Featured Designer - Passionately Sewn April 01 2015

This month's featured designer is Janeene Scott from Passionately Sewn in Australia.

I discovered Janeene and her striking quilts at Fall Quilt Market in Houston, Texas this past year.  Her designs include a unique range of modern quilts, bags and home sewn projects.  Passionately Sewn patterns feature fast and fusible appliqué, machine finished edges and simple piecing and are suitable for the beginner or the experienced sewer.

Now, let’s get to know Janeene!

Jen:  Where were you born and raised?

Janeene:  I was born on the south coast of New South Wales (about an hour south of Sydney) in Australia.  I was lucky enough to grow up on a small dairy farm.... And I loved it.

Jen:  How did you learn to sew/quilt? Did you make quilts as a young girl?

Janeene:  My nan taught me how to sew on an old Singer treadle sewing machine.  I had to practice straight-line sewing.  And, it took me a long time to sew straight.  My nan then taught me lots of different types of seams.  I never made quilts as a girl, but I learned to make my own clothes by cutting out patterns from clothes I already owned. 

Jen:  Complete this sentence. When I am not sewing, I am…..

Janeene:  My daughter and I are riding my horses or out in the garden talking to my plants! 

Jen:  So, how did Passionately Sewn come to be?

Janeene:  I spent 23 years as a Police Officer (I know!), and I could not continue working as I was suffering from post-traumatic stress.  So long story short, one of my good friends who owned a patchwork shop (and who actually taught me to sew) convinced me that I could design quilts and things... And people liked my designs. Yay! And here I am.... 

Jen:  How would you describe your design style?

Janeene:  My designs are the bold, non-conventional patterns that will allow the sewer to easily achieve that at home look without looking homemade.  My patterns focus on fusible machine appliqué showcasing beautiful fabrics. 

Jen:  Tell us about the process for designing your patterns.  What are your inspirations?

Janeene:  Anything can be my inspiration, from my garden, art, fabric…I love vintage things or making something old in a modern way.  I have an enormous collection of images on my computer for inspiration.  All of my designs are drawn full size as it allows me to get proportions right.  I often will have an idea, start drawing the appliqué part of it, and then I will let the design "sit" until I decide the perfect background or next step to continue with the pattern.  I have a number of projects part way through the design process. It works for me and allows me to be happy with completed designs. 

Jen:  Any big plans for the year ahead? 

Janeene:  Look out for my clothes patterns...it was where my sewing started!  Simple clothes using beautiful fabric!

Well, I am definitely passionate about Janeene’s designs! I’ve already kitted four of them and have plans for more in the near. You can find Passionately Sewn kits and patterns here.

Updated JUNE 2016

You can learn more about Janeene in her video interview!