Behind the Scenes: Quilt Design

This July, we will be releasing over 700 new fabrics that will be appearing in quilt shops this fall. These quarterly releases generate a flurry of activity here in the Robert Kaufman offices. A major component to these releases is the development of quilt projects to promote our designer and studio collections.

Here's a little behind-the-scenes look at the process:

First, we focus on select collections. This entails sorting through the 40 or so groups that are scheduled for release and keeping it organized with all kinds of spreadsheets and notes and such -- as you can see, it tends to get a bit messy :)

Once we have the list of fabrics to concentrate on, we determine the strategy of general project type. For instance, some batik groups are just perfect for a roll-up, and if we have a roll-up, we'll want a roll-up friendly pattern to complement it. On the other hand, some print collections have a panel design, which might require the writing of a custom free pattern. At the same time, other collections may be better suited for an accessory or apparel pattern.

We then try to find the perfect pattern for each collection. Finding the perfect pattern could mean working with the right designer to develop a completely custom free pattern, or partnering with the right pattern company to feature our fabrics in their existing designer patterns. We often have our go-to companies for certain pattern types -- for instance, when looking for roll-up patterns, we often think first of Cozy Quilt Designs, home of the Strip Club patterns.

After pairing up each collection with the right pattern designer, we then work with the pattern designer to apply our fabric to theirn pattern, and voila! We have another fabulous project to use with the newest Robert Kaufman fabrics.

Right now, we are finishing up the July patterns, and we've decided to include you all in the process! We would love some feedback on this new in-house collection, Pen & Ink:

Which pattern would you like to see in these fabrics? Leave us a comment here, or check out our Pen & Ink Facebook album and LIKE the pattern you love most!

Comments

[Rachelle]

I think "Making Waves" best suits the rounded nature of the prints, love the Pen and Ink collection!

[Sharon Aitchison]

Wow ... I am absolutely smitten with "April Showers" pattern ... love it. I think it would be well-suited to the new Pen & Ink collection. However, the "Making Waves" pattern appears to be larger pieces, and therefore better able to showcase these gorgeous fabrics. For me, I've got to vote for "April Showers" . It's a wonderful pattern design, and I prefer the subtle of the somewhat smaller and longer pattern pieces.

[Jane]

I vote for Making Waves, the fabrics are better showcased with larger pieces. I love the fabrics in Pen and Ink.

[Ramona]

Beautiful fabrics. I don't feel the patterns really show off these fabrics. I would be tempted to go with pinwheels on a white or cream background, or I would like to see what this looked like in the "+ and x" quilt. Of the three here, I would go with April Showers.

[Donna]

I think Making Waves suits the fabrics and colors best. :)

[Jeannette]

I like the April showers pattern best. Something about the streamline effect goes along with the name of the fabric.

[lesquilts]

Hi! I agree with Ramona above! I would vote for the 1st pattern, Rainfall, I think?
These are such soft fabrics, I'd pick a block with multipieces, but use the lighter fabrics more than the darker ones, but use them for contrast
Thanks for the chance to vote!
Take care, Leslie

[Diann Cornell]

My choice would be April Showers.

[Carrie P.]

april showers

[Joan P Rodriguez]

I think the "Making Waves" pattern would work best to show off the fabric line.

[Kristin M]

I vote for Making Waves.

[Debbie]

My first choice would be April Showers - it is pretty unique. I also really like Buttercream.

[Judy Brennan]

Buttercream - the flowers in the fabric compliment the pattern.

[Tamara]

I like the buttercream, because the fabric is highlighted more. April showers would be second.

[Jam]

I love Buttercream