Luminary Quilt in Seaside Sunset Batiks

There are quilts that feel timeless, and then there are quilts that capture a single moment of beauty—like the glow of the horizon when the sun slips into the sea. This Luminary quilt belongs to the latter. From the very beginning, it was inspired by color, movement, and light, and now that it’s finished, I can’t help but see it as a fabric version of a seaside sunset.

The pattern itself is the Luminary Quilt by Alison Glass. It’s one of those designs that commands attention with its striking, exploding starburst, yet still leaves room for the quiet calm of negative space. I’ve always loved that balance—it feels modern, but it also carries the same boldness of classic quilt designs.

For the fabrics, I used the Seaside Sunset Batiks, and they couldn’t have been more perfect. These batiks shimmer with color: fiery reds, glowing oranges, deep purples, and ocean-inspired blues. Together, they create a star that feels alive with energy. When I look at it, I see waves reflecting the last golden rays of the day, a sky that blazes for just a few minutes before settling into twilight. It’s the kind of color story that makes quilting so endlessly rewarding.

I had the talented Warm River Quilt Co.. quilt this and I love how it turned out! The quilting is subtle yet transformative—a flowing design that softens the background and adds depth to the whole piece. It feels like a gentle breeze or rippling water, contrasting beautifully with the sharp points of the star. Their work truly elevated the quilt from a patchwork of pieces to a finished work of art.

One of my favorite things about this quilt is how versatile the pattern is. The Luminary design works equally well with bold, saturated colors like these, or with soft, tonal palettes for a more understated look. It’s a pattern that allows the maker to tell their own story through fabric choice—and this version tells the story of fire meeting water, light fading into shadow, and the peaceful beauty of endings that make way for new beginnings.

As I stepped back and saw it hanging in the garden archway while taking photos, framed by green leaves and light, it felt almost magical. Quilts have a way of holding meaning, not just in the fabric and stitches, but in the moments they carry with them. For me, this Luminary quilt will always hold a piece of that sunset glow.

xo-Liz Judd (joy stitched)