This September, our Designer Spotlight introduces you to one of the talented quilt pattern designers on QuiltInk: Janice from Prairie & Ocean.
Based in Canada, Janice discovered quilting after finishing her PhD in Biochemistry, looking for a creative way to restore balance in her life. What started as a simple hand-quilting kit quickly grew into a passion—and eventually into designing quilt patterns that reflect her love for exploring new techniques.
👉 Keep reading to learn more about Janice’s quilting journey, her design process, and how she connects with the quilting community through her work.
Personal Background
Janice, as we dive into your story, could you provide a snapshot of who you are and take us on the journey that led you to where you are today?
Hi! I’m a Canadian millennial and grew up in the prairie province of Manitoba. I ended up leaving to pursue my PhD in Biochemistry, and when faced with whether to go to school in Vancouver, BC or Montreal, QC, I decided Montreal because I didn’t think I could handle the gloomy West Coast rain. Fast forward a decade of eduction and training, I ended up settling in Vancouver anyways with my partner and two furry family members so that I could pursue my scientific career.
Quilting Journey
When and how did you start quilting? What drew you to quilting as a form of expression?
After graduating with my PhD, I was a total burnt out mess, and recognized that I desperately needed to set better work/life boundaries going into my post-doctoral fellowship. I started looking for new hobby ideas to fill my now open evenings, and came across a whole cloth hand quilting kit. It quickly snowballed from there, and I haven’t looked back.
One of the things that drew me into quilting was the utility of it. I’m perpetually cold and I live in the land of frigid winters – I always need another blanket!
I also appreciate how quilts become time stamps in our lives. Sure there are the obvious quilts like wedding or baby quilts to celebrate big milestones, but there are also quilts that hold memories of summer picnics with your dog that passed too soon, or the quilt your mom sent you just because she knew you needed a hug. I can’t think of another craft where the love and care that goes into the final product is so tangibly transferred to the recipient.
Pattern Designing
What inspired you to start designing quilt patterns? How do you approach the creative process of designing a new pattern?
This is a complicated question because it’s the summation of several moments that I can think of, but the moment that inspired me to officially launch P&O and throw my proverbial thimble into the quilt pattern designer ring was when a Canadian fabric designer asked me if I would be interested in sewing a sample quilt with her new fabric line. She wanted me to use a pattern from a Canadian quilt designer, and gave me a couple of suggestions. Instead, I found myself asking myself “…what if I was the Canadian designer?”, and when I broached the topic with her, she was all for it!
The creative process has been unique for every quilt, which I think makes sense given that each quilt comes from a separate source of inspiration. I’ve always been technique driven though, and I think that manifests in my quilts. I was sick of sewing triangles, and so I designed with straight lines and Synaptic came from it. I wanted to learn how to sew curves, and Sonar came from that.
Style and Aesthetics
How would you define your pattern style? Are there specific themes or elements that consistently appear in your designs?
I’m totally okay with the fact that I lack a distinctive style. I’m not one of those designers where if I make a quilt someone would be able to recognize it as my design without looking at the label. I think a big part of that is because I’m technique driven and I’ve only been quilting for 5ish years, I’m still learning what tools I have available to design with. I’ve only just gotten comfortable with sewing curves, and so that’s a whole new design space for me to explore. If anything, I would define my pattern style has quilts that look like complicated math equations, but actually break down quite logically if you follow the order of operations (can you tell I’m a huge nerd?).
One thing I keep coming back to are skinny lines. I love a finished half inch stripe.
Color
How does color play a role in your pattern designing? Do you have a favorite color? Are there certain color combinations you find particularly appealing?
I love how the feel of a design can completely change based on colour selection. There was a time when I gravitated towards more Earthy tones, but these days, it’s whatever the design needs or how I’m feeling emotionally. All colours are fair game in the right context.
I’ve been very into AGF’s Hydrangea lately. I’m using it in everything.
Suzy Quilt’s AGF Pure solids line is absolute perfection when it comes to colours that work flawlessly together. You can mix and match those fabrics all day, and come up with incredible fabric pulls.
Business Activities
Apart from designing patterns, what other activities are integral to your quilting business?
(Membership, notions, courses, etc)
I’ve recently started giving quilt guild lectures where I talk about the inspiration and thought process behind my quilts and their designs. It’s been a really cool way to connect and share with quilters across the continent.
Online Presence
Where can people find your work online? (Website, social media handles, online marketplaces). How do you use online platforms to connect with your audience and fellow quilters?
Website: www.prairieandocean.com
Instagram: @prairieandocean
Newsletter: https://prairieandocean.myflodesk.com/newsletter
I was initially pretty adamant about *not* starting a newsletter, mostly because I rarely read them, but I’ve actually really enjoyed getting into longer form writing when I have something to share.
Upcoming Projects
Can you provide a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or designs you’re working on? Any exciting collaborations or events?
I’m currently working on a design that will be released in the winter edition of the Canadian Quilter’s magazine. Overall, I’ve been taking it easy as I figure out what I want to do next.
QuiltInk Experience
How has QuiltInk contributed to your quilt pattern design business? Could you share your experience with the platform and how it has influenced your creative process and connected you with fellow quilters?
I think my favourite way to use QuiltInk was when I ran a sew-along for Synaptic. It was really cool seeing participants engage with the software, and explore how colour influenced the design. Some of my designs rely heavily on gradients and colour value to make them pop, so being able to use QuiltInk to fine-tune fabrics to make the design truly standout is such a valuable tool.
Your Olive Grove mock-up was simply stunning. You’ll be receiving a Fat Quarter bundle of the Olive Grove collection sponsored by Alderwood Studio — enjoy!
