Tula Pink‘s innovative approach to design is both intriguing and inspiring, especially when she shares insights into her creative process. For her most recent collection, she invested considerable effort into crafting an element of surprise. The result was a shift from her typical focus: a collection with no animals.
Upon examining her extensive fabric library, Tula observed a common theme of floral motifs used to fill in the gaps, weaving flowers, leaves, petals, and vines in between the featured animals. Drawing inspiration from her favored floral patterns, such as the Polka Dot Painted Roses from Curiouser and Curiouser and the Striped Peony from Moon Garden, she embarked on a challenge: elevate the florals to the forefront, transforming them into the central theme of the collection while holding interest and inspiration throughout the 6-month design phase, and ensuring cohesion with her existing fabric lines. The resulting collection, Untamed (FreeSpirit), is a masterful blend of those vibrant florals and bold geometric prints, creating a full and harmonious range that showcases both vivid and subdued elements.
The accompanying Untamed & Neon thread collections by Tula Pink for Aurifil are equally noteworthy, offering an ideal match for the dynamic and striking patterns within the fabric line. This launch also marks the exclusive introduction of Tula’s custom neons in additional Aurifil thread weights.
The first is Untamed, a 12 Large Spool set of Aurifil’s 100% Cotton 50wt threads, reprising the 50wt Neons originally launched in Neons & Neutrals back in 2023. You can never have too much Neon thread and we’re so thrilled to include it in this new set. The remaining nine spools pay tribute to the non-neon hues found in Tula’s Untamed fabrics. Aurifil 50wt is Tula’s go-to thread for machine sewing & piecing and EPP.
The 80wt + Neon collection presents Tula’s bespoke neon shades in Aurifil’s exceptionally fine 100% Cotton 80wt 2ply thread, her preferred choice for appliqué. This collection also features seven additional hues that complement those found in Untamed, ensuring optimal results for all appliqué projects.
Lastly, the 12wt Neon set introduces Tula’s vibrant neon hues in Aurifil’s luxurious 100% Cotton 12wt 2ply thread. This trio of large spools is designed to support a wide range of hand-quilting, decorative stitching, and embroidery endeavors.
Tula Pink’s signature Neon hues are now available across three cotton thread weights—80wt, 50wt, and 12wt—expanding the creative possibilities for Tula Pink enthusiasts.
Because we know that sometimes, in this vibrantly creative community, images speak louder than words, we shipped off some samples to some of our favorite Tula makers to see what magic might transpire. Their creations have left us awe-struck and we are so grateful for their willingness to share these projects with us.
Elissa Ziccardi | @quilting_elissa
Untamed, Tula’s newest collection, gives the floral “back-up dancers” their time in the spotlight! Florals meet geometrics in soft, radiating flowers against bold, checkered backgrounds and prints. Dahlias covered in polka dots, and houndstooth as a latticework for a collection of dogwoods and pansies. For an added layer of depth Tula has delighted us with pigmented neons in the petals and geometrics that magically glow!
First up (image at left) is a bag featuring beautiful blooms in a vibrant rainbow of color, my version of the A Place for Everything 2.0 bag by @patternsbyannie. For this, I used prints from Tula Pink’s new Untamed collection (FreeSpirit) with Aurifil 50wt neons, Tula Pink for @sallietomatopatterns hardware, and @renaissanceribbons webbing. At right, you’ll see the Bowl Me Over 2.0 by @patternsbyannie. For this bold beauty, I used Untamed in partner with True Colors Tiny Dots, Neon True Colors Poms, and Tent Stripes accented by @renaissanceribbons webbing, Aurifil 50wt thread, and Zipper tape and pulls @idleblooms.
I can’t tell you how much I adore working with these new prints. A few other must-make projects include the Townsend Bag by @sallietomatopatterns (shown at left, below). It was my first time making this pattern! I chose this bag as it was a great opportunity to show off a ton of beautiful, shiny, & perfectly PINK hardware. I selected the Natural nylon coil zipper with pink teeth to complement the rose gold cork (also from Sallie Tomato!) zipper pulls in two different sizes, D-rings, swivel hooks, an adjustable slider, and the Tula Pink “HANDMADE” pink label. Of course I used my favorite Aurifil 50wt to stitch it all together!
And finally, my “campus couture” series (at right, above): An outfit suited to go from day to night, sneakers to carry my daughter across the quad, and bags for the dorm, gym, and coffee dates. I think it’s safe to say she is on trend for campus this Fall!
Ben Millett – @benmillett
When the Tula Neon 12wt thread was announced, I knew my jacket using Tula Neon 50wt needed a companion. The hat uses the same quilting motif (straight lines, each color at a different angle) as the jacket, with the addition of a bit of organic quilting on the hat’s front panel.
Editor’s Note: And… in case you missed Ben’s epic Tula Neon quilt coat at QuiltCon earlier this year, we had to share it again here. Quilted entirely with Tula’s custom neon 50wt hues.
Heather Noonan | @strawberryquiltcake
Untamed offers so many creative possibilities and quilting is just one of them! I love how you can showcase the geometric and floral patterns through quilting, it just adds that extra special level of Tula!
The Lunar color in Peony For Your Thoughts just makes me happy!! What is your favorite Untamed color or print, Lunar, Cosmic, Nova or Moonbeam? Loving this Take a Stand bag from byAnnie — I used Untamed in combo with Tula’s Neon True Colors and ribbon & webbing from Renaissance Ribbons.
I have to say, Aurifil is the only thread I use on all my bags. It is sturdy, low lint and of course the perfect match for all Tula fabrics.
For so many of these bags, it’s truly in the details! The flowers on this Courtside Tote (byAnnie) Flowers are made with a variety of interfacing depending on the desired effect. They can be made with lightweight interfacing for thin soft petals all the way to a soft n stable for thick puffy ones.
Not only are Tula Pink fabrics bold, bright and beautiful they open up so much creative opportunity. I love focusing on the details of her prints especially when quilting. I feel like I get to be apart of it all and create a dimensional texture within her art.
Jemima Flendt | @tiedwitharibbon
I grabbed the three 50wt neon hues from Untamed and used them for piecing and quilting my soon-to-be-released pattern, the Sidewalk Mini Quilt. (find more info via www.tiedwitharibbon.com)
The pattern is a beginner-friendly introduction to Foundation Paper Piecing with this fun design – so you can dive into the skills and learn the technique on a small project. It’s a great way to get inspired and excited about Foundation Paper piecing without the overwhelm of a huge or big quilt project. For my mini quilt, I opted for matchstick quilting to emphasize the neon hues in Tula’s True Colors fabrics added a few rows of hand quilting with a statement thread for extra oomph!
