Cotton + Steel Collection: Hatbox by Alexia Abegg

     

Hello everyone! We're all about Cotton + Steel this week and Alexia Abegg of Green Bee Designs and Patterns is joining us today on the Jolly Jabber to talk about her Hatbox Collection for Cotton + Steel. Read on to learn about her inspiration for her collection. 

Q: Tell us about your collection. What were you inspired by?
A: I am constantly inspired by a particular place and time. With my collection, Hatbox, I kept thinking about mid 20th century cross-country travels and all the things that might be encountered in California, and the West at that time. Small, family-owned amusement parks, traveling sideshows, women and their hats and day dresses, these are all part of the inspiration for my collection. I also love to work in watercolor or pen and ink, so much of my work starts on paper.

Q: What is your background in textile design?
A: I studied textile design as a part of my fashion and fine arts studies in school, but most of what I have learned has been trial and error, learning from my peers and my husband, Rob Bancroft, who is also a designer.

Q: What projects do hope to see made with your collection?
A: Oh my gosh, this is the most exciting part of designing fabric!!! I love quilts and apparel when I sit down to sew, and kids clothes, and accessories, and home decor...okay really I haven't come across much in the sewing realm that I don't love! So I hope people want to make all these things!

Quilt by Film In The Fridge 

Q: How do you describe your style?
A: I would say I aspire to describe my style as Audrey Hepburn meets Frida Kahlo meets Ray Eames meets Charles Girard meets Vera meets Mary Blair but mostly I wish I could wear a uniform to work so I can only think about art and design all day!


Q: What does Cotton + Steel mean to you?
A: Cotton + Steel is basically the kind of creative environment I have been hoping to find or create my entire adult life. I have found not only the creative freedom every artist longs for but the best manufacturing and logistics to help the creativity have both form and function. As much of a dream come true as Cotton + Steel is artistically, it is even more so because of the relationships that have been kindled. Not only are my fellow designers like my sisters but we have all felt so lucky to be a part of the RJR family.

SURPRISE! RJR and Cotton+Steel have graciously donated fat quarter bundles for us to giveaway! Today, we are giving away Alexia Abegg's Hatbox Fat Quarter Bundle to one lucky winner. Just enter the giveaway through Rafflecopter below! The more entries you complete, the more chances you have to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway