A Journey Through Creative Hearts and Minds
Name: Monica Poole
What do you design and why?
My designs are primarily for quilts, handbags and clothing patterns. I like quilts to have a fresh, modern look so I incorporate that into my designs. Handbags are designed to be fashion accessories. I moved into clothing as well because I was originally a fashion designer.
How long have you been designing and what are some of your techniques?
I’ve been in the fashion industry since I was 16 and I’ve been designing the Moonshine pattern range for eight years now. I tend to favour mainly machine-sewn techniques. My quilts are all quilt-as-you-go designs. I favour these personally because I find it easier to work in pieces when quilting.
What gives you inspiration?
I draw a lot of inspiration from nature, but I do also like to keep up with modern trends so I read a lot of home décor and fashion magazines. I’m usually inspired by fresh bright colours.
What’s your favourite design or project you’ve worked on?
That would have to be my recent book, Quilt as you go the Moonshine Way, which was published in January this year. It took me six months to put together and involved five quilts that had to be made specially. Luckily I had a friend to help me with the quilts.
Are there any new designs you’re currently working on or have recently launched?
The dragonfly quilt, which I launched in August. I was inspired by the fabric range that I used. Blueberries has made this one into a kit. *
Do you have a personal philosophy as a designer?
All good things take time.
What advice would you give our readers?
See answer to previous question. (laughs) Sometimes a design can look more challenging than it actually is, so you have to work through the pattern step by step. Trust that it will all come together in the end.
* Click here to see the article on Monica’s dragonfly quilt in last week’s Midweek Moments.
