The Story Continues . . . Watch our Quilting Arts Episode

Legendary artisans influence today's fabrics

As we explore our unique relationship with The Original Morris & Co., we are taken aback by the influences in today's quilting by legendary and iconic artisans.  Van Gogh, Monet, Maxfield Parrish and more continue to influence today's quilter and fabrics not only in their hand or illustrative painting styles but also their color palettes.

Host Susan Brubaker Knapp (left) and guest Luana Rubin (right) talk about
the influences of William Morris on modern textiles on Quilting Arts airing now on PBS.

Textile and quilt expert Luana Rubin, from equilter.com, talks about the influences of these iconic artists and how they inspire and influence today's quilting in an episode of Quilting Art, airing now on your local Public Broadcasting Station.  

Of course, William Morris is part of the discussion.  A true renaissance man, he worked in textiles and embroideries, murals and stain glassed windows plus he was a poet, a writer and a publisher.   

A lot of William Morris work included applique. Our FreeSpirit True Morris
quilt featuring Kelmscott and Merton collections is true to to the vision
of William Morris. 

"Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."

Today, you can find an interpretation of William Morris in fabrics that have been scaled up, scaled down or recolored in more tonal hues or brighter colors.  The beauty of the fabrics from FreeSpirit and The Original Morris & Co is the authenticity of his iconic designs like  

Strawberry Theives, Willow, Chrysanthemum, Snakeshead and more in classic color palettes that speak to his original works and are true to his vision. 

To see the segment and learn more about the influences of William Morris, click here. 

Iconic William Morris designs including (left to right) Chrysanthemum, Strawberry Theives
and Snakeshead authentically reproduced by FreeSpirit.

WILD & WONDERFUL – BRODERIE BOHEME BY ODILE BAILLOEUL

Winter blues getting you down? Need a dose of color to brighten up your days? Odile Bailloeul's Broderie Boheme collection will have you smiling in no time. Brimming with color and folksy feelings, Odile's designs encourage you to let loose and go a little wild.

Today's project focuses on using one special feature of the Fairy Tale and Chessboard prints from this collection. The stitch details of these designs provide the perfect guide for a bit of embellishment. With embroidery thread or pearl cotton you can add dimension and texture to your projects. Just choose some design elements and get to work.

For these bags, the embroidery embellishment is minimal as the front will see a lot of use with keys and pens going in and out of the pocket. Even so, the result is a fun mix of fabric and thread. Pattern is Pretty Pocket Purse by Jane Sassaman.

The embroidery stitches are basic—seed stitches, french knots and satin stitches. Three strands were used for the seed stitches and satin stitches. Two strands of Anchor floss were sufficient for the knots. For extra drama, add seed beads to your stitches.

Do your embroidery on the exterior bag pieces of your choosing before assembling the bag. If you use a hoop when stitching, cut the bag piece out after you have finished embellishing. As you put the bag together, take extra care when pressing.

The addition of felt balls along the bottom of the purse ups the boho factor. You may choose to replace these with long fringe or pom pom trim. Make it your own and add embellishments to suit your mood.

If bag making isn't your thing, select a section for embellishment and once complete, frame it in a hoop or picture frame. There's no end to the fun.

Broderie Boheme ships to stores this month!

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THE AUTHENTIC STYLE OF WILLIAM MORRIS: Access to the unrivaled archives of The Original Morris & Co.
brings to quilters true William Morris artistry

In case you have not heard, FreeSpirit has some very exciting news!  We are collaborating with  The Original Morris & Co., based in Denham, England.  This unique partnership gives the FreeSpirit brand exclusive access to fascinating original works and colorations dating back to the establishment of Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co in 1861.

Known as the father of the Arts and Crafts Movement, William Morris longed for the simple beauty of artisans working alongside one another in collaboration using the best of natural materials. Much like quilters, he enjoyed the pure essence of artistic crafts, and then sharing that enjoyment with all. FreeSpirit is pleased to share the true aesthetics and authenticity of his art with quilters who are as passionate, using their talents to create their own masterpieces.

Two iconic collections are playing upon the true aesthetics of William Morris. Kelmscott, inspired by the picturesque Cotswold retreat of William Morris, celebrates the extraordinary patterns and detail within Morris’ work. Featuring iconic designs such as Strawberry Thief and Bachelors Button in a colorful palette, these classic designs beautifully complement a selection of smaller scale co-ordinates in light and fresh colorways.  This collection of 29 enduring designs will be available in now.

Named after Merton Abbey Mills, Merton, available in March, is where much of William Morris’ design work and production took place. The collection of 21 timeless fabrics features well-loved Morris designs such as Snakeshead, Chrysanthemum and Willow Boughs recreated in new, contemporary color palettes, perfect for quilters to infuse their creativity with re-imagined, heritage rich designs.

Want to learn more? Here are some fun things to watch for to inspire your quilting and your love for these beautiful Fabrics.

Host Susan Brubaker Knapp (left) and guest Luana Rubin (right) talk about
the influences of William Morris on modern textiles on Quilting Arts airing now on PBS.  

Watch your local PBS station for Quilting Arts TV Show featuring a show staring equilter.com owner and textile expert Luana Rubin. She talks about William Morris and his influence in textiles and today’s quilting cottons.

Stars & Pinwheels designed by Sally Ablett,
in Today's Quilter, issue 32, on sale now. 

·      Today’s Quilter magazine issue 32 is now in stores. The magazine comes complete with a supplemental issue about William Morris including the free Stars & Pinwheels quilt pattern designed by Sally Ablett.

Star Nouveau quilt designed by Carolyn Beam
in the March/April issue of McCall's Quilting on sale now!

More inspiration can be found in the March/April issue of McCall’s Quilting magazine.  Look at Star Nouveau by Carolyn Beam. This medallion quilt pattern combines the FreeSpirit prints in the prettiest way.

There is more to come!  We are thrilled to bring to life the principles that drove William Morris through creative collaboration with its own artistic talents. Together, this unique relationship will bring to life the artistry, vision and authentic style of William Morris. Click here to find your nearest shop carrying these iconic fabrics.