Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Erin McMorris, a lover of design, fashion and textiles


Erin McMorris says “If it has a surface, I’ll put a pattern on it.” This is a testament to how much Erin loves design, textiles and fashion and a reflection of her style for FreeSpirit Fabrics. When asked what inspires the whimsy behind her designs, she quips. “I’m a fun, whimsical person so it comes out of me naturally.”

Spoken with pure moxie, a confidence she carries into her most current FreeSpirit Fabric collection. Aptly named Moxie, her newest collection is made up of 24 SKUs of 100% cotton fabric available now at your local quilt shop.


Word bubble trends and a visit to a Lichtenstein Retrospect in Chicago captured Erin’s imagination and helped bring Moxie to life. The graphic shape of the word bubbles and the look of printed comic books translated into three color ways of fun retro-looking graphic flowers, text message word bubbles and emoticons – so today. Black is Erin’s favorite color way.

It’s no wonder the graphic design of word bubbles captured her attention. Erin is a student of textile design who attributes her own “moxie” to the fashion houses and textile studio’s she worked for upon graduating from the University of Cincinnati and the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. While over the years her style has changed with her designs, more oriented for surface design she still enjoys fashion work. Her fashion work gives her anonymity and the opportunity to try different styles and categories.

The big question is did her love for designing for textiles and fashions begin with her own sewing prowess? “Not likely,” says Erin. Using her grandmother’s old sewing machine, Erin began her crafty career sewing items for her dolls, graduating to a wrap skirt for Girl Scouts. She confesses she was desperate to finish and wear the skirt. “I’m pretty sure that even though it was brown floral that I looked like a rock star. But I’m thankful there are no pictures to confirm or deny.”

Erin’s sewing is not her primary strength however she likes to make thing for friends who are astounded by the idea of doing something by hand. While she will always point out a flaw in her sewing, most people are thrilled and amazed to receive something made by hand. So, with her new fabric and her sewing skills revealed, what does Erin hope consumer’s will see when they touch and see Moxie? “I hope they have the moxie to make everything that can possibly be made in fabric and then remake it again in another color way!”

To learn more about Erin, visit her at www.erinmc.com. View her new collection Moxie in the Preview Gallery at www.freespiritfabric.com.


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45 comments:

syfalkenstein said...

It's fun and energetic! So cool!

Krista @ Sewwhatscooking.com said...

I love Erin's fabric. It's so fun! Thanks for the chance to win some fabric!

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

I've loved all of Erin's fabric designs, but this is my favorite line!

RoRo said...

Gracious sakes alive...what FUN fabric...would welcome it to my stash!

Kd Brown said...

I'd like to have Moxie! Please enter me to win 6 one yard cuts. Thanks! :)

free indeed said...

It's so wonderful to see personality come through in a fabric design. Enjoyed the article and getting to know a little more about Erin. Thanks.

Unknown said...

Love, love the fabrics. Such incredible colors. Also love the blog

Marcia W. said...

This is a pretty collection. Some of the prints remind me of color crayon drawings from when I was a kid, with the black/white outline of flowers filled in with colors.

Faye Nettles said...

Very Nice collection.

Ellie said...

So glad this popped up in my feed - would love a chance to win some :) thanks!!

Canda Harvey said...

Awesome collection! I would love to win!

Rina Mason said...

Love the word bubbles and the little tulips and the flowers. Oh heck, I just like them all!

Jean Lindgren said...

What neat fabric! My daughter,my granddaughter and I would make some cute things with it!

Unknown said...

These are great for spring colors, what an artist!!

pamela said...

I'd not heard of Erin McMorris until now. Thanks for introducing me to her fun, fresh design!

Nickie said...

Very pretty! Would love these!!

Heather B said...

Love this collection! It makes me want to see! It's really cold here and this collection brightens my day!

Joy B. said...

Love this collection. The word bubble fabric is so cute!

syfalkenstein said...

Looking at this again just reminded me of my daughter. Bubby, spirited, talkative....LOL! Thanks for the chance to win this!

Margo said...

These fabrics are fantastic! I love the colors and prints!

Hannlib said...

Love these prints! Would love to win some :-)

Becky N said...

I love MOXIE, too!! Oh, I would love to win!

Shayne said...

Such fun fabrics. I'd love to use them in some quilts for my boys.

quilty stitches said...

Such fun design and colors...Yes I think I have the "Moxie" to whip something up using Erin's fabric!!!!!

memmens said...

She is such a talented designer, love this new line and can't wait to sew with it.

Unknown said...

Love this fabric collection. Thanks for the chance to win some of it!

Sue N. said...

My granddaughter's name is Moxie, and her mom and I have a love for sewing, so I hope you can enter me to win this beautiful fabric! The name is just too ironic to not have some of this!

Becky said...

I love that she sews on her grandmother's old machine. Thanks for sharing her fabulous designs! Moxie!

Rhonda D. said...

I really love this fabric line!
Thanks for the chance to win!!!

wigglypup2(at)yahoo(dot)com

Emily said...

This is such a fun line. The coordinates go with everything! Love it.

Mary D said...

These colors are so fresh and love how they join each other so well. Would love to own this fabric
MaryD
www.stitchesonmyneedle.blogspot.com

Leah said...

Such a fun collection!

Leah said...

Such a fun collection!

Unknown said...

gotta have some moxie...gotta

Unknown said...

gotta have some Moxie, gotta

Jen said...

Beautiful fabric - great blog, thanks!!!!

Patty said...

Just seeing the word "moxie" inspires me---what fun things I could do with that fabric!

WandaFish said...

I've long been a fan of Erin's work and Moxie is delightful - thanks for the chance to win some :)

Patti said...

Love the youthful energy of this line. Perfect choice for this grandma to make gifts for her younger friends.

Laurie (MizGeek) said...

Since I blew my fabric budget last year, I was going to be good for a couple of months. Now you blew it for me. Too adorable not to buy some!

It's All About Quilting said...

Love that fabric! Will make some fun prayer quilts.

Ann said...

Interesting post! Love her designs.

Unknown said...

Cute word bubbles and fun flower designs! Thanks for the fabric giveaway, I definitely have some items in mind to make!

Unknown said...

Cute designs! Thanks for the giveaway!

Anonymous said...

I've been told I have Moxie too but not the fabric! I'd love to have both! This fabric is so fresh and fun I love it....

Paige
Paigegathome@yahoo.com