The Fat Quarter Shop is excited to welcome Emily Taylor to the Jolly Jabber. Emily’s latest fabric collection is Verona from Riley Blake Designs.
Q: What was the first seed that grew into the Verona collection?
A:This is surprisingly tough! I just wanted to create something that contained some natural but vibrant hues, something that I would use to create a quilt for one of my daughters. I’ve dreamed of taking my girls to Verona, Italy (the setting for Romeo & Juliet). My oldest daughter is a hopeless romantic and I know she would be as enchanted as I was when I first visited Verona. The swirls and paisley shapes remind me of traditional Italian design, and the collection is almost as charming as Verona! Here is the original sketch I did, and a magazine clipping that helped to inspire the color scheme:
Q: If your collection had a soundtrack what would be on the list?
A:Love this question!! Here it is:
1. “I’d Rather be with You” – Joshua Radin
2. “The Way I Am” – Ingrid Michaelson
3. “Everybody” – Ingrid Michaelsen
4. “Suddenly I See” – K.T. Tunstall
5. “Not Falling Apart” – Maroon 5
6. “On the Radio” – Regina Spektor
7. “Paper Weight” – Joshua Radin
Q: What single print/SKU in the collection is your favorite?
A:My very favorite piece in the collection is the main print in the gray color-way! The whole collection was created around this piece. The colors are an interesting medley and provide a nice complement to everything else in the Verona collection. I’m really having fun using it in my projects!
Q:What is your favorite project you have made using this collection?
A:I’ve only had a small sample of the fabric to work with, but here is one quilt I quite like — a very simple quilt. It’s not quite finished… needs to be quilted and bound still.
Here is the quick and easy pattern I made up for it:
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Another project that I’m smitten with is one that I commissioned Angelina Fracchiolla, of the Ruby Jean blog, to create for me. This apron/pinafore took my breath away when I saw it!
Q:If this collection had a scent to it, what would it be?
A:The scent of this collection is absolutely Jo Malone’s White Jasmine & Mint.
Q:Can you give us a sneak-peek of your next fabric collection?
A:My next collection is entitled “Avignon” (I’m making my way around charming cities in Europe). Here’s a sneak peek of it:
Q:If you had a mascot, what animal would it be?
A:My mascot is my Cocker Spaniel, Winston.
Q:Who is your favorite celebrity?
A:My favorite celebrity is Oprah! Who else on all in all media inspires and teaches people to reach their potential? She is the best!
Q:If we were making a movie about your life, who would you want to play you?
A:In a movie of my life, I’d really like to be played by Angelina Jolie. I’m smitten by her beauty just like everyone else!
Q:Who is your favorite fabric designer not including yourself?
A:My favorite designer is Joel Dewberry. He is amazing!
4 comments
Thanks for the interview. I love Verona and can't wait to find the right project to use it in.
The Verona fabric is beautiful. I love the simple quilt design you shared. It is a good showcase for the fabric.
My daughter's name is Emily Taylor! I always stop to look at your designs. She is an art/fashion student at Texas Tech….
I didn't realize how beautiful your fabric was until I saw your quilt. It is so pretty. Thank you for the pattern and the lovely fabric!