Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Wonder(s) from Down Under

I became a fan of Saffron Craig, an Australian fabric designer, when I found a shop that carried her fabrics here in the States. The color combinations and her whole design aesthetic were wonderful and different.

And then I discovered Kate Conklin, a fabulous Australian quilter and designer, and she was using Saffron's fabrics.
Dandelion Windows quilt by Kate Conklin

So I ordered all the patterns she had available. Kate makes it easy--they are downloadable for instant gratification. (If only I could get the quilts made that quickly!) 

And then Kate and Saffron combined forces with Saffron's newest line of fabric and offered a kit. What? Saffron's fabric and Kate's quilt designs? I was powerless. It was a must-have.

Fairy Hearts quilt by Kate Conklin

The kit came in the mail yesterday and I can hardly wait to begin making it. And then I will have to find someone who likes pink, brown and pretty little hearts. You know. Maybe someone like this cutie, who seems to like pink and brown.

And don't even get me started on Australian quilter extraordinaire, Rita with Red Pepper Quilts. I am systematically reading through her entire archives and all her Flickr photos. She is amazing! And her latest quilt? Saffron Craig fabrics, of course.

Fantastic Faries quilt by Rita
These Australians are definitely working some magic Down Under. I'm hoping a few sprinkles of it will rub off on me...

5 comments:

05 08
wishes, true and kind said... #

So much inspiration from Down Under. I'm just biding my time till I can get started on another Kate Conklin quilt. I'm thinking, Charm Bracelets :).

Kate said... #

Thanks for the wonderful compliment Cindy. You already do fantastic work. There are a couple of other Australian fabric designers that are worth a look http://www.printscharming.com.au/
http://www.sproutdesign.net.au/
http://www.auntycookie.com/
I'd love to design some quilts with their fabric. Just got to save my pennies.

Jennifer R. Woodworth said... #

These are really great stuff. I also checked Kate's suggestions and there is really talent down under. It made me want to start a quilt collection.

Infodetective said... #

More great Australian designers are:

Ink & Spindle
http://shop.inkandspindle.com.au/

Pippijoe
http://www.etsy.com/shop/pippijoe

Danielle Stewart
http://www.etsy.com/shop/DanielleStewart

~♥♥♥JOYCE LEE♥♥♥~~ said... #

Fairy Hearts quilt.. I like it :) Good job...