Brr! The snow is falling and the outdoors are calling your name. Bundle up in layers with mittens and scarves to brave the cold, and once you are done, head in for warmth and cocoa. In from the Cold by Kate Spain for Moda Fabrics is just what you need to get warm this winter. Kate is here to tell us a bit about her latest Christmas collection, so keep reading for a look at In from the Cold!
Q:
Where did you find your original inspiration for this collection?
A:
Mostly in my memories of Christmas as a little girl when my sister and I would get
dressed in layers upon layers of clothes and go outside to build an igloo, to go
sledding or just to play together. We’d stay outdoors until our socks were caked with
snow and our toes and fingers were so freezing we could not bear it any longer.
There was nothing quite like the feeling of coming in from the cold, sitting next to a
roaring fire with a hot cup of cocoa, exhausted but so happy.
Q2:
What was your “aha” moment in designing this collection?
A:
I guess my “aha” moment happened when I really started to imagine myself in that
place in time…and when I remembered the peaceful feeling of a fresh snowfall...
...as well as the anticipation of sipping cocoa or eating fresh-from-the-oven
Christmas cookies. Both were rare treats, and that one included marshmallow made
it extra special. The contrast of indoor/outdoor activities helped to set the scene for
this collection.
Q:
How do you decorate your home for Christmas?
A:
We sprinkle a little Christmas cheer in (almost) every room. We have a tree of
course…I just love the smell, the lights, and decorating it with ornaments that have
been handed down to us or handmade by friends and family.
I also love to light lots of little candles and hurricane lamps. We have colorful string
lights and holiday dishtowels in our kitchen, festive table runners in our dining room
and some happy handmade stockings that I made from the DIY panel in my fabric
collection, Joy. Franny and Lou like to decorate for the holidays too. As you can see, Franny is tying
the last knot while adding some swag to their climber.
Q:
How do you plan to decorate using In from the Cold this Christmas?
A:
Here's a photo of our little tree from last year. This year, it's going to get a new tree
skirt!
I also really hope to actually make the In from the Cold quilt I designed as a free
project sheet to go with the collection! Thanks to FQS for offering it as a kit.
I'm happy to say that In from the Cold has another stocking DIY panel so you can
add some new designs to your hearth this year. There is also a craft panel that you
can use to make a set of 4 place-mats or 1 table runner or 4 small pillows and 8
coasters. I may have to decorate with some of those items this year too. Lots of
possibilities!
Q:
What is your favorite Christmas tradition?
A:
Being together with family and friends. I also enjoy giving to people who need an
extra hand...in whatever way I can.
Q:
What is your favorite print in the collection?
A:
Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you said my three favorite prints! ;) It's always hard to pick
just one. I love the Hot Cocoa in Hearth, Birdsong in Juniper and Mitten in Marshmallow.
Q:
What is the most challenging part of the design process?
A:
Designing for Christmas/holiday is always a challenge for me. It's hard to start anew
with a theme that has been done by so many designers in so many different
ways...and then delivering something new that still resonates with people. It's
always a balance and sometimes takes a little extra brainstorming at the onset of
designing a seasonal line. I'm almost finished with next year's collection and it's
going to be a little different from the last two that were more novelty-driven.
Another challenge will be to come up with a name for it! Stay tuned.
Labels: Christmas Quilts, Designer Tidbits, Moda Fabric
