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.

Personal Background

Jo, 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?

I grew up near the New Forest in the south of England. After gaining a degree in Psychology I worked in Human Resources for a number of years, but when the opportunity arose to travel and live in other countries with my husband’s job, we jumped at the chance, and spent 10 years living overseas, in Singapore, Italy, and Australia. We returned to the UK around 14 years ago now and are fully settled back here now.

Quilting Journey

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

It was whilst living in Australia that I started quilting. I had always sewn little things, but the thought of investing so much time in making a quilt did not fill me with joy! But a couple of friends encouraged me to try! And the rest is history, lol! 

Pattern Designing

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

I had been teaching basic sewing skills whilst living in Australia, and so when we came back to England it seemed natural to continue. So I started teaching in my local fabric shop. During that time I continued making quilts and so started to submit ideas to quilting magazines. Once I’d done a few I decided to start writing patterns to sell.

My creative process usually begins with a sketch on a scrap of paper or a post it note! It then finds it’s way into the design software I use: EQ8. At that point many iterations begin until I’m happy with it.

Style and Aesthetics

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

My pattern style I think falls into the Modern Traditional category. I do like curves so in my later designs you’ll often find some sort of curve.

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 colour! Bold, bright colours paired with a neutral is my favourite. I don’t really have a favourite colour, I love to work with the full rainbow spectrum, but if I had to choose I’d say blue/green. 

Business Activities

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

(Membership, notions, courses, etc)

Whilst I am a pattern designer, the main part of my business is teaching. It’s where it all began afterall! I love helping others find new skills and enjoy their hobby more. These days my teaching is mainly online though, unless I’m teaching a quilting group/guild or at an event like the Festival of Quilts.

You can find most of my patchwork and quilting classes inside my Quilt Hive membership club. I also teach a free motion quilting course online and often offer block of the month programs.

I visit guilds and groups to give talks about various subjects: Creativity for wellbeing; How to Avoid Quilt Freeze; and am an Aurifilosopher so can happily chat to you all about the merits of using Aurifil thread!

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.thecraftynomad.co.uk/

Instagram: @thecraftynomadfleet

Facebook: The Crafty Nomad

Upcoming Projects

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

Yes! I have two exciting things happening right now.

The first is a really fun design collaboration with three other British pattern designers. I am super excited about our design. Our theme for the 2025 project is ‘Make Time to Do What Makes You Happy’!

In a busy world where our lives are full of work commitments, family responsibilities, and the distractions of social media, we are reminded of the importance of making time for activities that nourish our souls, make us happy, and force us to slow down and reconnect with what’s really important.

We have each designed blocks around the following sub themes: Creativity; Self Care, Nature, and Friendship. The design is available as a pattern with a full sewalong, including support from the designers in the way of technique tutorials and a Facebook group for questions and inspiration. It’s a little like a BOM but compressed into 3 months instead of 12!

The second fun collaboration is a new class inside my Quilt Hive membership. We’ve just added a fantastic class from a guest teacher. Angie Attwood is a leading expert on ruler quilting, and she has delivered an amazing class for those quilters just starting out in ruler quilting.

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 love Quilt Ink and have used it for my past Block of the Month programs: The Glitter Ball; Kaleidobloom; and Geometree. It has given my participants the ability to visualise their ideas and decide if they will work well or not without wasting their money on fabric.

Quilt Ink has provided quilters with a great way of find new designers and designs. My customers love it! One described it as like going down a rabbit hole. She lost hours in there playing with colour!!

Personal Background

Could you tell us a bit about yourself?  (location, age, educational background, …) Who is behind Quiltwinkel ?

I’m Marta, founder of Quiltwinkel, textile storyteller and passionate patchworker.

I didn’t grow up with a family quilting tradition and that’s exactly what inspired me. I wanted to create something with my hands… something lasting. So I started quilting, and it quietly transformed my life.

Born and raised in central Hesse, Germany, as the daughter of Croatian guest workers, I now live with my family in Hannover, a place that feels like both home and a new beginning.

My professional path is a colorful patchwork of its own: Business training in wholesale, Bachelor’s degree in Photojournalism, Master’s degree in Design & Media

And today: entrepreneur, curator of fabric treasures, and gentle mentor in all things quilting

Since 2023, I’ve also served as a regional representative of the German Patchwork Guild, organizing meet-ups and creative spaces for connection, always with warmth, never with pressure.

Quiltwinkel is my heartfelt project: an online shop where fabric meets feeling, and inspiration is stitched into every order. 

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 with a simple wish: to make something with my hands. After finishing my Master’s degree, my husband said, “You need a hobby.” I immediately knew: it had to be something creative and tactile. I took a beginner’s patchwork class and something clicked.

A Block-of-the-Month project became my teacher. Every block, every technique, every color combination felt like a small chapter in a story I was just beginning to write. And I couldn’t stop.

Quiltwinkel was born a few years later, not out of a big business plan, but out of love.

Love for beautiful fabrics.

Love for quiet moments at the sewing machine.

Love for people who find joy in creating something lasting.

From that point on, I knew: this isn’t just a hobby. It’s a calling and a community I want to help grow.

Shop Story and Style  

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

Quiltwinkel started with a quiet idea:

What if fabric shopping could feel like a walk through your favorite garden? Calm, inspiring, a little magical, but never overwhelming.

I launched the shop in 2023, with just a few shelves of carefully chosen fabrics and a big vision: to create a space where people feel seen, inspired, and gently guided, not pushed or rushed.

Quiltwinkel is small by design. It’s a one-woman shop with a big heart, rooted in mindful curation and emotional connection.

The style? A mix of Scandinavian simplicity, Japanese elegance, and timeless quilting traditions from the U.S.

The personality? Warm, thoughtful, quietly creative. Less “more is more”, more “just right for you.”

Every newsletter, every product description, every bundle I put together carries a bit of my story and a whole lot of intention.

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 Quiltwinkel, I focus on fabrics that speak softly but leave a lasting impression.

My selection includes high-quality quilting cottons: often modern, sometimes playful, always timeless. I love subtle prints, delicate florals, calming palettes, and those special designs that make your heart skip a beat.

I offer fabrics by the fat quarter, half meter, and full meter and also in curated bundles and quilt kits. Each kit is thoughtfully designed to inspire and simplify, with color stories that support the sewing flow rather than overwhelm it.

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 Ruby Star Society, Art Gallery Fabrics, and Fableism: brands that combine quality with a strong design voice.

What matters most to me is how a fabric feels in your hand and in your heart.

That’s why I also stock small-batch collections and under-the-radar gems you won’t find everywhere, often with a soft color palette and that quiet kind of beauty that grows on you.

My curated bundles are a signature element of Quiltwinkel, little stories in fabric form, designed to spark inspiration and bring calm to your creative table.

Inspiration and Trends  

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

I choose fabrics the way some people pick herbs for tea: with care, intuition, and a sense of what brings comfort.

I’m inspired by nature, quiet color stories, vintage textiles, and the feeling of “Oh, this one’s just right.”

Sometimes it’s a single print that sparks a whole collection. Sometimes it’s a mood – like a rainy afternoon, fresh bread, or wildflowers in late summer.

I follow trends loosely, but always filter them through my own sense of calm and cohesion.

Additional Services

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

Yes, I offer in-person workshops and quilting classes, focused on both technique and the joy of slowing down.

My goal is to create safe, encouraging spaces where creativity flows without pressure.

I also offer a personal color-matching service: If you have a quilt in mind but feel unsure about fabric choices, I’ll help you put together a palette that truly sings: soft, balanced, and made just for you.

More services will come… always with heart before hustle.

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 me at www.quiltwinkel.de, my little online sanctuary for fabric lovers.

I also welcome visitors at my cozy studio space in Hannover (Göttinger Chaussee 115, 30459 Hannover, Germany), a quiet spot for fabric browsing, personal consultations, and creative connection.

On Instagram, I’m @quiltwinkel.de, that’s where I share fabric news, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and the occasional slow-stitching moment with a cup of tea in hand.

For deeper connections, I write a regular newsletter, filled with inspiration, product stories, and gentle nudges to make time for your creative self.

Upcoming News and Projects  

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

There’s always something quietly blooming behind the scenes at Quiltwinkel.

This fall, I’m planning new workshops and creative meet-ups, for those who want to slow down and stitch together in good company.

I’m also working on a small capsule of curated quilt kits, inspired by the changing seasons and the colors of comfort.

And who knows… maybe a little collaboration or two is on the horizon.

If you’re curious, the best way to stay in the loop is via my newsletter, it’s where I share new ideas first, heart to heart.

QuiltInk Experience

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

QuiltInk has become a quiet companion in my shop, especially for visual planning and project inspiration.

My customers love being able to test fabric combinations digitally before committing, it gives them confidence and sparks new ideas.

For me as a shop owner, it’s a beautiful bridge between the digital and the tactile world:

It makes it easier to showcase how fabrics feel together, even through a screen. And that’s something I deeply appreciate.

I really appreciate the design wall feature, it’s simple, intuitive, and surprisingly powerful.

It allows customers (and me!) to play, test, and visualize fabric combinations in a low-pressure, joyful way.

It’s like laying out your fabric on the kitchen table, just digitally. That ease and playfulness is something I truly value.

Personal Background

Prarthana, 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?

My name is Prarthana Inglis (Dickson), currently based in Brisbane, Australia. But my family is from Tamil Nadu in India. I have also lived in the US! I am 38 this year! I have two little girls – a 2 and a 1/2 year old and a 9 month old. Life is pretty full on usually! I have a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s in Business administration. Before quilting I worked in a school as their organisation development manager, which I loved. I moved to Australia in 2021 with my husband who is Australian but from a different state and together we moved to Brisbane and built our life here ❣️

Quilting Journey

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

I have always loved everything creative! As a child I learnt to knit, and went around knitting outfits for my Barbies (not very good outfits!). I did basic hand-sewing at the time as well. My mother and aunty made things like curtains and covers for things but we didn’t have a sewing machine so I never really learnt to use one. I picked up sewing again after uni when I was working at a boarding school in the residences back in 2010 as an after school activity to do with the kiddos. I made a patchwork cushion cover, which then led to a patchwork quilt! I was living in the foothills of the Himalayas at that time and we had the most amazing fabric shop with some really lovely cottons. I didn’t really do much with it then, except to buy fabric here and there. But fast forward to 2020 and I had a lot more time to work on things. So with my fabrics I worked on a queen size quilt – all hand sewn! I started sharing my journey and people were super keen to follow along. I borrowed a treadle sewing machine and my mother taught me to use it, and my sewing became much faster after that. Cece’s Quilts and Things was born from all that. Things stalled a bit when we moved to Australia, but soon it started to grow again. I would still consider myself as a new quilter/designer because of all these life changes. But I have learnt so much along the way!

I love the feel of fabrics! The prints bring me joy and creating something that is methodical and takes time has helped me through many difficult times. As a mathematician, I love the precision of quilting, but my creative side loves that things don’t have to be perfect and how overall the mistakes don’t take away from a brilliant quilt. I also love sharing my journey and teaching others, especially those of the next generations. It’s so important to pass on crafts! With quilting I can also bring together some of my cultural backgrounds. Using Indian fabrics in patchwork quilting and other projects is one of those things! Indian cottons are usually made into whole cloth quilts, like dohars and razais, which are both amazing and often very soft. But these fabrics also work really well in patchwork and can make some of the softest quilts. Quilting is also not something that is traditionally in my family’s history, even though we have some amazing creatives. Which has meant my quilting journey has had a sharp learning curve, but that’s been one of the best parts of it all. 

Pattern Designing

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

When I first started quilting, a friend asked if I could teach her. So I wrote up a pattern tutorial as a blog post series while I was still living in India for her and a few others. After that anytime I was commissioned to make a quilt, it was so much fun working on a pattern. And that was the start of it all! I loved watching things come together when I played around with blocks or creating shortcuts for things. 

I usually start one of two ways – one with my grid sketchbook (like graph paper) and a pencil or two with orphan blocks left over from other projects. I draw lots of inspiration from my mathematics background and love working with patterns that are symmetrical. Sketching with a pen and paper is amazing! I use it as a way to unwind and love how things come together – some make it as quilts, and some stay on the paper! 

Style and Aesthetics

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

My pattern style is probably colourful and eclectic. I try to keep everything as simple as possible so most people can re-create the designs without too much difficulty. I love using stars in my designs! 

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 don’t have a favourite colour, but I find I am often drawn towards jewel tones. I think you will find teals and purples in a lot of my mock ups! But in my real quilts – anything can happen! 

Business Activities

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

(Membership, notions, courses, etc)

At the moment I have only focused on either handmade items or quilt patterns, but I am hoping to expand into workshops and classes (online and in person) in the future! 

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.cecesquiltsandthings.com

Instagram: @cecesquiltsandthings

Etsy: https://cecesquiltsandthings.etsy.com

I share my quilting journey on socials and usually send out an email via MailChimp with information about sales, new patterns, and some life updates. I love connecting with others who create while also balancing parenthood or life in general. I have an online shop on Etsy and my website, but there are more items listed on my website at the moment. I also have a quilty blog on my website.

Upcoming Projects

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

I sometimes write for the online magazine, Quilt Stories India, and I actually have a little something in their latest issue. Also, July is my birthday month, so I may or may not have a possible freebie pattern coming up!

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 love creating mock ups and I have loved using QuiltInk to do that, because I can do it quickly and effectively. Plus I love seeing some big name designers on there!