Designing Fabric

Our Quilt Guild was blessed by a visit from Moda fabric designer Deb Strain.  One of our members had suggested we invite her to speak and it was a real treat!  Deb has a delightful personality and that is evident from the moment she steps out of her car.

Deb showing the detailed work, including the color key, for one of her new designs.

I'd never really thought too much about what goes into developing those wonderful designs that end up on fabric.  Deb talked about the process - her sources of inspiration (nature and the many things she sees around her), the way she designs (paper, pen and paint, although she mentioned several designers now use computer graphics to design their fabric lines), the types of designs she loves to create (very detailed), the amount of time it takes her to develop the ideas for a possible line of fabric (lots and lots - 6-8 weeks or so).  It was also interesting to know that for some fabric manufacturers she can use up to 19 colors but some are only able to accept 13 colors.  Once she develops an idea into a drawing, she then reproduces that drawing with a variety of color palettes, painting each one using the colors for that particular palette.  While Moda likes 3 alternatives, Deb said she often submits 5 or 6 or 9 as the color possibilities just seem to flow.

What followed was a trunk show of quilts Deb owns that were made out of her fabric lines or that have inspired her.  As much fun as it was to look at the quilts, the stories behind the quilts brought them to life.  I should have given someone my camera as I was one of the quilt holders!  Oh, well...

Guild members enjoyed shopping among the various items Deb has designed.  Calendars, note pads, and books are just a few of the things with her artwork.

Alice brought a wonderful tote she made using fabrics that Deb designed. 

Deb also talked about what a wonderful company Moda is and mentioned that one of her daughters was able to snag an intern position with Moda last summer.  She had a wonderful learning experience.  And how fun it must be for Deb to be working with her daughters on designing a new fabric line for the coming year.

If your guild is looking for a superb program, I can highly recommend Deb Strain.  Entertaining and enriching!

Cheers!
Margaret