Designer Tidbits: Verna Mosquera


Twirl about with Verna Mosquera's new collection for Free Spirit Fabrics, Pirouette. Channel your inner prima ballerina or think back to your days as a clumsy kid in dance class. Either way, you will be twirling across the dance floor with a pink tutu and your hair in a perfect ballerina bun in no time!


Q: To what or whom would you dedicate this collection, or what inspired this collection?
A: One of the best things about being a designer/artist is that you never know when inspiration will hit you. Last year while attending Road to California I stopped in my favorite booth, Nifty Thrifty Dry Goods. It is a sea of wonderful vintage ribbon, buttons and trims. Immediately I was taken by these delicious pieces of vintage lace in the most wonderful mocha color and a rose appliqué in shades of flamingo pink on a sand backdrop.

Next I found a gorgeous rose appliqué in shades of pink flamingo on a sand background and inspiration was born. I filled a bag with a collection of ivory, mocha, pink and green treasures. As I looked at what was growing it took me back to a time I spent in Paris many years ago with my husband. We spent many hours admiring the works of Degas. The delicious colors in the bag reminded me of those wonderful paintings of ballerinas I has seen so many years ago.

Pirouette was born. I took the color palette and mixed it with wonderful vintage inspired prints. Romantic florals, vintage ticking, tartan plaid and a playful dot. I even did a tonal print filled with ballet terms. I took the pink flamingo and stretched the color to its darkest shade a delicious ruby red. To bring in a cooler color I added green but mixed a little yellow to have it keep a vintage flair.


Q: What is your favorite project using this collection?
A: While impatiently waiting for the fabric to arrive, I began to envision a quilt design. I thought of a ballerina silhouette and other ballet images. Enter Prima Ballerina, an appliqué design in my recognized style. The ballerina dress was the perfect spot for the largest floral in the collection. I want that dress!!! As usual the quilt grew and the playful images were so fun to envision, incorporating each fabric in a special spot.

Much to my wonderful surprise Elyse of Westminster Fibers suggested making a ballet dress out of the collection which I think is terrific! Did I mention my only regret is not having studied ballet? I can't imagine a more graceful art. The imagery of ballerinas, tutus and ballet shoes could not be more romantic. Art is so personal and mine is often filled with that which I hold dear.

Q: What would be your collection’s theme song?
A: Dance Away by Roxy Music. Still one of my favorite bands and songs of all time.

Q4: If you could live in a movie, what movie would it be?
A: Out of Africa. I loved everything about it. The scenery, the music, the acting. It is a very unique love story. I am a true romantic and greatly empathized with Karen (played by Meryl Streep) and her struggle in understanding Denys (played by Robert Redford) and his inability to love her the way she wanted to be loved.

Q5: What makes you nostalgic?
A: Cleaning out my children’s closet. Each time they outgrow their clothes it is a visual reminder of how quickly time passes and how they are growing up so fast.

Q6: What is your favorite TV show of all time?
A: Since I am currently enjoying holiday movies with my boys I'd have to say The Year Without a Santa Claus. I just love Heat Miser! There was nothing better about being a kid during the holiday season than watching all the Christmas specials. I get so much joy out of seeing how much my boys enjoy the same movies I watched as a little girl.


Q: If you could be a modern day fictional character, who would you be?
A: Instead of a cat lady I'd be a HAT LADY. Because I feel like I am constantly changing the role I play. I can go from being wife & mother to soccer coach to artist & business woman many times in a matter of minutes. Often times playing all roles in the same day or even at the same time. To fill my creative juices I would design a special hat for each one of my roles. Just like Super Man I could change quickly, but without needing to find a phone booth!


Q: What’s the strangest compliment you’ve ever received?
A: It would have to be when I was living in Uruguay. I was walking down the street and this group of teenagers was walking by. One of them called out "Estas fuerte veterana" which translates to "you are looking hot old lady". I was 24 at the time and I didn't know whether to smile or cry? I must have laughed for about an hour afterward.


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