This month’s February Designer Spotlight takes us a little farther north — to Norway — where we’re excited to introduce Lisa from Millie & Bun Designs.
Originally from Maine and now living outside Oslo, Lisa’s quilting journey is deeply shaped by nature, movement, and place. Her modern geometric patterns reflect a love for clean lines, architecture, and the quiet beauty of Scandinavian landscapes, with color palettes inspired by forests, sunsets, and the outdoors she explores every day.
Keep reading to discover how quilting became a creative anchor during a big life transition, what inspires Lisa’s design process, and how she uses QuiltInk to experiment with color — even before cutting into her favorite fabrics
Personal Background
Lisa, 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! My name is Lisa from Millie & Bun Designs. Originally from Maine in the US, I now live outside of Oslo, Norway with my husband and our two cats, Millie and Bun. I had a varied career in banking, marketing, and non-profit fundraising before my husband’s work brought us to Norway six years ago. As a hiker and runner, I love living in a country with amazing nature everywhere I turn. I’m so grateful to live here, enjoy new experiences, and be able to explore new parts of the world.
Quilting Journey
When and how did you start quilting? What drew you to quilting as a form of expression?
I have always been a serial crafter, ready to try any new form of creativity. I tried quilting off and on throughout college but it wasn’t until 2014 that I started quilting in earnest, when a dear friend was having a baby. At the same time, I started seeing quilt designs that really spoke to me on Pinterest. Those designs opened the door for me to see what quilting could be, in styles that complemented my own preferred aesthetics.
Pattern Designing
What inspired you to start designing quilt patterns? How do you approach the creative process of designing a new pattern?
After I moved to Norway, I was struggling. As anyone who has moved to a new country knows, it can be a hard transition. I couldn’t find a job, the pandemic was in full swing, and I was unable to travel to see my family. Looking to pass the time, I leaned into quilting a little more. But pattern designing wasn’t something I had thought about until I received an email to take a quilt pattern writing course. I decided to take the plunge and at the end of the course, I was off and running with my new business.
My design process can start from a number of different places. I create my designs in EQ8 or Illustrator, with inspiration coming from pictures or sketches or even paper collages that I make.
Style and Aesthetics
How would you define your pattern style? Are there specific themes or elements that consistently appear in your designs?
My pattern designs focus on a modern geometric look, using a lot of simple shapes and stripes. I love architecture, and the clean lines of Brutalist and Mid-Century Modern styles are big influences on what I create.
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 draw a lot of inspiration from spending time outside in Norway and the beautiful colors that can be found here. In particular, I love the greens of the forests, and the pinks that come out at sunset. Almost every quilt I make features one if not both of those colors. Right now, my favorite combination is Kona Shell and Pickle!
Business Activities
Apart from designing patterns, what other activities are integral to your quilting business?
(Membership, notions, courses, etc)
I love highlighting other designers and supporting their businesses. I have a blog series on my website where designers share their favorite things within their sewing spaces. Being able to spotlight other designers and the work they do brings me so much joy! And it’s been an amazing way to meet other people that share the same love of quilting.
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: https://www.millieandbundesigns.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/millieandbundesigns/
Pinterest: https://no.pinterest.com/millieandbundesigns/
Upcoming Projects
Can you provide a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or designs you’re working on? Any exciting collaborations or events?
2026 should be an exciting year! I have a magazine release coming out in July, at least one (or two!) pattern releases throughout the year, and I will be a part of a sampler in the fall. And as always, I have a million ideas floating around in my head, so you never know what else might transpire in the year to come!
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 often get quite scared to cut into my precious fabric stash, so I love being able to test drive color combinations to ensure I get the result that I want. Additionally, the freedom to digitally try something that’s a bit wild and out of your comfort zone can unlock some amazing and unexpected results! I also love the inspiration I get from other quilters on QuiltInk, who sometimes use color in ways that would not occur to me. It’s always so fun to see what others create!