Quilted by Design: Carolyn Gavin

Pompadours in Pink is beautifully elegant and expressive. What inspired this design, and what story were you hoping it would tell?

I love flowers and faces and I think this is such a lovely combination of the two. It's fun but sophisticated. As well adding an abstract landscape kind of frames and brings all of it together with the addition of the stripes and checks. A story of joy, happiness and with a sense of freedom and wildness.

 

Can you walk us through your creative process when designing for FreeSpirit Fabrics—from initial idea to finished panel or quilt?

My work recently is never towards a collection of any kind really. I guess I kind of work abstractly in a sense with using similar palettes and imagery. My style is strong and so whatever I do, there is always something to find and to match it up with something else.The designers find this and put it all together cohesively and with intention to make a great collection in the end. It all seems to work together so nicely.

 

Color is such a defining element in your work. What drew you to the pink palette used in Pompadours in Pink, and what mood were you aiming to create?

I always love pink, it's one of my go-to colours. A mood of positivity, harmony, balance, strength and purpose.

 

What is most rewarding for you when you see quilters bring your designs to life in their own finished quilts?

I love how they mix and match the patterns and make something lovely and useful at the same time. I admire this patience and dedication to such a creative and tactile process.

 

What advice or encouragement would you offer to quilters working with one of your designs for the first time?

Oh gosh, I would just say go for it! Have fun with the imagery and don't hold back not for a second.