Quilted by Design: LeezaWorks

From Leeza :
Thank you so much for inviting me to share a little behind the seams, I truly appreciate mew… I mean you. I love these questions. Let’s dig in.

 

Your Furruit Cocktail, Furruit Platter, Cats at Work and Bok Bok Meow collections are full of charm and personality! How do you go about turning your whimsical illustrations into designs that quilters can bring to life with fabric and thread?

Don’t you mean purrsonality? Hah! Each collection definitely has its own origin story. Sometimes it starts with a doodle that makes me smile. FURRUIT COCKTAIL and FURRUIT PLATTER, for example, began with Nigel (my black cat character) in a strawberry costume, which evolved from Nigel in a bunny costume. From there I played with fruit-inspired puns and imagining what those would look like visually. It became a mix of wordplay, character and a little nostalgia such as fancy dress (aka dressing up in costume) which was a big part my childhood growing up in the UK). Other collections take a more practical path. CATS AT WORK grew out of illustrating the children’s book “Cats in Construction Hats” (Random House, 2025). I already had a world of artwork, so I pitched a small fabric collection to Dear Stella that could time with the release of the book. I love collaborating with Dear Stella. We’ll brainstorm and build collections that feel cohesive, playful and usable. It really does take a village… or dare I say: a cat clowder! Lately, I’ve been traveling to fabric shops across the country to meet quilters and sewists, where I love to ask questions. We have great conversations about what makes a good collection from their perspective. Things like scale, direction, variety and versatility matter just as much as those main hero prints. I don’t design exclusively for quilters, but I always try to be mindful. I want each collection to offer building blocks that can be mixed, matched and brought to life in a way that feels uniquely theirs.

 

You’ve had such a fascinating creative path — from designing magazines and illustrating children’s books to creating surface patterns. How does that background shape the way you think about fabric design today?

I like to focus on what I call the Five Cs: Composition, Color, Contrast, Character and Creativity (though at this point, let’s be honest… Cat makes it six!).
Composition, color and contrast are the foundations. They make sure a design feels balanced, readable and visually engaging. Character is where the charm lives—think style, tone and little details that draw you in. Creativity’s the playground where I let curiosity lead and ideas unfold naturally. Working across different creative fields has taught me how to adapt while staying true to that core. Whether it’s fabric, books, art or products, the goal is always the same: to tell a story visually and create a connection. Sometimes it’s playful, sometimes nostalgic, sometimes quietly meaningful, but there’s always something to discover. At heart, I’m a visual storyteller.

 

Cats are clearly one of your biggest inspirations (and we love that!). What is it about cats that keeps finding their way into your art — and do your own cats play a “creative director” role in your studio?

I’ve had cats in my life for as long as I can remember, so drawing them has always felt completely natural and they’ve always been my go-to doodle. Over time those doodles grew into fully formed characters and stories. It’s been a very organic evolution. I’m inspired by their independence, curiosity and playfulness, along with those cheeky, unexpected moments that make me stop and smile. If you live with cats, you know exactly what I mean. We currently have four rescue cats (one black, two grey tabbies and a ragdoll) and they absolutely have a say in the studio. Whether it’s supervising sketches, sitting directly on whatever I’m working on or demanding attention, they keep things balanced. I like to think of them as my unofficial creative directors… with very strong opinions.

 

When quilters use your fabrics in projects like the Calico Perfection quilt, what do you hope they feel or express through your designs?

One of the most meaningful (and humbling) parts of what I do is hearing from people who see their own cats in my work. Sometimes it’s a pose, an expression or a moment that reminds them of a beloved companion—past or present. When someone creates a quilt using my fabrics, I hope it feels more than just a project. I like to think of it as an extension of my art that feels joyful, comforting and full of life. Something that tells a story, sparks a memory or simply makes them smile every time they see it. If my work can bring even a small moment of that kind of connection, then … BAM! … happy dance moment for me!

 

Creativity takes so many forms — whether you’re illustrating, sewing or just noodling around in the studio. What advice would you share with other creatives or quilters who want to find and trust their own artistic voice?

I love this question! Take time for yourself to simply play, guilt-free. Explore and experiment without any pressure around the end result. Not everything needs to become a finished piece or something to share. Sometimes it’s just about showing up and seeing what happens. Create a no-judgement zone for yourself and embrace whatever comes out of it. You might love some of it, or you might not, and that’s okay. That’s not the point. It’s all about the process and discovery. Make notes, keep swatches and save ideas. Over time you’re building your own creative library that then becomes your vocabulary and your voice. Pay attention to what lights you up. Let that guide you. Try to make it a daily practice, even if it’s just 10-15 minutes. If daily feels like too much, start small. Once a week is still a great place to start. Consistency matters more than getting it “just right.” Just keep showing up and letting yourself explore.