Quilted by Design: Charisma Horton

 

Your quilting journey has spanned hundreds of published patterns, fabric lines, longarm quilting, and more. When you think back, what first sparked your passion for quilting, and how has that spark evolved over time?

I think I have always just loved creating in many forms. Whether it was floral swags in the 90's, scrapbooking when I had littles or pottery. I am always creating in some way or another. I love creating something from nothing and making useful things pretty.

 

The “Pink Barn” studio sounds like such a dream space for creativity. How has working in that environment shaped your process or the way you approach designing?

The pink barn is my happy place. My safe place and a place that takes me out of the world and into a place where I can be free to dream. Freedom in creativity is a must. I have been known to break rules and think outside of the box. We need to be able to do that.

 

You balance designing quilt patterns, hand embroidery, longarm services, and magazine contributions. What does your creative process look like when you’re developing a new design—and how do you keep so many projects flowing?

When I have freedom to create and the chores and deadlines aren't boggling me down....I just go with the flow of creativity. I can sit down some days and design 20 new patterns. I keep those in my files and use them as time and lines come about. Then other days I just want to stand at the machine and get some longarm quilting done because that is a safe place for me to just focus and not have to think about anything else. I hand stitch when I am sitting for any length of time. Airplanes, cars, any type of traveling. Some times a design will just hit me in the middle of the night or in the middle of some other mundane task and I will literally put everything down ( if possible) and at least go sketch it out or get to my laptop and get it done. Once I get it completed I feel like it won't bother me anymore. It's like sometimes those designs will nag at me until they know they are in the "line-up" waiting to get out into the world.

 

Since you also design with fabric companies, what excites you most about translating a new fabric line into quilt patterns? Do you have a favorite part of that collaboration?

I love seeing my designs in new and different lines. I honestly don't have time to make every design into all of the lines that I know would work with them. It's the same thing when I teach a class. I love seeing all of the different lines and color combos that everyone uses when they use my designs. I love seeing them in a different way.

 

Many quilters in our community admire your ability to combine artistry with practicality. What advice would you give to quilters who want to develop their own voice and style in their work?

I think just like we all have a story...we all have a style. I think if you just focus on what you love, you will find your people. When I first started joining quilt groups my style and fabric choices were VASTLY different. Many people within those groups hated my quilts. I even got a ton of negative feedback for painting my barn pink.....but I was focused on what I wanted and what made me happy. I wanted my happy place. I think my pink barn is more famous than I am....because so many people like it. So in short, be yourself, follow your happiness and it will bring you many good things.