::Sew Mama Sew 2010 Reflections and 2011 Predictions::

Sew,Mama,Sew!: Looking back on the sewing scene of 2010, what trends stand out in your mind?
Katie: Of course for me, it’s the modern quilting movement. Some fabulously talented people and wonderful books have surfaced over the past year. I’m most inspired by artists with an eye for combining fabrics and those that add just a touch of their own spice to even the most traditional designs.

SMS: What were some of your favorite things?
Katie: The development of the Modern Quilting Guilds! The Seattle guild has blessed me with a load of new inspirational friends and provided a fantastic bouncing wall for ideas.

SMS: What was the best thing you made in 2010?
Katie: Well… I wish I could show you all the wonderful collaborative quilts Jacquie and I made this year, but those are top secret. Stay tuned for the book! So I have to pitch some small projects I’ve made in between, using Denyse Schmidt’s Hope Valley line.

My Tumbling Block pillow… My original inspiration for this project came from a pillow I saw in a magazine. I pulled a technique used in Joelle Hoverson’s book, Last-Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts, improvisationally cutting and then stacking the blocks. I’ve made a few more since.  Invisible Zipper Tutorial here.

I also love Great Grandma Goobin’s zip pouch made with scraps from the pillow and linen.

SMS: What was your very favorite fabric collection or print?
Katie: When it comes to modern fabric trends, Daisy Janie really jumps outs. I hope other fabric designers will continue moving beyond flowers and dive into modern geometric patterns as she has.

I’m also pretty wowed by Emily of Carolina Patchwork and her modern quilt patterns. I have my fabric ideas for each one lined up and just need the time.

SMS: Anything you’re ready for the world to get over?
Katie: Ourselves.

SMS: Predictions or wishes for 2011?
Katie: More fabric stores everywhere I visit.

SMS: What is one of the best things you saw that was made by someone else?
Katie: I am always adding to my inspiration/tutorials page when I see inspirational projects out in Blogland. Needless to say, the list is getting pretty long! I also continually add favorites to my Flickr page.

Rachel’s Spider Web Christmas Tree Skirt from Stitched in Color

A couple of my favorites are:

• Rachel of Stitched in Color made a Spider Web Christmas Tree Skirt this season that made me wish I had room for a tree.
• Anna of Noodlehead has an awesome gathered clutch design that I plan on making a few of.
• Jacquie’s Sew Connected Quilt.

SMS: Any thoughts about social media? How is it going for you? What do you love or hate?
Katie: Blogging obviously puts you in touch with a load of talented individuals. As fate would have it, I was lucky enough to actually create a real-time, real-life working relationship with Jacquie, my partner in crime on the book. Without the Internet, this would not have happened. I tease her that she’s the best blind date I ever had.

SMS: Can you tell us anything about what to expect from you in 2011? Any big projects, life changes or goals you can reveal?
Katie: Oh the joy of shameless promotion… My collaborative modern quilting book with Jacquie is to be published by Interweave Press in the Fall of 2011. We’ve thrown around the possibility of hosting retreats, and certainly classes will follow its release. In the meantime I’ll continue teaching improvisational quilting, value and general quilting classes in Seattle.