Clothesline Quilts features traditional small and full size quilt patterns, table toppers, and craft projects for young and old.  The designer, Evonne Cook, has been sewing since taking a home ec class in 7th grade.   Many years later, when her mom learned to quilt (under a designated Master Quilter, no less) and a cousin’s wife shared her quilting, Evonne took notice and soon was hooked.  She has been quilting and designing ever since.

I was fortunate enough to spend some time speaking with Evonne the other day.  Here’s a bit of our conversation….

You have several patterns designed for grandma and a grandchild to use together.  How did that come about?   The coloring bag was the first pattern for kids.  I realized that grandmothers enjoy making something for their grandkids as opposed to just buying a gift. 

As a designer, what comes first for you… the fabric or the design?  Well, I owned a quilt shop for about ten years. Then, it was the fabric that came first.  The patterns were designed with the fabric in mind.   Now, the pattern is where I start… actually for the Civil War Battle Series research is done before the pattern is designed.  When I began the series I selected twelve battles from the Civil War.  For each quilt I would read about the battle, the location and the generals involved. I select a block that seemed appropriate.  For instance, the blockade block for the New Orleans quilt.  The quilt would then be designed around the chosen block.  In each case I discovered that the finished quilt always somehow also formed some reminder or representation of the battle.  As an example, in the battle of Gettysburg the soldiers charged so close to the enemy that they were actually under the cannon fire… the enemy was in front of them and cannonballs were falling behind them.  If you look at the quilt, there is an open section in the middle surrounded by a darker area. 

You say your business is based in your farm home.  Do you have a certain time of day that you prefer to work; do you need to fit your work in between chores?   If I could, I would work on my quilting and designing from morning ’til night.  I find that when you are so interested and involved that it’s necessary to force yourself away from time to time.  So I do make sure that I take weekends off .  But I love my work and happily spend as much time as possible at it.  I am sometimes asked to give presentations but I don’t do it very often as I would much rather be at home working. 

What are you currently working on? Do you have anything new coming out?  I have a new series Civil War Generals.  Lee and Grant will be the first in the series.  These will first make an appearance at Quilt Market in May.  In fact, while I am in the area I will be giving a presentation on my Civil War quilts for a local quilt guild. 

The Civil War patterns all include a brief history about the battle and a fictional letter from the battlefield.  They can be made in two sizes… a lap quilt or a full size bed quilt.  I wish I could be at that guild meeting presentation - hearing Evonne speak about her quilts was fascinating.

 

Sue Pritt’s quilt patterns are beautiful shops along a tree lined street.  They make you want to go inside and see what’s on sale.  Complete with overflowing flower pots and period street lamps how can you not want to go window shopping?!

Sweet Season Quilts

The designs look complicated but they really are not.  Paper piecing makes for straight lines and sharp corners.  Fusible applique adds the extra touches.  And traditional piecing pulls it all together.  Sue’s patterns are very clear, with simple step by step instructions and they include full size templates and applique patterns.  Diagrams and tips provide additional help.

These are from the Painted Lady Series…

The Quilt Shop has quilt blocks on the window shades and on the door.  Do you see the kitty in the window…. seems quilters and kitties go together.

After shopping you can stop in for some refreshments at the Bakery & Cafe.  There’s a table for two on the balcony. And a bright cardinal sits at the top of the shop.   

You will also find a Flower Shop and a Boutique in this series.

The individual patterns in this group measure 16″ x 34″ and can be made to stand alone or to be grouped together.

Another group, the Shop Ladies Series, has several more shops.  There are ten in all. 

Sweet Season Quilts

Measuring 10″ x 22″ each of these patterns can stand alone as a wall hanging.   Or you can make as many as you want and put them together for an entire street scene.

So start shopping…. I mean quilting!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Wish List is a handy tool.  And it’s working now!

You must be logged in to use your Wish List.  You don’t have an account?!  It’s easy to sign up.  Just click on Log In at the upper right corner of the page and you’ll see a link for New Members to sign up.

Once you are logged in you can click on the Wish List icon -

You’ll find it right underneath the Shopping Cart icon on each item description page.  One simple click and the item is added.   Add any item you think you might like to have even if you are not ready to purchase.  This will save you time looking for it later.  Your items will be saved for a year.  When you are ready to buy, just one click moves your item from Wish List to your Shopping Cart.

Use Wish List when you are trying to decide between a couple patterns.  Add both patterns to your list and then view your list and you can see both patterns at the same time.  Of course, another option would be to buy both patterns – you can never have too many patterns!

Also great for selecting fabrics for a project.  Just toss in anything you think you might want to use.  Throw in some extras.  Then review your Wish List and you can see all the fabrics together and decide if you like the way they play together.  Add or toss until you are happy.  Then transfer the ones you want to your shopping cart.  You’ll probably find that even though some of the fabrics won’t work for your current project, you really like them.  So keep them on your Wish List and they’ll be there for you when you are ready . . . no searching for them.

Add anything that strikes your fancy whenever you are browsing.  Then when anyone is wondering what you might like for your birthday, Christmas, Mother’s Day or ???, you’ll have an answer ready for them!

Go ahead, grab a cup of coffee and try window shopping for quilt patterns.  Have fun!