Designer Spotlight - FreeSpirit Presents New Bedford by Denyse Schmidt

We visited Denyse at her studio in Bridgeport, CT during a steamy week in July to talk with her about her newest fabric collection for FreeSpirit called New Bedford. We'll be sharing the videos later this month, until then, keep reading to learn all about the inspiration behind the collection. 

A glimpse of the New Bedford collection spread out for handmade bundles on Denyse's work table.

New Bedford is inspired by the romance and adventure of 19th century sea-faring life, with a touch of 20th century seaside summer fun! New Bedford evokes a slow stroll on cobblestone streets, salty air, a favorite iced treat, and a quilt on a bed in a room with a view. 

Nine enchanting patterns in three refreshing color-ways  – sun, sea, and sorbet – will transport you to a time and place of limitless possibilities. Embark on your own creative adventure – billowing curtains, flirty skirts, captivating quilts or elegant dresses – New Bedford is as versatile as your own imagination!

New Bedford Quilt FREE Pattern Download 

Designer Spotlight - See Denyse on YouTube

Remember how we mentioned that video shoot with Denyse in our last post? Well the video's are all finished and ready for watching!

Listen and watch as Denyse talks about her inspiration process, her newest collection for FreeSpirit called New Bedford, and why she is a FreeSpirit. 

Don't forget to leave a comment on our 10 Fun Facts post telling us what you have in common with Denyse to be entered to win 10 yards of New Bedford fabric!

Did You Know.... 10 Facts about Denyse Schmidt

We had Denyse share 10 fun facts about herself with us and are excited for you to take a peek!

The contest is now closed. Congratulations Tonya Ricucci for winning 10 yards of Denyse Schmidt's New Bedford fabric!

Designer Spotlight - Denyse Schmidt

FreeSpirit designer Denyse Schmidt, hailed as the mother of modern quilting, is our featured designer this month.

Denyse grew up in central Massachusetts around many old textile mill towns, a setting that is embedded in her inspiration today. Her parents were both makers, with her mother sewing clothing for four kids and her father making furniture; this spirit is embedded in her and Denyse started making things when she was little and has never stopped. 

A former graphic designer and graduate of Rhode Island School of Design, Denyse Schmidt has helped to change the way we think about quilts. Intrigued by the rich historical nature of quilts and inspired by beauty born of necessity, Denyse adds her distinctive aesthetic sensibility – clean, spare lines, rich colour and bold graphics – to this rich art form. 

Though firmly rooted in the techniques of American quilt-making, Denyse Schmidt is renowned for her fresh, offbeat approach to design and colour and has won acclaim from the worlds of art, design and craft. As author of Denyse Schmidt Quilts (Chronicle Books, 2005) and Modern Quilts, Traditional Inspiration (STC Craft, 2012); fabric designer for FreeSpirit and Fabric Traditions; and teacher of a series of popular improvisational patchwork piecing workshops; Denyse continues to inspire with her witty take on tradition. Denyse’s studio is located in a historic factory building in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

View from the second story of the historic factory building where Denyse's studio is located.

Keep an eye on the blog and our Facebook and Instagram pages for great content from Denyse all month long. And be sure to watch out for giveaways as well!

And if you want to see more from Denyse herself, be sure to follow her on her social accounts!
Instagram - https://instagram.com/dsquilts 
Facebook - www.facebook.com/DenyseSchmidtQuilts
Website - http://dsquilts.com/