simple | easy | practical
I like to work according to the SEP approach - simple, easy, practical. If it doesn't fall into one of those categories, I probably won't make it.
I would classify myself as a modern tradtionalist quilter. And with that I mean, I learned from the best and developed myself further. I pull from designs and ideas from the past but adapt them to guide me into the new decade of quiltilng - 2020.
I try to take gained knowledge to make the techniques simpler and easier to follow. I search for logical and practical solutions by questioning and analyzing. I believe we must question to further our own (artistic) enrichment.
I am quilt designer and a quilt educator. I truly want to help YOU make better quilts easier and faster. Before an easypatchwork pattern goes into print, it will be analysed for the best sewing technique to create the easiest design possible to prevent inconsistencies.
I have always believed that here, in Germany, patchwork is further along in modern quilting than the United States. I discovered that very early on in when I was learning how to quilt. I was amazed by the ladies and quilters around me making wonderful bold and geometric quilts with batiks and strong colors. Every quilt exhibit I would attend in in Germany would affirm this statement. Then I slowly saw America making this trend on the internet followed by social media.
The fabric and quilt shops in Germany are few and far between. But, when you are lucky enough to find one, be prepared to spend a pretty €uro cent. Why? The large manufacturers produce their fabrics in Asia, have then sent to the United States for sale, and are imported to Germany. Basically, a meter (a little more than one yard), costs about 19€. The basic material costs for simple a baby blanket are around 100€. This does not include labor, design, quilting.
I am so impressed when I see my German patchwork friends coming up with stunning quilts, table runners, pillow cases, etc. just from old bedding or even worn out jeans! Now that is patchwork!
I read many books from the great quilters from the nineteen-seventies, eighties and nineties. The quilters from this era really had a lot of wonderful information and techniques to share with us. We must not forget that knowledge! Read any and every antique book about quilting you can find. Go to libraries and check out those books! Read, digest, analyse, reinvent, apply those techniques. You will save yourself a lot of time by doing this. I, personally, am dissatisfied with social media and the internet with unsubstantial, reguritated information. Think for yourself! Do the research for yourself! If the information has no cited quotes or documented sources, it is most likely stole from another site.