Inspired by nature and texture, Botanics by Carolyn Friedlander for Robert Kaufman Fabrics will add life to your stash. Carolyn Friedlander designs her fabric and quilt patterns with a fresh, modern look and an eye for style, and her new collection is no exception! Carolyn is here on the Jolly Jabber to give you a closer look at Botanics, keep reading and get inspired!
Q:
Tell us a little about the Botanics collection. What were you inspired by?
A:
I love to draw, and a while back I was finding that I wasn't drawing enough. So I decided to make an effort to draw a little bit every day. In doing that, I realized that some of my favorite things to draw were some of my favorite plants that I had right around me. I loved the rich textures and bold forms that I was finding as I studied them closer and could instantly imagine how those qualities could be translated to fabric.
Q:
What is your design process when beginning a new collection?
A:
Many times, I'll have a design simmering in my head for a little while before I start to explore it. When I'm ready to start working on it, I'm very hands on. I'll do a lot of drawing and sketching to figure it out. My favorite design tools are very basic--paper, pens, pencils, colored pencils and markers.
Q:
What design trends are you currently exploring?
A:
I would say that I always have a strong interest in texture, color and form. Those are all things that we have a great opportunity to explore through quilting, and they keep me very engaged.
Q:
What projects do you hope to see made with Botanics?
A:
Any and everything! The best thing about designing fabric is seeing how others use it to make the things they want to make most. As with Architextures, I designed Botanics to be a tool for people to use in a variety of ways and in many applications. With Architextures, it has been such a delight to see so many people using it in so many ways, from tiny hand-pieced quilts, to big bold blocks, to clothes and bags. I love seeing it all!
Q:
What projects have you made using Botanics?
A:
I am making all kinds of stuff! I've made new quilts (Botanics and Focal in my pattern collection) as well as clothes and bags. Most recently I finished a bag based on the free Noodlehead pattern that goes along with the line called Cargo Duffle. I incorporated clamshells, and it was so much fun to put together.
Q:
How do you describe your style?
A:
Tough question! It is always hard to describe your own style. But, I would say that the most important things to me as a designer are space and light, and I hope that a sense of both are conveyed in my work.
Labels: Designer Tidbits, Robert Kaufman Fabrics
