Designer Tidbits: Rosalie Quinlan


The Fat Quarter Shop is excited to welcome Rosalie Quinlan to the Jolly Jabber. Rosalie’s latest fabric collection is Folk Heart from Lecien Fabrics.




Q: What was the first seed that grew into the Folk Heart collection?
A: The inspiration for “Folk Heart”, my third fabric collection for Lecien, comes mainly from vintage Hungarian embroidery. I researched this topic and was greatly inspired by what I found. I played around with some of the motifs I found and used them as a jumping-off point for the collection.

Q: If your collection had a soundtrack what would be on the list?
A: The gypsy music of Eastern Europe comes to mind… the bright colours of the caravans, the striking tones of scarves and dresses and the exotic culture, which is full of the celebration of life and freedom. Django Reinhardt would have at least one tune on my soundtrack, as would the Gipsy Kings.

Q: What single print/SKU in the collection is your favorite?
A: My favourite SKU is #30394, Colour 20. Candy pink is my all-time favourite colour. Any range I design would be heavy on the pink prints. The delicate white lace-like motif of this print on the candy pink background delights me.




Q: What is your favorite project you have made using this collection?
A: My favourite project made from Folk Heart is a bold Dresden plate quilt called “A Day in Dresden”. It is available as a free pattern on Lecien’s website.




Q: What is your favorite part of working in the fabric industry?
A: I have been blessed by the many opportunities I have had to travel and meet fellow fabric designers, store owners and patchwork enthusiasts. I adore working with the folks at Lecien… they really support my vision for each collection and bring my ideas to fruition with superior-quality base cloths and printing techniques.

Q: Can you give us a sneak-peek of your next fabric collection?
A: Although I am unable to give any “sneak peeks” of my next collection at this time, I can let you in on the name… it will be called “Sojourn”. The concept of staying in a different place for a short time is very meaningful to me as I return to my designing life after a time of healing and restoration.

Q: What is your absolute favorite thing in your house?
A: My favourite thing in my house is my vintage pink glass collection. I love attending flea markets to scour for more pink glass.

Q: Which project stands out in your memory as your all-time favorite?
A: My all-time favourite quilt is called “The Joy of Life”. This is the quilt I designed and worked on five years ago while undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Pouring myself into the design and stitching of this project gave me focus and joy, hence the name of the quilt.




Q: Where do you do your best thinking? Can we see a photo of your studio?
A: I live in the foothills of the picturesque Dandenong Ranges east of Melbourne, Australia. I have beautiful walking tracks near my home and do my best thinking while walking through the forest. I also like to sit outside in my garden, listening to the birdlife and drinking a cup of tea. Occasionally my studio is tidy enough for a photo. At the moment, this is not the case.

Q: What is your favorite snack food? Can we see a photo of your fridge or pantry?
A: I love macadamia nuts! And NO-ONE sees a photo of my fridge OR pantry… housework is for people who don’t love fabric as much as I do!

Q: What is your one guilty pleasure in life?
A: Just ONE? Okay, then… reading a great book in the bathtub (yes, it does curl the pages!)


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