Designer Tidbits: Debbie Mumm

Christmas brings cheerful moments with family, warm cups of cocoa by the fire and, of course, plenty of gifts! Debbie Mumm is celebrating the season of giving with her latest collection, Santa's Gifts for South Sea Imports. Keep reading for a closer look!


Q: Where did you find your original inspiration for this collection?
A: Christmas is one of my favorite themes to design for. Every year I do a new Santa collection. This one is all about the wonderful Christmas gifts that Santa delivers every year. You will find Santa with his hands lifted balancing two big stacks of wrapped gifts. He has loaded up his famous gift bag, filled his sleigh and even a pouch on Donner's back is bursting with packages. I think you will be able to follow the theme throughout the collection.


Q: What kinds of projects do you hope to see made using Santa's Gifts?
A: I hope all kinds of creativity and ideas will be inspired by the fabric. There are so many fun projects that you could stitch up to make your home festive this Holiday! Pillow cases, Christmas Stockings, a Tree Skirt, a tablecloth for the Holiday meals, and of course a colorful throw for over the sofa. There are three panel prints that will be fun to make up. This is the first Advent Calendar that I've done in many, many years. I think it's quite adorable. There is a Door Banner panel ready to sew up quick and hang anywhere. And also a panel with multiple Christmas stockings and cut outs for appliqué and gift tags. You can go to town with that one!

Q: What TV show or movie does your collection fit best in?
A: More than any particular movie, this group makes me think of the song, "Santa Claus is coming to Town!" You better watch out!


Q: What is your very first sewing memory?
A: I remember sewing A-line skirts out of bonded wool when I was in Junior High. When I was younger, I used to make a lot of clothes. I also remember making a hot pants outfit made of hot pink corduroy in my Home Ec class. That my must have been quite a look!


Q: When did you join the fabric industry? What are your favorite aspects of the industry and what specific parts do you enjoy the most?
A: I joined the fabric industry in the early 1990s. I love the creativity that surrounds the industry, starting with the excitement of designing all the way to the fabulous creativity of the fabric consumers.


Q: What is your design process?
A: I (we) do it all. It starts with pencil drawings. They are first colored with colored pencils to plan color placement and palette. Next the designs are traced onto watercolor paper and painted in watercolor. The art is scanned and put in the computer. From there we can do different layouts that may be applicable for different products. That of course is how we do all the different fabric layouts. It is all fun!

Santa's Gifts Quilt Kit, available at Fat Quarter Shop
Q: What is your favorite print in the collection?
A: It is hard to pick one. I do love the complementary snowflake patterns, in black and tan. Oh, and I do love the panel too. I hope he ends up on my front door this Holiday season!

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