Hello, my name is Karla and I confess: I was about to throw in the fat-quarter. This is how my design story began.
In my true-to-life design story, I actually did toss the fabric out in front of me. Frustrated, I was about to discard my whole idea. That’s when the magic happened…
The wild ride on my very curvy quilting journey started quite by accident as I discovered the nuances of value while using both sides of fabric. This discovery was the beginning of something wonderful which sparked a whole line of quilt patterns starting in 2017. Today my design story includes more than 50 quilt patterns plus fabric & surface designs on lots of fun merchandise. I’m having more fun than should be allowed a quilter!
Design Story: Quilt Patterns
As an experienced quilter, I thought I knew all about fabric value – light, medium and dark. right? However, it wasn’t until I explored the idea of intentionally using the reverse side of fabric in my quilts that I truly began to see the benefits of incorporating subtle value differences into my quilts.
Although it is true that not all fabrics have great reverse sides, those that do can add a “WOW” to your quilts! While the reverse side tends to be lighter in value (some are more, some are less) than the right side, they provide a similar motif and colorway that blends beautifully.
A Whisper
When someone sees a quilt like this for the first time, they have to linger as their brain tries to figure out the story. Something is similar, but not the same. Unlike using three completely different fabrics, whose values might all be “shouting” at the same level, the REVERSE offers a whisper or a hint at the fabric’s motif. This is the magical part – you can easily add interest and sparkle to your quilts by incorporating the REVERSE!
Best of all, auditioning both sides of fabric is fun and very easy when you know what simple things to observe. Try adding the reverse side of fabrics to your quilt design story! Read more about The Tricky Traits of Value.
Creative Bee Studios patterns have been featured in Quiltmaker Magazine (cover), AQ Magazine, Hancock’s of Paducah, Nancy’s Notions, Connecting Threads and quilt shops across America!
Design Story: Surface & Fabric Design
While designing quilts, I also found fabric design to be intriguing. You don’t always know who might influence your journey, but there are specific moments I can look to with certainty.
The Spark
First, I saved a note that I jotted down while listening to Tula Pink tell how she designs fabric. I simply wrote, “Adobe Illustrator”. I had no idea to what Tula was referring, but over the next year, I bought a new computer and began to learn Illustrator.
The Knowledge
Fortunately, when I realized that learning all of Illustrator was kind of like me learning to play Bridge (it could take me a lifetime), I found Oksana Pasishnychenko and her online repeat pattern design course. Through Oksana’s course, I was able to focus on learning only the functions of Illustrator that I needed to make a pattern repeat in all directions.
The Practice
Throughout the course, I was determined to come out with perfectly fabulous designs, not only the repeats, but also the colors, scale, interest, and detail. I soon learned that I should design more simply and let my designs bloom organically with my experience. I try to practice daily.
The Passion
When choosing which quilts to make, we all have our passions. For example, while some quilts are simply lovely, others shout to us, “Make me!” Likewise, in fabric and surface pattern design, there are some colors, scale, and style that appeal to me in a dramatic way. I have found and follow designers whose artwork speaks to me. These are my mentors. They may never know how greatly they’ve influenced my design story. While I hesitate to mention names because there are so many other fabulous designers out there, I must say that currently two of my favorites are Anna Maria Horner and Cat Coquillette. Sometimes, I just take a break from life to look at their work and lifestyles.
A Little Personal
Considering that I am a quilt-maker and pattern designer who likes to utilize the idea of contrasts, you might not be surprised that my other interests are quite contrasting as well!
First, I am the wife of a Marine pilot (retired) and mother of two daughters, plus our son-in-law. We’ve had many past pets in our family, but currently have one kitty, Buttercup, and two Field Gordon Setters, Angus MacDuff and Bonny Lass (they are Scottish bird dogs). I also LOVE my Scamp travel trailer which is decked out in pretty Pioneer Woman! Yes, I play my own ukulele as my cover music for my YouTube channel (I am very much a beginner), and I have my Amateur Extra HAM Radio License.
Presentations and Classes
I love meeting quilters and sharing my quilting journey! I provide an integrated trunk show and power point presentation, generally lasting 45 – 50 minutes. I’m happy to adapt my program to your group’s time and space needs.
Classes and workshops are available, tailored to your group’s size and needs. Quilters have a ton of much fun learning how to use BOTH sides!
Complete the following form and I’ll send you information for your guild or group. We’ll work together to design a program or workshop that works for you! (Please check your spam/junk folder if necessary.)
Visit my Creative Bee Studios Etsy Shop for patterns, focus fabric sets, quilter gifts and more!
