Designer Tidbits: Eleanor Burns - Giveaway Closed

Eleanor Burns of Quilt in a Day is a personal hero of ours. She is fun, perky and an icon in the world of quilting. We are lucky enough to have her on the blog today chatting about her latest collection for Benartex, Ellie Ann. And to top it off, we have a giveaway for you! You will not want to miss this!

Q: Where did you find your original inspiration for this collection?
A: I wanted a traditional print from nature that would work well in today's more contemporary household. I think the modern quilter will love this line; the colors are so bright and fresh!

Q: What TV show or movie does your collection fit best in?
A: I watch the Hallmark Channel where all the movies are sappy and have happy endings. Any love story will do!

Q: Tell me about your sewing machine(s). What kinds do you have and how many?
A: I have been using Babylock Sewing machines for the past six years. The Symphony is my favorite. I have a dozen of them at the Bear's Paw Ranch for students to use in a classroom above my garage. There's also one in each of my three sewing rooms: one on my "set", one in Quilt in a Day's sewing room, and one in my second home sewing room. I'm not bragging or complaining! Babylock furnished me with a machine for every Koala sewing table I own. My favorite feature is automatic pivoting with needle down.

Q: What is your favorite part of the fabric industry?
A: I love the feel of the fabric! I can be completely stressed and after I stoke a piece of fabric, my worries just seam to disappear.

Q: From what aspect of your life do you draw creativity?
A: My inspiration always comes from nature or history. I have a log cabin in the mountains of Julian, CA where I watch the change of seasons. The colors can take your breath away.

I've done several books and lines of fabric that dig back in history, such as a 30's line for Egg Money Quilts, and 40's patriotic line for Victory Quilts. I select traditional patterns and fabric to help tell my story.

Q: What is your favorite print in the collection?
A: My favorite is the large scale Rose, 1227. I like the graceful lines of a rose and the smell it brings to a room. You can have more blooms in a season by simply trimming the bushes.

Q: What is the most challenging part of the design process?
A: It's challenging for the whole line to be cohesive and flow. To use the fabric in a quilt, you need variety as large scales, ones that read solid, small scales but not spotty, some fussy cuts, stripes, different values, and textures.

Q: What are your favorite and least favorite colors and why?
A: I am a Red, white and blue gal through and through with my birthday on July 3rd. My least favorite color in general is Orange. However, I really like the Juicy Mango in the Ellie Ann line. Normally I can only bring myself to use orange in the fall but now I can see that I will be using it all year long!

Want a taste of Ellie Ann for yourself? We are giving away one fat quarter of each print in the collection to a lucky winner! UPDATE Barbara Edmondson was chosen as our winner! Please send your full shipping information to chelsey[at]fatquartershop[dot]com. Thanks for playing, everyone!