Designer Tidbits: Tula Pink


The Fat Quarter Shop is excited to welcome Tula Pink to the Jolly Jabber. Tula Pink’s latest fabric collection is Nightshade from Free Spirit Fabrics.




Q: What was the first seed that grew into the Nightshade collection?
A: I knew it was time for me to tackle Halloween. I love the idea of an old mysterious family with closets full of secrets, big spooky mansions and the kind of dark elegance that comes with the territory. I live in an area with a lot of history and I'm always struck by the giant creepy houses out here that haven't been lived in for ages. My design process usually starts with a story and a mood. I make sure each print lives up to that original narrative.


Q: If your collection had a soundtrack what would be on the list?
A: If Nightshade had a soundtrack I think it would be a series of noises like creaking doors, rattling chains, wind whistling through the trees and distant footsteps. There might be a barely audible victrola playing in the background or someone practicing violin down the hall.

Q: What single print/SKU in the collection is your favorite (can only pick one!)?
A: The main print with the portraits, called Coven, is artistically the most complex. I fell in love with characters as I was creating them. I thought about their stories and who they are which influenced the details in each portrait. I love telling stories and that print has the most narrative in it.

(this print is not sold- but the smaller version of the print is SKU# PWTP016)

Q: If this collection had a scent to it, what would it be?
A: If Nightshade had a scent it would be called #9. The bearer of the scent would have the uncanny ability to attract people from up to 100 yards away. One whiff and you would be putty in their hands. The vapor alone would bring civilization to its knees. It would be sold exclusively on the black market.

Q: Can you give us a sneak-peek of your next fabric collection?
A: If Nightshade is my dark side then my next collection is definitely my light side. My next collection is all sugar and spice and sunshine. I am crazy excited about both collections. The new collection debuted at Spring International Quilt Market. It's called The Birds and the Bees the image is the palette for the collection.



Q: If you had a mascot, what animal would it be?
A: If I had a mascot it would totally be a turtle. If I was out walking around and I had an idea I could stop right there, retreat into my shell and get to work. I would be the happiest little fabric designer on earth.

Q: Who is your favorite celebrity?
A: I don't have a television and the only magazines I get are art related. The idea of celebrities in a general sense is pretty lost on me. I wouldn't even know where to begin with a "favorite". That being said, I don't live in a cave. I think that Lady Gaga is a huge freak and that's pretty fascinating to me. Also, I can't walk in high heels so anyone who can do that successfully is pretty impressive. Wigs are also entertaining so I guess if that is my criteria then Ru Paul would also be a contender and maybe Carmen Miranda (fruit hats? amazing!).

Lady Gaga

Ru Paul

Carmen Miranda

Q: If we were making a movie about your life, who would you want to play you?
A: Jessica Rabbit. My hair is darker though so she would have to have to change that. I hope she would be up for it; she does seem like kind of a diva. I would like to be a spy in this movie, who designs fabric to relax after the high speed car chases and international espionage.


Q: Who is your favorite fabric designer not including yourself?
A: I respect a lot of different designers for completely different reasons. I am drawn to designers who have their own point of view and an almost obsessive passion for their craft. My favorite designer that is living today would probably be Marian Bantjes or Tauba Auerbach. Both of them play with typography and pattern in a completely unique way which I find mesmerizing. I would love to see what either of them would do if asked to design fabric.

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