I thought you may be interested in learning more about the job of being a pattern buyer for a major player in the quilting industry.

 I met Deb Outlaw, a pattern buyer for United Notions/Moda, about a year ago when I was trying to “sell myself” and my Threaded Pear patterns to her!  (It was my dream to get my pattern line “picked up” by the major pattern distributors—so, I did a bit of self promotion and made sure she would remember who I was!)

 For several years before designing, I had been doing research—watching trends in the industry, attending lectures, working at a quilt shop, vending at quilt shows and attending Quilt Market… I paid attention to what the pattern distributors were buying and marketing.  I was observing what pattern makers were making, but mostly, what pattern buyers, including Deb Outlaw, were buying.

 Now, the Outlaw, guest writes for us today as she tells us a bit about how and what she does.  I asked her a few questions…and she has written a bit for you.  I hope you’ll find it as interesting as I do.

 In your opinion what makes a successful book or pattern?

Clear, concise instructions with visuals added in the instructions. Clear, very well photographed covers & detailed fabric requirements.

What do you look for when deciding which ones to pick up for United Notions/Moda? I'm always on the lookout for fun & easy patterns, traditional patterns, patterns that use our cut goods (Moda Jelly Rolls, Layer Cakes, Charm Packs & Fat Quarters) - which seem to be all the rage… and patterns that have been tested and proofed. Trendy patterns like aprons, totes/bags, clothing & children's also catch my eye.

What has been your biggest mistake? I would like to say that I haven't made any mistakes, but then I wouldn't be human if I said that & we all know I'm human.

And biggest surprise? I would have to say that one of my biggest surprises is that there are so many ways to make the same old block, like embellishing it, appliquéing on top of it, or embroidering on it. I may receive a package of samples from Crabapple Hill, Calico Printworks, Valori Wells & Quilt Country in the same day. Wow! I think how diverse & wonderful all the options are. And it just continues to grow!

 Here’s Outlaw:

Hello everyone -

My name is Debbie Outlaw (or 'Outlaw' as I am know around here) & I am the book & pattern buyer for United Notions/Moda Fabrics. I have been in this position a little over 5 years. I enjoy my job very much. I get to meet a lot of wonderful people and see great books and patterns.

 I am a very visual and tactile person, so I love to see the books and patterns in person, touch and feel the project that has been made from the book or pattern and meet the people behind the project.

It's hard to choose favorites from all the books & patterns, because there are so very many. I love scrappy –from designers like: Miss Rosies, The Pattern Basket, This & That . Totes/bags/purses are fun too –some of my favorites are from Ellen Medlock, Indygo Junction, Taylor Made & Amy Butler.

 The designs of Serendipity Studio, MorninGlory Designs, The Paisley Pincushion are a nice range of apparel patterns. Quick & easy patterns are really popular right now and these include patterns from Threaded Pear Studio, Quilted Quickies, and Thimble Blossoms.

 These are just a few of the 100's of vendors we carry.

I see the trend morphing at the moment. What I mean by that is, I'm seeing more fun, quick, easy and big block patterns coming out. These are great for the first time quilter or someone experienced that wants to get a quilt done over the weekend for instant gratification.

 There are still many quilt patterns and books coming out that are traditional in look and feel, as well as a few more reproduction patterns.

 Embellishment of quilts is still going strong, as well as art quilts being made to not only display on the bed, but the walls or table tops. Each quilt made is an expression of the person or persons making it. You could have one pattern made by 25 different people and all 25 would look different. That's what is amazing about patterns.

 Read more....

 Take the sewing of clothes for example. We've seen the shift of sewing clothes of picking out the fabric, zippers, putting darts & pleats in a garment to buying a ready-made garment & re-purposing the garment to make it 'our own'.

 I love to make quilts. To be able sit in front of my sewing machine and sew on a project is my stress reliever. It's not always a quilt. I come from a background of growing up in the era when 'home ec' was a requirement in school. All girls took home ec while the guys took shop (from 7th grade through 12th grade).

 By the time I graduated high school I had determined I didn't want to teach or be a nurse, but design or market clothing. So when I got to Texas Tech, I enrolled in the department of Home Economics in Clothing & Textiles Merchandising. I had a multitude of classes in sewing, design, tailoring and such. I have raised 2 boys, along with the help of my husband (and now I'm enjoying the grandchildren).

 Many, many years later I took a quilt class just for a little 'me' time in the evenings and as they say, the rest is history. I was hooked. I've been with Moda Fabrics/United Notions nearly 9 years.

 Thanks Outlaw for the great information.  And thanks for “picking up” my Threaded Pear Patterns.

(Photos thanks to United Notions/Moda and the pattern companies they represent.)