Featured Designer - Rosalie Dekker Designs September 01 2015

Clearly, I have a thing for Aussie's!  Our next featured designer is also from Down Under.  Please welcome Rosalie Dekker from Rosalie Dekker Designs (formally Rosalie Quinlan Designs).  Rosalie has a strong passion for embroidery and incorporates it into many of her quilt designs.  She also designs fabric for Ella Blue Fabrics.

Now, let's get to know Rosalie!

Jen:  Where were you born and raised?

Rosalie:  I was born in Sydney, Australia and lived there until I was 12.  We then moved to Melbourne, and I have lived there most of the time since.  I currently live in a one bedroom cottage in the forest and am loving it!

Jen:  How did you learn to embroider?  To quilt?  Did you stitch as a young girl? 

Rosalie:  I am largely self taught though it is amazing how much you absorb from watching your mother and grandmother in their creative pursuits.  They both sewed clothes, and my grandmother also crocheted which is another passion of mine. 

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

Rosalie:  Thinking about stitching!

Jen:  So, how did Rosalie Dekker Designs (formally know as Rosalie Quinlan Designs) come to be?

Rosalie:  When I was a young mother, I really wanted to stay home with my children.  In order to do this, I tried my hand at selling things I had made at various markets and fairs.  I loved doing this as it was a creative outlet as well as earning a little extra to help out.  I started getting asked, "What pattern did you use?"  And I would reply that I just made it up in my head.  People seemed disappointed as they wanted to make one themselves.  At that time, I was mostly making cloth dolls and smaller items rather than quilts. 

It didn't take me long to realize that sharing my designs would be more fun and also more lucrative.  Now twenty years later, I still get to teach, design and create fabrics and books.  I am very blessed! 

The decision to change to Rosalie Dekker Designs is to return to my maiden name to reflect changes in my life.  It was a difficult decision as I have worked hard to build up Rosalie Quinlan Designs for so many years.  I feel that the change of name reflects the beginning of a new stage in my life, both personal and professional.  I am so excited that my sister Melly (from Melly and me) was able to build me a beautiful new website to commemorate this change.

Jen:  How would you describe your style?  How has it evolved?

Rosalie:  At the moment, I am quite influenced by vintage folk art, particularly Scandinavian.  My colors used to be quite muted back in the early days but have become a lot brighter over the years.  Stay tuned for the upcoming fabric range Cotton Forest due to be released at Quilt Market this October, as there is a softening of my colors that I am very excited about!

**SPOILER ALERT!  SNEAK PEAK OF COTTON FOREST**

Jen:  Tells us about the process for designing your stitcheries and quilt patterns.  What are your inspirations? 

Rosalie:  I wish I could say there was a process.  Mostly a lot of trial and error if I have a deadline or spur of the moment inspiration if my time is more free.  I am not one of those super organized designers but rather a creative mess type of person.  I am inspired by vintage and retro handwork, books and wallpapers.  I am also inspired by nature as a starting point but usually make it a little whimsical as well. 

Jen:  With a new fabric line on its way (Cotton Forest) and a new Block of the Month just out (Flowerville), any new big plans for the rest of the year? 

Rosalie:  I am very keen to see the strike-offs for Cotton Forest.  It is definitely my favorite line so far.  I will be like a crazy woman trying to get samples ready for the trip to Houston and Market.  I have some other designs lurking in the back of my mind, but they will have to wait till I'm finished with Market. 

I am looking forward to seeing Rosalie again in Houston and to seeing Flowerville and her new fabric line Cotton Forest in person!  Her booth is always such a happy place!  In the meantime, you can check out the Rosalie Dekker Designs collection here at Red Thread Studio.