Designer Tidbits: Denise Urban


The Fat Quarter Shop is excited to welcome Denise Urban to the Jolly Jabber. Denise’s latest fabric collection is Autumn Bouquet for Quilting Treasures.




Q: What was the first seed that grew into the Autumn Bouquet collection?
A: As the vivid bold colors of summer fade, autumn arrives with shades of muted tangerine, amber, and a multitude of shades in burgundy and brown.


Here in the Northeast, the brilliant autumn trees change their colors quickly, bringing a stunningly beautiful array of varied colored foliage. A myriad of leaves start to dance frantically above the ground, creating a spectacular crazy quilt of nature!


These luscious colors inspired me to create a riche mélange of autumn fabrics. I combined plums, mossy greens, and rich burgundies with accents of lavender and chartreuse.



This fall I wanted to take a painterly approach by artfully pairing autumn colors with staple neutrals and menswear stripes with feminine twists. I’ve always adored this season, which brings out the expectation of the future and warms my heart.



Q: If your collection had a soundtrack what would be on the list?
A: Autumn in New York by Billie Holiday

Q: What single print/SKU in the collection is your favorite?
A: Autumn Bouquet- Flower and Scroll Design # 22109- I love the juxtaposition of scrollwork, leaves and florals. The darker shades partner effortlessly with the lighter shades of mint green, tangerine, gold and pink. Anything goes this spring, which is quite freeing for a pattern designer.




Q: What is your favorite project you have made using this collection?
A: You don't have to take on something intricate and elaborate - just pick something that is fun and enjoyable for the fall season. Here is a Jennifer Lokey Butterick McCall Apron Pattern B5693 and McCalls Door and Draft Stops (Owl, Chicken and Doggie) #M6414





Q: If this collection had a scent to it, what would it be?
A: I think it would encompass the scent of sweet and crisp orchard apples with a hint of cinnamon and fresh baked cookies!! “Be Delicious” perfume by DYNK possesses a blend of cucumber, violet, magnolia, apple, grapefruit, woods and rose!

Q: Can you give us a sneak-peek of your next fabric collection?
A: My next collection is called “Pop Paisley” which has been printed and is ready for distribution.





Q: If you had a mascot, what animal would it be?
A: A fuzzy kitten since I love felines of any type! Kittens generally have vibrant personalities, are intelligent, extremely crafty (pun intended), and playful! You can cuddle them like a baby and throw them over your shoulder. They are just so fluffy and soft, comforting and caring. I love those little fur balls!

Q: Who is your favorite celebrity?
A: My favorite celebrity is the pudgy comic Nathan Lane. He can quote Shakespeare yet perform musical comedies. Known for his outrageous, divinely comedic performances on stage and screen, Nathan Lane has led a career encompassing Broadway, television, and film.




He played numerous roles as the voice of Timon in the The Lion King, the flamboyantly limp-wristed lover in The Birdcage, Ernie Smuntz in Mouse Hunt, plus starring roles on Broadway in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and The Producers. He has brightened my life and certainly the lives of so many individuals. He was rightly inducted into the American Hall of Fame.

Q: If we were making a movie about your life, who would you want to play you?
A: I guess I would love Jessica Alba to play my life story. She has such a wonderful, natural appeal to her. I believe she has the capacity to play compassionate characters because she has deep empathy, compassion and sensitivity to the feelings of others.




In terms of attraction, she has a unique normalcy to her that is refreshing. Alba has all of the traits that one could want in a friend, or girlfriend- intelligence, wit, compassion, strength, a strong work ethic, and honesty. Jessica is shy girl next door that is pretty, but not to the extreme. She has an inner spiritual beauty.

Q: Who is your favorite fabric designer not including yourself?
A: I have followed Amy Butler since 1992 when she was just starting out her collection.

She believes like I do that we can all inspire those around us to become happier through finding their own creativity. That's the wonderful thing about creating art! Finding creative love, passion, excitement, and pure joy in the little everyday things and appreciating every moment.


Labels: ,