Image: One of Wendy Chow's quilt designs.
A new pattern book by pattern designer, artist and author, Wendy Chow, aims to make modern quilting easy and fun for a new generation of crafters, and challenge experienced quilters with new techniques and ways of thinking. Urban Quilting contains 10 original quilt patterns featuring bold colours and geometric shapes that can be made up in three different sizes. We spoke to Wendy about her design process and the art of quilting.
Where does your love of quilting come from?
Quilts are an invitation into the maker's mind and thought process. The simplest decisions, such as design, colours, threads, fabric selection, and placements, must all be chosen with intention and reason at the outset of the project. Quilts also tell stories about the maker and the making process, and that's what I love about them — each quilt is so unique and you will not find two that are exactly the same. I also love the whole process of quilt making. It is relaxing and my creative outlet.
Image: Urban Quilting, Chinatown quilt. Photo © Rachel Kuzma
Where do you find the inspiration for your quilt designs?
Inspiration is everywhere. My designs come from nature, urbanscapes, architecture, and interior design. Each of the quilts in the book is named for the cityscape that inspired it. I also like to take traditional quilt blocks and give a modern spin to them to make them more relevant for the modern home, and draw connections between the past and present.
Image: Urban Quilting cover. Photo © Rachel Kuzma
What is your top tip for a new quilter?
It might not be perfect the first time, but don't be so hard on yourself. There are so many other opportunities and projects to improve and develop your skills, so keep trying. I found joining a quilt-along and immersing yourself in a quilting community, whether it is online or offline, gave me the confidence boost I needed to tackle new techniques, and it was a safe space for feedback and advice.
Urban Quilting by Wendy Chow, Blue Star Press, will be published in March 2021, available online and from all good bookshops.
Wendy is the founder of the online quilting brand, The Weekend Quilter.