Call for Entry!!! Get published in “More Appliqué Animals” by Debra Gabel
12 Apr 2012 4 Comments
in Call for Entry, Zebra Patterns Overview
Pictured above is Book 1: Appliqué Animals A-Z. It should be out in late spring.
I am making book 2: More Appliqué Animals. I need samples! Here is an opportunity to get your work published. Here is how it works. You send me an email with your interest and general intentions of what you want to make.
debra@zebrapatterns.com
Then I will send you a special yahoo invite to a special Yahoo group that I have created. In that group you will have access to ALL the baby animals before they are published. You download the patterns and make what ever you want! You mail the project to me and I will shoot it for the book. You get published if your project gets chosen and you get a free book plus as many other books as you want at wholesale! The deadline for the second book will be June 1, 2012. That gives you 6 weeks to do a whole lot of quilting!
Note: Be sure to make your projects with good contrast so they photograph well.
#87 – 14 NEW and EXCITING Patterns from Zebra Patterns!!!! Sneak Peek!
10 Apr 2012 1 Comment
Today I finished my photos for the 12 NEW Birds – The Birds 2 Collection! I am posting my new items that will be coming soon!
NEW BIRDS COLLECTION! – Birds 2
We have added 12 more birds! These birds are more “western USA” birds. Above is the whole quilt and below is the new catalog page. These birds come in a collection of 12 or as individual wall hangings! That now makes 24 Birds in the Zebra Patterns line!
NEW!!!
Family Tree Quilt 50″ x 60″ quilt pattern
NEW!!!
“Applique Animals A-Z” – another pattern book by Debra Gabel
BLOG HOP PARTY: Zebra Patterns Give Away!
17 Mar 2012 58 Comments
in FREE GIVE AWAYS and Specials!, Zebra Patterns Overview
Hey all you Blog Hop Followers!
To win a Zebra Pattern all you need to do is leave a comment here with your favorite Zebra Pattern! Goto my website and tell me which one you would like to win!
www.zebrapatterns.com
BONUS: If you go to Facebook and “LIKE” the Zebra Patterns Page you win a Mini Panel from your home state! Be sure to tell me your favorite and if you Liked us on FB – let us know that too for your Bonus Pattern!
BAW
Get My new book now! Blocks Around the world! Here is the book and a quilt from the book.
Want to be on Zebra Patterns HOT NEWS email?
Just sign up here!
12 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
Here is another opportunity to share pattern business knowledge!
Comment from Blog #86:
“I love your advice. I too am working on my own patterns. Not just quilting patterns but bag’s, totes, organizer patterns. I have done these as custom orders over several years, and many have asked for a pattern of the item once they saw it. But i’ve never gotten around to actually making the patterns. I would like to sell them in a pdf form. But I find I can’t seem to get my scanner to scan it in the right size. Any tips on creating pdf patterns.”
Debra’s Suggestions:
You might be surprised to find most of your pieces can simply be cut for totes with simple measurments. For example – if the strap measures 2″ x 24″ you would simply write that dimension out with in the directions. The only patterns needed will be special asymmetric shapes. Often times if you have symmetrical shapes you can just reproduce half the pattern with a folded dotted line – for fabric fold. Then instruct the quilter to fold the fabric and cut on the lines, not on the fold. This takes up half the space. See diagram below.
For the asymmetric Shapes You have a few options.
1. First, you could scan in your exsisting patterns “in pieces” or sometimes referred to as “tiles” on a standard home scanner. Simply fold your current patterns in sections to fit onto your scanner bed. Over lap the scans slightly and reassemble them in a drawing program like Adobe Illustrator or Corel draw.
2. You could trace a 8-1/2 x 11 box onto tracing paper and retrace your patterns in sections within the drawn letter size box. You will need to allow for some overlap and provide some means of registration so that quilters can put letter size patterns together and make the larger pattern. See diagram.
3. The more labor intensive but best way is to recreate the patterns in a drawing program. That way your lines are perfect. If your patterns will only be output as pdf files you need to provide a registration system so that quilters can piece the letter size sheets together to make the large pattern. If you intend upon really making pattern making a business you need to design on a computer for accuracy and efficiency. I think E Quilter makes this process simple – even though I do not do it that way.
I hope these simple directions answer some of your questions. I am very happy to help out. I do have private lessons in my studio in Maryland as well. Good Luck!
#86 – A letter from a blog reader…
12 Mar 2012 2 Comments
This email was from a current blog reader. I thought in the spirit of “building a business making quilt patterns” it was a perfect letter to post. Who knows who might gain a nugget or two from it’s content. I removed her name and simply wrote “Future Pattern Designer” Enjoy!
LETTER FROM READER:
On 3/10/12 3:10 PM,Future Pattern Designer wrote:
Hi Debra,You are really inspiring me with your blog. I just started designing my own quilt patterns and it’s impressive that you’ve grown your business with so many publications in only 7 years! I saw you at a trunk show at And Sew It Goes a few years ago when I had first started quilting and you had just started your Judeo-Christian quilt blocks. My jaw dropped when I saw how many patterns you’ve made since then!! You go girl!!I am designing art quilts that use piecing, all geometric shapes, to make the designs. I only have one finished so far, I made it in January, but I am working on my second one and blogging about it as I go.Do you have any advice for a newbie businesswoman? I have my first patterns self-published and ready to sell… just haven’t sold any yet. I was focusing more on getting my website up and running in February so I COULD sell and am ready to market now.Thanks and I’ll keep following the blog!! Can’t believe that 85% of bought patterns never get made though, that’s a little disheartening LOL!! Oh well I love to design and quilt and I’m gonna keep doing it anyway.Sincerely,Future Pattern Designer+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
LETTER BACK FROM DEBRA:
Future Pattern Designer,
My recommendation is to get at least four patterns done. Test them and then find a friend to make them up a second test. I usually offer a free pattern plus the fabric to to the friend to make the quilt top in exchange for the testing. They will provide their own batting, binding and backing. Then I would go to your local quilt store – or one that you really like and request a meeting with the owner. Next I would explain that you are starting up a pattern business and would be wondering if she would be your test pilot store. In return you could offer a discount on the patterns or offer to teach a free class or offer to give her 6 patterns of each on consignment. You have to have samples made up – that you are willing to leave at her shop. My recommendation would be to make two samples of every pattern. One sample will travel to shops and one will be your own. Be sure you have a logo on your packaging from the get go so you can start building a consistent brand. You should also start thinking about building a website and compiling a professional resume. List any awards, credentials, shows etc. Take a look at mine on my website for ideas. Start a notebook with notes about teaching a class for each of the patterns. You will need a supply list as well as the pattern. You could go to your local guilds and offer a FREE class on the patterns. This will get you experience to put on your resume. It will also give you immediate feedback how well your pattern is written. If you are really serious about pattern making you could make a 1 year, a 5 year and a 10 year plan. My one year plan was to get my patterns in three local shops and start teaching, which I did. My five year goal was to go to Houston and sell nationally, and my 10 year goal is to travel, sell and teach internationally. It is year 7 and I sell internationally but have not yet traveled internationally. I have three years and a lot more hard work but I feel confident I can make that happen. Ask as many teachers and other pattern designers as you can for advise. Take as many classes as you can to watch the teaching styles. LISTEN carefully to feedback about the patterns. Be sure your pattern picture is EXCELLENT – because when you leave the shop that pattern picture has to do all the work to sell your pattern among a sea of other patterns. The most important advise I can give is to WORK. Plain and simple petal to the metal – work.Good luck and feel free to contact me. I have a professional group called MetroFiber Design Group. It is a group of local business women in the field of quilting. I will send you an invite to join the group. We meet at my studio in Clarksville, MD.Work hard!
Debra
#85 – Shoot for the Moon – UPDATE 2012
10 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
I finally have 5 minutes to breath! The main purpose of my blog has been to let people know about Zebra Patterns and my life commitment as a pattern designer. It has been about 7 years since I really started out Zebra Patterns with intense intentions. I look back now and I can tell you I have 2 books published by C&T, two CD’s from C&T with my Custom labels,over 300 patterns and printed panels and numerous articles and awards to my credit. It has been a LONG hard road. NO question! But I have come to the conclusion that it is possible to build a thriving pattern business with little to no investment if you are willing to work like a dog every day and grow, advertise, lecture, and teach.
Here is what I have learned. Patterns are great. People will buy patterns. Most people never make the patterns you buy! 85% of patterns purchased are never made. Pattern designing for me is quick and simple. It is probably because I have an art background and work very quickly. The pattern directions are the killer. It is hard to write clear instructions with accurate information. After all the patterns I have written I still occasionally get feedback that I have a typo or a wrong number, even if the pattern has been out for 7 years! I goes if only 85% of patterns are made – that may be why. So for me the designing, sample making, packaging and pattern making are a walk in the park. The instructions are torture.
This year I have dedicated myself to doing more artwork again. I am working on a series of digital images for an exhibition called; Broad Changes; Women of Social Justice. I just miss being totally creative and not having limitations. When I design patterns often the complexity I would like to include is not practical for a single pattern. I have uploaded the pictures of the three women I’ve created in Photoshop and printed onto silk. These pix are just the digital imagery. I will be embellishing and sewing them soon. The art group is the original “Obama Group” that my quilt “Its a NEW Day” participated in.
Eleanor, Oprah, Mother Teresa
Another BLOG HOP is Coming!!!!
10 Mar 2012 1 Comment
It’s time for another Blog Hop Party … let’s have some FUN!
Zebra Patterns is hosting a give-away on my blog starting March 16th and lasting until March 23rd with a FREE single pattern of your choice give away! Follow my blog at zebrapatterns.wordpress.com or go to my website at www.zebrapatterns and click on “BLOG” at the top. During that period (March 16-23) you will be directed to go to the Blog and tell me your choice of a single Zebra Pattern that you would like to win!
COME BACK ON MARCH 16-23, 2012 to Win a Zebra Pattern of your Choice!
Interview with Deborah Boschert
27 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment
- Deborah Boschert
- I’m an artist. (Self-taught and always experimenting and learning.)
- I think you can learn lots from looking at books, surfing the web, taking classes and chatting with other artsy types.
- I believe everyone has a creative spirit and I love helping others explore that spirit.
- Sometimes I make a big mess when I’m creating. Sometimes it takes days to clean up.
- I have an amazingly supportive and wonderful husband. He uses his creative spirit to make up silly songs.
- I have two super fantastic kids. Claire’s creative spirit results in endless curiosity about every little thing. Benjamin shows his artistic side with some funky dance moves.
- Mmmmm, I love me some chocolate. Win me over with brownies and ice cream any day!
- My favorite color combination is green and purple.
- I’ve lived in Minnesota, Kansas, Nebraska, Illinois, Florida, Mississippi, California, Maine and Texas.
- I like the idea of high heeled shoes, but I never wear them.
- I don’t cut paper with my fabric scissors.
- If I want two things stuck together, I prefer to sew a seam. I’m not so good with the glue.
- When I’m making a quilt, I love picking out the colors and fabrics. I love conceiving the design. Sometimes I run out of enthusiasm when it comes to actually putting it together.
- My middle name is Hope.
- I don’t like watermelon or mac and cheese.
- I’m a list maker, but not necessarily a list follower.
- When I’m making art, my heart beats faster and I feel joyful.
Deborah: My first intention is always to simply enjoy the creative process. Quite often, I am working toward a deadline or specific requirement for a particular project, so that comes into play as I begin a project.
Debra: Has this always been your process? Or has the process evolved over the years?
As we completed the first set, which we call the “theme series,” we were asked to publish a book about our project. It was so exciting to share additional thoughts about the creative process and beautiful pictures of all 144 quilts. We were all enjoying the project so much that we decided to continue. Rather than use words as themes, our second series is based on color palettes. We call it the Colorplay Series. We finished that set last fall just in time for both complete sets to be on exhibit at the International Quilt Festival in Houston. That’s 288 quilts! It was absolutely fantastic that nine of the “twelves” were able to come to Festival. Most of us had never met each other in real life.
Now we are working on the 2012 Series. Each of us will create five art quilts throughout 2012 that will measure 20×12. Our first theme is “metamorphosis” and the reveal day is February 12.
Debra: Where do you see yourself in 5 years in the quilting world?
Deborah: The best moments for me as an artist are when I’ve completed a piece of work and I’m genuinely pleased with every single detail. I really want to continue to work toward creating work that is fully realized in that way. If other opportunities arise as a result of my artwork — like more teaching, publishing and exhibiting — that would be wonderful.
Thanks Deborah!
Interview with: Diane Rusin Doran
08 Feb 2012 1 Comment
in Blog Interviews of other Fiber Art Creatives, Zebra Patterns Overview
I am thrilled to present a one on one interview with one of today’s premiere art quilters, Diane Rusin Doran.
Diane Rusin Doran 2011
www.dianedoran.com
Always fascinated by color and fabric, I’ve been sewing since childhood and quilting since 1987. Focusing on machine techniques, I use piecing, appliqué and digital imagery to create complex, heavily quilted pieces. My quilts have been exhibited nationally and won awards at a variety of major shows. A background in engineering has led me to use computer generated images and designs for much of my work.
Media:
• Quilting Arts TV Series 800 and 900
• Instructional DVD, Digital Collage for Quilt Design from Start to Finish, produced by Interweave Press, 2011
Selected Juried Shows & Exhibitions:
• American Quilter’s Society, Paducah, KY 2001, 2002, 2006, 2008, 2009
• ARTQUILTSimages 2006
• Fine Focus 2002, 2004, 2006
• Hoffman Challenge 1995, 1999
• International Quilt Association, Houston, TX 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
• Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival, Williamsburg, VA 1999, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2008, 2009
• Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza 2003, 2006, 2008, 2011
• Quilt Odyssey, Gettysburg, PA 2000, 2003
• Quilter’s Heritage Celebration, Lancaster, PA 2001, 2008
• Quilts By Marylanders, 2001,2002
• Quilts=Art=Quilts 2002
• Road to California, Ontario, CA 2002, 2003, 2007
• World Quilt & Textile, 2001, 2002
Group Exhibitions & Invitational Exhibits:
• New Focus, Coos Bay Art Museum, December 12, 2008 – February 21, 2009
• The Art of the Quilt, Piedmont Arts Association, Martinsville, Virginia, November 7 – December 27, 2008
• Fiberlectic Group Show, Howard County Community College, May-June 2005
• Greenbelt Federal Courthouse, 2005,2007,2010 Invitational exhibit
• Del Ray Artisans Gallery, June 2003 (With Q&A Quilt Art Group)
• Q&A Quilt Art Group Show, Middleburg Library, Middleburg, VA November 2002
Debra: Diane, I would like to thank you for taking time to give my blog followers a snapshot of you amazing talent. I must say I have been influenced by your work’s precision, and vivid color palette, not to mention your impeccable free motion stitching. When did you start sewing and what brought you to art quilting?
Diane:
Thank you so much for interviewing me! I started sewing at a very early age – probably when I was 8 or so. My mother made amazing clothing for the four of us (two boys and two girls), including lined suits for my brothers for Easter. Her example and guidance led me to make many of my own clothes up until my mid-twenties – when I found quilting! I started as a traditional quilter in the late 1980’s, and gradually segued to art quilting in the late 1990’s.Return of the Grackle 2010
DG: Can you explain your intentions before you set out to make a new piece?
Diane:
Sometimes I make a piece for a specific exhibit, show, or charitable event. However, usually my pieces grow from a fascination with a particular image. I spend many hours combining a variety of images – photographs, paintings, drawings, previously manipulated files – until I end up with something that I love. I have thousands of images on my computer, but only quilt those that really strike me, and would benefit from the additional line and texture of quilting.DG: Has this always been your process? Or has the process evolved over the years?
Diane: This process has evolved somewhat over the years. Though I have been designing my own quilts for a very long time, I first began using digital manipulation in my work around 2000. My original digital pieces were single photographs or scans that were manipulated in a single layer. Most of my pieces now are composed of many different layers.
Debra: Is there now, or has there ever been a time when you are apprehensive about starting a piece of art? Or a time in which you were concerned about the outcome of the piece?
Diane: Because I spend so much time designing my work before printing it I’m usually not apprehensive about starting it. Occasionally there has been a technical issue that concerned me, especially when I first began making larger pieces from digital images, but now the process is fairly straight forward to me. There is always a moment (or more!) of apprehension about whether the quilting design, line, and color will enhance the piece. It’s hard to quilt that first part, breaking up the pristine surface of the digital image, but usually the more I quilt it the better it gets. In particular, the color of the thread can make a tremendous difference in the final impact of the piece.
Debra: Because we are close personal friends, I know you went to school and had a career as an engineer. Can you tell us what kind of engineering you have done and how that has played into your quilts – if it has.
Diane: Back in the heyday of the Space Shuttle program I was part of the ascent trajectory design team. I also analyzed wind loads during launches to support Mission Control, worked on the design and verification of onboard flight software, and provided software support for satellite data analysis. I have a natural tendency to pay attention to details, and analyze things. This has served me well in my quilting endeavors. Having so much computer experience has made me pretty fearless in terms of experimenting with a variety of software. Being detail oriented has compelled me to always try to use my best craftsmanship, which has in turn encouraged me to improve my skills.
Last Dance 2008
Debra: I know photoshop is you choice of imagery manipulation. Can you tell readers the pluses and minuses of using photoshop. Can you talk about the learning curve and give advise to those artists who might be interested in trying to use PS for the first time.
Diane: I truly love being able to layer and combine many images to create a unique final product. The ability to add highlights, shadows, transparency and gradients is simply wonderful. However, I would not call it an intuitive program! I advise anyone who wants to use it to experiment and *play* with the program. Give yourself time to figure out what effects appeal to you, and make note of them so that you can repeat them. I’ve spent countless hours playing with it to determine what works in my design process, and continually stumble on new features that I like. I often name the layers in my pieces based on what I’ve done to that layer – for instance “background copy screen” or “bird posteredges”. We are so lucky to have access to countless online tutorials and videos that show how to create various effects in Photoshop – take advantage of them! Finally, as a relatively frugal person I love that I can design countless compositions, using only time and computer memory, but only print what I really want to quilt. Try working in Photoshop or Elements and I bet in no time you’ll have your own library of personal imagery.
Debra: When did you first get the idea of using digital imagery on cloth?
Diane: The idea of creating my own designs on fabric has always fascinated me. Back in the late 1990’s, before printers were really able to produce good prints on fabric, I anticipated that the technology would eventually be available. I can remember creating and printing several designs on paper that I thought would make great fabrics, and showing them to some quilting friends. They were not compositions, but rather designs. In 2001 I created a digital piece that was in Fine Focus. That was the first digital piece that I exhibited, though I’d been exhibiting quilts made from commercial fabric for several years.Debra: When I was 5-6 years old one of my favorite things to do was to swing on a homemade wooden swing from a huge tall oak tree in my back yard. I would literally sit and swing and sing and have a grand time for HOURS! That peace, freedom and splice is one of my fondest childhood memories. I now know that it was “creative” time and it was meditative, even at 5. What can you remember about when you were 5-6 years old, that just by thinking about it, can bring you back to that time?
Diane: My mother used to make lots of crafts in addition to her sewing expertise. Thinking about her enthusiasm and patience certainly brings me back to that time. I particularly remember how magical it seemed when I would come home from school and she had made me a new dress or outfit during the day.I also had a wonderful recurring dream. I was fascinated by umbrellas, particularly the fancy ones. I would dream that I had an umbrella factory in our basement, and each umbrella I created was unique and beautiful. I would love to have that dream again.
Bog Lilies 2008
Debra: Who do you specifically create you art for?
Diane: Me!! However, of course I love it when my work appeals to other people. I really means a lot to me when someone admires or is touched by my work.
Debra: Is there a message in your art
Diane: To quote Madonna “Beauty’s where you find it!”. Some of the images I use in my collages are not terribly appealing on their own, but when combined with other images may be just the spark or counter point needed. Keep your eyes open and try to find beauty in your own surroundings.
Debra: I know you are VERY accomplished and have won many top quilting prizes. Do you have any tips for quilters submitting quilt entries into national competitions?
Diane: Be passionate about your work, and that passion will shine through it. You can’t control how others react to your design or color choices, but you can control your workmanship. Take the extra time to do your best work, and it will pay off in the end. Everyone who enters competitions has been rejected or not won at some point. Just keep trying and you never know what may happen!
Debra: I would like to play a silly association game with you to wrap up that I have played with previous artists that I have interviewed. Below I will list a list of words. Without planning please just write what first comes to mind. Here we go…
Inspiration: nature
Sky: blue
Obama: smart
Pie: pumpkin
Intentions: good
Why: not?
Women: rock
Shy: child
Men: tall
Cry: me a river
Historical Figure: Abraham Lincoln
Sigh: big
Torment: burying knots
High: note
Energy: barBye: Bye Birdie
Debra: Diane thank you so much. One last question….Do you have a personal mantra? If so what is that mantra? If not what do you want to say to the people reading this blog.
Diane: Do your best, that’s all that anyone can ask of you! Thank you so much, Debra!
Thanks Diane!
Diane has a WONDERFUL NEW Video out about Digital Imagery! Check it out!! More can be found out about Diane on her website and blog at; www.dianedoran.com
February GIVE-AWAY!!!
06 Feb 2012 2 Comments
February Holiday Houses Series - Zebra Patterns
This month we will give away a FREE February Pattern from the new series of Holiday Houses. Just go to “Zebra Patterns” on Facebook and leave a comment in the Give Away Posting from today!
