Personal Background

Kate, 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?
Originally from Nebraska in the US, we moved to Minnesota for my Husband’s medical training almost 12 years ago. I’ve got a background as a chemical engineer and work part time at a firm. We love living here, even though it can get quite cold in the winter. I have a son in second grade and three wild dogs, ranging from 6 months to 11 years old keep our household busy.

Quilting Journey

When and how did you start quilting? What drew you to quilting as a form of expression?

I started quilting as a child, led by my grandmother who was a talented and prolific quilter. I really picked it up once my friends began having babies around 2010, thinking making a baby quilt would cost me less than buying them baby shower gifts (ha! I was so naive). I didn’t retain much of what my grandmother taught me and mostly learned it myself through you tube and social media, but as I learned different methods and techniques it did remind me about things that she did try to teach me.

Pattern Designing

What inspired you to start designing quilt patterns?How do you approach the creative process of designing a new pattern?

I began designing because I mostly self drafted my quilts from the beginning, and had a lot of ideas floating around that I wanted to get out. I keep a notebook nearby and jot down notes or doodle a design idea when something inspires. I also keep a very weird photo album on my phone from photos I’ve taken of things I see that I like.

Style and Aesthetics

How would you define your pattern style? Are there specific themes or elements that consistently appear in your designs?

I consider my designs to be more modern traditional. I’m heavily inspired by traditional designs but strive to give them a contemporary feel. I really love a scrappier look and write often to use fat quarter bundles as much as possible.

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 color – all colors. My pink and blue scrap bins tend to fill up the fastest as I use those the most often. Because I love all the colors, my overall look is a bit eclectic but full of joy.

Business Activities

Apart from designing patterns, what other activities are integral to your quilting business?

(Membership, notions, courses, etc)

Other than design, I also offer tech editing and ghostwriting services, which I love doing. In my opinion it’s a very important part of pattern writing, and all the really well written patterns have utilized tech editing.

I occasionally take on commissions (T-shirt quilts, memory quilts, vintage quilt repairs, and other quilt projects) but only as my schedule allows. 

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?

My Instagram is where I am most active @duenorthhandmade. All my PDF patterns are available from my website www.duenorthhandmade.com. Shops and retailers can purchase my printed patterns wholesale either directly from me or from Brewer quilting and sewing supplies. Two of my patterns (Tinsel Wreath and Holiday at Heart) are also available to wholesale order from Moda fabrics and supplies.

Upcoming Projects

Can you provide a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or designs you’re working on? Any exciting collaborations or events?

For the rest of the year I’ll be a bit quiet as I work on some things behind the scenes. Next spring you’ll definitely see some new patterns coming!

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?

Quiltink has been incredibly helpful for me to easily color and recolor my designs and I often play around with different combinations early in my design process.  I also create private rooms for my testers to color the designs so they too can play around when they test for me. I also really enjoy seeing other designs from other designers come to life.

Personal Background

Sara, could you tell us a bit about yourself?  (location, age, educational background, …) Who is behind Binded with Love?

Hi QuiltInk Community! I’m Sara, the heart behind Binded with Love, an online fabric shop based in Appleton, Wisconsin. I’m a mom, quilter and OB nurse of 15 years, a role that fills my heart in such a different but special way. When I’m not sewing or helping makers find their perfect fabrics, you can usually find me outdoors, camping with family and soaking up the beauty of nature. 

Quilting Journey

How did you first get into quilting? When did you decide to turn this passion into a business by opening your shop?

My quilting journey began in 2010, when my mom introduced me to the wonderful world of quilting, something I’m forever grateful for.  My oldest was little, and I fell in love with the process of turning fabric into something warm, meaningful, and lasting. Quilting quickly became my creative outlet and my happy place. In 2014, my mom and I ventured into selling handmade baby quilts. After taking a break to focus on family and careers, we restarted the shop in late 2019, just before the pandemic. When the pandemic hit, we shifted our focus to making masks, which reconnected me with the joy of working with fabrics and eventually inspired the transition to a fabric-focused shop. 

Shop Story and Style  

What’s the story behind Binded with Love? When did it start, and how would you describe its personality, style, and size?

Binded with Love is truly a labor of love, born from a shared passion between my mom and I. After creating over 2,000 masks during the pandemic, my appreciation for beautiful, high-quality fabrics reignited and set me on a new path. The shop’s style is rooted in modern fabrics with carefully curated color palettes. Though small in size, it’s big on heart, with every bundle and yard selected to spark creativity and inspire makers. Whether someone is just beginning their quilting journey or has years of experience, I want Binded with Love to feel like a trusted and welcoming resource.

Product Offerings  

What types of fabrics do you focus on? How do you offer them to customers—by the yard, as kits, or with custom options?

At Binded with Love, I focus on modern, high-quality fabrics from some of the best designers and brands out there. I offer fabrics by the yard, as well as curated bundles designed to make it easy for customers to start a project or build their fabric stash. While I don’t offer custom bundles as much anymore due to time constraints, every collection in the shop is chosen to inspire!

Special Collections and Products  

Are there any collections, brands, or unique products you’re especially proud to carry?

I’m especially proud to carry fabrics from brands like Fableism, Art Gallery Fabrics, FIGO Fabrics and Cotton + Steel. I love discovering and sharing fabrics that have a story or spark creativity.

Inspiration and Trends  

What inspires you when choosing fabrics or products for your shop? Do you follow any specific trends or themes?

I find inspiration everywhere, from nature and art to trends in quilting. When I’m choosing fabrics for the shop, I think about what I’d love to create with them, but I also try to imagine how they’ll fit into the projects and stashes of our customers. I love modern prints and textures that stand out in the best kind of way. 

Additional Services

Do you offer any other quilting-related services, like pattern design, long-arming, or classes?  

While I don’t offer pattern design or long-arm quilting, I’m always happy to help customers brainstorm fabric combinations or offer guidance for their next project. If someone has a specific color scheme or vision in mind, because I can understand the difficulty of online shopping, I am more than happy to offer photos of the actual fabrics they have in mind. My goal is to make the creative process easier and more fun!

Online Presence

Where can people find your shop online? (Website, social media handles, online marketplaces). How do you use online platforms to connect with your audience and fellow quilters?

You can find Binded with Love on Instagram and Etsy, where I’ve had the opportunity to connect with so many wonderful makers. Social media has been such a great way to share my love of fabric and quilting, and I love seeing what my customers create with their purchases!

Etsy Shop: Binded with Love on Etsy

Instagram: @bindedwithlove

Upcoming News and Projects  

Are there any exciting new projects, events, or collaborations coming up that you’d like to share with the community

I’m always looking ahead to the next collection or idea, but for right now, I’m focused on making the shop the best it can be. A goal for this coming year is getting an official shop website out there!

QuiltInk Experience

How has QuiltInk been useful for your shop or customers? Any favorite tools or ways it’s made things easier?

QuiltInk has been a game changer for my shop and my customers! It’s such an amazing tool for planning quilts and experimenting with fabric placement before making that first cut. As a shop owner, it lets me showcase my collections and even offer kits for QuiltInk patterns, which makes the shopping experience so much easier. I love being able to collaborate with customers in a way that feels interactive and inspiring!

Favorite QuiltInk Options

What features or options in QuiltInk do you love the most? Anything that stands out to you or your customers?

One of my favorite features is the ability to create mock-ups using my shop’s fabrics, it’s like getting a sneak peek of a finished quilt! The app’s easy to use design tools really stand out. It gives customers the confidence to choose fabrics they’ll love together. QuiltInk has been an incredible tool and I’m excited to see how it continues to evolve!