Would you like to know a bit more about Mr Aurifil, aka Alex Veronelli? Well here’s your chance. We are posting this interview to celebrate the fact Aurifil are going to be one of the main sponsors of the Fat Quarterly London Sewing Retreat this June. Grazie Alex!
Where does the cotton and wool come from?
The raw cotton is from Egypt where the weather conditions and the rich soil enabled the production of a better cotton. The term “Egyptian cotton Mako’” is usually applied to the extra long staple cotton produced in Egypt and favoured for the luxury and upmarket brands worldwide. Our Wool comes from Australia from the quality called Merino. Australian Merino is regarded by many as the finest and softest wool produced anywhere. It is a unique fibre, loved by fashion and apparel designers for its quality and versatility. Nothing else feels like it, looks like it, or wears like it.
What are your best sellers and why?
The 50wt cotton, thinnest of my threads is the most popular. Thinner thread means flatter seams and less bulk when multiple seams come together. It’s strong and doesn’t give off as much lint as others. Fine thread will emphasize your fabric choices and quilt design.
What trends do you see happening in sewing today and for the future?
Crafters these days are looking to show their stitches more and I think we will see the heavier weight threads beginning to compete with the 50wt in popularity.
Any new products on the horizon?
One thing I would like to look at in the future is the possibility of an Aurifil polyester thread since I know that some quilters love to free motion quilt with polyester.
Are you a quilter?
I am not a quilter but I do love quilts and many hang on my office walls bringing sunshine into my workspace. So although I don’t quilt, I love to see quilts around me.
How many languages do you speak?
Four. Italian, of course, plus Spanish, French and English, although you must pardon my poor English accent and spelling, even if I write most of the day in English and have many opportunities to use English when traveling! My Spanish is fairly good and my French good enough to get by with, or at least to sell threads with.
Can you tell us a bit about your family?
I am 44 years old, married with 2 kids, 10 and 8 years old. My family comes from the textile industry on both sides… my mother’s family produced fine Italian bed linens for several generations and my father was one of the founding members of Aurifil in 1983, after working for many years as director of production in different Italian fashion houses. My wife’s family company is also involved in textiles, producing historical clothes and uniforms.
And finally, do you have any news you can leave us with?
In cooperation with Fat Quarterly and Lily’s Quilts, I am going to be launching a competition to see who can design the best set of Aurifil threads. Details coming soon but get your thinking caps on for what threads you would put into one of my Designer Collection 12 thread boxes.
Compliments Alex.
Your interview is very interesting! BYE. NI
buon giorno volevo complimentarmi con lei per la passione che investe in quello che fa, e la cosa che mi piace di più è che lei ha una famiglia che sicuramente le da la spinta per andare avanti per progettare cose nuove.
il mio sogno più grande e quello di avere un giorno una gamma di filo per ricamo di tutti i colori ( non ci sono ancora riuscita ) perchè come lei quando quardo il mio posto di lavoro vorrei vedere tutti i colori del mondo dei filati ………….. mi scusi ancora ma non c’e persona che può capire questo meglio di lei ( PULTROPPO MIO MARITO NON CAPISCE ) BUONA GIORNATA
Anna , grazie per le belle parole …si concordo e’ bellissimo poter lavorare circondato da tanti colori che mettono allegria …ah questi mariti , beh dai non possiamo pretendere che capisca la passione per il ricamo ma almeno dovrebbe acconsentire . Alex
Thanks for the insight Alex and Lynne
I love the threads and was showing them around our quilt group last night
Can’t wait to get my ‘pinks’ quilt finished and find the right thread for the Free Motion Quilting
I have just bought some Aurifil, that was for sale at my Local Quilt Shop.
It is very expensive here in Denmark (as everything else due to the 25% VAT), so I am looking forward to full exposure in London in June!! Thank you giving us that opportunity Alex and Lynne!
Great interview Alex. Love the thread, love the size of the spools, It is nice to be able to piece several projects with one spool. Can’t have too much though because each color is so beautiful and I really would like to have one of each all the time to choose the very best one for my projects.
The contests are so much fun. Can’t wait to try the new one.
Thanks for the contests, and for a great thread that does not compromise for any thing.
Nice interview, Mr Aurifil is rather funny and more than a little saucy on facebook!
Alex keeps me in stitches not only with his fabulous thread, but with his hilarious tweets, too.
Love the thread and so fun to get the details. Thanks for the interview.