I did make some progress on Pinochle this week, but don't really have much to show. I got all the larger half square triangles arranged on my design wall so I could get a pleasing mix of the reds and blues. I'm going to be much more random in my placement of the smaller HSTs. I'll show you my "random scrappy" method next week. I took advantage of a Joann's sale this weekend and bought enough plain white flannel to re-cover my design wall. Soon there won't be any green or blue flannel stars behind my quilt blocks! Now to find the TIME to actually do it!
But back to the Book Tour. This week I had the opportunity to ask Monique anything I wanted and so of course, I chose my favorite topic - FABRIC!
My first question is - how did you embark on the fabric designing journey? Were your ideas brought to the fabric company, or did they approach you?
The first thing that I did was come up with an idea. I was thumbing through a book one day and I thought "This would be wonderful fabric!" As I kept looking, the idea started to grow. I wanted to use antique tiles, tapestries and textiles as inspiration. The next step was to get my ideas on paper for the fabric companies to see. I think that this was the hardest part. To get the ideas in the computer, manipulate the colors and prints and then get it presentable to the fabric company. Once I figure this out, I approached the fabric company about my ideas. From what I understand, the fabric companies get hundreds of fabric proposals a year. So, I decided that I wanted to present them with something that would stand out from the crowd. What I did was I created a proposal. In the proposal, I included fabric swatches like paint chips. I had several different designs that I wanted to feature and included different colorway. The other thing that I did (and I think this is what really helped me) was to feature several different quilts using the fabric swatches. In other words, I created virtual quilts and put them in the proposal. I wanted the fabric company to see what I would do with the fabric.
How do you design a fabric line? Do you start with one focus print and then design coordinates around that one fabric?
I think that I do things a little different from others. I like to decide on my colors and then pick prints from there. Then I try to pick prints that are different in scale and have different elements that I can draw from. I make sure that I have tone-on-tones, small prints, large prints and a main print to choose from. I also like to bring a border stripe in so that there can be another choice for borders.
How do you come up with your color palette? Do you only choose colors that appeal to you, or ones that you think would popular with quilters?
Choosing the color palette is more complicated than you would think. The issues are that yes, you want to do what appeals to you but you also want to make sure that it appeals to others. The other idea that I wanted to make sure that was incorporated into my fabric is that the lines would coordinate. I want the customer to be able to use leftover fabric from the previous line(s) with the latest line. So, that makes it more complicated in what you bring in and what you eliminate.
Is there anyone's stash that you would love the chance to raid - either a real life quilting friend or someone you've seen on a blog?
Yes, I have a friend that loves blacks and reds. I'm sure that her stash is fantastic and would love to get in there. I've seen glimpses of it but I think she's afraid that I might sneak some out. :)
What's up for your future? Any new fabric designs coming soon? And what can we expect to see from you at Market this Spring?
I'm planning on continuing to design fabric, books, patterns and rulers. I truely love what I do and am glad that people like it too. For Spring Market, I am promoting Fat Quarter Winners, will have a couple new patterns including an applique quilt and my new ruler.
And getting back to Fat Quarter Winners and Monique's rulers, she has generously offered a copy of the book and a set of rulers (Fit to Be Square, Fit to Be Geese and Mini Fit to Be Geese) to each of us to offer to one lucky blog reader. Please leave a comment on this post and I will draw one name to win this fantastic prize package. Edited to add: I will announce my winner on Monday morning, so please continue to comment on THIS POST through Easter Sunday and I will add you to the drawing.
Also, be sure you visit my fellow Blog Tour friends for more chances to win!
Monday - visit Nicole at Sister's Choice Quilts
Tuesday - visit Monique at Open Gate Quilts
Wednesday - visit Thelma - Cupcakes 'n' Daisies
and Thursday - come back and see me for my winner and Pinochle reveal
I hope you have enjoyed our blog tour so far!
I love how this one is coming together too - all of your quilts from this book are just STUNNING .... I may splurge and allow myself some room in the budget to buy this one, the results are just gorgeous.
Posted by: Abby | April 21, 2011 at 06:28 AM
You may not have gotten very far but what you have is awesome. Love your fabric choices. I am going to have to get this book that you are blogging about.
Posted by: Sue Bennett | April 21, 2011 at 06:46 AM
This has been such a fun blog hop. It's been great to know Monique a little better. All of the quilts are gorgeous, and the book looks like it will be one that is used over and over again. Thanks for being a part of the blog tour and offering a copy of this great book and rulers.
Posted by: Jocelyn | April 21, 2011 at 07:15 AM
Being a fabric designer sounds wonderful. If only I were so creative! Loved the blog and thanks for the chance to win this interesting book!
Posted by: Lisa Marie | April 21, 2011 at 08:09 AM
I love this blog tour! I can't wait to see your finished quilt. Thanks for sharing! Nancy in WI
Posted by: Nancy Watkins | April 21, 2011 at 09:07 AM
How interesting!! thanks for the chance to win.
Posted by: Barbara | April 21, 2011 at 09:08 AM
I love your blocks so far, I think they will be gorgeous when done! Interesting on how fabric gets put together, thanks for the interview!
Posted by: Anita | April 21, 2011 at 09:12 AM
Have enjoyed the interviews with Monique on this "blog hop." It's so interesting to hear about talent at work! Your quilt is going to be lovely...like the pattern.
Posted by: Kathleen | April 21, 2011 at 09:33 AM
The tour has been so interesting and inspiring! I would love to get my hands on a copy of the book.
Thanks to all of you for doing such a wonderful job.
Posted by: Jean | April 21, 2011 at 10:02 AM
Going to be really pretty when you get it done. Would love to have a copy of the book.
Posted by: Deb A | April 21, 2011 at 10:04 AM
Great interview questions! I always wonder how fabric designers go about designing new lines! This has been very interesting!
Posted by: Julie in WA | April 21, 2011 at 10:16 AM
Beautiful colors in that quilt! I'd love to have a copy of that book! Keep up the great work!
Posted by: Darlene | April 21, 2011 at 10:30 AM
Can anything beat those fantastic FG reds and lues? I don't think so! It looks wonderful!
Posted by: Lesly | April 21, 2011 at 10:33 AM
Thank you for a really interesting post - I love to hear about the behind the scenes life of fabric, etc! Thanks, also, for the giveaway; my fingers are firmly crossed!
Posted by: Helen | April 21, 2011 at 10:41 AM
You are making GREAT progress on your quilt ! It is going to be gorgeous ! LOVE IT !
Posted by: Sue | April 21, 2011 at 10:42 AM
I really like the color of your quilt as it's coming together. Can't wait to see it finished.
Thanks for the opportunity to win the book and rulers.
Posted by: all8garden | April 21, 2011 at 11:15 AM
Love your combination of fabrics and I enjoyed hearing how a fabric collection is started and presented to a company.
Posted by: Chris | April 21, 2011 at 11:35 AM
Thanks for sharing the info. on Monique and fabric designing. Your quilt is coming along great. Thanks for the chance to win the book and rulers.
Marilyn (no blog)
Posted by: Marilyn Robinson | April 21, 2011 at 11:37 AM
I'm enjoying this blog tour very much and can't wait to see the book. Your blocks are looking gorgeous. I'd love to be entered for the draw please.
Posted by: Luned | April 21, 2011 at 12:02 PM
Interesting to hear that Monique would love more black and red stash!
Posted by: Mary on Lake Pulaski | April 21, 2011 at 12:26 PM
I can't wait to see your pinochle quilt. This has been a fun tour and can't wait to get the book!
Posted by: Janelle J | April 21, 2011 at 12:31 PM
I've been reading and lurking on/in your blog for quite a while, but have never commented before! THanks for the incentive! Sounds like you are making real progress, and thanks for the great interview. This blog tour has been fun!
Posted by: sillysally | April 21, 2011 at 12:39 PM
Excellent interview! It's nice to get an inside look on how the designer goes from idea to the fabric. I can't wait to take a peek at your quilt. I love the colors!
Posted by: Sandy (Strlady) | April 21, 2011 at 01:17 PM
It's nice to have insight to the process of fabric design. I like that Monique carries the color palette over to the next fabric line. Her book looks great and I am enjoying seeing everyone's quilts in progress!
Posted by: Betty | April 21, 2011 at 01:37 PM
I think you've got a real "winner" with Pinochle, Lisa! I am dying to see your random scarppy method, too! This blog book tour has been fantastic! I was so interested to read Monique's anwers to your questions today - very enlightening!
Cheers!
Posted by: Candace | April 21, 2011 at 02:27 PM
Wonderful progress. I really love the colors you have chosen for this quilt!
Posted by: RC | April 21, 2011 at 02:30 PM
I need ideas for quilting because I am a newbie. Let's see if I am also lucky!
Thanks
Posted by: Clarissa | April 21, 2011 at 02:51 PM
I found you thru a link from another blog; I love your red and white and aqua baby quilt!
Posted by: Linda B | April 21, 2011 at 03:10 PM
My biggest obstacle when I start a new quilt is deciding on my color choices. I spend so much time thinking I'm going to get it wrong, I often give up for the day and try it again the next day. Everything I have seen so far from this wonderful book is gorgeous and I love seeing colors together that I love and I can take pointers from. Hugs...
Posted by: Nancy | April 21, 2011 at 03:13 PM
I'd love to win the rulers. Thanks for the chance and happy holidays
Posted by: Patty D at NC | April 21, 2011 at 04:17 PM
Great questions, Lisa! This was very informative especially the part about fabric designing. Thanks for participating in this blog hop!
Posted by: Becky in Georgia | April 21, 2011 at 04:34 PM
These are fascinating quilt designs. You quilt and fabric selections will be wonderful -- looking forward to seeing the finish photo. Thanks to you and Monique for the good interview, and the giveaway.
Posted by: MarciaW | April 21, 2011 at 04:35 PM
Thank you for the interesting interview. Your "Pinochle" is going to be beautiful. I have Monique's FTBG ruler, it saves time and frustration. Would love her FTBS ruler and book. Happy
Posted by: Penny | April 21, 2011 at 04:35 PM
Great progress On yor pinochle blocks. It's been great to learn more about Monique this week.
Posted by: Ming | April 21, 2011 at 04:37 PM
Love the blog tour. I am loving each quilt.
Posted by: Brenda | April 21, 2011 at 05:21 PM
I love visiting each blog. The tutorials are great and I have learned so much.
Spades is the quilt I would like to try. Thanks for the chance to enter.
Posted by: Christina D | April 21, 2011 at 05:55 PM
I came to your blog by way of Nicole's. It has been very interesting ansd I have enjoyed learning about Monique's new book and her rulers. I look forward to coming back! :) Thanks for the chance to win this book and rulers!! [email protected]
Posted by: chris | April 21, 2011 at 08:14 PM
How interesting that interview was! And I like what I see so far with Pinochle. Will be most anxious to see all the quilts next week.
Posted by: Marianne | April 21, 2011 at 09:12 PM
Thanks for the opportunity to learn about the design process and how it works. It is going to be fun to see all the different quilts from Moniques patterns.
Posted by: Jamie | April 21, 2011 at 10:26 PM
I really love the look of your block. Can't wait to see some more (no pressure!)
Posted by: Pat V. | April 21, 2011 at 11:03 PM
Love the book and the rulers and I'd put them to good use.
Posted by: Deb A | April 22, 2011 at 03:43 AM
Love this book tour! I'm glad to watch the group make the projects in the book! Thanks for the great giveaway!
Posted by: Amber | April 22, 2011 at 04:37 AM
Love the colors you selected for your quilt! Interesting how Monique comes up with her fabric designs. I like that Monique wants customers to be able to use leftover fabric from the previous line(s) with the latest line. It would fun to win a copy of the book and rulers!
Posted by: Nancy E | April 22, 2011 at 05:50 AM
I do like Pinochle in the fabric line you've selected. It's patriotic in a sophisticated way. I'd like to make this quilt too!
Posted by: Amy | April 22, 2011 at 05:55 AM
All I can say is, Pick Me!! Please??
Posted by: Carmen | April 22, 2011 at 07:41 AM
Oh please pick me.
Posted by: Wendy | April 22, 2011 at 07:47 AM
This interview gave me a whole new insight into fabric designing. I would love to win your prize. Thank you.
Posted by: THERESA W | April 22, 2011 at 11:52 AM
I am enjoying the blog tour and the quilts so much. Right now, I'm making a wedding quilt for oldest grandchild, but as soon as I've got that done, I'll be making a "Fat Quarter Winner!" Likely the fabric will be from Harriet Hargraves's Indigos of years ago. I've waited all these years to cut into that fabric, and now, I can't wait! Thanks for sharing ideas, tools and inspiration.
Posted by: Susan | April 22, 2011 at 12:53 PM
those rulers are so awesome - i need me some! and i'm looking forward o reading about your "random scrappy" method cuz mine NEVER turns out random
Posted by: dianne | April 22, 2011 at 05:49 PM
Can't wait for the reveal of the quilts next week!
Posted by: Eden Hunt | April 23, 2011 at 08:25 AM
What interesting questions in the interview! I wish I was so creative...color choices are what I struggle with the most. Thanks for the chance to win this great book and I know I'd use the rulers.
Posted by: Sue | April 23, 2011 at 09:39 AM
This book looks really interesting - I'm a scrap quilter and it's just up my alley!! thanks for the chance to win it! doni @ Oregon coast
Posted by: doni boyd | April 23, 2011 at 04:08 PM
Thanks for the fabulous interview with Monique. I really love her signature style of blending traditional with current. This is a great giveaway- I would love to win and make several quilts from her book!
Posted by: Saroja | April 24, 2011 at 11:49 AM
Would love to design fabric! Thanks for a fun interview!
Posted by: Donna | April 24, 2011 at 12:24 PM
Hi Lisa,
Interesting interview with Monique! I enjoy hearing how fabric designers go about their work.
I do look forward to your finished Pinochle quilt. Your block reveal looks great! I like the fabrics you have chosen for this quilt.
I have appreciated your input for the "Fat Quarter Winners" Blog Tour. Thank you for this opportunity to possibly win Monique's book and rulers. What a treat that would be!
A neighbor, :)
Beverly in WA state
Posted by: Beverly | April 24, 2011 at 05:37 PM
Your Pinochle quilt is looking great. Thanks for the giveaway.
Posted by: Joyce Mitchell | April 24, 2011 at 05:53 PM