Welcome!

BeeYoutiful designer Jackie McFee returns to the Camelot Fabrics blog for her second artist feature. In case you missed it, you can read her first interview here: On the open (creative) road with Jackie McFee
As one of our longest-standing designers Jackie’s got plenty of insights into the world of fabric design. What wins us over again and again, though, is the youthful vibrancy of her personality which shines through in everything she creates. Want a dose of that spirit? Read on after the jump!

We’ve had our hands full this Tuesday, convincing our in-house bulldog Roxy to pose for pictures of dog-themed DIYs. Not a bad task for a Tuesday, right? Well, it took a little coaxing but she sat for us in the end.

Fortunately for us, the DIYs took no convincing. For the dog-lovers out there (and we know there are a lot of you!), here’s a couple of playful little projects for your favourite pup. The fabrics? We dug into our Dog-Gone It collection, of course! This preppy group by Jackie McFee walks the line between sartorial style and lovable doggishness. Our gal Roxy may not have been too impressed by our choice of breed, though – both the collection and the table runner feature Dachshunds, not bulldogs.

Camelot designer Jackie McFee talks about the inspiration for her collection My Gray or the Highway (in stores now!) and offers up a tip for creative expression.

Camelot Fabrics:  Please introduce yourself and tell us what you do.

Jackie Mc Fee: Hello! I’m Jackie McFee, a surface pattern designer and a busy working mom of 3! You can read more about my story on my website.

CF: What inspired you to design the My Gray or the Highway collection?

JM: I am obsessed with color and how it permeates every aspect of our lives: from the food we eat, to the clothes we wear, to the paint on our walls. My current color crush (and has been for a while) is gray. It is simply the best neutral with so many shades that can translate across multiple ages, products and designs.

CF: Can you tell us a bit about your creative process? What do you most enjoy?

JM: The spark. That moment when you get inspired from just one thing. The idea begins to form, then you start to sketch, then patterns start to take shape, then colorways, then you can feel it in your bones that a collection has been born. I love that feeling!

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CF: What is your creative work space / studio like?

JM: My husband and I built my studio as an addition to our home in Charlotte, NC back in 2009. It is a large, beautiful space filled with windows, sunshine, design books, fabrics, ribbon, and inspiration from all over the world! There may be an occasional glass of wine in there too : )

CF: The title of the My Gray collection is cheeky & fun, but it also speaks to the concept of expressing your own creative voice, and being yourself. What are your tips for quilters, aspiring textile designers (and anyone who works creatively with fabric) to find and express their own creative voice?

JM: Ignore everybody. Go with your gut. There is so much “noise” out there that it is hard to literally think sometimes. Don’t listen to it. Do something creative, something, anything. Make progress. Hit road bumps. Make a mess. The magic is always, always in the mess!

  
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CF: If you could be on a road trip anywhere in the world, where would you be driving and in what kind of car?

JM: NO ROAD TRIP FOR ME PLEASE!!! As a busy mom, I am in my car 24/7! I’m basically a glorified über driver! Put me on a beach, with a frozen drink, and a really good book. #heaven

Thanks Jackie! We’d love to hear/see what you are making with My Gray or the Highway. Tell us in the comments below or tag us #camelotfabrics in your social media posts. Follow Camelot’s Facebook page and Cora’s Quilts’ Instagram feed, for TWO (!) chances to win a fat quarter bundle of My Gray and a copy of the Flora quilt pattern by Cora’s Quilts. Giveaway details will be posted starting this Wed, August 2nd.

Happy sewing!

1- Wallet by Lins Handmade
2- Flora Quilt & Pattern by Cora’s Quilts
3-Pom-pom Tote – Camelot Fabrics Free Pattern – designer: Made by Marion

We have made many projects with the Rose Quartz & Serenity collection for the Spring Quilt Market not to mention the ties and handkerchiefs that look stunning (You have to look at the picture Fave Quilts took).  So it is difficult to pick out just one project to feature.  But I am opting for the great Butterfly quilt pattern as it’s a relatively easy Queen Size quilt to make.

Please remember that I DO NOT recommend you starting your quilting journey by making a Queen size quilt!  Although I have heard many stories starting like this.  The fact is that quilting is not necessary the easiest hobby to have.  And starting on a big project might mean a very short lived dream of becoming a quilter.  Quilting combines many disciplines: the cutting, the piecing, the sandwiching, the quilting and the binding.  All very challenging!  I tend to call them pitfalls.  So ensure that you kind of master all of these before contemplating a Queen Size quilt.

You can download the free pattern on our website AND you will be happy to know that the pattern has been tested and all corrections have been made to ensure that you really enjoy making the quilt.

Please do send us photos or simply link us up on your social media by adding #camelotfabrics

Happy sewing!

This Moody Monday is all about our quest for calm and celebrates a softer side with Jackie McFee capturing the essence of the two Pantone colours of the year: Rose Quartz & Serenity!

This new collection, Rose Quartz & Serenity, brings a sense of calm and relaxation.  It reminds me of the beautiful sunsets I was lucky enough to see during my holiday in Cape Cod.  The fabrics offer a balance between a warmer embracing rose and a cooler tranquil blue and will surely help you enjoy the moment you spend working on that very special project.

Making a quilt featuring this collection will surely provide you with a much-needed sense of tranquility and inner peace.

What are you planning to make with this collection? Be sure to check out the full program  in your local quilt shop.  Click here to find the one nearest your home.

Happy Sewing!