Look what is ‘fresh’ from FreeSpirit! 

Donna Wilder, President of FreeSpirit Fabrics, has signed designer Heather Bailey and here is a sneak peak of her first line of fabric, “Freshcut”. 

Donna sent me swatches of Heather’s line to post a sneak peak for you…So, I have seen them myself, and they are yummy and the “hand” of the fabric is awesome.

More about Heather…

Heather, a mama of two kids, has been sewing since she was 8 years old and has always loved to create.  She is a knitter, doll-maker, ceramics-creator, stained-glass maker, a children’s illustrator and more! (If you can believe that!)

With a Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design in hand, she has had business ventures in Noggins™, a children’s hat company, and Trash Ties™, a patented hair accessory company. She has hung out in Hollywood (schmoozed with some celebs) and has had her creations sell worldwide in some of the best stores and boutiques.

And, (as if that is not enough) her accessories have been featured in InStyle, Glamour, Mademoiselle and Seventeen magazines.

She is a blogger too at "HELLOmynameisHeather" and will keep you up-to-date on the happenings at her studio, plus she posts tutorials and has free pattern downloads. Isn’t she nice!

But, most of all, she is the guest writer at QuiltersBuzz.

Here is Heather to tell us a bit about herself:

 “I have always loved to collect, everything from cheerful ceramic bowls to vintage baby hangers and antique sewing notions, but my main obsession has always remained fabric.

An Avid Seamstress

I am an avid seamstress and I have been since I was a young girl. I also love to draw, having filled volumes of sketchbooks to bursting with various doodles and designs—a treasured personal history of my creative endeavors.

So, last fall, when the realization hit me that I should marry my two great loves together and become a fabric designer, I surged into action, developing a portfolio and securing a contract with my favorite fabric company, Free Spirit, within a matter of months. Then, it was right to work on my debut collection, Freshcut™. It’s been an eventful year.

 Freshcut Fabric From FreeSpirit

With Freshcut, I set out to develop a collection with all the charm of a beloved fabric stash, thoughtfully assembled over the years, with an assortment of prints that are not only individually delightful, but also magical when combined.

Each colorway offers a distinct palette with surprising accents, yet without the predictable look of perfectly-matched hues. (Shown below is colorway #1..check out Heather's site to see the other two colorways.)

With lively color and print combinations, I intended that projects and quilts made from Freshcut™ have built-in sparkle and intrigue, a sophisticated playfulness, so to speak.

Though I adore vintage fabric and design—and therein certainly lay some underlying influences—all of my fabrics are original.

Each design started as a pencil sketch in my trusty sketchbook. When I’d hit on a delicious idea, I’d redraw the design onto Bristol board with greater care.

Then, these second renderings were painted out and scanned into my iMac where I could best direct their color combinations.

For maximum versatility, I took care to include a variety of print styles and scales. The resulting collection offers a modern spectrum of unique designs that are unified by the lyrical signature of my artwork.

Working Studio At Home --in the Desert of Arizona

My studio is located in the heart of our home, where a dining room might have been. This way my children have constant access to me, and I to them. An arm’s reach from the kitchen, I am often keeping an eye on a pot of soup or rising loaves of bread, while also keeping tabs on my email.

The focal point of my studio is a grandiose hutch with arches and Corinthian capitals that I found at an antique store for $150. My husband lovingly repainted the hutch, built a base for it, and then created two elegant tables to match. This shelving system houses my quilting fabrics as well as many of my treasured books and notions.

Ribbons and thread are within easy reach, displayed in vintage-style jars, while my sewing machines and computer occupy each of the tables. The most recent addition to my workspace is a free-standing footed island. Painted green and carved with flowers and baskets, it has cabinets and drawers on each side and is a handy height for project planning and pattern design.

Though a bit crowded (especially when the ironing board is out), I’m fortunate to have a designated creative space that I find inviting and inspiring. And, thank goodness for that, because lately I’m spending most of my time in my studio!

Hip Patterns On the Way

Not only have I been preparing for the debut of Freshcut (sorting out a website, sewing samples for Quilt Market, etc.), but I am also designing a line of hip sewing patterns to be released early next year and documenting my endeavors on my personal weblog.

The pattern line will include a variety of designs, including women’s, children’s and home décor projects. Current patterns in the works include stylish handbags (Like the one shown here and on her site!)  aprons, children’s toys and sewing notions, all with a modern appeal.

And, it’s a treat to share the process with a supportive network of online bloggers, enjoying real-time feedback and the motivation that comes from a constant drip of enthusiastic response.

Crafty Bloggers Rock!

In fact, it’s thrilling that a new generation of sewers is discovering community and inspiration on the internet. Through weblogs, online forums, and photo-sharing sites, creative souls are connecting and resonating with like-minded crafters, building a tangible creative energy that I find extremely exciting.

These women, as a collective, have sophisticated, yet whimsical taste and are inventive and unintimidated designers. It’s a delight to participate in this modern movement toward combining traditional handicraft with cutting-edge aesthetics.

It is my hope and intention to reinforce this energy by offering fabrics and patterns that inspire creativity and help others to discover the deep fulfillment that I’ve found in sewing.”