Sometimes the easiest thing to do it just look at the world around you. I was doing this yesterday and happened upon some really nice tiles. They are on Chenery Street near Church in SF.
One of the things I like about tiles is that, often, the designs of groups of tiles create a pattern I can replicate in fabric. The design is usually made of of different colored titles placed precisely. In this case (above), an ordinary terracotta tiled staircase has been dressed up using these textured and painted tiles. I like the idea of coming home each night and getting a little inspiration as I walk up the stairs. I also am interested in the designs and how they relate to quilt patterns.
I saw this one and immediately thought of a New York Beauty. It is not exactly a New York Beauty as we in quiltmaking know that pattern, but it gives the impression of a New York Beauty.
The tile above isn’t a quilt pattern that I have seen, but it would make an interesting applique’.
I really like the colors in this bold striped tile. It could easily be the basis of a quilt or one quilt block.