Nov
Congratulations on the launch of your first fabric line, Coquette! Tell us a little bit about the line and what inspired its name & design.
Carina Gardner: I wanted to work on a set of modern florals in happy, bright colors. I liked how flirty all the fabrics were and I loved the idea of a ?coquettish? line. It isn?t a typical pink girly line although it is definitely feminine. I loved the idea of a ?grown-up? floral.
You’re new to the fabric world, but certainly not to the world of design. Can you tell us a little bit about your background?
CG: I have a M.A. and Ph.D. In Design and taught graphic design at the University of Minnesota for five years. I was doing a lot of research on color theory and logos (not as boring as it sounds!). I loved it but when I was done with school decided it was time to get back to designing. I love the craft industry and started doing paper lines for My Mind?s Eye and digital scrapbooking for Two Peas in a Bucket. With all the pattern-building I was doing for paper, it just made sense to transition into fabric.
What inspires you? What is your creative process like?
CG: I am a total magazine junkie (especially home d?cor magazines) and will get obsessed with a color scheme, the arch of a line, or a shape. The thing that inspires me the most is my two daughters. I?m always thinking about what I would dress them in or how I would decorate their room. Or I doodle. I?m a total doodler. And once in a while, a doodle will come to life. It?s amazing when that happens. The paisley in Coquette was a doodle once…
As for my creative process, it depends on my mood. Usually, I do a quick sketch and scan it in. Then I rework the idea in Illustrator. I try really hard not to think about the design too hard the first time around because I find that gut instinct is best. Then I?ll do a second take on a design or collection and work through the details to balance it.
You have a strong background in the scrapbooking field. It seems that a lot more designers are spanning the sewing and scrapbooking worlds. What do you think about this? How are the two fields similar? Different? What do you think this trend holds for the future of both industries?
CG: Oh yes, this trend will only get stronger. I mean, it makes sense. We are all pattern builders. Sometimes I?ll see a paper at CHA (Craft and Hobby Association-the scrapbooking equivalent of Quilt Market), and I?ll say, ?Why isn?t this in fabric? I want it in fabric!? You?ll see designers and scrapbooking companies aligning with fabric companies more and more. If you want to see what will be coming out in fabric from these paper companies, take a look at this season?s paper lines. Paper has a two to five month turn-around and fabric has a year. For example, my collection Love Nest came out as a Glitter Pad in Winter 2009 and will be coming out in fabric Winter 2010.
What got you interested in designing fabrics, a new medium for you?
CG: I?ve always been interested in fabric?I?ve sewn all my life. Lots and lots of Barbie clothing in my past. The idea of designing fabric just sounded fun (and it is!). In some ways, it is a more compelling medium for me because I?ve always built my own patterns and slip-covered my own chairs (especially during the many years of graduate school).
What has the process of putting together your first line taught you about the uniqueness of designing for fabrics and quilts? Is it different than you would compose a paper line?
CG: A little different, but a lot of the same. It just took me a while to realize it. In a small paper line, every single paper needs to be strong. And there isn?t a lot of tone-on-tone patterns. Ironically, I?m also sort of known for my asymmetrical designs in paper. Ya, that wasn?t going to work in fabric. With quilting fabric, I realized that I needed to build these more ?solid? patterns and to make sure and build small, medium, and large patterns. We do the same thing in paper, but many times those simplier designs are put on the back-side of a paper. I was almost afraid to add those simplier or smaller designs to a line because I didn?t know if it was acceptable. Now I know that they are absolutely necessary. Making my first quilt taught me that.
CG: My mom is a hand quilter. So I grew up with her quilting, but barely ever did any quilts with her (remember, I was too enthralled with making my Barbie?s fashionable). So last spring I took a quilting class and it completely changed my thought process about quilting. It was hard! But SO rewarding. I was a changed woman. I made my first quilt with Coquette, and I am trying to appeal to those out there like me?the adventurous, beginner quilter!
CG: I can?t really explain the feeling of elation when I look at the quilt I made form the Coquette line. It is probably the most precious object I have at this point because not only did I design the fabrics, but I made the quilt. It feels amazing. And when other people make things out of my fabric, well, can warm, fuzzy, and elated all happen at one time? Because it does for me.
CG: It?s girly. Completely inspired by my little girls. There is a serious obsession with pink in my house. I adore the little modern birdies and the paisleys. They are so fresh and feminine.
CG: As always, I?m doing a lot of projects and tutorials on my blog (carinagardner.com). I also recently started a newsletter featuring more of the crafting projects we?ve been doing in the studio. My first one just came out (read it here).
Next spring I?ll be coming out with a line of sewing patterns for little girls (See, the obsession is real. You can feel sorry for the one-lone man in the house now). You?ll also see three more lines from me next summer?Pinfeathers, Dress Up, and Baby Safari.
I also will be teaching a new Intermediate Illustrator online class in January that will focus on building patterns (all of my classes are at JessicaSprague.com). I?m pretty excited about this class because I think it will open people?s eyes on how to set up simple designs to be tiled into a full pattern.
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I am smittened by Coquette! I would make an awesome quilt with the fabric.
Love the green! The chair upholstered in green is so much fun…not that my husband would let one in the house, but I can dream.
Love the mix of browns along with the cool blues and greens! Of course, I'm a bit biased… those are the colors in my bedroom. I've been thinking about upholstering a new headboard for our bed; this might be just the thing!!!
I would make a quilt, for sure! Maybe set it all off with some nice bright green or teal…My obsession with quilting permeates all aspects of my life, including my graduate poetry class (where tonight I was asked what the "polite term" for a quilter is…).
love the colours! i'd make a quilt for a friend who's been wanting a quilt!
I'm starting to work with some Quilt-As-You-Go techniques to help my sore, sore shoulders. I would use this great prize to delve more into that; try to come up with different and simpler techniques.
I have a chair that I inherited…a platform rocker hand made by my great-grandfather…have been wanting to recover it forever – haven't seen the "right" fabric….until now. Coquette Flirt is the PERFECT fabric for this project – cannot wait to get my hands on it!
Those colors really speak to me! I love the girly-ness and the romantic quality!
Love this modern, updated version!
Stefanie
I'm missing spending time with Carina and chocolate cake. Not sure which I miss more, but I'm not picky! (hee hee)
Oh I love Carina's designs! If I were to win I'd surely have a hard time deciding what to make – but probably use for some appliques for my girls' clothing, some ruffles, some hair accessories… who knows!
I think this fabric was made just for me! I love the patterns and colors. They would make a beautiful quilt or some great pillows for sure!
I love Carina's designs and can't wait to get my hands on some Coquette!
WOHOO!!! Love that fabric! Just found out we are pregnant and I would LOVE to use the fabric to make a baby quilt! Classy but cute!!!
Beautiful fabrics. I just made my first quilt. It is true — hard, frustrating and satisfying
Love the colors in this collection. — I would make a set of pretty throw pillows…
I would make a quilt, maybe for my second daughter. The blues and greens in this collection are two of her favorite colors and I know that she would love to cuddle up on her bed with beautiful quilt.
Thanks for the delightful giveaway.
Love the colors & have lots of patterns for FQ quilts so the sky is the limit! Thanks for the intro to a new fabric line & a chance to win!
Love these fabrics! They would go so perfectly in our spare room as soft furnishings – pillows etc. The various examples above are just so inspiring! I particularly love the brown and blue combinations, always one of my favourites.
I simply adore this color combo!! If I were to be lucky enough to win I would most likely pet the fabric for several days to be absolutely sure of what I would do before cutting into it. Then I think I might make one of those big block biscuit comforters for my Alabama guest bedroom. The comforter and curtains in there are 10 years old and it is time for a change! Change is always good! Winning a fantastic prize is always good! Just like peanut butter and jelly! They go so good together! These fabrics and my bedroom would be just like that!
Oh, I totally want to copy that quilt! Beautiful!
ourbusylittlebunch(at)hotmail(dot)com
I'd make a quilt, maybe the QAL on this website that I missed out on.
Oh this line is gorgeous! I want to make a bag and a camera strap cover, for starters!
love the colours and would make a quilt
Those colours are like a breath of fresh Spring air during these long dark Autumn nights, love them!
Chris x
Can't wait for this to hit the shops
:) I adore quilting and doll making so I think that would be on my agenda for this fabric, a quilt and a dolly dress xx
Stunning line of fabric !!! The colours are just devine. I could see a quilt in this, or maybe some clothing, a skirt for me???
Gorgeous new line! It reminds me a little of Nicey Jane (which is good, I loved that collection!). I can see a skirt made from it and maybe a little girls dress
I would make a quilt with just simple squares not too small to show off the fabric. It would make a lovely fresh looking quilt.
I love the colors in the collection! I can't wait to make some pillows and tote bags for my girls!
I would love to make some new pillow covers and throws for our media room. It is white and green
Gonna start looking through my patterns to find the 'perfect' one for Coquette.
Hmmmm. I'd make a new pieced and quilted doggie bed cover and a pretty lap quilt for my pups to sit on in the car! Adorable…..
I think with this line I might make a quilt just.for.me. I'd probably spend a month trying to decide what pattern to use though!
Love the fabrics! I have so many projects in mind for them!
Oh my… blue, green and brown… LOVE it! Great for purses, flirty little girl skirts – and could even be the push to make a new quilt for our bed – i'm thinking after 23 years we might be due!
I've always loved the blues, greens, and browns together. It looks so fresh and soothing. These fabrics are great. I am also a graphic designer and would love to get into doing fabric design. I would probably make clothes, handbags, or home decor items from them. Very nice! Thanks for the chance to win!
It looks delicious!!!! Now with me winding up my 40 quilts charity work, I think I'll make something out of this fabulous fabric for myself!!!
Ohhh…a chance to win this wonderful fabric! Since I'm a beginning quilter I would try a quilt. Thanks for the chance to win.
I have just recently discovered Carina and her genius talent! She is so inspiring. I think I'd make something for my little girl to wear. Big new fan!
OH boy! What beautiful fabric!! I am a new follower of Carina's
If I were to win this yummy fabric – I would make a quilt for my bed to keep – I always seem to find homes for my other quilts. AND, I have the pattern already picked out – I've been saving it for a great collection and I think this may be it! It's Fresh Lemon's Lemon Squares – it's perfect!! Thank you for a chance to win =D
I've been a fan of Carina's since I 'discovered' her line at 2 Peas. I can't wait to see her fabrics in person!
Congrats! Love the name of the line. Us beginner quilters would love a bunch of fat quarters.
I am in the throes of making little clutches and bags for Christmas presents. I would probably make more of those out of this fun fabric! Thank you!
I love this fabric line! The blues and greens would be perfect for a quilt! I would make one for my granddaughter!
pojeda@embarqmail.com
Very nice interview! I would love to win this FQ bundle and would probably make a quilt for my own bed with it.
I love the colors in this line! Wow. I'd have to make a quilt.
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Fresh and fun, I'd make a quilt for my first niece.
Carina is adorable! You can't help but smile at that first picture of her, and adorable girls too! Coquette is wonderful! I would love to make a quilt for our bed. So dreamy and fresh and wonderful! Thanks for the opportunity! Ruth Wright
Love the fabric line! I would make a quilt for our bed with it! Thank you for the give-away.
Daniela from France
When I see a new line of fabric, I usually stare at it awhile before I decide! This looks quilt or pillows to me, but great possibilities for clothing as well
I'm a quilter so that is how I look at new fabrics. I will make a quilt. Aha! But which quilt design? Perhaps I will attempt one similar to Carina's. Please enter me into this giveaway. Thanks. alternate email mlwright29 (at) hotmail (dot) com
Love the line and Carina's attitude is infectious! Hmmm, I'd make something 'home-ey' with the line: gorgeous fabric baskets, pillows i think
I would love to make a quilt with these beautiful fabrics!
well she clearly has a love of little girls and I think that I would have to make something for my own little girl! A dress or skirt…she's still little. Or perhaps a little doll!
Something for my first niece, coming in March!
I'd make something for myself. Pretty toiletry organizer and a small dish to put my jewelry in.
I would make a quilt for my granddaughters to use when they come visit me. Very pretty colors. Thanks for the giveaway.
I am torn between a lovely quilt and some cute skirts and dresses for myself and my little girl.
I love the blues and browns – my favorite color combination! I would make quilt for me AND then one for my daughter and her new hubby!
What a fun interview! I can't wait to see these fabrics in person. Hmmmm, I would love to make some accessories for my sewing room with these. A machine cozy? some pincushions? Sounds good to me!
This line is so fresh I'd have to make some home deco with it – placemats, store-it baskets, things I'd be able to see and use everyday – and presents for Christmas (if they're lucky!).
A quilt, A quilt, A QUILT!!!!! This fabric is perfect for my 3 – yes 3 girls!!!
Thanks for posting about this great looking new line!
These fabrics are Gorgeous!!!! I love all the frills in the photos so I'd probably take that inspiration and make a lovely summery girly frilly quilt.
Oooh these fabrics would make great handbags.
Coquette remind me of summer, the blue roses are gorgeous, I will make a quilt for my summerhouse with appliqu? poodles from issue 2 ? or maybe big block English paper piecing
Such beautiful fabrics. I make crib quilts to give away so that is what i would do with these. They would be wonderful. nanasew at gmail dot com
I have a little girl who loves dresses and I think Carina's patterns are gorgeous for girly dresses!
This is the first time I've come across Carina and what great fabrics! I'd love to make more bags or small wallhangings
Gill
Simply beautiful fabric! I would make a quilt, of course! Although it would make a nifty looking Spring/Summer dress for a little girl! Thanks for the chance.
I would make a patchwork skirt for my daughter and use the leftovers for doll clothes.
I would make a quilt for my guest bedroom with the beautiful Coquette fabric. That photo shoot of the bed outside has me inspired!
lovely colors! I will definitely make a quilt.
Beautiful collection! I would love to make a quilt, very simple blocks, just to show up the beauty of the fabrics
Well I'd love to make a quilt for my 20 year old niece who FINALLY got her own room after her older brother moved out. But those fabrics are so pretty – I might just save it for myself!!! Keeping my fingers crossed!!
Perfect for making pillows for my daughter's new apartment in LA. She's always had a roommate and made many (too many) decorating compromises. Now this one will be all hers to dress up! I told her I'd make pillows and whatever else she wants. These are her colors! What a great gift they'd be to the both of us
well i am now hankering for some fabric garland in this collection, look how great that is!! and it makes for gorgeous bedding, so quilts are always on my to do list with beautiful fabrics.
I'm not sure what I'd make, but I love the designs in this colorway! It'd make a very fresh modern-looking quilt with white (maybe some flying geese). Or maybe some hexagon pillows from the first issue of Fat Quarterly.
My 13 year old would love a quilt from these fabrics. They are so fresh. Thanks for the chance to win.
wow, how very spring and fresh. It's spring here in Oz at the moment, so very fitting. I think something light and bright, to really show off the colour palette might be in order. A change of decor in the bedroom to celebrate the changing of the seasons?
What a cool, refreshing fabric line! I think pillows and/or a quilt would be beautiful.
Gorgeous fabric – love the colors and patterns. I already have a quilt pattern in mind, unless I decide to make some tote bags.
I would make a quilt for my daughter. These are just her colors.
Beautiful fabrics. I love the designs and colors. I'm completely smitten!
Love the design and colors of these fabrics. Would like to make a quilt for a family member with this fabric line.
Such gorgeous combinations of colours….I would try my first ever quilt for my neice….so pretty!
I would love to make some aprons and luggage tags. Of course, a beautiful quilt would be a must too. – Susan
Stay with this guys, you’re helping a lot of popele.
I love the green! I would make my daughter who loves everything green a beautiful quilt!
I love the colors in this collection! I would make a quilt for my bedroom.
I'd love to win even though I'm not quite sure yet what I'd like to make with the yummy fabric.
I have fallen in love! I would make a quilt, of course. There are so many great patterns out there that I have yet to try!
I'm trying to live a greener life, so I might use the fabric to make napkins to use rather than paper ones. Kathie L in Allentown
I would make a quilt! These colors just pop!
I think Coquette would make a lovely sophisticated baby quilt! It's beautiful! Thank you for the giveaway!
It didn't take much to make me fall in love, one little look at Coquette and I was smitten.
Honestly, I'm not sure what I'd make, but I am sure it would be gorgeous! You couldn't make an ugly thing with this fabric!
Thanks for the chance to win!
Angelina
I would def make a quilt! Gorgeous!
I seem to be making quilts and table toppers for everyone else…I think if I won this it would definitely be made into a quilt for MY bed…and some shams and maybe a narrow runner for the top of our dressers!!
I had never heard of this line, and I'm so glad you featured Carina. It really is fabulous! Thanks for the chance to win
How lovely is this fabric! I am sooooo a blue person and would love to win! Thanks for the interesting interview too.
Just gorgeous! Can't wait to get my hands on it!
Hope it's not too late! I love this fabric and would use it to make a quilt for our master bedroom. It is the perfect color combination for there!
Sandy A
If I'm not too late? *sigh*
What would I make? A gazillion cushions, I just want to dive into those lush colours!!
I'd make dresses for my grand daughters.
It is beautiful! I would make a quilt or a dress for my daughter-maybe both!
Great article and beautiful fabric! I'd definitely be making a quilt out of that lovely fabric!
I think they'd make a lovely quilt!.Thanks for the chance.
Just hopped on to Carina's blog and saw her tutorial on the quilt, so that's what I'll be making with her beautiful fabrics.
I hope I still have time. I did thought of designing my own fabric but she made it sound so easy. Need to think about it again.
oooh! Those match perfectly with the fabrics I'm gathering for a King size quilt for my very own bed (imagine, actually using one of my own quilts myself)