Designer Tidbits: Betz White

The Fat Quarter Shop is excited to welcome Betz White to the Jolly Jabber. Betz White’s very first fabric collection with Robert Kaufman Fabrics is Stitch Organic.

Q: What was the first seed that grew into the Stitch Organic collection?
A:Stitch is inspired by all types of stitchers and the beautiful handiwork created by them. My Grandmother’s knitting, my Dad’s needlepoint, my Mom’s sewing…all of the needlework that’s ever been a part of my life has influenced this group. Stitches and textures from knitting, crochet, embroidery, crewelwork and more are interpreted as bold and graphic motifs.

The colors are those from my childhood that make my heart sing.

Q: If your collection had a soundtrack what would be on the list?
A:
Summertime – The Sundays
Sunshine Day – The Brady Bunch
This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) – Talking Heads
Head Start for Happiness – Style Council
Radiation Vibe – Fountains of Wayne

Q: What single print/SKU in the collection is your favorite (can only pick one!)?
A:Of course I don’t want to choose, but I’d have to say the multi hex print in the Garden colorway. Even though I don’t crochet very well, I love the look of crocheted hexagons. When I began working on the collection, that’s the print I began with and knew that I wanted in the line. I figured if I can’t master crochet hexies, I can at least design a print inspired by them!

Q:What is your favorite project you have made using this collection?
A:My favorite project so far would have to be my Caitlyn Handbag. This is one of the newest designs in my Make New or Make Do™ sewing pattern line. I worked with the Lagoon palette of Stitch using 3 prints. It’s such a thrill to have my own fabrics come together with my sewing pattern designs. I couldn’t be happier with them.

Q:What is your favorite part of working in the fabric industry?
A:The people in this industry are friendly, sincere, helpful, and just all around fun to work with! Although no industry is completely devoid of drama, compared to other industries I’ve worked in, this one seems to know how to work hard but not take itself too seriously. I’m grateful to be able to design something that others use to create. Inspiring creativity in others is fulfilling to me.

Q:Can you give us a sneak-peek of your next fabric collection?
A:Sorry, not yet! The timing of it is mid to late 2012, I believe. You can expect to see a bit of a departure from Stitch. For now I’ll just say that it feels “young”.

Q:What is your absolute favorite thing in your house?
A:It would have to be the panoramic photo my husband took of my favorite place on the planet. It is a photo of a cottage on a lake in New Hampshire that’s belonged to my family for more than 100 years. I’ve spent a week or two up there almost every summer of my life. We have the photo framed and hanging in our family room so I can think about it every day.

Q:Which project stands out in your memory as your all-time favorite?
A:When I first started my blog and crafting business in 2006 I was commissioned to create a felted tapestry for a shop in LA called the Knit Café. The piece measured about 5 feet high and 3 feet wide and depicted 2 knitting birds in tree branches! It was a huge project but it was very fun to work on a grand scale. Unfortunately, I don’t have very good photography of it but here is a detail shot to give you an idea.

Q:Where do you do your best thinking? Can we see a photo of your studio?
A:I do my creating in my studio but the best ideas come to me when I am in bed half asleep or in the shower. Often I start working in my studio first thing in the morning when I am still in my pajamas. If I get creatively stuck, I’ll go take a shower. Inevitably the solution comes to me somewhere between lather, rinse, and repeat!

Q:What is your favorite snack food? Can we see a photo of your fridge or pantry?
A:Tortilla chips and guacamole is a favorite. I also love to make and eat roasted pumpkin seeds in the fall.

Q:What is your one guilty pleasure in life?
A:I pretty much always have some candy hidden somewhere in the house. Usually it’s chocolate, but sometimes it’s candy corn, Sugar Babies or Hot Tamales.