The new issue (October 2009) of American Patchwork and Quilting is out, and although I'll admit to some bias for the publication in general (and not just because I write for them, I swear), this one is a special favorite of mine. It's all about color and the projects are so enticing. There's also a great profile of Sue Spargo, whose work I adore: folk-arty, but with a graphic twist, and her use of color gives it contemporary feel. It's an issue worth checking out.I had the pleasure for this issue of interviewing three great designers/design teams for the Contributors Page. I loved Miriam Kujac's story of starting her antique quilt collection by going to farm auctions as her family took their summer vacations: she's now got more than 400 quilts and rotates them through her house—it must be a constantly changing visual treat. I've long been awed by Flavin Glover's quilted scenes using tiny log cabin blocks: her sheep are special favorites of mine. And I was introduced to Colleen Reale and Chloe Anderson of Toadusew: their quilts are colorful and graphic and just a little bit different. They're also triple-tested by quilters of all skill levels.
Toadusew offered to share some three of their patterns with Pearl the Squirrel readers. So it's not really contest (I just liked the alliteration in my headline) but a giveaway. Readers who are brave enough to leave a comment (come on you guys, you can do it!) about what draws them first to fabric: the colors, the patterns, or something else all together, will have the opportunity to win one of three Toadusew patterns: Pot Luck, Harmony, or Just Like Sunshine. I'll choose the three winners from comments left by August 21.
7 comments:
It's not fair for me to win again but I must comment on how much I like those patterns... especially the one on the bottom.
Maggie introduced me to your blog and I just love seeing all of your beautiful creations. I've been apparel sewing this summer, but I am taking a quilting class this fall and would love a pattern. I'm hoping a little nepotism helps!(Amanda)
Maggie directed me to your blog as well (love it, by the way). I'm drawn to fabric texture before anything else, then minimal, clear design. Best of luck with your contest!
Definitely color and tonal value for me. But, the pattern can make or break my decision to select it. Sometimes the pattern can really make the colors sing, especially if there is high contrast in the colors of a pattern.
I've been trying to think of a good answer for your question, but I think it depends on the fabric. For some fabrics, it's the color. For others, it's the pattern. But I won't buy the fabric unless I like both. Texture's a distant third.
Color draws me first. I'm a fan of patterns--the bolder, the better--but color is what makes me opt in or out first. Colors carry memories for me, and so when I use a beloved color in a quilt or other project, I'm celebrating and sharing that memory. Anytime I use a coral tone, I'm thinking about the cabinet my grandma had in her sewing room (and that now presides over mine). Yellows make me think about the dollhouse my dad built for me. Reds make me think of my kitchen in the first home I owned. Periwinkle and green? Our wedding (which you and the Hanicks crashed, remember?). Pink is just me--it's always been my favorite.
I'm often drawn to really bold colors and prints, but then wonder if I can really make such wild fabric choices work. In terms of how I actually dress and decorate - it's pretty mild, so it's interesting that I love loud fabric.
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