{Quilter Interview} Amy from Badskirt

Today we are chatting with Amy of Badskirt.

When did you start quilting?

I started quilting in 2008, shortly after I started sewing in earnest. My first quilt was a commission from friends for their newborn. (http://badskirt.blogspot.com.au/2008/08/my-first-quilt-top.html) I had no idea what I was doing, but did my best to follow the pattern they picked. Reading blogs and going to workshops at the Sydney Darling Harbour craft show that year kicked off my quilting buzz. In 2009, I joined a few online quilting bees which was a great way to try new blocks and quilting styles without committing to full quilts. If you can find a group of beginners in your area or online, it’s a fun way to learn together.

What is your quilting “style”?

My quilting style is still evolving. I keep several projects on the go at once. I’m definitely an emotional quilter and work on what suits my mood at the time. Most of my quilts are fresh and geometrically-inspired. I love bold graphical shapes, bright colors and working with text on fabric. Visually, I’m quite drawn to repetition within a quilt, but often lack the patience needed to make these types of quilts myself. I’ve loved the evolution and simplicity of many online quilters, but find myself launching into overly complex projects. My best ones are the ones that I’ve kept simple. I’m still experimenting with quilting and finding my niche. I’ve recently co-founded the Greater Western Sydney chapter of the Modern Quilt Guild (http://gwsmodernquiltguild.wordpress.com/). This group has been terrific in terms of helping me push and develop my modern style.

What is the main inspiration for your designs?

I draw inspiration from many places. I love the work of Japanese quilters like Kumiko Fujita (http://www.quiltersstudio.jp/) and Suzuko Koseki (http://kwne.jp/~clochette/). They tend to work with secondary and tertiary colours to great visual effect. Their work is heavily influenced by graphic design with a nod to early American quilting and feedsack textiles. What I like about their work is they reinvent traditional designs in a decidedly current way. Many Japanese quilters do this, and each year I look forward to see photos from the Japanese quilt shows from travelers like Be*mused (http://www.flickr.com/photos/22514067@N00/) and movinghands (http://www.flickr.com/photos/movinghands/)

I’m also quite drawn to modern art. The simplicity and beauty of most modern sketches and paintings make them easy to translate to a quilting medium. Among my favourites are husband and wife team Josef and Anni Albers. (http://www.albersfoundation.org/) Josef is well known for his studies of colour (http://www.albersfoundation.org/Albers.php?inc=Galleries&i=J_1), but he also had a keen understanding of the dynamic nature of basic shapes. (http://www.albersfoundation.org/Albers.php?inc=Galleries&i=J_3). Anni Albers’ work with triangles (http://www.albersfoundation.org/Albers.php?inc=Galleries&i=A_4) is echoed by the flying geese we see in many of today’s quilts.

I carry a notebook or have my camera ready anywhere that we go. Inspiration is everywhere.

What tips would you give a beginner?

Make what you love. The best quilts are born out of passion. Choose patterns and textiles because they speak to you, not because you think that’s what others would pick. Make your quilts your own and don’t be afraid to take risks. If something doesn’t work, then you get the joy of sewing more and trying again.

Of all the quilts you’ve made – do you have a favourite? Which one?

My favourite quilt that I’ve made would be my first handpieced hexagon quilt.

(http://www.flickr.com/photos/amygunson/3786726242/in/set-72157624050116686)

It was the first time that I really considered myself a quilter. I put the time and effort into something so substantial and I’m pleased with the results. It’s quite different to the colors and textiles that I’d choose today, but I still love it. I remember time spent on the bus basting hexagons. I remember days working at a market stall joining them up. I’m so proud of how it came together.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/amygunson/4931491312/in/set-72157624050116686

http://www.flickr.com/photos/amygunson/4931491446/in/set-72157624050116686/

What is your must have quilting tool?

I’m definitely a gadget girl when it comes to craft room. I’ve collected nearly as many tools as I have fabric, so it’s hard to narrow it down to just one. Clover of Japan makes outstanding tools - I have their finger press, hera marker, pins, bias makers and black&gold sewing needles among other things. My theory is that when you are in doubt about what brand of tool to try, pick up Clover. They are almost always superior. I use a lot of simple tools to make sewing and cutting faster. I like my Sizzix die cut machine for cutting shapes, Thangles for easy triangles and acrylic templates for easy cutting.

If I had to pick just one must have for craft room though, I’d go with good storage. Invest in boxes to help keep your tools, threads, and fabric organized. You’ll have a much better time sewing, if you are able to find what you need straight away. You’ll save a lot of time and be able to enjoy the process. I like to buy IKEA KRUS and SAMLA for my studio.

We’ve had the aqua/red/orange and the yellow/grey combinations recently - What is your prediction for new colour combinations / styles?

Hot pink, teal and silver are waiting for their moment in the sun. I think it’s coming soon. I’ve been using these colors for a while now, but I see them slowly working their way into the mainstream. (http://badskirt.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/more-of-log-cabins.html) 2013 will be full of bold choices. Traditional primary colors and rainbows will be cast aside. We’ll make way for a zesty moontrip. You can follow along with some of my favourite colour combinations on my colourlovers channel (http://www.colourlovers.com/lover/badskirt)

And now for some fun ones:

Do you listen to music when you sew? And if yes, what is your favourite quilting “mood” music?

I usually sew in silence. If I’m after background noise, I like to put on episodes of Veronica Mars, Buffy or Charmed. I guess I like feisty young girls who take charge. =)

Tea or Coffee – which do you prefer?

We have a Nespresso Pixie that gets quite a workout. At home, I drink my coffee black. Roma, Vollutu and Crealto are my current picks. I have two or three coffees a day. We keep a stash of tea as well. I’ve got a fondness for bergamot flavours like Lady Grey in the afternoon, and we always share a pot of chamomile before bed.

What non-sewing related item can’t you live without? Why?

I don’t think I’d thrive without my camera. Taking photos lets me see the world in a special way. My camera reminds me to stop and take time to enjoy life. I shoot with a Canon EOS 550D which is just the right size for my small hands.

Thank you Amy for sharing with us today! You can find Amy blogging at Badskirt.