Q: Where did you find your original inspiration for Pheasant Hill?
A:I look out the window of my studio and watch the birds and wildlife through the seasons. The grassy prints reminded me of the colorful, long feathers on the many pheasant that share our outdoor space.
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Pheasant Feathers Quilt Kit by Kansas Troubles Quilters featuring Pheasant Hill |
Q:Tell me about your sewing machine(s). What kinds do you have and how many?
A:I’m a Bernina girl all the way. Currently, I have 4, from my very first Bernina 27 years ago to an Aurora 440 with BSR (Bernina Stitch Regulator),but there’s a new 780 on my wish list. It is not only a great machine for quilting, it has an embroidery module that also cuts appliqué shapes, paints on almost any surface and punches templates for crystals. So innovative! My husband, Robert, is a new Bernina dealer so I think I can talk him into a discount. Our Grand Opening of KT Bernina Quilt Shop is April 26th. Stop in and check it out!
Q:What is your favorite part of the fabric industry?
A:Watching a vintage print in double pinks or poison green come to life in my color palette is so exciting! To be able to manipulate antique fabrics and make them my own is a thrill. Then, I get to make quilts with the results – how cool is that?
Q:From what aspect of your life do you draw creativity?
A:I started college with a yearning for fashion merchandising. My path switched to social work soon after I married and had kids. I’ve always sewn and crafted – from doll clothes to my own, home dec and gifts. It’s so rewarding to start with a stack of fabric or beads or paper and create a unique item to use, wear or give.
Q:What is your design process?
A:I have to shop (what a job!) for vintage textiles – curtain panels, quilts/tops, blocks – that fit the KT look. Then I pull out an image or resize and recolor until it works into a collection. Moda’s fabulous team does most of the heavy lifting with precise screen cutting and printing in deliciously rich tones. They’re the best!
Q:What is your favorite print in the collection?
A:The border stripe is awesome (available in tan, navy, red, moss and black)! Not as primitive country as some KT designs, but a lovely way to add some dressed up charm to a project. It works great for borders, bags, sashings, home decorating and more! So many options!
Q:What are your favorite and least favorite colors and why?
A:I am drawn to warm, rich earth tones – deep reds, navy, brown, and green. They are comfortable to live with and inviting. My least favorite is yellow. My Mom’s favorite color is yellow so she made my sister and I matching outfits each year for Easter – mine yellow, my sister’s was robin’s egg blue or pink. Not much better. I still have a hard time dyeing Easter eggs with the grand kids using pastels!
4 comments
I love Kansas Troubles Fabric Collections. I love earth tones colors especially the browns. Beautiful new collection.
Just yummy!!
Kansas trouble has and will always be my favorite fabrics! The colors are just perfect and the colors and hues that I love! Wonderful new fabrics!
Kansas Troubles Fabrics are always at the top of my favorite list. I also love bright cheerful collections, but I keep going back to the homey warmth of the Kansas Troubles palettes, I find them soothing and so beautiful.