September Designer of the month, Amy Ellis!

Hi I’m Pat Sloan the Aurifil Designer of the Month coordinator. September is the start of fall for those of us in the northern half of the world and our September Designer Amy Ellis is all about fall!  Amy is an author, pattern designer and the force behind the blog “Amy’s Creative side”. I know you are going to love Amy’s interview and her block is quick and easy.. which means you can catch up on some of the others.. wink!

Remember to post your photo at our Flickr folder of a project given by one of the Aurifil Designers of the month (see tab on right for all the profiles). One quilter EACH MONTH will win a prize of Aurifil thread! Just post a photo of your completed block. Everyone in the Flickr folder is in the running! We have a new folder for the 2012 projects

Flickr folder –www.flickr.com/groups/2012_aurifil_featured_designerofthemonth/

Let’s get to know Amy!

When did you first start to do embroidery or stitching?

My grandma has always done embroidery and cross-stitch, and taught me as a girl. I don’t always do hand work, but love it when I sit and take the time.

 Favorite go to stitch?

Stem or chain stitch – I love the depth they add to fabric.

Did you work at another career prior to this … what was it? Do you still do that career while having your design business?

I’ve been blessed to stay home with our kids, and have added this creative outlet for my own sanity (5,7,8 &12).

What does your studio look like?

I sew at the kitchen table! It’s not always roses and sunshine, but I do like being in the midst of my family while I create.

What is your favorite storage tip or place?

I always say “find space, where you need it!” Stow things just out of the way enough that they are handy when and where you need to use them.

I stow my irons on the top of this shelf in my kitchen and the ironing board in the space next to it. It’s always handy, but easy to put away too!

How do you fill your soul? What I mean by this is – what makes you SO HAPPY that you know that if you do this you are experiencing a little ‘Heaven on Earth’.

My kids – seeing their own personalities and sense of pride emerge as they grow. And recently they have all been asking to sew with me – that means I’ve done something right! I love sharing creative time with them.

How do your ideas develop? Do you sketch, doodle, put ideas on a mood board?

I’m always on the lookout for inspiration, my phone has random pictures on it that will mean nothing to anyone else! I also collect pages from magazines that speak to me in one way or another. After that, I’ll sketch on paper, or in EQ to get a design that I’m excited about.

What are your Aurifil ‘go to’ thread colors?

The 50 wt neutrals go first here, cream, gray and white. However, I have Sarah Vedeler’s Silk Stars Collection, and love using those for quilting or applique.

Quilted with 50wt 1125

What is your favorite stitching tool?

I tend to keep things simple – a great hoop is always a favorite, one without anything to catch my thread.

If you could train with, or work with, or follow one person for a day.. who would it be and why?

I would love to chat with Amy Butler, to get a glimpse into the empire that she has created based on her creativity.

Do you travel to teach?

I’ll be teaching at The Sewing Summit in October, and would love to do more!

Aanything else you’d like to share?

I have a new book coming in January – Modern Basics II – I’ll share information on my blog when it is available for pre-order! I also have a pattern in the current Generation Q magazine, and the next Quilt Scene coming in October.

And a few on the light side…

• The Book you are currently reading – I most recently read “Trucks Roll!” – my boy is 5 years old!

• Your Favorite Movie – Return to Me – I can watch it again and again.

• Dream Vacation spot – Anywhere with a beach, and lots of sunshine.

• The Color you have always LOVED…..Green – there’s so many different shades, and moods within the one color.

Why did you select the image you did for your block?

I love the crunch of leaves in the fall, and could think of nothing else for the month of September. Our leaves are just starting to turn here, and I can’t wait to take the kids for a walk and crunch all the leaves!

12 Wt Aurifil Threads Used in Amy’s block

2145 – golden yellow
2255 – orange
1154 – red-orange

Click here to Download Aurifil BOM September 2012 from Amy!

Visit Amy at her site http://amyscreativeside.com/

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Looking for Aurifil 12 wt?  There is store list HERE and Roseann is selling 12 wt thread. Email or call  her from her website HERE

We would also love for you to ask your Local Quilt shop to carry Aurifil thread!

Visit “We Love French Knots” with loads of stitchery inspiration! If you need to freshen up your stitching skills, there is a series of videos http://www.welovefrenchknots.com/stitch-videos.html

EACH MONTH we will pick one random winner that has made a stitchery block.. that person will receive a special Aurifil thread prize! Winners are all contacted via Flickr email and posted at our flickr page in the winner topics.

You can make ANY of the 2012 blocks to be in the running (and we hope you make them all!). Share your photos at our Flickr Folder… we can’t WAIT to see what you do!

www.flickr.com/groups/2012_aurifil_featured_designerofthemonth/
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