Designer Tidbits: Merry and Bright by Kimberbell Designs


Today, we are celebrating Christmas in July! We have Kim Christopherson of Kimberbell Designs on the Jolly Jabber to talk about her first fabric collection for Maywood Studios Fabric, Merry & Bright. This collection is full of whimsical Christmas prints that we're falling in love with! Read on to know what inspired Kim on her new collection. 



Q: Tell us a little about the Merry & Bright collection.  What were you inspired by?
A: Merry & Bright is very whimsical, bright, and fun. I wanted to create two colorways that would appeal to both someone who likes traditional red and green, while the other color way incorporates red, green, black, gray, and pink.  I was inspired by the fun and playful side of the holiday and "making" special Christmas projects. I also wanted to design a line that could be used beyond Christmas, so you'll find many of the basic prints that can be used for other holidays and seasons, too.

Whimsy Winter Bench Pillow

Q: What design trends are you currently exploring?
A:  I'm really enjoying working with fresh color schemes -- corals, blues, grays, etc. I also love creating basics that provide subtle geometric backgrounds that work well for appliqué pieces.

Q: What projects do you hope to see made with Merry & Bright?
A: I feel like the Merry and Bright collection can be used with any number of home decorating projects, as well as children's clothing.  I've used it in table runners, pillows, ruffled aprons, wall hangings, ornaments, machine embroidery, and quilts. I also used the pink and gray fabrics from the line to make a "Mini Kimmy Doll & Quilt Set".


Mini Kimmy Doll & Quilt Pattern

Q: How do you describe your style and how has it evolved over the years?
A: I would say that my style is mainly whimsical, but I also enjoy working with more traditional colors and blocks as well.  You'll probably notice that the majority of my patterns include dimensional embellishments to them -- adding that little extra touch to a wall hanging, pillow, etc.
Pillow: Deck the Halls Bench Pillow Pattern and  Quilt: Christmas Row Along Wall Hanging Pattern

Q: What has been your biggest sewing faux-pas to date?
A: Hmmmm...good question. I feel like I have them all the time! :) I definitely experienced many when my twin sister and I co-hosted "The DIY Dish" web show. One example was when we were making mannequin pincushions. We got to the part where we were stuffing the bust line with polyester stuffing.  As I was doing that, I said something to the effect that stuffing the bust reminded me of what I did in Junior High. :) The producer kept that in the show and we all got a good laugh.  

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