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From the Studio
Original Quilts by McKenna
A Rare Piece of Quilt History... These quilts represent more than just beautiful works of fabric art - they are heirlooms, milestones in a three-decade journey of one of the quilting world’s most influential artists. As a true pioneer in the art quilt movement, McKenna Ryan helped shape the industry with her nature-inspired storytelling, emotional depth, and trailblazing style. Many of these pieces were trendsetters in their time - instantly recognizable, widely loved, and still cherished by collectors and quilters today.
Now, for the first time, a limited number of McKenna’s finished quilts are being made available to the public - offering a rare opportunity to own an original work of art created by McKenna herself or in her studio under her direct guidance. These are not patterns. These are not reproductions. These are treasures, each carrying the heart, hand, and history of McKenna’s legacy.
To ensure thoughtful, accurate pricing, we’ve been working closely with a professional quilt appraiser to evaluate a wide selection of McKenna’s original quilts. These appraisals have helped us understand the value of her work across various sizes, styles, and levels of complexity - providing a trusted framework as we bring this rare collection to market.​​​
Each quilt in this gallery is a reflection of McKenna’s timeless approach to design - an old-school artistry that’s become increasingly rare. Every piece begins as a hand-drawn sketch - no digital shortcuts, just pencil, paper, and instinct. From there, McKenna personally selects each fabric, carefully laying out swatches to create a harmonious color story that supports the emotion and narrative of the piece.
Designing one quilt can mean days spent perfecting a single animal—recreating it over and over until the shape, texture, and emotion flow just right. It’s not uncommon for her design table to be covered in a whole pile of “rejected” deer, trees, bears, foxes and moose—each one a stepping stone toward the final vision. Every choice, every cut, every stitch is made with intention and integrity. This is not just art - it’s McKenna’s life’s work.
​From the very first concept sketch to the final binding stitch, McKenna immerses herself in every step of the process. In a world where speed, shortcuts, and automation have become the norm, she remains committed to the soul of true craftsmanship—where every element is created by hand, and every detail is given the time and space it needs to come to life. Her quilts are not just designed; they are lived with, labored over, and lovingly refined, piece by piece. This isn’t just about making something beautiful - it’s about honoring the creative process, and letting each design unfold with care and purpose.
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These quilts carry not only McKenna’s iconic style, but her time, her touch, and her heart - making each one a rare, irreplaceable work of art and a lasting part of her legacy.
Shop by Category
Because of the rarity of these pieces, we will be releasing them slowly - one collection at a time - so each quilt can receive the attention it deserves. If you don’t see your favorite yet, stay tuned. More treasures will be revealed in the months ahead!
Early Years: Where It All Began
These early quilts are where it all started - the designs that sparked a movement, built a following, and captured the hearts of quilters around the world. Created in the quiet of McKenna’s Montana cabin, these pieces embody the raw, inspired beginnings of her artistic journey.
Each quilt from this collection is a rare part of Pine Needles’ history - the foundation of everything that followed. They carry the discovery, artistry, and authenticity that continue to define McKenna’s work to this day.
Quilts Coming Soon!
Small Quilts
Don’t let small fool you ~ these quilts carry every bit of the artistry, imagination, and intricate detail found in McKenna Ryan’s largest compilations. Here you’ll find some of McKenna’s most beloved designs - some uniquely stretched on canvas, like All Cooped Up and Faith Hope Love - alongside individual blocks from her iconic collections such as At Home in the Woods, Beach Walk, and Calling Me Home.
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Each piece features original fabrics - many from McKenna’s exclusive screen-printed and batik fabric lines designed for Hoffman Fabrics specifically for these quilts, long since retired and now truly collectible.
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Every one of these small quilts is a gem in its own right, stitched with the same care and storytelling that define McKenna’s art. Perfect for collectors or anyone wanting to bring a touch of McKenna’s magic into their home.
Quilts Coming Soon!
Medium Quilts
McKenna Ryan’s medium-sized quilts strike a beautiful balance - substantial enough to showcase her artistry, yet intimate enough to fit beautifully in most spaces. These pieces include some of McKenna’s full quilts that fall within her smaller to medium range, compared to her large compilations.
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Here you’ll find fan favorites like From the Coast with Love, A Season in Time and Something Fishy - each one brimming with McKenna’s signature storytelling and layered design. Many of these patterns and all of the fabrics have long since been retired, making each original quilt an especially rare opportunity to own a piece of McKenna’s history.
Perfect for collectors seeking quilts that bring together multiple blocks to tell a cohesive story, yet sized to fit comfortably in everyday living spaces.
Quilts Coming Soon!
Large Iconic Compilations
These quilts are the grand, sweeping masterpieces that embody the very essence of McKenna Ryan’s artistry. Each one was a monumental undertaking - the result of endless months of creative immersion and tireless dedication. McKenna often poured ten to twelve-hour days, every day of the week, month after month into bringing these intricate worlds to life - living and breathing every single detail, layering hundreds of fabrics and hand-drawn elements, “scrapping” and refining until the story sang through every inch and her eye could dance across the design.
Nothing about these quilts is computer-generated or aided. Every piece you see began by McKenna’s hand - drawn, redrawn, and refined until every curve, feather, and petal flowed together in perfect harmony. Each element was meticulously cut, fussy-cut, and layered, then quilted entirely herself on her beloved vintage Bernina sewing machine. The result is a body of work that captures the human touch in its purest form - authentic, soulful, and alive with intention.
These large, iconic quilts are the crown jewels of McKenna’s body of work. For collectors, owning one of these originals means holding a true piece of quilting history - an heirloom born from passion, perseverance, and pure creative devotion.
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To honor their artistry and significance, we’ve had these quilts professionally appraised in collaboration with certified quilt appraisers.
Quilts Coming Soon!
Pieced Quilts
Showcasing McKenna Ryan’s signature fabric collections, these pieced quilt designs offer a beautiful alternative for those who love her style but prefer traditional piecing over appliqué. Each quilt highlights the color stories, textures, and motifs that make McKenna’s fabrics so distinctive - designed to evoke the same warmth, movement, and natural beauty found in her art quilts.
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From subtle, softly blended screen prints reminiscent of forest light to the fun, nature-inspired textures of her batiks, these pieces celebrate the painterly versatility of McKenna’s fabrics in a fresh way. Perfect for quilters who want to bring McKenna’s aesthetic into their home.
Quilts Coming Soon!
Art Print Quilts
These finished quilts were created using McKenna Ryan’s Art Prints - made during the process of developing and refining the patterns designed to accompany the prints. Each one is carefully quilted to showcase McKenna’s signature imagery and color, turning her printed artwork into a cozy, finished piece.
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Because they’re made with McKenna’s Art Prints, these quilts are fully washable and ready to be lived with and loved. They offer the perfect blend of art and comfort - beautiful enough to display, and durable enough to enjoy every day.