I first became acquainted with the ladies of the “Bella Nonna Design Studio” while
attending a school house lecture series they conducted at Quilt Market last year. Two of their books really caught my eye, one is “Stitch and Split Applique” and the other is ,“Follow The Dots”. (see previous post here). And I have bought their
“Boondoogle” ruler which is a fun and easy ruler that helps create beautiful “Diamond-shaped" blocks. I like their stuff!
And thought you would like to hear more.So, I asked the energetic
designers Jayme Crow and Joan Segna to tell you about their business of quilting and to be guest writers on QuiltersBuzz.Here is the story of Bella Nonna Design Studio
Bella Nonna design studio was born in 1999. Owners and designers Jayme Crow and Joan Segna began teaching quilt patterns through workshops. The sound of a pampered day of quilting including a luncheon and massage sounded irresistible. One workshop led to another and finally led to the creation of the two initial quilt patterns, Tilt-a-Square and Bella Hearts.
Jayme and Joan had unveiled a passion and the designs continued as the business grew.
Today Bella Nonna has three employees: Beverly, Jerrine and Megan.
Beverly manages the accounts and shipping, Jerrine manages the fabric and sewing and Megan heads marketing and sales. “We work very closely together and having such wonderful, creative employees allows me the time to follow my designing passion. They are truly the heart of the company” says Jayme. Joan has recently retired from Bella Nonna, but “an artist never truly retires”….so she keeps her design hat handy! The Name "Bella Nonna":
Finding a name to effectively represent the business was a challenge. Bella Nonna (Beautiful Grandmother in Italian) was decided upon based on Joan’s heritage and the fact that Jayme was lovingly taught how to sew by her grandmother.
In the Spotlight:
Jayme Crow and Joan Segna co-authored two books entitled Stitch and Split Appliqué and Follow the Dots…to Dazzling Quilts. Both titles have topped Martingale’s Bestseller List and are in their 3rd and 2nd printings respectively.
Other Bella Nonna appearances include HGTV’s Simply Quilts with Alex Anderson, America Quilts Creatively on PBS and numerous magazine features and articles. Jayme Crow has also designed quilts for a variety of fabric houses including: Andover Fabrics, Benartex, Blank Textiles, Bold Over Batiks, Island Batiks, Textile Creations, Diamond Textiles, Robert Kaufman, Maywood Studios and Northcott.
The Look:
A large part of Bella Nonna’s look lies in the simple fact that … “We don’t have one” says Jayme. She furthers her sentiments in the following statement, “Bella Nonna is defined by being versatile and innovative. While I use a lot of brights and batiks, a menagerie of other fabrics can be found throughout my designs. As a designer, I go the way of my inspirations wherever they may lead.”
Bella Nonna’s diversity appeals to a wide variety of quilters including the younger generation. Busy lifestyles have become the norm and many quilters want to quickly create a beautiful, quality piece. Bella Nonna designs allow quilters to accomplish all three. The designs also offer quilters the opportunity to add their own flair by choosing their favorite colors, fabrics and embellishments.
Bella Nonna in the Now:
The latest rage with Bella Nonna is the Boondoggle Ruler™. (Retailing for around $14) This diamond-shaped ruler allows quilters to create an ‘on-point’ look without set-in seams. The Boondoggle Ruler™ has made a name for itself as being fast, easy and fun.
Continual use of the ruler is encouraged through new Boondoggle designs released every six months at Spring and Fall International Quilt Markets.
Lizzie’s Boondoggle bag (shown in photo) is the latest in the Boondoggle line-up and has been very well received. Other popular Boondoggle quilt patterns include the Crazy Boondoggle,,Trendy Boondoggle and the 4-patch Boondogggle. The Zipper quilt is show in photo.
Currently the company’s embellishment offerings include the Bella Nonna Silk Flower Petals (available in 13 colors) and Fabric Foil. Both products are machine washable, making them a beautiful and practical addition to quilts. A number of quilt patterns feature these two favorites including the bestsellers Hydrangea Tapestry, Tantalizing Topiary and The Boulevard.
Stay Tuned For…
The latest Bella Nonna book is in the works and will be a treat worth anticipating!
New designs featuring the petals and Boondoggle ruler are on the drawing board as is “Bouncing Buddies” a new quilt pattern designed for children.
With two books, two television appearances and multiple magazine articles under her belt Jayme says, “the best is yet to come.”
I always look forward to seeing what is new at Bella Nonna and especially what crazy new thing have they made using the Boondoggle ruler!
To learn more visit Bella Nonna's site or email info@bellanonnaquilt.com
(All photos courtesy of Bella Nonna. Quilts shown at the "Boulevard Quilt" and the Zipper Quilt"; Bags are the "Happy Bag" and the "Boondoggle Bag". Also shown is the Boondoggle truler.)
