[Images courtesy of Rachel Ashwell]
[I recently returned from Quilt Market, a fabric trade show in Houston, where my debut line with Andover Fabrics was previewing. I had the chance to interview a few other talented designers + am so happy to share their incredible words of wisdom and encouragement. I hope you enjoy!]
The day before the trade show floor opens at Quilt Market there is an entire day devoted to “Schoolhouse Presentations” where designers, fabric companies, and other exhibitors give 15 to 30 minute talks. The morning of the schoolhouse presentations, you can pick up a copy of the list and choose between 10 or so talks for each time slot. Well, the minute I saw Rachel Ashwell (creator of Shabby Chic) on the list, I knew I had to go. Except that surely Rachel Ashwell herself wouldn’t actually be there?! This must have been a typo. I prepared myself for disappointment.
You guys, she was really there! I walked in the room, and there was Rachel casually draping some of her fabrics over the folding table at the front of the room. She even had a small vase of flowers with her at the podium where she talked about the Treasures fabric collection and showed a few previews from her new book, Shabby Chic Inspirations.
While my home is pretty far from Shabby Chic style, I grew up loving her television show. She always talked about decorating with such sincerity and passion. I feel she made it “okay” for many people to admit that they wanted things that were pretty and feminine and beautiful. So it was really inspiring to see her present some sneak peeks into her process and some inspiration images of how she uses fabrics and quilts in her home and work.
About half way through her talk, I realized that if I was serious about rounding up some interviews with other designers, I would be an idiot not to at least go up and ask. So I did my best to channel Oprah and asked her if she had a moment for a few questions. She was so gracious and kind. I wish you could hear her answers in her own voice (especially to question #3), but I think the answers alone are lovely –
Is there something you are most excited to be showing off at Quilt Market?
Yes. It’s the archival Shabby Chic fabrics. These have been in the archives for 22 years, and I’m excited to be sharing them with the public.
What keeps you inspired?
Flowers, my garden. Wanting to be feminine, to be fresh, to be romantic.
What one piece of advice would you give someone who wanted to pursue their own creative dream?
To really follow your intuition. I always say “there is a designer for everything but not one designer for everything.” Every time I’ve said “oh, I don’t really like this but the market needs it, it’s been a big flop.” So listen to your intution. Do your own thing. Do it well, and keep at it.
