hour using Mira scraps—no zipper, no fuss. A modern, giftable mini project with links to patterns + free tutorials.